Kinesis KiC2 vs my Dyna Tech Titanium, worthwhile upgrade???

Mike_T5

Hi,

This is my first post, so I'm hoping you'll be easy on me ;-)

Anyway, I presently have a Raleigh Dyna Tech full titanium frame on my bike, but I think the frame is 23 1/2", and has always been too big for me really (5'7"). Anyway, this bike has Mavic Open SUP rims on 8 speed Dura Race hubs, witha mix of Dura Ace, Ultegra, and 105 components.

Anyway, I've barely ridden the Dyna Tech, and fancy a new bike that is more my size. I really like the Kinesis KiC2 in white, and am thinking of getting a 54cm frame, and swapping all the bits over from the Dyna Tech. I am just looking for opinions on whether the Kinesis frame and Attack fork is the right way for me to go? I'm not at all competitive, but I just want a really nice new bike that I can admire and go out and get back into shape on! What your thoughts?

Many thanks,

Mike.

top_bhoy

In my opinion, if it is the Dyna which is too big and it is this which is discouraging you and if you can afford it, then I'd say go for it, get the KiC2. If its simply looking for reasons not to get out on the Dyna and the larger sizing is an easy scapegoat, then think carefully before parting with any cash. I think only you can decide on what to do with this one!

yakk

Hi there. I rode a bike for years commuting that had a frame that was too big and it was a revelation getting something that fitted properly - more comfortable especially, and felt 'right'. I have a Kinesis Racelight RC (4 years old now) which is still going strong and I'd recommend them as a brand.
Yak

ps Welcome

Monty Dog

I agree, getting the 'right size' frame can have a significant impact on both your comfort and the handling of the bike. Importantly, check the top tube lengths of your planned purchase - whilst the seattube may be shorter, the toptube length is more critical to reach, weight distribution and handling. The Dynatech frames were'nt exactly the lightest for frames and were never the stiffest - the Kinesis will probably be a revelation in terms of weight and stiffness.

Mike_T5

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the responses. I was kinda looking for encouragement, and that's exactly what I got! It's part of me wanting a nice modern looking bike, and part of me wanting a smaller frame. The Dyna Tech was always too big, but I pretty much liked it anyway, but figured a smaller shorter frame would be more relaxed. I've heard good things about the KiC2, and indeed the other Kinesis frames, and although I initially wanted the Tungsten one, I have now fallen well in favour of the white one, especially as it is a pearlescent finish.

I have seen the one belonging to System on this board, but it would be great to see pics of other peoples ones if you so desire to post them here.

Best,

Mike.

meagain

IF it were the right size (and 23.5" and 5'7" doesn't sound right!) I'd sooner have the Dyna any day! But if it's too big, then it's too big and that's all there is to it.

Mike_T5

Hmmm... interesting one. So, I take it that you rate the Dyna Tech? I never managed to figure out exactly what Dyna Tech frame this is. I bought it from a local bike shop, who were selling it on behalf of a customer who won it as a prize in a bike race. It has kinda silver/champagne tinted main tubes, with black rear stays, and head tubes, which has multi-coloured glitter bits in the paint (on the black areas only). The frame says 2125 Titanium, and a certificate I have says the same.

That said, I find the KiC2 far more aesthetically pleasing

Many thanks,

Mike.

Monty Dog

There were quite a few different models of Dynatech frames - by the sound of yours, it's the one with plain gauge ti main frame tubes bonded onto steel lugs with steel chain and seat stays.

Mike_T5

Hi Monty,

I think you are probably right, as I know the main tubes are Titanium, and that they are bonded into the lugs.

I know a guy who races at pro-level, and seems to think that the KiC2 may be a slightly harsh ride, and that I should go full carbon. I am still very much in favour of the KiC2, but with this in mind, I rather like the Orbea Onix and Opal bikes. At the moment, I am now swinging between getting the Racelight frame, and building it up with new Dura-Ace components (and selling my Dyna-Tech as a complete bike), and nice wheels, like Ksyrium SL's, or Elite's. Or, the other option being the Onix Tour, or Opal SDE (though too much money to justify, if I'm honest).

Any further ideas?

Many thanks,

Mike.

yakk

Hi Mike, for what it's worth, my Racelight frame is stiff, I'm not heavy (62kg) but I find it comfortable possibly because the frame is very compact and I can use a long Ti seatpost.
I've never ridden a carbon frame, but have 2 Ti framed bikes and the ride is different but I don't notice being 'beaten up' after using the Racelight compared to the Ti frames.
Good luck.
Yak