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Kinesis announces second generation Tripster ATR + video

Titanium all-rounder gets a new tubeset, flat mount compatibility and increased tyre clearance

Kinesis UK has announced the launch of a second generation of its Tripster ATR titanium all-rounder. The Tripster ATR v2 features revised tubing and geometry, internal routing, and compatibility with thru axles and 700c and 650B wheels.

Check out our review of the first generation Kinesis Tripster ATR frameset. 

Launched in 2012, the Tripster became one of Kinesis’ best selling models. ATR stands for Adventure-Tour-Race, hinting at Kinesis' aim of making this bike as versatile as possible. 

When we reviewed the bike we called it “a capable and beautiful titanium all-rounder with a great ride".

“If you're looking for a bike for Audaxes, touring and general ranting about the ATR is brilliantly capable,” said Dave. “It's lovingly made, the ride quality is excellent and it'll throw its hand at most things with only minimal changes to the build.”

Kinesis Tripster ATR v2 - cable routing 2.jpg

So what’s changed with version two?

“There’s a new custom titanium tubeset featuring an increased gauge on the down tube and a flattened off section of the top tube,” says Kinesis UK. “Additionally, there’s a new rear triangle design incorporating flat mount disc brakes and a new switchable rear dropout system that gives owners the choice of running a 12 x 142mm thru axle or a more traditional 9 x 135mm QR.”
 
New internal routing accommodates brake and shifter cables/ hoses/Di2 wiring inside the frame. There’s also a third bottle cage mount under the down tube. 

Tripster ATR v2 2016 - 4.jpg

Tyre clearance is increased. Kinesis says that it’s now possible to run 700c tyres up to 45mm wide (or 40mm with mudguards) and it’s also possible to run 650B wheels with 2in mountain bike tyres. Kinesis has also released a new straight blade, full carbon, tapered 12mm thru axle fork called the ATR for the Tripster, available separately for £279.99.

Kinesis is supporting the launch of the Tripster V2 with a video featuring Tour Divide record holder and Transcontinental organiser and brand ambassador Mike Hall, shot recently in Wales.

The Tripster ATR v2 (frame only) is available to order now for £1,849.99. 

For more info go to www.kinesisbikes.co.uk.

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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9 comments

Avatar
Rhode_Long | 7 years ago
0 likes

I have had the Mk1 since January and it is a wonderful machine. Best bike ever! Whilst I like the little touches they have done to improve it, the Mk1 was £350 cheaper and included the fork then!

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
1 like

I was thinking the same, yes its a lovely bike frame with lots of scope for various setups, but compared to a Fairlight Faran steel frame, is it worth nearly 3 times as much?  

Avatar
kil0ran | 7 years ago
2 likes

How much??? 

Big increase over the Mk1, and more expensive than the GF Ti Disc

Lovely though...

Avatar
morebikes | 7 years ago
0 likes

Any one tied 650b wheels in the mk1 frame?

 

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Aezreth | 7 years ago
0 likes

Yes please!

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geargrinderbeard | 7 years ago
0 likes

Why is the dedicated fork not capable of taking the same size rubber as the frame?!

 

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fukawitribe replied to geargrinderbeard | 7 years ago
0 likes
geargrinderbeard wrote:

Why is the dedicated fork not capable of taking the same size rubber as the frame?!

 

There's only a wee difference in the 650b capacity if their specs are correct, 700c is the same, and they do say it's sold frame only so you can choose whatever fork you want. Is it an issue ?

Avatar
jollygoodvelo | 7 years ago
1 like

A lovely, lovely looking bike.   650b wheels with 2" tyres? Bonkers.   4

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Simon E replied to jollygoodvelo | 7 years ago
0 likes

jollygoodvelo wrote:

A lovely, lovely looking bike.   650b wheels with 2" tyres? Bonkers.   4

By "Bonkers" I guess you mean perfect.  4

If only I had the money! Not that I would do it justice. <sigh>

Video was filmed in the Elan Valley and Cwmystwyth, a terrific area for riding both on tarmac and offroad.

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