For those looking to remove some cables from their cockpit, there hasn’t really been much choice when it comes to the dropper post, with the RockShox Reverb AXS essentially having the run of the place ever since its introduction a few years back now. Sure, the Magura Vyron has been available during this time as well, but even though the latest version brought some improvements it is still lagging behind in terms of activation speed which keeps it from being a true contender. As of 2023 however, things are different: TranzX launched their very good, $499 USD EDP01 earlier this year, and now KS has officially dropped their LEV Circuit. At $699 it is quite a bit more expensive than the TranzX, but it compares favorably with the $861 that RockShox charges for the Reverb AXS. We’ve had a test sample in our hands for a couple of weeks now, so it’s too early for any formal verdict, but we do have some impressions to share with you today regardless. There’s a short video below that shows the post in action, and you can keep reading to learn more. The long-term review will drop in a few months so stay tuned for that as well!

KS LEV Circuit Highlights

• Wireless actuation
• Bluetooth connection between remote and post
• Removable and rechargeable battery
• Remote powered by a CR2032 battery
• IP67 rated (dust-tight and water-resistant)
• 150/175/200 mm travel options
• 30.9 or 31.6 diameter options
• New internal design with hydraulic valve at the top of the post
• Adjustable air pressure accessed at the base of the post
• Saddle clamp design is compatible with 6 round and 6×7 or 7×9 oval carbon rails
• Remote, battery and charger included
• Weight (175/31.6): 702 grams (post) / 42 grams (remote)
• MSRP: $699 USD

The LEV Circuit has a very compact shape, and the finish is of high quality. Assembling the post for first use is easy, all you have to do is install the batteries in the post and in the remote, and you should be good to do. The post and remote are already paired, if that should turn out to not be the case there’s a simple procedure to follow to pair them up. The post is available in either 30.9 or 31.6 mm diameter, with three travel options ranging from 150 to 200 mm (a point of differentiation with the Reverb AXS which is still limited to 170 mm). The hydraulic internals are based on the mechanical LEV design, although KS did have to revise the layout to make room for the electronic actuation. The air pressure can be externally adjusted which affects the return speed of the post.

The unit housing the electronics and battery is smaller than both the TranzX EDP01 and the Reverb AXS, and the battery sits in a reasonably well-protected spot. The saddle is clamped by a single-bolt mechanism that can deal with both round and oval saddle rails. The post is slightly longer overall than the EDP01 for example, although it features a more compact collar which keeps the “collar-to-rail” number in check. Here are the full dimensions of the LEV Circuit 175 if you want to compare it to the posts featured in our big dropper post shootout (mechanical posts only):

• Overall length: 510 mm
• Collar to rail: 234 mm
• Minimum insert: 124 mm
• Collar to base: 275 mm
• Max extension: 387 mm

The remote is quite small and compact, and is delivered with a discrete clamp for mounting it on the handlebar. It is also compatible with SRAM’s MatchMaker mounts, although you will have to use the shorter of the two bolts from the KS clamp itself as the regular MatchMaker bolt is not the same thread dimension (a weird choice by the designers).

We’ve only had the LEV Circuit out on a handful of rides so far, but our impressions are good. The actuation of the post is quick, although there is a small lag when releasing the lever if you press and release it in quick succession. The EDP01 from TranzX is quicker in this regard, but that is not nearly as consequential on the trail as we initially thought it might be. The LEV Circuit offers a faster return speed, and there’s a distinct top-out “clunk” to let you know when your post is fully extended. This is an advantage over the TranzX post, as the return speed of that post is a little slow to our liking. The precision keyways used by KS are almost completely free of any lateral play, and the operation of the post itself is very smooth. As with other, mechanical posts from KS, the LEV Circuit doesn’t like being lifted by the saddle with the post down however, so keep that in mind. As for the ergonomics of the KS remote, you should be able to find a good spot for it, although it is not quite as adjustable as the pods from RockShox. The KS lever features a very short throw, in fact it feels more like a button than anything else, but it’s still tactile enough to be fully intuitive in use. In summary, we’ve been very impressed with the LEV Circuit so far, and we think it presents a fully viable option to the incumbent Reverb AXS and the other newcomer from TranzX. Stay tuned for our long-term feedback in a few months.

For more information, head on over to www.kssuspension.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord – Age: 50 // Years Riding MTB: 18 // Weight: 190-pounds (87-kg) // Height: 6’0″ (1.84m)

Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability – if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as “none” (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.

Photos by Johan Hjord