Kinesis Racelight T

Mettan

Does anyone know what bottom bracket type the Racelight T uses - English or Italian? - also the headset seems to be 1+1/8 inch - does this take "integrated" "semi-integrated" or "other" headsets - I'm totally unsure of what's what with those two areas - also anyone built a Kinesis up? - are they well-made etc?

http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/product.php?id=11

(Reason I ask. I'm considering a frame upgrade, and selling my existing one)

Thanks

reyserf

I have a frame partly built up awaiting the spring. I have not ridden it yet but the finish on the frame is excellent and they get good reviews.

It has a standard 68mm British BB and an intergrated headset, (Crane Creek)

Rey

Mettan

Thanks Rey - can I just ask, do these frames come with an integrated headset or do you have to buy one separately?

Thanks

top_bhoy

I haven't had any problems with my RC2 (see my signature pic).

I found the assistance from the Kinesis website was good when I needed to contact them re. frame sizing. Could be worth jotting down a few things and firing off an email to them.

reyserf

Unless they specifically state that a headset is included I would assume that you will have to order one.

If I recall correctly I bought a FSA Orbit CC Integrated headset (£20 less discount) from Wiggle along with the Kinesis carbon fork.

Wiggle used to list a specific Kinesis headset but seem to have dropped it from their range.

Rey

John C.

Although a bit on the heavy side by modern standards, I love mine and it's made a very comfortable day bike. The only thing I would recommend Kit wise is you get the best brakes you can afford, as they take deep drop brakes they are not as good as the usual shallow drop. If I were starting from scratch I would check out a front disc set up, this may not be that much more expensive starting from building the bike but is too pricey a conversion later on.
The view of the back of this bike frame really is to die for.

canamdad

I bought a Racelite frame (from Chain Reaction) this summer and built it up with Mirage for a rain/winter training bike. Frame did not come with HS- I used the FSA Orbit. Have a ITM 4Ever carbon fork w/eyelets. I use some Khamsin wheels with 25mm Krylions and mudguards. I've put over 900 miles on it and it's a great bike! I put in Bontrager BuzzKills in the handlebars, padded tape and a Specialized Pave seatpost and the ride is very acceptable. I use Shimano RX 100 57mm brakes (I think 105 level) and they're very good.

Mettan

Thanks guys - after a bit more reading up it seems that headset installation is potentially not "that easy" - it looks like it might be the frame, then LBS for Headset and BB installation - most other things are do-able, though.

canamdad

The HS installation is very easy. You need to get the crown race put on the fork. Cost me a fiver at my LBS. The rest of it just drops into the frame. No cups to press.