The KS Lev Ci 175mm carbon dropper post is a long drop option for the weight weeny enduro riders. It has a smooth action and has shed a few grams against its competitors but the price is hard to stomach when there are other long posts available.
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The LEV Ci dropper post is a lighter version of the LEV Integra dropper post but with a carbon seat post mast, a new Recourse II Ultralight cable system, a lightweight remote and titanium bolts. The use of carbon, the different cable system and a lightweight remote shed a claimed 100g.
We don’t have a KS LEV Integra in to weigh the two side by side but I can tell you that the LEV Ci I tested weighed 544g which is considerably less than the claimed weight of its sibling and competitors too such as the 9point8 170mm Fall Line (672g) and the One Up Components 170mm dropper (637g).
The stealth post with its Southpaw carbon remote is a pleasure to use, it’s ergonomically well designed and has a smooth action although on that is a little stiff and sticky even after a new cable and out has been installed.
The dropper action itself is smooth and reliable with no sign of sagging even after six months of use. There also isn’t any side to side play evident either, something we have come to expect from some other droppers.
The 490mm overall length of the dropper is pretty long meaning this post won’t be compatible with every rider and every bike. Compatibility will depend on seat tube length, amount of insertion available on the bike before hitting any kinks or pivots in the seat tube and, of course, rider leg length. 175mm of drop and a 490mm total extended length is quite a lot of post, meaning this is probably one left for the taller riders unless you have a straight seat tube. The length is comparable to other brands though with only One Up Components coming in considerably shorter with a 170mm dropper post that measures 450mm.
The weight saving and the length of the post is a bit of a conundrum for me. Riders wishing for 175mm of drop are more than likely in the ‘enduro’ or ‘all mountain’ category of riders. I’d hazard a guess that those guys and gals are less worried about weight saving as they are about maximising drop. Carbon and lighter weight additions to the post seem much more applicable for the shorter length offerings such as the 65mm or even 125mm drop posts on offer, where the rider might be building gram grabbing cross country weapons.
I’d also guess that riders who want 175mm of drop would also rather save £250 and buy a 175mm LEV Integra than spend the £540 on the LEV Ci. The price hike on this post can’t be ignored and I’m struggling to find a reason to buy one. Yes it works well, it looks great and it has been super reliable, slightly sticky lever action aside, but the weight saving on a long travel bike versus cost just doesn’t weigh up in my mind.
