KS LEV Si
When we talk of long heritages, one post stands out from the crowd: the KS LEV. For 2017, KS have brought that same premium performance and wrapped it up in a more affordable package with the LEV Si. To keep to an aggressive price point, the LEV Si does away with the KS-patented roller-clutch bearing in the collar, and runs on an air-sprung sealed cartridge which is not serviceable by the home user. The supplied bar-mounted remote is clean and compact, but is hard to locate intuitively and stiff in use – we would always recommend the optional SouthPaw remote when using KS posts, as the ergonomics are so much better.
Installation of the KS LEV Si is straightforward, as it uses the same locking barrel as found on many posts in this group. The twin-bolt, micro-adjust head is basic but functional, but the lack of graduated adjustment marks was a little disappointing for those who like a precise setup. The stack height of the post (height of collar and seat clamp) is low at 50 mm, so this would be the perfect post for those who are struggling to fit a dropper post into a frame with a high seat tube. We like that the return speed is adjustable by increasing the pressure in the post. The ends of the stroke are also well damped, and it’s easy to select any ride height from the infinite range. On the trail the post performed well, boasting a reliability that punched beyond its price tag, without any discernible lateral play. The KS LEV Si post is sure to be fitted to many bikes at OEM level, which is good as it’s a very good post. However, to get the best operation it needs to be paired with the optional Southpaw remote, which at a further £40, makes the KS LEV Si look less of a bargain.
Drops: 100 mm/125 mm/150 mm
Weight: 572 g/20 g (post/remote)
Price: €279
Strengths
- Solid, reliable post
- Excellent (optional) Southpaw Lever
Weaknesses
- Standard lever is stiff
- No home service
For more information head to kssuspension.com
