A Unique heritage
From its design features to its rich and diverse history, every corner inside KS USA headquarters tells the story of the brand’s enduring commitment to offering innovative, top-quality products. The dropper seatpost, a revolutionary innovation for mountain bikers, was invented by KS in 1999. This invention transformed mountain biking by enabling riders to dynamically adjust saddle height while riding, thus improving performance and safety across various terrains, especially the roughest ones.
The headquarters of KS USA houses a mini-museum honoring this legacy. It showcases the evolution of the dropper seatpost, from its early beginnings to the most sophisticated modern versions. Visitors can see prototypes, rare models, and the bikes on which these seatposts were mounted. One of the standout items in the collection is a bike equipped with a KS dropper post that Mavic used for neutral support during the Tour de France, a true testament to the reliability and versatility of KS products. This mini-museum is not just a tribute to the past but also a source of inspiration for future innovations.
Functional spaces that inspire
The KS USA headquarters is thoughtfully designed to reflect the brand’s ethos of innovation, quality, and, above all, passion. At the heart of the facility are two fully equipped workshop spaces where technicians meticulously develop and maintain KS products. KS takes pride in its after-sales service. Dropper seatposts sent in for servicing or repairs are returned to customers within 24 hours for most cases, a brand commitment to customer satisfaction.
Inside KS USA, adjacent to the workshops is a lounge area that sharply contrasts the industrial energy of the workspaces. Furnished with cozy sofas and an essential coffee machine, this lounge is where the team unwinds and exchanges new ideas. One of the lounge’s most original and appreciated features is undoubtedly the beer dispenser (to be enjoyed in moderation), operated by a dropper seatpost! This ingenious invention is the perfect tool to celebrate the end of a productive day or the successful launch of a new product in a refreshingly unique way.
Proximity to trails
The location of the KS USA headquarters is no coincidence. Lake Forest is renowned for its proximity to a vast network of trails winding through the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Southern California. The Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is just minutes away by bike. For the KS team, these trails are much more than a recreational escape—they are an integral part of the workday. Lunch breaks often turn into trail rides, providing an opportunity to recharge and reconnect with nature. These outings also serve as valuable testing grounds for new products. There’s no better way to evaluate a new product’s performance than by putting it to the test on the trails.
The Man behind the magic: Rick Taylor
At the helm of KS USA is Rick Taylor, a dedicated and passionate leader who embodies the brand’s values. Whether coordinating product development, ensuring workshop efficiency, or welcoming visitors to the lounge, Rick oversees every aspect of KS USA’s operations with meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of cycling culture. Rick’s approachable personality and pragmatic leadership style have earned him the respect and admiration of his team. He’s just as comfortable discussing the technical details of engineering as he is sharing a joke over a coffee.
A Vision for the future
As the cycling world continues to evolve, KS remains at the forefront, driven by the same innovative spirit that led to the invention of the dropper seatpost. The KS USA headquarters is not just a snapshot of the present—it’s a glimpse into the future of the brand. Combining history, functionality, and creativity, the facility embodies KS’s forward-thinking philosophy.
Welcome to the wonderful world of KS USA!
Photos: Max McCulloch