Kinesis Decade Tripster

passout

Link to Kinesis website / stats on this frame: http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/technical/decade/tripster

After much deliberation, I'm 99% certain that I'm going to get a Tripster for use as a winter trainer & relatively lightweight mixed terrain bike for the summer (annual Highlands trip & the odd long distance bridleway adventure). Not touring - day rides.

Anyway I'm half way between 5'8'' and 5'9'' with a 31'' inside leg. Average proportions. On a normal road bike I'd normally be a 54cm (maybe a 53) and my effective top top length is around 54.5cm. Obviously the Tripster is not just a road bike & I will be going off road about 25% of the time.

I'm not sure if I should go for a 51cm or the 55cm size. Any thoughts on the sizing and any owners out there with any tips? Also whats the max size tyres it'll take?

Thanks.

karldh

I have one that I have built up myself using parts mainly off eBay to begin with, I am just over 5'11 with 31.5 inside leg and have a 57, have a 90 mm stem on it, just on the edge sizing wise for me but ok, thought 54 would be too small. I would say the frame rides big if that makes sense . I find it a very comfortable ride with no undue aches and pains after 60 miles with his set up.
i still have the alloy seat post and not even felt need to swap it for a carbon one to soften the ride.
. Initially ran it with 26 mtb wheels with 1.75 conti semi slick contact tyres, did some serious off road on it and it is great, will take plenty of stick, now have some hand built 700c wheels on it with panaracer pasela 32 mm on along with full sks mudguards so I can use it as a winter bike. Tried to keep everything as light as possible for the road hence 32 mm tyres
Max tyre size is 1.75 in 26 wheels and not sure about 700c but from looking would think it will fit at least 37 mm, the bike rides very well on the road and can whip along. I bought bb7 road for it and use with shimano 105 sti levers, the cables are the extra long jag wire ones with full length outers which would be wise if you are going off road to prevent ingress of dirt etc
Have 11 to 32 9 speed XT cassette with a compact chainset and a shimano Devore mtb rear derailleur for a good range of gearing
Only criticism I have is cannot get outer brake cable to rear through lugs on frame and have to zip tie it, only if you use full length outers I suppose!
I reckon a 54 would be ok for you, you may need a shorter stem than normal or inline seat post, I thought for ages that I should have got next frame size down but just ride it now and it is no longer a consideration now I have forgotten about it

passout

Thanks for info - glad you like it. I too feel like I'm between sizes although 54cm could probably be better on road.