In production2013–

LEV Integra

mtb– EUR

Origin

KS (Kind Shock Hi-Tech Co., founded 1991 in Taichung, Taiwan as a suspension maker) launched the LEV around 2011-2012 as an affordable hydraulic dropper alternative to the RockShox Reverb — the same infinite air-sprung adjust feel for less money. It replaced KS's earlier, less reliable i900/i950 droppers. The LEV Integra followed in 2013-2014, moving the cable head inside the post body to suit the internal-routing frames that were becoming standard — that 'integrated' cable head is what 'Integra' means.

Specifications

Weight: kg

The verdict

+Strengths

Very smooth action in both compression and rebound — reviewers call it 'buttery smooth' and 'among the easiest to compress' (OutdoorGearLab, Singletrack World)
Lightweight for the class — was the lightest post in OutdoorGearLab's test at 576g incl. cable/housing/remote; light enough to earn a 'Top Pick for Lightweight Performance'
Low remote actuation force vs competitors — easy thumb action
User-adjustable air spring (100-250 psi) and adjustable return speed — tunable feel without dealer service
Wide travel/diameter range: 65-200mm in 30.9/31.6mm, plus 34.9mm and a 27.2mm option — covers almost any frame/fit
Mature, refined, widely-serviceable design (since ~2011) — spare parts (cables, cartridges, seal kits) stocked at most LBS thanks to heavy OEM presence
Internal Integra cable head + short insertion-to-travel ratio = clean routing and good frame compatibility
Compatible with any standard 4mm cable-pull remote — third-party levers (Wolf Tooth, PNW) work directly
Significantly cheaper than RockShox Reverb (~€100-150 less) and FOX Transfer Factory (~€150-200 less)

−Weaknesses

OEM remote lever is basic polycarbonate/plastic and needs significant thumb force; many riders upgrade to Wolf Tooth or PNW (OutdoorGearLab, Singletrack World)
Occasionally 'sticks' at full compression, especially when left dropped for extended periods — KS revised internals mid-2016 but the trait is still reported
Air valve is hidden under the saddle — adjusting pressure requires removing the saddle, and pulling on a compressed saddle can introduce air into the damper
Sensitive to cable quality and routing — actuator binding from cable contamination is the #1 'dropper not working' cause; not a fit-and-forget post
Stack height/insertion not class-leading vs OneUp V2 or BikeYoke Revive — taller riders on small frames may not slam the saddle as low
Documented history of breakage/unreliability on some units (warranty issues noted in long-term tests) — quality has improved but reputation lingers
No travel adjustment via spacers (vs FOX Transfer Gen 3) — must buy the exact travel needed
Customer-direct warranty support weaker than RockShox/FOX — handled via dealer/distributor

Did you know

01KS LEV Integra is statistically the most-installed dropper post on new mid-range trail bikes globally — combined Cube, Trek mid-tier, Giant, Cannondale, and Merida OEM volume exceeds any single competitor at this price tier.
02The 'Integra' designation refers to the integrated cable head — cable anchors inside the top cap rather than under the saddle. This was a meaningful innovation in 2013 when most frames were just adopting internal routing.
03KS shares the same Taichung industrial cluster as Tektro, KMC, and FSA. Many OEM brands spec multiple Taiwanese components together for logistics simplicity — this is a structural reason for LEV Integra's OEM dominance.
04KS cartridges are sealed and replaced rather than rebuilt at home — same model as RockShox Reverb. Replacement cartridges are widely stocked (~€80-110), making 3-5 year refresh practical rather than buying a new post.
05The LEV Ci (carbon) version uses the exact same internal cartridge as the alloy LEV Integra — the carbon upper tube is the only structural difference. This is why used LEV Ci posts at 30-40% discount are excellent value if the cartridge has been recently replaced.
06KS Southpaw lever is widely considered the 'OK but not great' OEM lever — many riders immediately upgrade to Wolf Tooth ReMote or PNW Loam for ~€60-70 and get a substantially better thumb feel without changing the post itself.
07Common failure mode is NOT cartridge failure — it's cable contamination causing actuator binding. Clean cable + housing replacement (€15 in parts) resolves 80% of 'dropper stopped working' complaints before anyone needs to touch the cartridge.