Kinesis Maxlight X Alloy Hardtail Mountain Bike 2019

Having the test ground of the South Down on their doorstep, means they're in the ideal location to ride for hours putting their thoughts and ideas through their paces.

Kinesis UK spent those hours either playing around in the woods or with a number board strapped to the bars to develop their latest XC frame the 'X'.

Putting everything they've learnt during the last 17 years of alloy frame design and manufacture into this completely new and very advanced alloy frame Kinesis have created a frame that rivals carbon in many ways, and hands down beats it on price. Kinesis are the only frame manufacturer to use Super Plastic Forming (SPF) on their alloy frames. Most manufacturers use Hydroformed tubes, but with SPF Kinesis can create lighter tubes and more intricate shapes that will build into a lighter and stiffer frameset.

One of the Kinesis X's design features is an oversized downtube with an SPF created hexagonal cross section, an ultra-flat top tube and seat stays with a flat diamond cross section. These tubes combine to give a frame that is superbly stiff laterally, whilst vertically compliant to help smooth out the ride. The Kinesis X has been designed with internally routed full-length gear outer as this is better for sealing out the elements and will keep you shifting accurately for longer.

Full length outer has the added benefit of making an internally routed gear cable change simple and quick to do. With a replaceable rear derailleur hanger that's integrated into both the Thru Axle and the dropout of the frame Kinesis have increased the rigidity of the rear hanger, without compromising its ability to break away in an emergency, giving you tight and precise shifting while adaptable cable ports allow you to build the X with set up of your choice. Di2, 1x gearing, dropper post - it's your choice.

Kinesis UK offers X in a true full size range from XS through to XL. The XS frame is designed around 650b wheels, whilst all other sizes have 29", to minimise stand over height and toe overlap, benefiting the rider when hustling the frame around your local XC course or when loaded up for your next adventure. The X has been designed to be compatible with a 100-120mm suspension fork, a Lauf Trail Racer fork or a Kinesis Maxlight Carbon rigid fork.

Frameset Frame: Super Plastic Formed 7046 Aluminium tubing.

Fork: Rockshox Revelation RC DebonAir - 140mm Wheelset Wheels: Shining DB-Z50 Double Wall - 27.5 Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Bike Park - 27.5 x 2.35" Drivetrain Gear Shifters: SRAM NX1 - 11 Speed Brake Levers: SRAM Guide Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX1 - 11 Speed Chainset: SRAM NX1 Boost - 32T.

Cassette: SRAM - 11 / 42T.

Chain: Sram PC1130 Pedals: Not included Components Saddle: Selle Italia X1 Seatpost: Ritchey Comp Handlebars: Ritchey Comp - 720mm Stem: Ritchey Comp - 60mm Brake Calipers: SRAM Guide.