Canyon K.I.S, Focus's new e-bike, big Panaracer news and Specialized's new full susser
Our round up of the very best tech stories of the week
This week has been huge in terms of tech news - not only with the launch of Focus's new lightweight e-bike but also Canyon's revolutionary new K.I.S system. More big news is that Panaracer is now the title sponsor of the Dirty Reiver and that Specialized's new Diverge now boasts front and rear suspension.
- Off-road Opinion - E-bikes aren't a menace, it's all about trail etiquette
- Opinion: A lightweight e-bike is in your future so you might as well get used to the idea now
Canyon K.I.S
Canyon KIS system, by Canyon
Dubbed, 'Keep It Stable', K.I.S is Canyon's new steering damper system. Designed by Syntace and built onto the Spectral CF8, this interesting but surprisingly simple system uses two springs that are attached to a band, which attaches to a cam around the steerer tube. This adds resistance with a clear ramp-up curve at the initial stages of steering that gets flatter as more steering is applied, so it's less noticeable, says Canyon.
It's adjustable too, thanks to a slider found on the head tube and it's said that the system is simple to align. The effect of K.I.S is likened to that of a car's steering, we're told. So imagine you've just gone around a corner in your car and when you let go of the steering wheel, it'll right itself. Apparently, that's what happens with K.I.S.
The brand says that it offers a benefit to anyone, boosting the overall stability of the bike, making handling more predictable and reducing front wheel deflections. Canyon even says that it helps while drifting and reduces rider fatigue. We'll be getting one of these in for review, so we'll see if it can walk the walk.
Panaracer becomes title sponsor of Dirty Reiver
Formerly sponsored by Canyon, the Dirty Reiver gravel event held up in the Kielder Forest is now sponsored by Panaracer for 2023 and beyond.
“Dirty Reiver has been the foundation of gravel events in the UK and is quickly becoming the benchmark for events around the globe. We’re thrilled to partner with the Focal Events team to continue the great tradition of Dirty Reiver, but to also continue to bring the finest gravel and cycling tyres to all riders,” said Panaracer’s Jeff Zell.
As an off.road.cc staff favourite, we're looking forward to seeing what comes of this new partnership but for now, check out Team ORCC: EP. 05 Dirty Reiver, a wet race and a big mistake where Brad find out whether the Dirty Reiver can be taken on aboard a cross country bike.
Focus Jam2 SL combines the best of both worlds
2022 focus jam2 SL cover.jpg, by Liam Mercer
It's not just about leg powered bikes as Focus unveiled its brand new Jam2 SL, a lightweight e-bike that's designed to combine the lightweight fun factor of a normal bike with the assistance that an e-bike can offer.
This bike runs a Fazua motor with a removable 430Wh battery. It then gets 160mm of suspension at the front with 150mm at the rear and it benefits from the brand's F.O.L.D suspension platform but this iteration has lost a number of components in a bid to save weight.
The Jam2 SL then gets a pretty aggressive geometry that's adjustable thanks to an adjustable head angle and a flip chip. The former allows for a degree of adjustment from 64.5-degrees to 65.5 degrees. The flip chip then adjusts the chainstay length, offering either a 447mm chainstay, or a 440mm measurement.
Specialized Diverge STR gets front and rear suspension
Specialized Diverge STR rear Future Shock detail, by Specialized
When does a gravel bike become a lightweight cross country bike? Well... Let's not answer that for now but last week Specialized showed off its brand new Diverge STR which gets suspension both front and rear.
The Diverge STR employs the brand's Future Shock tech, which is a hydraulic damper that's hidden within the top tube and joined to the bike's seat post. This also makes use of the seat post's natural flex. However, the Future Shock system offers 30mm of Seatpost deflection while at the front of the bike, there's 20mm of movement thanks to a Future Shock mounted within the headtube.
This tech offers three compression settings and apparently, it requires little to no servicing.
Orbea launches in-house Oquo MTB wheel brand
2022 Orbea Oquo wheels hero .jpg, by Oquo wheels
In other news, Orbea announced its new wheel brand, Oquo. As it stands, it's mountain bike wheels only at the moment but there's some chance that the brand might branch out into gravel and road wheelsets in the future. I mean... It's only natural.
Anyway, Oquo has launched with two wheelsets, the Mountain Performance wheels and the Mountain Control. The former is designed with maximum weight savings but without sacrificing durability and handling. Whereas the latter is designed for all-out reliability, rather than weight savings.
Best MTB knee pads
Best MTB knee pads, by Liam Mercer
In our most recent Buyer's Guide, Dean highlights all of the knee pads we have tested while taking a look at why you should wear them, and how to find the best pads for you. We're pretty fussy about our knee pads so you can be certain that the pads that have made it into this guide really are the best that you can buy.
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