Prototype KS Telescoping Seatpost - Taipei Cycle Show 2011
KS was showing off their prototype telescoping seatpost that is targeted to be the lightest dropping post on the market, not to mention it using a cable actuation point on the post's outer tube that will remain stationary when the saddle is dropped.![photo]()
Kind Shock's lineup of telescoping seat posts have been a favorite of many riders for awhile now, proving over time that their hydraulic internals and one-way bearing system is up to the task. KS looks to build upon that success with a new, and currently unnamed, model that will not only be the lightest dropping post on the market, with a target weight of only 400 grams, but also address those pesky cable management issues that plague the majority of telescoping posts.
The most obvious feature of the new post is it's cable entry point, which is positioned at the post's collar on the outer tube. It is common for nearly all telescoping posts, save the Gravity Dropper and one or two others, to have the cable run all of the way to the post's head, which is no doubt simpler to manufacture and produce, but also creates a few issues. Anyone who's owned a dropping post is well aware that the surplus cable must go somewhere when the saddle is dropped, and a lot of time that place involves it buzzing on the rear tire when the bike goes through it's travel, or ugly cable routing to keep it in check. While some riders may not be a fan of the aesthetics, having the cable exit from the post's outer tube not only makes for cleaning routing, but the cable is also stationary - it won't change position when the saddle is lowered or raised. In order for the design to work, KS had to flip the post's cartridge from how it was orientated in their current designs. It also uses two cables to operate: the standard shift cable that runs from the remote to the post, and an internal cable that is attached to that via a coupler. Cable changes are still simple, only requiring you to remove the coupler between the two cables to perform the repair.
![photo]()
The other big plus to moving the cable actuation to this position is that it is far less likely to be fouled up by the elements. The current KS post does work quite well, but constant riding in bad conditions can cause the actuation arm to not move freely, not to mention that the cable stop on the post's head puts the housing in a perfect location to get filled with water or mud (see the smart solution for current KS post owners below). The prototype's routing looks to be virtually sealed against such contamination and is in a far better location to resist any chance of this happening.
KS prototype telescoping post details:
• 125mm of total drop (infinite adjustment)
• Cable actuation located on the front of the outer tube
• Internal changes mean lower air pressure for lighter actuation
• unique bond-less seat post head design
• Release date: March/April 2012
• Weight: 400 grams (target weight)
• Price: TBD (will retail for slightly more than current KS models)
![photo]()
Internally, the prototype sees it's cartridge flipped 180 degrees to better facilitate the new routing, but other internal changes mean that it requires less air pressure to return to full height, meaning less stiction on the air seals and even more reliability. Smaller riders should take note of the prototype post's much lighter actuation than previous models - no more seat bumps to get the post to drop. I tested these claims with just my hand and found it remarkably smooth and easy to lower. Hidden within the post's stanchion tube is a new tapered, bond-less head design that actually pulls the head into the tube as you tighten the saddle clamp bolts, making for a more secure joint between the two.
![photo]()
Check out the Kind Shock website to see their entire lineup.
The prototype KS post is so new that it doesn't even have a name yet but it looks to be on the right track. Lets hear what you think about the prototype dropper from KS - is it going to be on your short list?
The prototype post from KS looks to have a lot going for it, including a target weight of just 400 grams and a stationary cable entry point located on the front of the post's outer tube.
Kind Shock's lineup of telescoping seat posts have been a favorite of many riders for awhile now, proving over time that their hydraulic internals and one-way bearing system is up to the task. KS looks to build upon that success with a new, and currently unnamed, model that will not only be the lightest dropping post on the market, with a target weight of only 400 grams, but also address those pesky cable management issues that plague the majority of telescoping posts.
The most obvious feature of the new post is it's cable entry point, which is positioned at the post's collar on the outer tube. It is common for nearly all telescoping posts, save the Gravity Dropper and one or two others, to have the cable run all of the way to the post's head, which is no doubt simpler to manufacture and produce, but also creates a few issues. Anyone who's owned a dropping post is well aware that the surplus cable must go somewhere when the saddle is dropped, and a lot of time that place involves it buzzing on the rear tire when the bike goes through it's travel, or ugly cable routing to keep it in check. While some riders may not be a fan of the aesthetics, having the cable exit from the post's outer tube not only makes for cleaning routing, but the cable is also stationary - it won't change position when the saddle is lowered or raised. In order for the design to work, KS had to flip the post's cartridge from how it was orientated in their current designs. It also uses two cables to operate: the standard shift cable that runs from the remote to the post, and an internal cable that is attached to that via a coupler. Cable changes are still simple, only requiring you to remove the coupler between the two cables to perform the repair.
The prototype post features a host of changes from the current version, with the most notable being a new front positioned cable entry point (bottom right) that makes for cleaner routing and more resistance against the elements. The post's head (top right) was CNC'd on this prototype, expect a forged version on the production models.
The other big plus to moving the cable actuation to this position is that it is far less likely to be fouled up by the elements. The current KS post does work quite well, but constant riding in bad conditions can cause the actuation arm to not move freely, not to mention that the cable stop on the post's head puts the housing in a perfect location to get filled with water or mud (see the smart solution for current KS post owners below). The prototype's routing looks to be virtually sealed against such contamination and is in a far better location to resist any chance of this happening.
KS prototype telescoping post details:
• 125mm of total drop (infinite adjustment)
• Cable actuation located on the front of the outer tube
• Internal changes mean lower air pressure for lighter actuation
• unique bond-less seat post head design
• Release date: March/April 2012
• Weight: 400 grams (target weight)
• Price: TBD (will retail for slightly more than current KS models)
The prototype was actuated with this trick remote that sports a carbon trigger. The weight saved is no doubt minimal, but it does look nice.
Internally, the prototype sees it's cartridge flipped 180 degrees to better facilitate the new routing, but other internal changes mean that it requires less air pressure to return to full height, meaning less stiction on the air seals and even more reliability. Smaller riders should take note of the prototype post's much lighter actuation than previous models - no more seat bumps to get the post to drop. I tested these claims with just my hand and found it remarkably smooth and easy to lower. Hidden within the post's stanchion tube is a new tapered, bond-less head design that actually pulls the head into the tube as you tighten the saddle clamp bolts, making for a more secure joint between the two.
Besides the prototype dropping post, KS was also showing off this neat little mud guard that can be fitted to their current remotely actuated models to keep the grime from fouling up the cable.
Check out the Kind Shock website to see their entire lineup.
The prototype KS post is so new that it doesn't even have a name yet but it looks to be on the right track. Lets hear what you think about the prototype dropper from KS - is it going to be on your short list?
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Like i say though, I would buy one if I could, it's all about prioritising though, and it would probably come near enough last on my list of upgrades.
a great idea for those that want them.
and yeah, before anyone starts i do very long rides with a hell of a lot of climbing. if the hill is that bad i would simply stand up and adjust it - its not difficult, not enough to be able to justify the £££ involved.
Manufacturers: don't go the way of the Lefty - them needle bearings and shims are a nightmare to service and I've seen the ruddy things falling out half way round a ride!
KS' posts are almost half the price of the competitors, have no play, are light and durable.
I don't know how they do it, but I'm glad they do.
27.2 would be great, but probably too weak. The stanction is already quite small, and in a wipeout with the post extended a crazy amount of pressure could be applied sideways against the post.
With normal posts there are more layback offerings than inline. Layback is needed more.
As for weight if they really want to make it light they should look at I beam. Lighter and offers layback. Oh and 27.2mm please!!
It will be imperceptible while riding.