Kinesis TK2 owners advice please on sizing / seatpost

gwillis
gwillis Posts: 998
edited September 2011 in Road buying advice
Ive just bought a tk2 for winter and training and was hoping for some feedback on a few points.

Does fitting a carbon seatpost make much difference or can I save money on this and go for alloy?

Also ive opted for a 51cm frame and a 100mm stem as im 5ft 8 and my other bikes have a 53.5cm top tube (Kinesis suggest I should have gone for a 54cm on their website). The kinesis 51cm is 53cm.

Finally what mudgaurds have you used. I was thinking of SKS as opposed to cruds as they will stay on full time.

cheers

Comments

  • canamdad
    canamdad Posts: 165
    I have a T with 9000 miles on it. Originally put on a Thomson alloy seatpost that I had but switched to carbon early on (Specialized). I think it improves comfort. The 54 which I have in a T (dimensions are the same for T2 & TK2 I believe) has a 555 mm top tube so that would have been way too long if your other bikes are 535 so I think you made the right choice. I use regular 35 mm SKS full guards with 25 mm tyres- plenty of clearance.
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    cheers for the response much appreciated.I emailed Dom from Kinesis today and he gave me the heads up . Ive opted for a carbon stem as well so many thanks
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    I've got a tk2. I have been using a Spesh carbon post with it for the past year, but recently used a Ritchey alloy post for a 12 mile trip to the LBS. Deffo affects the ride over rough tarmac.
    I use tor-tec mudguards. They got a nice reflective strip along the side which really aid visibility in winter.
    http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... ctID=23824
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    My frame is also size 51. I am 5'8" with 32 inseam. I use a 9cm stem.
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    tonye_n wrote:
    My frame is also size 51. I am 5'8" with 32 inseam. I use a 9cm stem.

    Thanks for the feedback, how do you find yours, I'm hoping to use mine for weekend runs and training rides through the winter . I'm told by others they are really comfy and relatively fast?
  • twotyred
    twotyred Posts: 822
    My TK2 used to be my all year round bike and now its my winter/wet weather bike fitted with SKS guards full time.

    Its not just a good winter bike its a good bike period. Good enough so you can't use the bike as an excuse for a poor performance.

    There's really no point in getting carbon seat post and stem, the bike is plenty comfortable with alloy parts.
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    so good feedback thanks. Ive opted for alloy stem and carbon seatpost as I managed to find a good deal on evilbay. Im going to go for sks guards I think but have heard they are a pain in the arse to fit.

    Ive got to say im really impressed with the quality of the frame its so light and the finish is spot on I can now see what all the fuss is about with kinesis.

    I wont be building it up for a few weeks but plan to use tiagra 10 speed and shimano 500 wheels until they are kaput then will buy some planet x model bs.
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    Yep very light frame. You will struggle to find a better alu frame at any price.
    Mine replaced a Spesh allez expert 2006 (e5 earotec alu with carbon seat-stays) which was stollen from me. The tk2 is just as light, stiff and comfy.
  • sheffsimon
    sheffsimon Posts: 1,282
    gwillis wrote:
    so good feedback thanks. Ive opted for alloy stem and carbon seatpost as I managed to find a good deal on evilbay. Im going to go for sks guards I think but have heard they are a pain in the ars* to fit.

    Ive got to say im really impressed with the quality of the frame its so light and the finish is spot on I can now see what all the fuss is about with kinesis.

    I wont be building it up for a few weeks but plan to use tiagra 10 speed and shimano 500 wheels until they are kaput then will buy some planet x model bs.

    Very good winter/commuter bike - I have the Racelight T.

    SKS guards are easy to fit, rock solid once fitted, and are the right choice for a winter bike.
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    I'm looking forward to this build, so far I've managed to keep the build under budget . I managed to get a fsa headset for £12 , a saddle that's I find as comfy as my aliante for £20 (san Marco ponza) and a carbon seat post and stem for £50.

    My problem is I always get carried away and spec up when its not needed . My LBS has done me a really good deal on tiagra so I've only wheels to buy once my shimano whr500 finally give up.

    Oh and big roll of helicopter tape !

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