Bold claim? Absolutely.
K.I.S. is a simple but ingenious technology that uses specialized springs, strong polymer fiber bands, and a precisely shaped cam ring concealed inside the frame to actively center your bars while riding. It was created by Jo Klieber at Syntace and engineered by Canyon into the trail-ripping Spectral CF 8 mountain bike.
Unlike earlier steering stabilizers, K.I.S generates a precisely calibrated centering force to make trail riding smoother, faster, and more controlled.
Just take a look at the self-centering control systems used on many other vehicles to see why. Controls that self-center are found on cars, boats, and even airplanes. When riding a bike, having a central point of reference and counterforce when steering improves nearly every aspect of the experience.
Canyon claims that the system will aid drift control and lessens understeer in addition to improving stability at any speed and give more predictable handling, filtering out front wheel deflections, and lowering rider fatigue. The technology keeps improving as the trail climbs back uphill, improving climbing efficiency by actively combating wheel flop and lowering the amount of power the rider needs to maintain balance.
The only difference you will see on the bike is the adjustment slider on the top tube as K.I.S. is completely integrated inside the frame and only adds a paltry 110g to the weight of the mainframe. From this point, the system's tension can be changed to accommodate the rider's size, weight, riding preferences, and local terrain.
Canyon's system requires minimal maintenance, it's made of high-strength materials and protected inside the frame. No moving parts need to be greased, cleaned, or replaced. Additionally, the built-in rotation stop prevents the system from overextending or breaking in the event of a crash. With the system Canyon claims the rider will be able to hold their line across challenging terrain, stay calm under pressure, and climb more effectively. Overall bike handling will be transformed as a result of K.I.S.
For Canyon, the Spectral CF 8 K.I.S will be the debut model equipped with the system. That balances performance and value, the bike features Fox’s benchmark Performance Elite suspension, trusted Shimano Deore XT, and wheels from DT Swiss, wrapped in grippy Maxxis rubber. As well as introducing K.I.S. there are also updates to the rest of the Spectral range for 2023, including all-new colors for the flagship Spectral CFR.
Learn more and discover the Spectral CF 8 KIS and the rest of the 2023 Spectral Family which is available now, exclusively at canyon.com
