In this article, we first explain how the revolutionary Syntace steering system works. Below, we introduce the inventor and Syntace managing director, Jo Klieber, a few questions about his idea.
To understand how the steering assistance K.I.S. from Syntace If you want to make sure that your bike works properly, we need to take a closer look at the steering geometry of a two-wheeler. The usual steering angle of 63 to 70 degrees on mountain bikes results in a caster. This means that the wheel contact point is a good distance behind the (extended) steering axle. As a result, the front wheel is pulled back, which gives the steering stability. With a steeper steering angle, the caster is shorter and the steering reacts more directly, but also more nervously. The result is less smoothness. However, a flat steering angle does not only offer advantages. As the steering angle decreases, the front wheel tilts more when turning (wheel flop).
A first Test of the Syntace steering system fitted to the new Canyon Spectral can be found here - you can read a detailed test in BIKE 12/22.
This is primarily noticeable when riding slowly, where the gyroscopic forces of the wheels barely stabilise the bike. One way to minimise caster despite the flat steering angle is to use the Fork offset. Although a larger offset reduces the trail and makes the steering more direct, it cannot prevent wheel flop. As the front wheel turns, the frame lowers at the head tube. With a steering angle of 65 degrees, the stack is reduced by as much as eleven millimetres when turning sharply. If you want to steer straight again, you have to lift the head tube with all the weight on it with increased force. For an average rider, that's two full crates of beer that have to be pushed up a good centimetre.
Steering therefore means a constant up-and-down movement and requires varying degrees of force on the handlebars. With the K.I.S. system from Syntace, two tension springs are tensioned when the steering is turned. In contrast to a steering damper, this does not create any additional friction. If you steer straight again, the spring force helps to lift the top tube and centre the steering. K.I.S. compensates for the imbalance of forces caused by the wheel flop when steering. You can steer with a more even application of force and feel much more precisely and directly what is happening on the front wheel.
The advantages and disadvantages of Syntace K.I.S.
+ The centre centring avoids unnecessary compensatory movements and therefore snaking lines. You no longer have to over-turn or over-correct when steering, but hit the line on the spot.
+ In slippery conditions with a brief loss of grip on the front wheel, the spring force of the system still gives you feedback on how hard you are turning, which improves control.
+ Thanks to the balanced steering forces, you can steer more precisely despite optimised straight-line stability and feel even more precisely what is happening on the front wheel.
+ K.I.S. consists of only a few parts, is extremely durable and incurs only low material costs.
- The system adds between 60 and 70 grams of weight.
- The integrated installation requires space in the top tube.
"Between delusions of grandeur and self-doubt": Interview with Jo Klieber
BIKE: How did you come up with the idea of questioning an established system that is 200 years old in principle and thus turning the steering dynamics on two-wheelers upside down?
Jo Klieber: The whole thing started as an idea about five years ago and was initially just a by-product. With the development of our Spaceforce stemThe problem was that the front wheel was too unstable, folded in and turned again. I looked for a solution that would centre the steering itself. It was only in the second step that I had the idea that centring the two-wheeler could also have a positive effect on the riding dynamics. I was always caught between delusions of grandeur and self-doubt. After all, why has nobody else questioned the laws of steering geometry in all these years?
When you see the finished product, everything seems so simple and logical. But the development took years. Was there ever a point when you wanted to throw in the towel?
It was available two years ago, just before Christmas. With my countless prototypes, either the return force of the springs was too low or the steering locked too strongly in the centre position. At this point, I wanted to bury the project. A new impetus was then provided by some rubber moulding and the firm belief that perhaps the Holy Grail of driving dynamics was waiting somewhere for the intrepid.
Syntace K.I.S. makes sense not only on bicycles, but on all types of two-wheelers. Where will the system be seen in the future?
In the bike segment, Canyon has purchased the licence for the system and can use it exclusively alongside Liteville for the first year. The first bikes with K.I.S. will be on sale as early as November. Canyon is launching a mountain bike with K.I.S., and Liteville will be releasing a new version of the E-MTB 301 CE. A new Liteville Enduro 303 with K.I.S. will probably follow at the end of this year. The system will also be used by major manufacturers in the motorbike sector in the near future.
Will your steering assistant also have an influence on the geometry of mountain bikes in the future?
As K.I.S. eliminates the negative aspects of a slack steering angle, I can well imagine that the steering angles will become even slacker. Under 60 degrees is certainly possible.
>> A first test of the in new Canyon Spectral installed Syntace steering system can be found here - read a detailed test in BIKE 12/22. <<
