FFor those looking to remove some cables from their cockpit, there isn’t really much choice when it comes to dropper seatposts, with the RockShox Reverb AXS basically having the edge since its introduction a few years ago. Sure, the Magura Vyron was also available during this time, but while the latest version brought some improvements, it still lags behind in terms of activation speed, which prevents it from being a true competitor. However, as of 2023, things are different: TranzX has launched theirs very good, $499 EDP01 Earlier this year, KS officially discontinued its LEV Circuit. At $699, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the TranzX, but it compares favorably to the $861 RockShox charges for the Reverb AXS. Since we’ve had a test device in our hands for a few weeks now, it’s still too early to make a formal verdict, but we can still share some impressions with you today. Below is a short video showing the post in action. You can read on to know more. The long-term report will be released in a few months, so stay tuned here too!
Highlights of the KS LEV route
- Wireless operation
- Bluetooth connection between remote control and post
- Removable and rechargeable battery
- Remote control with CR2302 battery
- IP67 certified (dustproof and water resistant)
- 150/170/200mm travel options
- 30.9 or 31.6 diameter options
- New interior design with hydraulic valve at the top of the post
- Adjustable air pressure, accessible at the base of the post
- The seat clamp design is compatible with 6 round and 6×7 or 7×9 oval carbon rails
- Remote control, battery and charger included
- Weight (170/31.6): 702 grams (Post) / 42 grams (Remote)
- MSRP: $699
The LEV Circuit has a very compact shape and the workmanship is high quality. Assembling the post for first use is easy. All you have to do is insert the batteries into the post and into the remote control and it’s done. The post and remote control are already paired. If this is not the case, you can pair them using a simple procedure. The post is available in a 30.9 or 31.6mm diameter, with three travel options ranging from 150 to 200mm (a differentiator from the Reverb AXS, which is still limited to 170mm). The hydraulic internals are based on the mechanical LEV design, although KS had to rework the layout to make room for the electronic actuation. The air pressure can be adjusted externally, which affects the return speed of the post.
The unit that houses the electronics and battery is smaller than the TranzX EDP01 and Reverb AXS, and the battery sits in a reasonably well-protected location. The saddle is clamped using a one-bolt mechanism that can accommodate both round and oval saddle frames. The post is slightly longer than, say, the EDP01, but features a more compact collar that keeps the collar-to-rail number under control. Here are the full LEV circuit dimensions if you want to compare them with the posts in ours Big dropper post shootout (mechanical posts only):
- Total length: 510mm
- Collar to rail: 234 mm
- Minimum insert: 124 mm
- Collar to base: 275 mm
- Maximum extension: 387 mm
The remote control is quite small and compact and comes with a discreet clamp for attaching to the handlebars. It’s also compatible with SRAM’s MatchMaker mounts, although you’ll need to use the shorter of the two screws on the KS clamp itself, as the regular MatchMaker screw doesn’t have the same thread dimension (an odd choice by the designers).
We’ve only driven the LEV Circuit a few times so far, but our impressions are good. Actuating the post is quick, although there is a slight delay when releasing the lever if you press and release it in quick succession. TranzX’s EDP01 is faster in this regard, but that’s not nearly as consequential on the trail as we initially thought. The LEV shifter provides a faster return speed and there is a distinct “top-out” clunk that lets you know when your post is fully extended. This is an advantage over the TranzX post, as the rewind speed of this post is a bit slow for our taste. The precision keyways used by KS are almost free of play and the post itself operates very smoothly. However, like other KS mechanical supports, the LEV Circuit does not like being lifted from the saddle with the support lowered. So keep that in mind. As far as the ergonomics of the KS remote go, you should be able to find a good spot for it, even if it’s not quite as adjustable as RockShox’s pods. The KS lever has a very short lever travel, it actually feels more like a button than anything else, but is still tactile enough to be completely intuitive to use. In summary, we have been very impressed with the LEV Circuit so far and believe it represents a fully-fledged alternative to the established Reverb AXS and the other newcomer from TranzX. Stay tuned for our long-term feedback in a few months.
For more information, see www.kssuspension.com.
About the reviewer
Johan Hjord – Age: 50 // Years of MTB rider: 18 // Weight: 190 pounds (87 kg) // Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.84 m)
Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After years of practicing falling off cliffs on a snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Since then, he has mostly ridden bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many mistakes as a rider. His 200-pound body weight, coupled with his unique ability with poor line choices and awkward landings, make him an expert in durability – if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much fine for anyone. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style he describes as “none” (although in reality he rips!). Since he doesn’t like most of the trail elements, Johan uses much of his free time to build his own. Johan’s other achievements include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly at 11.
Photos by Johan Hjord
