Just In - KS LEV and Fox D.O.S.S Seatposts

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Kind Shock KS LEV

Kind Shock just sent me their new KS LEV remote cable actuated adjustable for a test and review. It comes in lengths of 100, 125 or 150 mm, and diameters of 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 mm and retails for $395. I just started to install it, and liked how simple it was to set up, and I really like the idea of the innovative stationary cable connector.

Measured Specs (125mm x 31.6):

• Post - 487 grams
• Lever/parts - 30 grams
• Cable/housing - 59 grams
• Total (uncut cable/housing) - 576 grams

The very trick LEV has the cable directly attached to the main body or outer tube of the post, instead of the atypical position on top of the telescoping head. The attachment at the post collar means the cable connection remains stationary relative to the saddle's movement, removing issues with excess cable, such as interference with legs, tires, frames, etc. The new design will give a cleaner and more direct routing line to the seatpost, and will allow greater flexibility with different bicycle geometries and manufacturers, and hence, better cable management. Another benefit of the lower connection is the redesigned saddle clamp, which is a micro adjustable two-bolt system, making for more precise and easier saddle changes.

The system still uses their same basic air return sprung/hydraulic internals, with the one-way self-adjusting bearings, along some newly updated engineering knowledge learned from their previous models. The cable can be easily disconnected from the post by popping the cover off, and pulling the small spring loaded clasp out of the system. The clasp attaches to a barrel, which then connects internally to the innards of the post. The carbon remote can be integrated with an ODI grip if desired, which makes for a nice option.

KS Lev Specs:

• MSRP: $395
• Visit the KS LEV website
• Diameter - 31.6mm, 30.9mm, 27.2mm
• Length / Travel - 335mm / 100mm (30.9 and 31.6mm dia), 385mm / 125mm (30.9 and 31.6mm dia), 435mm / 150mm (30.9 and 31.6mm dia), 400mm / 100mm (27.2mm dia)
• Actuation - Carbon fiber remote lever
• Head / Rail - Zero offset standard rail
• Color - Black anodized mast and head w/ hard anodized stanchion
• Weight - 510-580g (30.9 and 31.6mm including remote and cable), 538g (27.2mm including remote and cable)

FOX D.O.S.S.
I just got the trick FOX D.O.S.S. or Drop Off Steep Sh*t adjustable seatpost in for a test and review, and I am looking forward to trying out this very intriguing component. The DOSS comes in either a 4 or 5-inch model, 30.9mm and 31.6mm sizes, and retails for $439.
Measured Specs (150mm x 31.6):

• Post - 538 grams
• Cables/housing/parts - 70 grams
• Lever - 57 grams
• Total (uncut cable/housing) - 665 grams

It has three positions, in what they call their CTD travel modes; Climb (fully extended), Trail (40mm midpoint drop), and Descend (completely down). The mechanically actuated system uses an adjustable air spring for the return, and internal cams for its three locking locations and to prevent rotation, and has a traditional two bolt saddle clamp, and an innovative and unique remote lever. The one piece upper tube is forged and has no threads, and slides through low friction seals, which came from their fork technical expertise.

The saddle clamp uses a more robust two bolt system because it won’t slip like a single bolt design, and they went with a side loading cable for the remote, which can be mounted on either side. The cable actuated remote, which uses a normal derailer cable, can be mounted on the top or bottom, and left or right side, and it connects to the top of the post with the side loader.

The seatposts three positions or travel modes, are actuated by a unique double paddle remote lever. You push the inner paddle (both paddles will move) to lower it to the middle position or raise it to the top, while hitting the outer allows any position to be chosen. You can catch the middle position on the way up from the lower, by doing a slight weighting of the saddle to stop it, or let it pop completely up.

It looks like it will be an interesting seatpost, and I really liked the way the post worked, as it had a secure feel and smooth operation, and I enjoyed the three positions. The remote lever functioned decently, and the design makes sense, and getting it to filter down to the middle position is a great idea, although it might take some getting used to? I like mechanical systems, as they're durable, dependable and have a lower set of maintenance. I am looking forward to testing and reviewing a production unit over the summer, to see how the D.O.S.S. performs in the real world.

FOX D.O.S.S. Specs:

• MSRP: $439
• Mechanical internals
• Dual-paddle remote with multiple mounting options
• Pneumatic adjusted return speed (10 - 25 psi)
• Three positions - CTD: Climb (fully extended), Trail (40mm midpoint drop), and Descend (completely down)
• Drop options- 4" and 5'' drop options (100mm and 125mm)
• Diameter options - 30.9mm or 31.6mm
• Weight 620 grams

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