Kinesis bets on aluminium as RTD aims to rival carbon endurance bikes

Are you a rider who wants comfort blended with adorability? Then this is your time to read and act. Kinesis, a major Taiwan-based manufacturer specialising in the design and production of high-quality aluminium bicycle frames, forks and components, always puts the value for both affordability and durability at the core. The firm's newest RTD aluminium road frameset designs hold their own against carbon options when it comes to performance, value, durability and real-world practicality. Priced at GBP 950 (USD 1,298), the latest frameset shows a sturdy aluminium frame paired with a lightweight carbon fork, offers disc brake compatibility and has geometry tailored for endurance, which can accommodate tyres up to 34 mm wide.

Unmatched claims

The firm's Race The Distance (RTD) is deemed “ultimate endurance aluminium road bike frameset”, which is designed to compete with carbon bikes in terms of performance while offering better value, durability and practicality for everyday use.

This can be backed by the firm's unique Super Plastic Forming (SPF) process, as it allows for lighter tubing and more intricate frame designs compared to traditional hydroforming methods. The newly launched model weighs 1,400g for a 51cm size, making it well-suited for endurance road riding.

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The biking company also describes the RTD as a versatile, all-season frameset, which can handle everything, similar to its well-known 4S platform. This adaptability has been proven through real-world experience within the company.

Liam Cahill, Head of Video, Kinesis, stated, "When I sold my 4 Seasons Disc, it was simply because I wouldn't be doing a long-distance bike commute, or much winter riding going forward. But that bike was exceptional for those purposes. It looks like Kinesis has paid attention to the needs of the prospective RTD rider. Elements like the fork routing for a dynamo light, front and rear threaded mounts in the fork crown, and the updated geometry all point to a future classic."

Features aligning RTD

Backing up its in-house development strategy with the RTD, the firm features a brand-new carbon fork designed specifically for the frameset. This fork shows internal routing for brake hoses and dynamo cables, along with threaded mounts and a 12mm thru-axle, alongside the graphics that match the frame perfectly.

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It further comes with adaptable cable ports, making it easy for the riders to switch between mechanical and electronic drivetrains, whether the rider is going for a 1x or 2x setup. Additionally, the tyre clearance remains the same as the previous model, accommodating up to 34mm tyres without mudguards or 30mm with them, which aligns with other endurance-focused bikes currently available in the market.

When it comes to geometry, the company has fine-tuned the RTD to find that sweet spot between responsiveness and stability. This way, the firm is ensuring the riders get confident and predictable handling that’s perfect for long road rides. As quoted by the firm, "meticulously refined to deliver a rare balance of responsiveness and stability. The handling remains confident and predictable...making it an exceptional endurance road bike frameset."

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More into the latest bike

The latest bike design comes in a size of 54cm, with a frame that boasts a 570mm stack, 389mm reach, a 1,025mm wheelbase, 420mm chainstays and a 166mm head tube. The RTD range comes in seven sizes, from 48cm to 60cm. For ensuring a stiff frame, this design shows an oversized down tube, a flared top tube and a tapered head tube.

Riders who are looking for a smoother ride are equipped with a 27.2mm seatpost and specially designed flattened seat stays that help soak up road vibrations. Moreover, the frameset is available in a striking Pepper Red finish with sleek black graphics.

Liam, on this, commented, "I would, however, take this chance to ask Kinesis to bring back the hot pink colour. I lost count of the number of people, from inside and outside of the cycling world, who said something along the lines of "gosh that's a nice bike, I bet it was really expensive”."

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