Kinesis began in the late 1980’s, when former Giant bicycles employees left the company to start a new venture. The brand is based in the heart of Worldwide cycle production, Taiwan. They also have an American and a UK subsidiary company.
Materials Matter
Kinesis produce frames, forks and components, made from aluminium, titanium and carbon fibre. However, Kinesis are largely known for their expertise in producing supreme quality aluminium framesets. They have initiated the use of advanced techniques working with high quality aluminium tubing over the years. This has maximised the performance characteristics associated with aluminium when compared to other materials.
Aluminium Progression
Over three decades Kinesis have developed and progressed their aluminium frames. Way back in 1997, they developed Kinesium tubing. This was said to save around 350 grams on a 19″ hardtail MTB frame, when compared to plain gauge Aluminium. The tubing provided a lively ride and was used throughout Kinesis range of framesets. In 2003 the brand began using hydroforming. This is an industrial technique where special liquids are injected into the frame tubes using tremendous pressure which forms curves and shapes tubing. Hydroforming largely eliminated the need for gussets for extra strength, tubes could be shaped to include extra strengthening sections.
Own Name & OEM
Kinesis both produce framesets under their own name, but also produce frames for other brands. These brands include, Commencal, Diamondback, Felt, GT, Haro, Ideal, Jamis, K2, Kona, Kross, Raleigh, Redline, Santa Cruz, Schwinn, Storck, Sunn, Titus, Torker, and Trek.
Bicycle Progression
Along the way to pathway to producing a vast array of framesets, both under the Kinesis name, and for other manufacturers, Kinesis have also developed some step-change manufacturing processes changes along the way. In 2008 they produced one piece carbon forks and in 2014 they developed the press-fit steerer (KPS), the strength of the fork steerer was increased. Another benefit was that the KPS system also made forks look cleaner and simpler.
UK Specific
The Kinesis UK products fit perfrectly into the market in which they are based. There’s the E-Leisure range, including the Lyfe bikes, ideally suited to day-to-day chores, commute or pleasure rides, all with added electric assistance when needed. Then there are very specific framesets for Cyclocross racing, such as the CX Race, which combines low weight with agility, purely to target cyclocross racing. The Tripster series framesets are perfectly suited for the UK type of (muddy) gravel, travel and adventure riding, they have all the flexibility you could wish for in a bike. Kinesis framesets have a strong focus on performance and practicality – engineered to perform and get the job done.
