PRESS RELEASE: KSKS has developed an all-new cartridge specifically for use on KS's premium droppers compatible with 27.2mm seat tubes. The smallest diameter variant of the LEV-Ci, LEV Integra, and LEV will each benefit from this much-improved design.
This all-new cartridge is characterized by the following 4 enhancements:
1. User-tunable air spring pressure
2. Larger air chamber for lower operating pressure
3. Single-piece, forged cartridge body and head
4. Zero-load piston valve for easy remote actuation even while the rider is seated
User-Tunable Air Spring PressureLike the cartridge used in the larger diameter premium KS droppers, the 27.2mm cartridge now allows the user to adjust air spring pressure to tune the rebound speed and force required to drop the saddle. The valve can be accessed by removing the head clamp components to expose a Schrader valve that can be inflated or deflated using a standard shock pump.
Larger Air Chamber For Lower Operating PressureThe redesigned cartridge also incorporates a significantly larger air spring to reduce the typical operating pressure range. This lower pressure also reduces the friction in the sealing systems while giving the rider a more linear and predictable feeling return.
Single-Piece Forged Body And HeadLEV-Series droppers have always used the stanchion tube directly as the cartridge body to minimize redundant materials in the system. For 27.2 diameter models, some structural strength needed to be engineered in due to the smaller diameter. As a result, KS 27.2mm premium droppers now have a one-piece forged stanchion and lower head cradle. The added strength reduces the deflection that plagues smaller diameter droppers while allowing us to also increase the travel options to a full 120mm.
Zero Load Piston Valve
Last but not least, this all-new cartridge for 27.2mm droppers now uses the same spool valve found in the latest generation LEV-Ci and LEV models. The use of this new valve removes the pressure felt at the remote due to the rider’s weight while seated. The result is consistent, light-feeling actuation of the remote regardless of the rider being seated on the dropper or not.
The all-new cartridge for premium models of LEV Series 27.2mm droppers advances dropper performance in a form factor that previously resulted in compromises.
LEV Series 27.2mm droppers are available in 65mm, 100mm or 120mm of buttery smooth travel and are compatible with all KS remote options from KG, Southpaw and the all-new Westy.
For more information, please visit
www.kssuspension.com or contact KS USA: info@kssuspension.com
MENTIONS: @KS-USA
So imagine my (lack of) surprise when my girlfriend's new Trek Fuel EX8, which came with a KS, developed the same problem after very little usage. That one at least can be user-serviced, but other droppers I've owned (a Gravity Dropper and two Thompsons) have had no issues after years of use.
So unfortunately I'm not inclined to give them another chance here. I would like to find a reliable 27.2 dropper but I doubt the Lev is it.
I keep assuming I must just have bad luck, given that KS is still in business. Good to hear at least one person has a trouble-free KS!
I have had issues with rotational play on my previous 27.2 Thomson before they warrantied it for tho one I have now.
One thing to be careful of is seat clamp torque. Thomson is 3Nm which is lower than the recommended on my clamp of 5Nm. Too tight and it will bind. Too lose and your post slips.
Nowadays are millions of droppers,millions of problems,millions of $ in repairs and millions of hours without them awaiting from repair.
Of course now that I've written that... : )