Discussion
So in wanting to keep the weight off and find a form of exercise I enjoyed, I got back into cycling 3 years ago and have been loving it, I'm covering around 6000 miles a year, still on the bike I bought 3 years ago, a particularly weighty Specialized 2014 Crosstrail.
I said to myself, if I kept it up, I'd treat myself, that time has now arrived.
I'm looking for an all rounder really, to be used for commuting in nicer weather, to be used for touring, durability is a concern over it being super lightweight, some of the roads in Cheshire are very potholed.
So far I'm looking towards the Kinesis Racelight Granfondo Ti Disc frameset coupled with Shimano Ultegra DI2 disc groupset.
The next major choice is wheels and where I am in need of some advice, I'm looking for recommendations really, I've read about tubeless, no direct experience with this system, but it sounds like it could help on the puncture side.
Given my weight (86 kg on a good day / 90 on a bad) and estimating a maximum of 10 KG for panniers when touring, I anticipate rims which can handle 105 - 115 kg would be sensible.
I run Hope hubs at the moment and they have been great, so would like recommendations for rims.
Budget wise, maximum of around £600 seems sensible given the other components in the build.
I said to myself, if I kept it up, I'd treat myself, that time has now arrived.
I'm looking for an all rounder really, to be used for commuting in nicer weather, to be used for touring, durability is a concern over it being super lightweight, some of the roads in Cheshire are very potholed.
So far I'm looking towards the Kinesis Racelight Granfondo Ti Disc frameset coupled with Shimano Ultegra DI2 disc groupset.
The next major choice is wheels and where I am in need of some advice, I'm looking for recommendations really, I've read about tubeless, no direct experience with this system, but it sounds like it could help on the puncture side.
Given my weight (86 kg on a good day / 90 on a bad) and estimating a maximum of 10 KG for panniers when touring, I anticipate rims which can handle 105 - 115 kg would be sensible.
I run Hope hubs at the moment and they have been great, so would like recommendations for rims.
Budget wise, maximum of around £600 seems sensible given the other components in the build.
I spent months researching and testing everything to build a similar bike and ended up with a J Laverack. I came very close to choosing the Kinesis though. To my eyes the Jack is prettier and the Kinesis a little lighter (though neither of us are featherweights so a couple of hundred grams isn't going to make any real difference). The advantage with J Laverack is that it's built to order, so you can tweak things to suit, if necessary. http://www.jlaverack.co.uk/transcontinental-jack/
At £600 Hunt Wheels are a solid option. You could also go for custom builds. Mine cost £1,200 from DCR Wheels (included special rims, a dynamo at the front and Tune hub at the rear) but I'm pretty sure you could achieve something good within your budget.
Full disclosure: I'm an ambassador for J Laverack, though this came about simply because I rate the product and the company and they like what I do with it.
At £600 Hunt Wheels are a solid option. You could also go for custom builds. Mine cost £1,200 from DCR Wheels (included special rims, a dynamo at the front and Tune hub at the rear) but I'm pretty sure you could achieve something good within your budget.
Full disclosure: I'm an ambassador for J Laverack, though this came about simply because I rate the product and the company and they like what I do with it.
I'm in the same boat, purchased a Tripster V2 frame as I wanted more of an all rounder and trying to decide on wheels and build spec at the moment. Up to now it's looking like the Hunt 4 seasons, they look really good value at sub £400 and look a decent spec. Also up in Cheshire and yes the roads are crap!
Hi,
I have the kinesis Ti disc,been riding it for a couple of months now. I bought the zipp 30 course disc brake wheels (Im about 85 kilos. Its a great bike , the only problem I am having is that the shimano hydraulic hoods are much longer than normal so you have to reduce your stem size to compensate. (If you can wait for the new dura ace hydraulic levers then they apparently are standard size.
I have the kinesis Ti disc,been riding it for a couple of months now. I bought the zipp 30 course disc brake wheels (Im about 85 kilos. Its a great bike , the only problem I am having is that the shimano hydraulic hoods are much longer than normal so you have to reduce your stem size to compensate. (If you can wait for the new dura ace hydraulic levers then they apparently are standard size.
I've got the Kinesis Tripster and it's built up into a lovely bike, currently running Hunt X Mason wheels which have been great.
If I was buying now with the new prices on the Kinesis Ti frames, I'd seriously consider an Enigma instead. The Kinesis is expensive in comparison and with the Enigma you also get a decent length warranty rather than the 3 years Kinesis give you.
Saying that, if I had the money I'd be throwing it at a Mason Bokeh Ti but that's way beyond anything I can afford!
On th wheel front, I really rate the Hunt wheels. Great customer service too if you have any issues.
If I was buying now with the new prices on the Kinesis Ti frames, I'd seriously consider an Enigma instead. The Kinesis is expensive in comparison and with the Enigma you also get a decent length warranty rather than the 3 years Kinesis give you.
Saying that, if I had the money I'd be throwing it at a Mason Bokeh Ti but that's way beyond anything I can afford!
On th wheel front, I really rate the Hunt wheels. Great customer service too if you have any issues.
Some really interesting responses which has made me look again at my frame choice and I'm moving towards the Tripster ATR as being the better choice for me.
For those running this frame, what fork are you using? I think a carbon CX fork would make most sense for me.
I did look at the Zipp 30 Course originally and had another look and they seem to be able to be had for £620 and support a weight up to 250 lbs, so looking like a strong contender at the moment.
For those running this frame, what fork are you using? I think a carbon CX fork would make most sense for me.
I did look at the Zipp 30 Course originally and had another look and they seem to be able to be had for £620 and support a weight up to 250 lbs, so looking like a strong contender at the moment.
Something handbuilt, with your list of requirements. 100%.
I'd be getting a dynamo hub on the front too but then I am a massive fan of modern dynamo/LED lighting systems. If you're going to have a rear rack you might as well have lights front and back!
WRT the frame material, once you start using wider rims and tyres, and lower pressures, the difference between alu/steel/ti etc is less amplified.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
I'd be getting a dynamo hub on the front too but then I am a massive fan of modern dynamo/LED lighting systems. If you're going to have a rear rack you might as well have lights front and back!
WRT the frame material, once you start using wider rims and tyres, and lower pressures, the difference between alu/steel/ti etc is less amplified.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
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