KS Suspension delves into gravel with bars, forks, stems, and droppers
KS Suspension may be best known for its droppers, but with a litany of new components hitting the market this year, the brand is ready to outfit even more riders. They now offer precision suspension components, along with new and interesting cockpit options with gravel, CX, and other off-the-beaten-path adventures in mind.
The Rage-iS 27.2 is built to take more of a beating.
The 27.2 diameter model features either 65mm or 100mm travel at lengths of 380mm and 415mm, respectively. The Rage-iS 27.2 shines under race conditions for anything from cyclocross to trail-style riding, but can easily handle recreational or enthusiast-level enduro-style riding too. It’s a solid choice for aggressive racers looking to tear into gravel with speed and poise.
The Rage iS lineup, which also comes in 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9 mm diameter options, includes the same air-sprung suspension, updated cylindrical upper clamp nuts, and more vertical head clamp angle included in the LEV Integra line.
The Rage-iS range also includes a dedicated cartridge architecture to keep action reliable and smooth, a lightweight, rotating actuator, and reduced actuation force.
Other features include:
No dropper is complete without a remote that is comfortable, sleek, and easy to use. The KG Drop 2.0 is exactly that.
The KG Drop 2.0 is a drop bar-specific remote that focuses on ergonomics that cater to the needs of gravel, CX, and touring riders.
The remote works with the left hand, and can be placed where it is accessible from the drops or the hoods of a drop bar. Its dual-paddle design makes actuation more precise during rough sections, and it fits just about any drop bar multi-control lever system.
The remote attaches with a low-profile 22.2 mm hinged handlebar clamp that can be seamlessly hidden under bar tape and includes anti-corrosive nitride-coated hardware to increase longevity and reliability.
KS Suspension’s Ether Carbon Gravel Bar is among three bars in the brand’s lineup, including the Ether Carbon Riser Bar and the Ether Carbon Flat Bar.
The Gravel Bar, however, is the only drop-bar offering and is dialed for speed and performance whether hammering on smooth streets or chattering over gravel.
The bar features an ergonomic design that improves both aerodynamics and control. It has an 18mm rise for added comfort and stretches 420mm or 440mm in width with a flared handlebar design for added stability.
The 420mm option weighs in at 270 grams, while the 440mm weighs 275 grams. The bar also features internal cable routing, carbon fiber composite of varying thickness to dampen vibration, and a 31.8mm clamp diameter.
The Ether Forged XC and Gravel Stem is the perfect companion to the Ether Carbon Gravel bar. Made with aluminum alloys and specific wall-thickness engineered for control, the XC and Gravel Stem is lightweight and an expert at giving riders feedback and reducing fatigue over rockier terrain.
The stem comes in a wide variety of rise options ranging from 6 degrees all the up to 17 degrees for those who prefer a more upright position on the bike.
It also comes in lengths including 70mm, 90mm, and 100mm.
KS Suspension’s GTC Flat Mount Fork provides a comfortable, yet efficient 40mm of travel to smooth out even the gnarliest of gravel routes.
The fork includes a forged aluminum crown, along with high-modulus carbon fiber and alloy legs with an oil damping system and adjustable rebound and lockout.
The fork can accomodate 700c tires up to 50c in width, so it has plenty of space for a wide variety of gravel tires on the market.
Other features include a tapered steerer tube, flat-mount disc brake compatibility, a 46mm offset, and a 100×12 thru-axle.
While KS has long been known for its droppers, the latest line of equipment and an ever-expanding catalog of gravel and trail components point to a more developed future where KS products can be found on every part of a bike.
This post is sponsored by KS Suspension. Learn more about KS Suspension at kssuspension.com.
Ether Forged XC and Gravel Stem