Review: Kind Shock KS i900 Adjustable Seatpost

Joining the adjustable seat post revolution is Kind Shock. Their models offer on-the-fly adjustment without the need for tools. They have a patent pending bushing design that self-adjusts which eliminates unwanted side-play.

KEY FEATURES:

• Proprietary self adjusting bearing, never needs adjusting and eliminates side play present in other seat post designs. This design eliminates the need for a “key and keyway” designs which are notorious for premature wear and play.
• Dry lube system, keeps the hi pressure seal separate from the elements and requires only a quick wiping a re-application of suspension grease…no messy pressurized oil to deal with during normal maintenance.
• Forged mast head and seat clamp assembly with a huge M8 fastener, provides bomb proof seat clamping and does not slip like our competitors conical clamp systems. The M8 fastener allows for added torque to ensure the seat stays tight. The clamp assembly has been certified by the industry’s toughest CEN and EN test standards.
• Double hard anodized inner shaft, provides a ultra tough and long wearing bushing surface as well as good looks.
• Lever angle has been designed to accommodate the “slackened” seat angles of today’s freeride and all mountain bikes and gives extra clearance between the seat and lever, making it easier to use…especially when wearing gloves.

THE RIDE:

I’ve had a chance to test the i900 during the Shimano Winter Series earlier this year. I used the i900 for my Super D races as well as on one DH race. Having versatility of height adjustment was a plus during my Super D races. As a hybrid of XC & DH, ascents were part of the course but can quickly transition into a descent. Having the ability to flip the lever and drop the saddle into a more aggressive position helped me during my races which resulted in a podium placement.

                    Super D race with the i900.

On one of my DH race at Southridge (Fontana, CA) where the course was a little tame than usual, I used my 6” bike with the i900.  I was able to raise my saddle at the infamous “wall” and pedaled efficiently to the Finish Line.

                           DH with the i900.

I frequently use the i900 on my local trail rides. Again, having the versatility of raising or lowering the saddle as I ride through the trails of So Cal was beneficial.  Trail riders are typically at a disadvantage approaching a steep descent as their saddles are usually fully extended to the optimum pedaling position.  No longer was I stopping before a steep section.  A good example is on the recent video I posted from Santiago Oaks.  On this trail there were a few sections where we still had to climb inbetween descents.  I simply flipped the lever to lower the saddle, pick a line and off I go. Reaching the bottom, I flip the lever again and up goes my saddle.

One thing I have to mention for the models without the remote, you are required to take one of your hands off the handlebar to raise/drop the saddle.  Obviously it would be wise to be cautious and do this on the flatter part of the trail.

Overall, the i900 worked really well in all of my uses with it.  From trail riding to the race courses, it served its purpose. 

PROS:  Ease of use, lever can easily be accessed, adjustability (both for the saddles fore/aft and height).

CONS: Weight

MODELS:

– i900, i900r, i950 and i950r
-30.9mm & 31.6
-adjustability: 75mm or 125mm
-post length: 300mm (75mm of travel); 400mm (125mm of travel)
-Activation lever: Under the saddle for i900 & i950; handlebar remote “r” models
-Saddle Offset: 30mm for i900; 0/zero for i950
-Will only work with the conventional rail system; these will NOT work with the iBeam models
-MSRP: i900-$225, i900r-$279 and i950-TBA

The i900 is not the ideal component if you are a weight weenie, however it is an excellent addition for any ALL-Mountain bike or Trail Riders.  This component is trail/race approved by MtnbikeRiders.com.  For more information, visit their website www.ksuspension.com or call (949) 742-1180.