Just about every remote adjustable seatpost on the market has the same problem: cable management. KS’s new Lev hydraulic dropper post fixes this problem by mounting the remote cable input to the post’s sealed collar, so that the cable remains stationary at all times.
Let us be the first to say: this is awesome. With the Lev there'll be no more scratched seat tubes, annoying leg contact or buzzing the cable with your tire at the risk of unwittingly removing it. Sure, RockShox are onto a similar solution with their just-launched Reverb ‘Stealth’, but you have to buy a compatible frame with that post.
The Lev’s cable stop – it's a true cable not a hydraulic remote – is clockable through a 360-degree rotation, allowing it to fit just about every frame routed for a dropper post. It's also likely to better fit those frames without dropper cable bosses; since it’s stationary it can simply be zip-tied to another boss-routed cable or even the top tube itself.
The Lev's clockable remote cable entry point
The new post forgoes KS’s previous two-bolt serrated clamp for a two-bolt micro-adjust clamp head, which is cold forged. The new clamp offers better adjustability, better security and to top it off, it’s lighter, helping to bring the post’s weight down to a claimed 450-475g, depending on the travel and diameter of the post.
The Lev also sports a new two-bolt micro adjustable clamp
KS will offer the Lev in 27.2mm, 30.9mm and 31.6mm diameters, with a choice of 100mm, 125mm or a whopping 150mm of travel. All of the models come complete with KS’s handlebar remote. Estimated RRP is US$395 – KS say a final price will be confirmed at Eurobike later this month. The new post should be available at the beginning of 2012 and is currently being tested by Brian Lopes.