Kinesis UK may be best known for their mastery of tube manipulation but designer Dom Mason has taken lessons learned from the aluminium-framed Maxlight series and applied them to create a refreshing take on the titanium hardtail.
Called the Sync, it's made from 3Al2.5V titanium tubing, but that's where the similarity to the any classically springy and flexy cross-country titanium hardtails ends. It's designed to be a stiff and precise modern day trail weapon, packing 120mm of travel up front and firmly embracing modern design standards throughout the frame to ensure power is delivered to the wheels as efficiently as possible.
The attention to detail goes as far as specifying 650b wheels for the small frame size while 29in wheels are used on the medium and large bikes. Mason believes that despite the advantages 29in wheels offer, they can compromise handling when packaged for a smaller rider.
Chunky rear stays given plenty of mud clearance and are mated to investment cast dropouts fitted up for a 142x12mm DT Swiss through axle to ensure rigidity and direct power transfer. “Ti frames can be really noodley," Mason said. "I think power output is the main thing to consider so I made it really beefy."
Small sized frames are made for 650b wheelsize, while medium and large models use 29in wheels
The hard-riding aspirations of the frame are also hinted at by the dropper post routing on the 'Quad-rad' top tube, which uses a clover-leaf-shaped profile at the highly stressed seat tube junction to prevent a potential weak spot. Welding is immaculate throughout the frame, from the tapered head tube to the Post Mount disc brake bracket. It's designed to be a frame for life and as such, the Press Fit 30 bottom bracket offer more than just stiffness and compatibility future proofing, the lack of threads removing any chance for accidental damage to write the frame off. Future proofing continues with a Direct Mount compatible rear gear hanger borrowed from the Pivot Cycles range, which is brought into the UK by distributor Upgrade.
Frames will cost £1,499.99 while complete bikes will start at £2999.99, spec'ed with X-Fusion Slide forks and a SRAM drivetrain. We'll be getting a Sync to review as soon as they become available, so check back soon for our first ride impressions.
Unfussy design hides elegant tube profiles for this titanium trail hardtail