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Fox D.O.S.S. or KS Lev?
Hi guys,
I'm researching for my first droppable seat post, and so far I'm having a hard time deciding between the Fox D.O.S.S. and the KS Lev. They're fairly comparable as far as price($480 vs $400ish), and I've read a lot of good reviews about both of them.
What I'm wondering is if anyone has had the pleasure to try both of them, and can comment on the differences and why you'd take one over the other?
The biggest complaint I've heard about the Fox is the remote, in that it's HUGE. All who've tried it have said that it works well though.
What appeals to me about the KS Lev is the tidyness of the cables, as it attaches at the bottom and I wouldn't need to worry about any cable slack when the post is dropped.
Thanks,
Greg
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I can't comment on those two but have you looked at the Rockshox reverb? I have one and love it. I did have a problem at the start with it loosing air pressure, i don't believe this is a common problem and was just a one off. It is now fixed and has been running perfectly for many months now. Drop seat posts are the best thing since sliced bread!
hi, i dont run either, but i have a lever operated hydraulic on one bike and a mechanical 3 position command post (remote) on the other.
I ran the fully adjustable one for a year before buying one for my other steed and chose a 3 position dropper - full length, 30mm lower, 120mm down. Thats because i found i really wanted a climbing position and taril pposition plus descending, but with the first one i had, it was really hard to get it to drop 30mm or so - it always went too far or not enough, and required concentration to get it right (sort of like drinking out of a bottle vs a camelbak).
That said, i've never caught the remote cable, and its never annoyed me - its slammed not very often anyway - the really useful position for me is the 30mm down.
And before that I had a Crank Brothers Joplin 4R.
The LEV is a significant improvement on the Joplin - better grip up and down, no seatpost slap, better actuation, and no moving cable.
I've used Joplin on 3 different bikes, both lever operated under the seat and handle bar remote, I've used a mechanical cheapy (can't remember the name) and a RS Reverb. I've had a mate use the CB Kronolog.
All up, the Reverb is the smoothest and easiest to use dropper of the lot. The hydraulic actuator on the reverb is perfection! Low profile, effortless and accurate everytime. Dropping it an inch is no prob, once you get used to it and slamming it is even easier.
After owning cable operated droppers for a number of years now, I'd never go back to them. Hydraulic is literally maintainance free. The cable operated ones, do calg up with crap on wet rides and require maintainance. I just wish FOX's new dropper was hydraulicly actuated, I'd be all over it like a fat kid on icecream.
Had the Lev for a few months now and it's excellent.
seen a friend's kronolog wear on the stanchion and fail after a few months, and decided on Lev over Doss as it has the lower cable routing and infinite adjustment which I like. Also the thumb lever replaced one of my odi lock on grip's clamps which is a nice touch.
It looks good, feels solid, doesn't wobble and stays put when you lift the seat up.
So far so good, with no signs of wear on the stanchion.
sold!
Haven't tried either, but i can vote for the Crank Brothers Joplin 4. I use the one with the lever under the seat specifically so I don't clutter my bike with cables and levers.
Has worked great since i got it 6 months ago. There is a very slight slack in rotation, probably to be expected. The tip of the saddle can be moved ~3mm laterally in total. They seat can also compress, maybe 2mm max. None of which you ever notice.
If i was going for a cable operated, Id be looking at the Rock Shock Reverb with internal cable.
The seat posts with the cable attached to the seat end (as opposed to the post end if that makes sense)... the cable gets a whole load of extra slack when the seat is dropped. They Giant one i tested, the cable would rub on the rear tyre with the seat down.
I can't really comment on the DOSS or KS but ... I've had a Reverb for a while and I can't fault it. Easy to install (after watching online instructions), easy to bleed (good online instructions also), and I'm a big fan of the infinite adjust.
I'm running my Reverb with a right-hand remote, upside down on the left-hand side of the bars. This allows you to flip the bike over without damaging the remote if you have a flat/mechanical on trail, and for me, this is a more natural position located next to the front shifter (Sram x7).
The kit I plugged from TBSM [no affiliation] came with the mounting hardware, tools, bleed kit, and of course, a RockShox sticker [totally the selling point ;)].
Whatever post you decide to go with, they do make a difference.
Happy dropping=>shredding
MM
Ive used mine on about a dozen sessions now and am supremely happy with it.
I think it's the supernatural - it has 125mm of travel, handlebar remote, actuator on the top of the post (cable moves with the seat - no issue).
Nerf Herder is the main importer I believe so you could get details from him or email pushie(at)live.com.au
Discussion here http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?2...
However ....... http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Thomson-Dropper-Pos...
Thanks guys, for all the feedback. Hopefully I can try out a KS Lev which a friend has soon, and then I'll just have to make a final decision.