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jiggerjake

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just got a KS Lev Integra installed on a new bike as part of a package deal.I didn't really notice it at the time I picked the bike up but the rebound on this seems slow compared to others I have seen of the same model that rebound with a resounding "pop" when it released all the way up.I don't have the seat post clamp over tightened or anything like that.
Is there any way to remedy this? I have a feeling the bike shop will tell me there's nothing wrong with it and thats how its supposed to work.I got a really good deal on it and may just end up selling it for a 9point8 or Command post if thats what it comes down to.
 
#3 ·
Ditto on the air pressure but don't over inflate < 250 PSI. After getting the right return rate follow the instructions regarding torque on bolts for your seat. After riding for awhile and you find it getting sticky at the bottom just undo the cap on the seatpost and add a 1" strip of "Slick Honey" to the seatpost (where it retracts into the Lev body) and screw the cap back in place. Those tips should keep you from having issues with your LEV. ....Hopefully. Lol
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Great,thank you both.And especially for the owners manual link.The post was swapped off another new bike someone brought because it was too tall for them. I was bale to get it for $50.00with the new bike.I haven't looked in my parts bag to see if there even was a manual.I just assumed there wasn't since it was from another bike.They showed me the post before it was installed and it was/is new.
My original thought was that it was air locked somewhat as it sounded like it was trying to suck in air as it rebounded but a low air pressure makes more sense.
Great to have a helpful Mtn.biking community here!
 
#5 ·
If you search for ks lev diy there is a long thread which teaches you how to rebuild it. Sounds like air got into your system. Its easy to do once youve figured it out. That pop is just a sign that youre getting max extension. If you get air in the system it will stop a little before that and you can physically pull on your seat to get it to extend. Its annoying. The key for me was ensuring tyhe damper piston is fully extended, 125-126mm, at the time you assemble all the pieces together and that you top off the oil so that it overflows preventing trapped air.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
jacksonlui said:
If you search for ks lev diy there is a long thread which teaches you how to rebuild it. Sounds like air got into your system. Its easy to do once youve figured it out. That pop is just a sign that youre getting max extension. If you get air in the system it will stop a little before that and you can physically pull on your seat to get it to extend. Its annoying. The key for me was ensuring tyhe damper piston is fully extended, 125-126mm, at the time you assemble all the pieces together and that you top off the oil so that it overflows preventing trapped air.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Thanks,I do think its extending all the way, just not with speed that would make it pop when it stopped. More of a tic if that makes sense.Will check the air pressure first and go from there.
 
#11 ·
Found this post after a couple hours of tinkering on my KS Lev Integra, and the advice has helped with some related problems. When my weight wasn't centered on the seat over the post, the post wouldn't drop. This stickiness was super frustrating because I messed up my left thumb this summer and have had a real rough time with the southpaw lever resistance and throw.

1.) Fix "Sticky" action - increased pressure from 100psi to 140psi, and greased the post under the cap per maverickc_c recommendation
2.) Reduce lever throw - removed slack from the cable length, and with the barrel adjuster
3.) Reduce Resistance - "carefully" stretched the return spring at the bottom of the seatpost a bit to lessen the tension, adjusted lever to be in a better position for minimal effort

Feels much better now. Not perfect, but I am not able to get the post to "stick" as much when my weight isn't centered. Initial resistance is noticeably less. Throw still doesn't feel consistent, sometimes it seems to engage very quickly, other times it requires I really hog down on the lever. My thumb really doesn't appreciate the long throw, and the resistance increases the farther into the lever throw I get which makes the discomfort worse. I will keep tinkering with the pressure, but I am considering a different lever to help provide more cable pull leverage.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Finally got around to taking my seat off to add air pressure for the rebound.After removing the seat and clamps I did not see an air valve only a solid black cap.Now I'm wondering if I should have somehow popped or pried this off?
With these seat posts,should there be any play at all in them.Seems I can wiggle the seat ever so slightly but it still moves and I wonder if this will bet worse as it still brand new.
 
#15 ·
jiggerjake said:
Finally got around to taking my seat off to add air pressure for the rebound.After removing the seat and clamps I did not see an air valve only a solid black cap.Now I'm wondering if I should have somehow popped or pried this off?
With these seat posts,should there be any play at all in them.Seems I can wiggle the seat ever so slightly but it still moves and I wonder if this will bet worse as it still brand new.
Click to expand...
What is your seatpost diameter? 30.9, 31.6, or 27.2?

The play you are feeling is likely the tiny amount of variance between the 3 skinny bronze rods that are embedded in grease in 3 groves on the stanchion and the diameter of the track groove which they ride in that is on the inner portion of the outer seatpost tube. It's normal to have a little bit of lateral rotation back and forth. It could get worse with no service and long term abuse. I'm 3 high usage seasons into my DX and have had it apart 2 or 3 times for servicing and these rods are not worn out, nor is the 1 way bearing that resides around the DU bushing under the seat collar.
 
#16 ·
pvd said:
KS LEV 27.2 Rebuild and speed increase | Peter Verdone Designs

KS LEV rebuild and travel adjustment | Peter Verdone Designs
Click to expand...
pvd,
I would love to delve more deeply into your teardown experience with the LEV 272. I've got the ins and outs of total teardown on the DX and Integra series but have just aquired a new 2016 272 model that is ssllooww. I can live with it for now but like my other LEV's, I want to be able to do full service as needed, when needed. There is very little info about such floating around on web.
 
#18 ·
jiggerjake said:
I think its 31.9 The bike is a Trek Stache. Thanks for the info.on the seat play.Sounds about right on what I'm feeling.
Do you have any idea on the air valve?
Click to expand...
I queried about size because a 272 does not have the ability to externally add air....so that's not your issue. The other should have a cap with a straight groove for a straight screwdriver and this comes off revealing a schraeder valve.
 
#20 ·
This is a bit of a necropost, but...

I just got a LEV 27.2 for my wife. The rebound rate is ridiculously slow. Here is what it looks like:


I've tried increasing the air pressure to 250psi and no improvement. Greased it with some Slick Honey. No improvement. Minimized the seat clamp torque. No improvement.

Is there anything else I'm missing?
 
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