I’ve had a few problems with the Kinesis XCpro3 frame and decided share my issues with others to save them some pain. I’ve tried to resolve these issues with Upgrade bikes but they have simply not responded to email or phone calls.



Why the Kinesis?
I’ve been XC racing on a 05 Specialized FSR for 4 seasons and decided that I would be more competitive on a XC race specific hardtail. The geometry of the frame was identical to the Specialized FSR, so I knew that geometry wasn’t going to be a problem.


Rear Triangle
I had problems with the rear triangle alignment. Although the wheel was correctly dished (double checked) the rear wheel was offset in the rear triangle. This issue turned out to be swarf deeply embedded in the paint inside the rear drop-out. However, I know another XC racer who is on his 4th frame due to rear triangle alignment faults.

Headset
I knew that there are compatibility issues with integrated /semi-integrated headsets, so to avoid any issues I decided to purchase a manufactures one with the frame. Headset came minus the wedge to pre-load the bearings. It would have been cheaper and less hassle to have purchased one from my LBS.

Paint
STW review stated that the paint was thin I think STW where being nice to one of their major advertisers. The paint on these frames super fagile. The white paint is soft and scratches with even the slightest of rubbing. The contrasting red/blue is so hard and brittle that it just chips away with normal handling. After 2 races the Kinesis looked like it had done a whole season. I have recently found out that Boots Number 7 nail varnish is a good paint match and is much tougher than the original paint.

Cable Clips
The frame was supplied with neat cable clips. Unfortunately the clips do not fit the cable clamps. Even without any cable in place the clips do not fit. Would have been a nice finishing touch, but had to fit the brake pipe to the frame with cable ties.

Top tube/Head tube
My Specialised had a 12cm head tube with a standard headset. With no spacers this put the bars slightly too high. I though the whole idea of an integrated /semi-integrated headset is that it lowered the front end, making it easier to obtain a better racing position. WRONG. If you take out the spaces and lower the stem on the XCpro3, your brake leavers catch on the top tube!!!. I now have 15mm of spacers under the stem to stop the brake levers catching on the frame. I have ended up with exactly the same bar height as the Specialized FSR. (I could remove the spacers, but first crash would dent the top tube)

Summary
The frame is super rigid, probably the most pedal efficient frame I have ever ridden (including road bikes). Don’t be fooled by the carbon rear stays, they do absolutely nothing for comfort. Carbon stays actually make the rear end more rigid and more efficient. Front end has no flexing whatsoever, the bike tracks wherever you point it. Geometry is spot on for XC racing, but I wouldn’t like to do more than 2 hours on it.

Would I purchase another?
Yes, if it had a more robust paint job