Push 222? Never heard of it? No wonder, because this lightweight carbon racer is a completely new development from the pen of Syntace and Liteville founder Jo Klieber. The Push 222 is positioned in the narrow corridor between gravel and road and offers tyre clearance of up to 35 millimetres. This makes the carbon frame, which weighs just 1025 grams, suitable for both road and fast gravel use. Allroad or gravel race probably best define the area of use.
In addition to the carbon frame made of high and medium modulus carbon fibres, a carbon fork weighing just 415 grams completes the frameset, which is available in four frame sizes (52, 54, 56, 58 cm). Klieber charges an attractive 1099 euros for the frameset with fork including Acros headset, X12 thru-axles and UDH derailleur hanger.
The bottom bracket is bolted for better serviceability. A warranty period of up to 6 years and a crash replacement regulation provide the necessary basis for confidence, even for the next owner.
Starting at a slim € 3299, the Push 222 is also available as a complete bike with Syntace wheelset, Shimano GRX groupset and FSA components. The Push 222 we rode costs 4879 euros and weighs 8.6 kilos in frame size 56 centimetres.
So far so good
But the Push 222 is more than just a sporty gravel bike with narrow tyres and racing handlebars. Because - and this is where movement comes into play - there is the option of placing a K.I.S. system (Keep it Stable) on the top tube and thus fundamentally influencing the steering and riding characteristics. For a surcharge of 259 euros, the second generation of the steering aid, which was conceived three years ago, can be placed directly on the already prepared top tube.
What is K.I.S. again?
Anyone who immediately thinks of hard rock riffs and wild make-up when they hear K.I.S. is definitely mistaken. The part devised by Jo Klieber resembles a mousetrap, which is connected to the steerer tube via two straps and has a spring. In total, the system weighs just 210 grams including a steering stop, which protects the top tube and cables as well as the system itself in the event of a fall. Klieber presented the K.I.S. system to the public for the first time at the end of 2022. Until then, it had only been used on Liteville mountain bikes.
As a licence holder, Canyon was also allowed to use its own version of the K.I.S. system on limited edition models, such as the Spectral CF. Integrated into the top tube, it works unobtrusively on the inside. Downhill racer Troy Brosnan even won a World Cup with the system and XC racer Luca Schwarzbauer also appreciates the advantages of the K.I.S. system.
What does K.I.S. do?
K.I.S. centres the front wheel and thus the handlebars in a rest position and compensates for the varying forces during steering movements. This is because the forces that occur when turning change depending on the turning angle. K.I.S. makes the acting forces more linear. This makes the steering feel more neutral, more even and therefore more predictable. The preload of the spring can be used to adjust how strongly the turned front wheel should be returned to the neutral position. This allows the system to be adjusted to the rider's weight and preferences.
How does the Push 222 ride with K.I.S.?
We have already been able to test K.I.S. extensively off-road on mountain bikes and e-MTBs and use it for longer periods of time. On a gravel bike, however, K.I.S. is completely new territory. So how does the system ride on a bike weighing just 8.5 kilos with narrow tyres and racing handlebars?
As the Push 222 is equipped with an external K.I.S. system, the mechanism can be easily switched on and off while riding. Without the K.I.S. activated, the Push 222 rides like a normal gravel bike. At a height of 1.79 metres, the riding position in frame size 56 with a 100 millimetre stem is pleasantly sporty. The bike hangs well on the throttle and offers a high level of stiffness. The seat comfort is also impressive thanks to the 27.2 mm seat post.
Driving safety from another planet
As soon as you move the small lever on the top tube and activate K.I.S., the riding experience changes dramatically. I have yet to ride a bike with racing handlebars that is even remotely as stable and smooth. Despite its slim weight, the Push 222 cuts through deep gravel like an enduro bike with a 63 degree steering angle. The calming effect on the steering is also evident in prolonged use with lots of on and off. It's amazing how many serpentine lines you can actually complete without the little helper.
Direct flight instead of serpentine routes
Instead of the many small equalising movements and swerves, the front wheel remains much smoother with K.I.S.. A straight line instead of a snaking line is the motto. Compared to a mountain bike, where the steering angle is up to nine degrees slacker and the tyre has a much larger contact area, even a small spring preload on the K.I.S. is enough to have a big effect. In addition, the handlebars and therefore the lever are much narrower and shorter. After a lot of trial and error with the spring preload, I end up in the first third of the adjustment range. If the preload is too high, you otherwise feel too restricted. Above all, the usual strong pendulum movement when pedalling in the cradle is significantly reduced, which initially feels unnatural.
K.I.S. cuts the dynamic
However, K.I.S. can not only drive straight ahead, but also scores points when cornering. Even a levelling movement around a manhole cover shows the calming effect of K.I.S. The typical falling inwards after driving around the obstacle is prevented. K.I.S. cuts the unwanted dynamics, so to speak, and removes load peaks from the movement, which has a positive effect on bike control and can even prevent falls. However, a little more effort is required to prevent the rear wheel from describing a tighter radius. When steering, K.I.S. forces the bike to lean more instead of turning. In practice, this leads to a better and ultimately more stable front and rear wheel unit.
Strengths and weaknesses of the system:
Positive:
- Significantly increased driving stability and safety
- More controlled and precise steering behaviour
- Reduces unnecessary steering movements
- Less fatigue, especially in slippery or loose track conditions
Negative:
- Additional weight of 210 grams
- A look that takes some getting used to when retrofitting on the top tube
- Unfamiliar feeling of restriction, especially if the spring preload is too high
Is every bike compatible with K.I.S.?
In principle, yes. However, K.I.S. cannot be retrofitted to the top tube. However, the system can be retrofitted with the external version on the top tube. By the way: K.I.S. is wear and maintenance-free.
Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
With the Push 222, Jo Klieber has put a fast gravel bike on narrow tyres at an attractive price. An additional selling point is the optional K.I.S. steering system, which raises riding safety for road and gravel use to an unprecedented level. A real game changer for bikes with racing handlebars.
