original sealed KS i900r with new style ODI compatible remote here, over 2 years now
The grouptest in the magazine (issue 64? the gold one with foldout cover – the grouptest with about 7 in) seems to suggest newer sealed KS i900/950/i7s are much much better with not developing play
Mine has about 1″ side-to-side play ast the saddle nose, which can sometimes help in moving as I pedal, is a hinderance when I need a side-to-side reference point in slowmo technical terrain, eg stainburn
The fore-aft play is pretty bad now too and I think the big creak as I pedal has something to do with it
The clamp on the i900 is very poor. The knotched clamp mean I can choose between too far forward or too far back, flat is not an option
The spacers in the bolt assembly have to bend a lot anywhere near before the clamp is tight enough for the saddle not to slide along the rails over a ride
The newer ODI grip compatible remote is absolutely pointless. If you use it as a grip end the lever is so far extruded from the clamp you have to remove you entire hand from the grip to use the lever. Mine is inboard of the brake/shifter. Because of the ODI compatible bit, the clamp will score you bars so you’ll need something to stop this, I chopped off the ends of a worn out lock on grip to stop this
The ease of setting height is excellent, I can set mine pretty much where I want it while riding so the range gets used, 0.5/1/2″ down to retain some pedalability, 3/4/5″ down depending on how much/where I want a reference point for my knees
5″ drop though still isn’t that much. I’m finding I’m dropping the seatpost itself in the frame more and more to get more drop. I realise many frames with seattube braces/etc mean you can’t run 8″ saddle drop or more, but in certain situations I’ve felt it useful
If I’m to believe the ST review (in the magazine) then a KS i950 would/will be my next choice, I’m trying to hold off on the offchance I get a frame with 31.6mm, as If I get another 30.9mm I don’t believe you can get a 30.9-31.6mm shim?
“really adjustable and quick”
Its not about the lazy element, If you get a chance to use one for a decent period of time you’ll realise quite how useful/usable they are and why many really don’t want to go back to not having one, on at least there main bike? I know I wouldn’t, I’m fairly certain it would step me back in terms of riding