Skip to main content

KS LEV Integra dropper post


KS’s latest LEV is light,well priced, flex free, available in lots of options and more reliable than most of its rivals. Its large-diameter upper shaft means it flexes noticeably less in longer lengths or on bikes with slack seat angles than most posts when pedalling. The low weight will appeal to XC/trail riders, and there’s even a 27.2mm version (100mm stroke) for hardtails and older frames. It’s got a smooth and easilycontrolled stroke, with a solid top-out thunk that leaves no doubt that it has re-extended. Pricing is OK too, with a 100/125mm model at $435, 150mm at $465 and 175mm at $510. KS’s shifter-style ‘Southpaw’ lever ($55 alloy, $90 carbon) is much nicer to use than the short ‘universal’ knuckle lever that comes as standard. The way that the post extends if you pick the bike up by the saddle is a pet hate of some people.We do still occasionally get LEVs that need a nudge or pull to extend them too, but that’s less common than it used to be.

Weight 576g
Stroke 100, 125, 150, 175mm
Diameters 27.2, 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
Max length 450mm
Internal length 250mm

Price $520 (with alloy Southpaw lever)


Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

Santa Cruz’s new enduro focused dream bike While the Santa Cruz Bronson has been causing a commotion on the enduro scene as one of the lighter and more capable bikes, the Californian company have been working on something better suited to the more gravity orientated courses.

Fulcrum Red Power XL wheels

THESE WHEELS CERTAINLY don't look like some of the cheapest on test, and the adjustable-preload bearings are some of the smoothest and longest lived at any price.