Is the end of cables near? That might be pushing it a bit, but KS' prototype electronic seat post does away with wires entirely, instead using a wireless remote that activates a piezoelectric motor within the post. It still depends on the exact same internal design found within other KS posts, with the flow of oil moving from one chamber to another to allow it to move through its travel, but rather then a plunger activated by a cable to control the flow, a piezoelectric motor opens and closes a small valve to accomplish the same thing. The prototype pictured here uses a lithium polymer battery, similar to what you'd find inside of your phone, that is tucked into the post's main tube, but KS is investigating using a gel battery that would open up all sorts of packaging options. There is also the possible tie-in with batteries that power electronic drivetrains, something that we'll soon see a lot more of soon, meaning that KS might have the option of eliminating a battery within the post altogether. The topic of battery life is still open ended given that KS has yet to decide what they'll be using to power the seat post, but 60 or more hours of ride time is what we've seen out of suspension forks that use a piezoelectric motor to control its lockout function, so there is no reason why KS couldn't come up with a similar or even more impressive
figure. What happens when the battery dies? This prototype automatically reverts to full extension if its battery runs out of juice, thereby allowing you to pedal out of the bush without wrecking your knees, but maybe not hit any booters on your way back to your truck.
The action is controlled via a remote that will be mounted on the handlebar, and there will be no cables connecting it to the post. That means no frustration while trying to pass an internally routed cable through your frame, and certainly no more external routing that can sometimes turn into a game of seeing how many zip-ties it takes to tame a wayward cable. The quick and dirty remote pictured above is not intended to be mounted on the bar, but rather just to test the post's action, and KS said that they expect the production remote to be quite small in size - picture a lock-on grip collar with a small button on it that can be easily pushed with your thumb. The prototype shown here is the only one in existence at this point in time, and KS is expecting a production version to be roughly two years out, so don't go and sell your cable activated dropper post tomorrow. We're excited for the future, though, and to see how KS develops the concept.
www.kssuspension.com
I''ll stick with the battery idea.
As a low battery warning...
I think those types of watches use a piezoelectric device that converts vibrations into energy. Could definitely work, and would probably be very small and extremely lightweight. Anyone remember the K2 skis that used a piezoelectric device to supposedly "absorb" vibrations? Don't think it did squat in actually noticeabley dampening the vibrations, but it did convert the energy from the vibrations into electricity, in the form of a tiny little light.
HEAD skis still use this tech to stiffen up the tip and tail on their race skis. The vibrations are turned into stored energy that is shot back into the ski to add more rigidity through your turns; I feel like they must be doing something right, since they were the most winning ski in the Olympics this year.
I hadnt heard about HEAD utilizing that kind of technology, especially in a world cup level race ski. If so thats pretty rad! Most world cup "race stock" skis only utilize rediculously stiff construction and a lot of titanium sheets to make there skis rigid and able to store a shit ton of energy to rebound you into the next turn. They will make the top sheet to look like the normal "race" skis, but they dont utilize any of the tech they market elsewhere and are completely flat on top. Just a hell of a lot of ski.
So Mike's opening paragraph with reserved skepticism is warranted. Having said that, thank god this is not a Crank Bros product otherwise let hilarity ensue
f*ck Electronic in Bikes. Just f*ck it.
I'll put wireless brakes on my DH rig when gasoline tanker trucks are approved for the same.
A dropper post in this case wouldn't be so bad as the default is in the extended position, but riding home in one gear, as long as I have thumbs, it's cables for me.
It is not about a QC nightmare, poor design and sourcing makes QC a nightmare, good practice and good design makes QC a given with high yields. I have worked on and developed everything from 1 off bespoke solutions, harsh environment electronics (>200ºC, with over 200G shock loading), home medical device design for mass manufacture, where your DFM has to cater for >1M units PA.
I love being a development engineer, it always brings up new and interesting challenges. When you work for a small company, you get to develop the projects that others think is impossible, when you work for a large company there is lots of focus on cost saving, yield, lifecycle support and throughput.
no thanks
Pod on the right bar grip with up/down shift. Pod on the left grip for dropper post control and on-the-fly shock tuning.
Guessing it's the future, and will make for a tidy bike.
I suppose at least this avoids the cable filling with grit like it currently does.
it may be ugly and clunky but Im so glad I kept my old gravity dropper, its going back on this weekend!
anyway what Im saying is if KS cant get a hydraulic/ mechanical seatpost to work in the real world I dont see how an electronic one will be any good
Jk or course.
How about solar power to charge it? Not to say during a ride, but when the bike is in storage. Have a detachable leash to a solar panel than can suction to a window. Trickle charge it for free.
Canadian Distributors (Cycles Lambert and Live 2 Play) are the service centers for KS Canada.