Variable seatposts on test: Kind Shock Lev Circuit - electric competition for Rockshox

Kind Shock is a recognised expert when it comes to dropper seatposts. The portfolio ranges from the simple entry-level seatpost to the Lev Ci racing telescopic seatpost with carbon fibre dip tube. The Taiwanese manufacturer has recently added an electronic dropper post to its range, which can be lowered remotely from the handlebars. This could finally give the Rockshox Reverb AXS some serious competition. We have already been able to test the Kind Shock Lev Circuit extensively.

Unlike most standard dropper posts, the Kind Shock Lev Circuit comes as a complete set - which of course makes sense. In addition to the post, the scope of delivery also includes the matching remote. Kind Shock also packs a compact charger and the necessary battery for the remote in the box.

Unlike the Rockshox, the Kind Shock Lev Circuit does not rely on its own wireless standard, but uses the Bluetooth protocol for communication between the remote and the seatpost.

Fitting the Kind Shock Lev Circuit variable seatpost

When it comes to mounting, Rockshox and Kind Shock have absolutely nothing in common. No cables need to be laid and no cables need to be shortened. Insert the post, mount the lever, ride off. The manufacturer also takes care of pairing the two components. If the connection is lost during transport, the post and remote can be reunited with just a few button clicks.

How does the telescopic support get onto the bike? It's actually quite simple. With our step-by-step guide the installation of the lowerable seat post is no problem.

Ease of use & function

In terms of handling, the Kind Shock lever can't hold a candle to the Rockshox controller. It feels less valuable and reacts to even the slightest touch. In combination with the extremely short lever travel and a barely perceptible pressure point, the Circuit can be released unintentionally. This can be particularly annoying when loading the bike into the car. In terms of positioning, the Kind Shock Lev Circuit only offers two lateral positions and the option of adjusting the angle of the controller. It is not always possible to find the ideal position.

Like the Rockshox, the Kind Shock also runs softly and smoothly. There is no saddle play to be felt here. Even in the standard setup, the extension speed is almost optimal. If necessary, the speed can also be adjusted using the shock pump. The Lev Circuit also has the problem that it is only slightly locked and extends even with a slight pull on the saddle. However, the Lev does not offer a reset function like the Reverb, in case the seat post draws air and becomes crumpled.

Another minus point: although the post lowers with a pleasantly low pressure, intermediate positions are not so easy to find. The Bluetooth connection doesn't seem to work quite as quickly as the AXS protocol from Rockshox. This means that the seatpost still lowers a little after you have released the controller.

The Rockshox was also more convincing in terms of battery management. The Kind Shock battery had to be plugged in again after just a few rides. The Circuit doesn't have an app to check the battery status. In addition, the diode for the battery indicator is located directly underneath the saddle and is difficult to see. The integration of the battery, on the other hand, is very well done - apart from the somewhat fiddly fastener.

Price & Info - Kind Shock Lev Circuit dropper post

• Price: 689 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹: 675 / 31 g (support / remote)
• Stroke: 125/ 150/ 175/ 200 mm (tested)
• Diameter: 30,9/ 31.6 mm (tested)
• Length / insertion depth¹: 515 / 123 - 277 mm
• Stack height¹: 57 mm
• Scope of delivery: Support; remote incl. clamp; rechargeable battery; charger; CR2032 battery
• Special features: adjustable air pressure; sleep mode; Bluetooth; IP67 protection class

Conclusion & evaluation

The new Kind Shock Lev Circuit electronic dropper post is mounted in a similarly fixed position to the Rockshox Reverb and the function itself is also good: smooth running and pleasant speed. However, the fact that it can't hold a candle to the Rockshox is due to the poorly defined and very sensitive controller, which makes it difficult to find intermediate positions. The battery life is rather short and cannot be accessed via the app, but the display on the post is difficult to see. Weight and travel speak in favour of the Lev Circuit, everything else in favour of the Reverb AXS.

¹BIKE measured values. Weight: telescopic seat post / ready to ride: seat post, remote, 1.5 m outer shell, cable pull ²The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.