Mountain bikes with flat steering angles ride well downhill, but at low speeds uphill, the steering tends to tip over and provoke counter-steering movements. The K.I.S. system invented by Jo Klieber - an abbreviation for Keep it stable - counteracts this. It is a steering assistance system consisting of a combination of springs, polymer fiber bands and a shaped cam ring. On the trail, these components together ensure that the handlebars are actively centered when cycling. In contrast to other and older steering stability systems, K.I.S. does not rely on mechanical friction, but is designed to create a perfectly balanced centering force that enables a smoother, more controlled and therefore faster riding experience on the bike.

This is nothing new for cars, airplanes or boats

To understand the benefits of A.I.S., it helps to take a look at steering stability systems on other means of transportation, says Canyon. Cars, airplanes and even boats usually have systems that actively or passively center the steering. For bicycles, K.I.S. offers advantages in almost all situations: the rider has a central, constant reference point and benefits from a stabilizing counterforce in the steering movement. This results in additional control at low, medium and high speeds, more predictable handling and the filtering out of unwanted steering movements caused by the front wheel bouncing off stones and roots.

K.I.S. also delays the onset of rider fatigue, helps to control drifts and minimizes understeer. K.I.S. not only has advantages downhill, as the system effectively counteracts annoying wheel flop uphill. The system offers a noticeable advantage in climbing efficiency by reducing the abrupt impulses that riders often need to keep their balance on slow and steep climbs and to straighten the bike.

Fully integrated

The K.I.S. technology is fully integrated into the frame, weighs a mere 110 grams and is visually recognizable by the so-called slider in the top tube, which allows riders to adjust the system to their own height, weight, riding style and local terrain. The entire system is said to be maintenance-free - and requires no lubrication, no cleaning and no replacement of small moving parts. In addition, the integrated rotation protection effectively prevents the system from over-rotating or over-tensioning in the event of a fall.

Canyon and Liteville are the launch partners of this new technology. Canyon places the debut of the steering stabilization system on the Spectral CF 8 K.I.S.

canyon.com

syntace.com