Kind Shock LEV Ci Carbon in test

Stefan Frey

 · 12.01.2018

Kind Shock LEV Ci Carbon in testPhoto: Georg Grieshaber
Kind Shock LEV Ci Carbon in test
Compared to the conventional lowerable seatposts on the market, the Kind Shock Lev CI with its aluminium-supported carbon mast saves around 100 grams.

Including the cable and the easy-to-operate Southpaw lever (optional: 39.95 euros), the weight is a light 527 grams with a diameter of 30.9 mm. On the inside Kind Shock at the LEV CI The air spring and hydraulic cartridge come from the standard LEV. The extension speed can be adjusted using the damper pump on the saddle mount. The ideal air pressure for us was around 150 PSI. The seat post can be installed in the frame without any major problems, especially as a plastic cap helps to shorten the cable to the correct length. Nevertheless, if the cable was clamped to the handlebar lever and not the post, the installation would be even more user-friendly.

On the trail, the Kind Shock LEV CI impresses with its impeccable function. The remote on the handlebars can be positioned perfectly and presses smoothly. The seatpost lowers smoothly and without noticeable friction up to 175 millimetres - we couldn't detect any saddle play during our test rides. Kind Shock have apparently been able to solve the problem of LEV posts only lifting up again after a long period of lowering by applying pressure to the saddle with revised seals. Overall, the LEV CI made an absolutely convincing impression in our test.

  The Kind Shock LEV CI is available in the three common seat post diameters 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 millimetres. In 30.9 and 31.6 with up to 175 mm drop.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The Kind Shock LEV CI is available in the three common seat post diameters 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 millimetres. In 30.9 and 31.6 with up to 175 mm drop.  The remote lever of the Kind Shock LEV CI is called Soutpaw and is easy to operate.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The remote lever of the Kind Shock LEV CI is called Soutpaw and is easy to operate.
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PLUS Many options: 27.2, 30,9 or 31.6 mm diameter, 65 / 100 / 125 / 150 / 175 mm lowering, two different remotes; flawless function and adjustability


MINUS Quite expensive in relation to the weight saving; saddle attachment somewhat awkward, tends to creak

  Kind Shock LEV CI seatpostPhoto: BIKE Magazin Kind Shock LEV CI seatpost


Weight 527 grammes
Price 575 Euro


Conclusion Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:
With the Kind Shock LEV CI, the saddle no longer gets stuck when lowered. It seems that Kind Shock has finally been able to solve an old problem. Unfortunately, the weight saving of the carbon seatpost remains manageable.

  Stefan Frey, BIKE test editorPhoto: Robert Niedring Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor


You can read this article or the entire BIKE 10/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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