There is a lot to like about the KS LEV-Si. Reasonable price, 150mm drop, numerous sizes and well made. Add easy fitting, reliability and consistency across the test period, and there is plenty to recommend and almost nothing to complain about with this dropper post.
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KS LEV-Si 150mm dropper details
Updated from the previous model with main refinements to the cartridge and seat clamp area, the Si inherits the performance from higher up the LEV range but with less expensive materials and construction. Although the 40g remote lever is an extra purchase, the cable-actuated post is simple to set up and install. Weighing in at a reasonable 566g for a 31.6mm diameter, there is 220mm of lower post to insert. The only challenge is to cut the cable to the correct length, flush to the grommet and hook into the actuation lever at the end of the post. The post comes with a decent length of cabling in the box.
The post looks tough, feels well made and is finished reasonably, with an all-black, functional aesthetic. All-alloy construction keeps everything lighter, and there is a reasonable amount of drop to the amount of actual post insert. There are posts with more drop, but I found the 150mm enough for every instance. The slightly offset seat clamp is solid and easy to get Allen keys in without scratching the post.
The separately bought remote, the Southpaw at £45, is nicely shaped, comfy, easy to adjust and set up – as well as robust. It's a shame it's an extra and not bundled with the post. Some texture would be nice to aid grip and location during panicked moments when you really want the post down, but most of the time, it’s easy and reliable to jab with your thumb. Being tucked into the bar keeps it out of the way of top tube strikes and accidental clouts with a knee.
KS LEV-Si 150mm dropper post on the trail
Out riding, the LEV-Si was smooth and reliable from the off, with a good mechanism, decent return rate, and positive remote action. I did feel it was a little slow to start off with, but this improved with a bit of cable refinement. When it became a little slow again, I changed the cable out, and things improved – so keep that cable fresh.
The feel of the post is smooth and has a reassuring thunk when it returns, rising back up quickly, without being too sudden. Over the test period, the post remained near flawless, except after one very wet ride, when the post became a little gritty sounding. A strip down clean and dry with some grease returned it to new. Another positive is that the KS LEV-Si has not developed as much rattle or side-to-side movement as other posts over time.
The KS LEV-Si 150mm dropper verdict
Despite being slightly higher in price, the KS LEV-Si has worn better than the Brand X Ascend, which looks very similar, but is around 50g heavier. With a positive action, decent remote (which again, is extra), reasonable weight and drop, the LEV-Si is well recommended. Factor in how simple it is to pull apart in the home workshop and check the internals, and this post is a tough contender at this price point. Its value is let down by the remote being an extra purchase, but otheriwse, the KS LEV-Si is ideal for riders looking for fairly economical, no-frills but reliable dropper posts.
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