Handmade from a double-butted titanium tube set the GF Ti is a high-quality offering laden with pleasing details.
The welding is uniformly neat, contributing to an understatedly elegant appearance accented by white logos and a beautifully engraved head badge.
The 7mm bullet-shaped drop outs are reassuringly sturdy without sacrificing the frame’s aesthetics.
And if we assume that anyone seeking a “bike for life” will have a variety of purposes for their sole machine, the inclusion of mudguard and rack mounts will be welcomed.
We found the GF Ti unexpectedly fast, more than capable of delivering a rapid but stable ride
… predictable handling soon inspired sufficient confidence to throw the bike into corners…
Climbing proved to be the GF Ti’s forte, its low weight allowing it to rocket up climbs.
It proved stable during long, seated ascents, and stiff on short, punchy climbs taken out of the saddle.
On descents, the GF Ti’s stability was again a welcome factor.
Summary:
The Kinesis UK Gran Fondo Ti impressed us.
Surprisingly light and fast for a frame whose materials and geometry lay no claim to raw speed, it was a pleasure to ride.
It was at its best going uphill, and while its ability to accelerate from corners and into sprints was adequate, its low weight delivered a consistently fast cruising speed.
Something that’s really stood out to me in watching the beginning of this season’s pro-cycling coverage is how many team bikes are now running 40mm+ deep section aero wheels on every stage – every those with a lot of climbing. Seriously, take a look at any pro road race going on and check it out if you haven’t already noticed it.
