The Vecnum Nivo comes in attractive cardboard packaging without a lot of plastic bumpers. In addition to this dropper post, the scope of delivery includes various O-rings, which can be used to match the colour of the post to the bike. The Allgäu-based company also includes first-class instructions in which all the steps for installation and maintenance are explained simply and clearly - great! The Nivo is supplied with a universal remote control as standard. The Trigloc lever for under the handlebars costs 20 euros extra. In addition, a special saddle clamp with double screw connection is available, which clamps the seat post gently in the frame. Vecnum only guarantees perfect function with this clamp. The price is 32 euros. The Nivo telescopic post is only available in a diameter of 30.9 millimetres, which means that a reduction sleeve is required for all other frames. This can also be ordered directly from the online shop for 21 euros.
Clever options
The Vecnum Nivo is characterised by several special features. As a customer, you have the choice between four-position indexing or infinitely variable adjustment of the Vario seat post. At just 42 millimetres, the distance from the saddle frame to the upper edge of the frame is quite small. This means that a particularly large amount of travel can be utilised. What's more, the available travel can be reduced by up to 32 millimetres using the Travelfit system. The Nivo also scores points for servicing: With just a 5 mm Allen key and the removal of a few components, the post can be serviced - even at home. With its mechanical system, Vecnum focuses above all on reliability, durability and ease of servicing.
Fitting the Vecnum Nivo telescopic support
The telescopic support is quickly fitted: the end nipple is simply hooked onto the release mechanism and fixed in place with an O-ring. The grub screw on the thumb lever, which fixes the cable to the front of the handlebar, is only a 1.5 mm Allen key. You should be careful with the tool here! Unfortunately, this size is hardly available on any minitool - which is a shame if you need to adjust something on the move. The extremely clear and well-explained instructions are a plus.
The saddle is also particularly easy to fit. Simply loosen the screws, slide the saddle frame under the compact upper mount and fix it again. The high-quality screws run smoothly and are very durable.
How does the telescopic support get on 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
The trigger lever from Vecnum is not only one of the lightest on the market, but also one of the best. It is elaborately manufactured and adjustable in three levels. This means you can always find the right position on the handlebars. Thanks to its ribbing, the lever sits comfortably on the thumb. The modulation is also excellent.
The Nivo has some special features: it is one of the few telescopic supports that lock mechanically. This makes the support durable and easy to service. This system also makes it easy to find intermediate steps. Another clever detail is the internal stroke adjustment. The travel can be reduced by 32 millimetres using the so-called Travel Fit system. All you have to do is remove the saddle adapter and unlock the post with a 5 mm Allen key. Shims or pins that are inserted into the post are not necessary.
However, there are also points that we didn't like as much. For example, the Nivo creaked every time it was operated, which was particularly noticeable on the voluminous tubes of the test bike. However, we were only able to solve this problem by reassembling the seatpost. You have to overcome a small resistance to lower the seat post. It is therefore better to lift your buttocks slightly out of the saddle. You also have to get used to the Nivo's locking mechanism when riding up. At first you get the feeling that the seat post is stuck before it releases. Background: The pawl of the so-called ShutLoc mechanism is a two-stage bolt that releases the support. Also noticeable: The extension speed is one of the lowest in comparison.
Price & Info - Vecnum Nivo telescopic support
- Price: from 429 euros (support / remote)
- Weight:¹ 473 / 554 g (support / ready to ride)
- Stroke: 122/ 152/ 182/ 212 mm (tested)
- Diameter: 30,9 mm (tested)
- Length / insertion depth:¹ 510 / 176 - 285 mm
- Stack height:¹ 42 mm
- Scope of delivery: Support; universal remote; mounting paste; O-rings in 5 colours
- Special features: Stroke can be reduced by 32 mm via TravelFit; O-rings can be colour-matched; very good operating instructions
Conclusion & evaluation
The Vecnum Nivo Vario seatpost is special in many respects: it works with a mechanical control unit, can be reduced internally by 32 mm in stroke and is very easy to service. Added to this are the excellent workmanship and the high-quality, extensively adjustable lever. Intermediate stages are particularly easy to find. The Nivo is also extremely light. If you can cope with the slow extension speed and the release mechanism, which takes some getting used to, you will get an excellent, durable seatpost.
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.
Stefan Frey
Editor
