The Kinesis range has always been a go-to for cost-effective frames and the brand's steel Decade VIRSA is no exception. The complete bike package doesn’t really do the chassis justice though.
Sorted steel tubes
If you’ve been in the biking game for a couple of decades you’ll recognise the Tange Prestige name and this latest ‘Japan’ version is a top-quality double-butted steel tubeset. Kinesis has used it to create a versatile frame that’ll stand the test of time too.
The ring-reinforced 44mm head tube can take a tapered fork, and the closed triangular box gusset behind the head tube and the relatively big top and down tubes (31mm and 38mm in diameter, respectively) mean the frame can cope with 130mm (5.1in) travel forks without worry.
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At the far end, switchable ‘Swopout’ dropouts from Upgrade Bikes stablemates DMR allow any sort of rear axle configuration. Our sample came with a fixed-lever 142x12mm axle but there’s even a horizontal dropout option that combines with the slotted sliding brake mounts for easy singlespeed conversion. Dented, tapered stays just about give room for a muddy 2.3in tyre and the wishbone seatstays are a classic steel bike design feature.
The 27.2mm seat tube limits dropper post choices but the lack of seat tube bottle mounts means you can slam a conventional post if you need to. Three colours are available and at £349.99 for such a high quality, versatile frame it’s a bargain.
Some compromised kit
There are some really good own-brand kit highlights in this fixed-spec package too. The Maxlight IX wheels are light and lively with tubeless-ready rims of a reasonable width, creating a great rolling chassis with the Decade VIRSA frame. The Kinesis Strut carbon flat bar is one of our favourite trail/XC bars too, with a really comfy feel and very low weight for under £100.
Ripping ride – if you tweak the build
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