KS E-30i Dropper Post: Rider Review

 Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

If you are someone looking to get a dropper post that performs, is reliable, and all at a fair price, the KS E-30i might be a great option for you. Here in this review, our customer David finally upgraded his Gravity dropper with this new KS dropper. Read more to see how David likes his new dropper!

Introduction 

I'd been looking for a new dropper post to replace my 12-year-old Gravity dropper for a while but wasn't comfortable with all the issues I'd read about with full hydraulic posts, especially at the prices most of them were. Fast forward a bit and we now have a selection of full hydraulic posts at reasonable prices that seem to have the reliability issues sorted out so I figured I'd bite the bullet and give KS a shot.

Decisions, Decisions 

After determining what I wanted for dropper post travel, what would fit my bike, what I was willing to spend and what weight penalty I was willing to deal with, my research started and quickly ended with the KS E-30i. KS has been making droppers for as long as almost anyone and their reputation seemed to be as good or better than most. So when I saw the KS E-30i had a replaceable cartridge, many of the features of the famous LEV Integra post, a weight that was lighter than many and a price right at $200, I figured it was time to move on from over a decade on the Gravity dropper.

Installation 

I received the post from Worldwide Cyclery quicker than expected as the website said it was a special order and it could be up to 14 days to arrive. Installation of the post was simple and straightforward and any basic home mechanic should not have any issues with the install. If you can install a rear derailleur cable you can install this easily.

Final Impressions

I now have approximately 20 hours on the post and so far it's been flawless. There was a short transition period coming from the Gravity dropper but that's nothing to do with the post, just the unique way the original Gravity dropper works. 2 rides on the E-30i and it was second nature. Post action is smooth and reliable with an audible top out to let you know you're at full height. I've noticed no play or sagging in the post and at this point, I don't even think about it, it just works. If I had to nitpick about anything it's that the return speed is a bit slower than I was used to but I had read about and expected that. It's not so slow to be annoying or effect the usability in any way. Some may actually prefer it - it's really a personal preference. 

Pros

• Price
• Installation
• Functionality
• Replaceable cartridge

Cons

• Non-adjustable return speed

I'd say for anyone looking to enter the dropper game, replace a current dropper without spending a fortune or looking to outfit more than one bike without breaking the bank, the KS E-30i should not be overlooked.