Hardtail mountain bike frame has been designed for UK winters
The Kinesis FF29 is a new adaptable hardtail mountain bike frame designed around 29in wheels and a 140mm fork.
The brand says the FF29 is a modern interpretation of the original FF29 hardtail released in 2012, and is suited for all-day riding with an emphasis on climbing as well as descents.
The frame features a 65.5-degree head angle, providing agile handling without being too slack.
Sliding dropouts feature, allowing for adjustable chainstay lengths and singlespeed setups.
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The FF29 will only be available as a frameset and is priced at £600.
Included in the price of the frame is the rear thru-axle and a 34.9mm external seat clamp.
Two paint options will be available – the lovely sparkly Black Bronze finish pictured and a Just Orange colourway.
The FF29 is expected to be available in March.
Plastic fantastic
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Kinesis says that, unlike most manufacturers that use hydroformed tubes, it has used Super Plastic Forming on the FF29.
Super Plastic Forming is a process of forming a sheet of metal that involves using hot gas pressure to press it into a die or around a single-sided tool.
This differs from hydroforming, where high-pressure hydraulic fluid presses the metal into a die.
Kinesis claims this process creates lighter and more intricately shaped tubes, which when built create a lighter and stiffer frameset.
Similar to Specialized and its ‘S’ sizing, the frame is sized by reach measurement, rather than seat tube length. The frame is available in four sizes, with the smallest L1 having a reach of 435mm and the largest being L4 at 503mm.
| Small | Medium | Large | X-Large | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | L1 | L2 | L3 | L4 |
| Centre to top tube (mm) | 370 | 395 | 425 | 465 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 100 | 111 | 120 | 127 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.5 |
| Seat tube angle (degrees) | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 |
| Chainstay (mm) | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 |
| BB drop (mm) | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 |
| Fork length (mm) | 551 | 551 | 551 | 551 |
| Fork offset (mm) | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| Stack (mm) | 630 | 640 | 648 | 655 |
| Reach (mm) | 435 | 460 | 478 | 503 |
Kinesis claims a size L3 frameset tips the scales at 2kg.
Kinesis says the frame is optimised for a dropper post and features internal routing for compatibility with most droppers.
Functional frame design
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Kinesis says it took UK winters into account when designing the FF29, using full-length externally routed brake and gear cables – a decision that mechanics will revel in.
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The frame features adjustable dropouts, which Kinesis say enables you to adjust the rear seatstay length to your preference.
Adjustable dropouts will also enable you to run a singlespeed drivetrain, should you be a masochist.
Shimano’s press-fit BB92 standard is used for the bottom bracket, a decision Kinesis says was made to accommodate 2.5in tyres because the wider bottom bracket shell allows for wider chainstay clearance.
The rear triangle is designed around modern 148mm Boost hub spacing, while the head tube takes a standard integrated headset.
The brand’s own GW Switch Lever thru-axles feature removable levers for a cleaner finish at the rear end.