Kinesis has long aligned itself with riders seeking affordable, durable bikes built to go the distance, whether that’s tackling ultra-endurance events like the Transcontinental Race or racking up miles closer to home. The new RTD aluminium road frameset is designed to rival carbon for performance, value, durability, and real-world usability. Priced at £950, the RTD frameset pairs an aluminium frame with a carbon fork, disc brakes, endurance-focused geometry, and clearance for tyres up to 34 mm.
The new Kinesis RTD (Race The Distance) claims to be the “ultimate endurance aluminium road bike frameset”, designed to “rival carbon for performance, while significantly outperforming it on value, durability and real-world usability”.
This is partly due to the proprietary Super Plastic Forming (SPF) which allows for lighter tubes and more intricate shapes to be created compared to the more common hydroforming technique, according to Kinesis
On the scales the frame weighs a claimed 1,400g for a size 51cm, which is certainly a decent weight for the sort of riding this frame is intended for.
Kinesis describes the RTD as a true do-everything, four-season road frameset, in a similar vein to its well-regarded 4S platform. That versatility is something our head of video, Liam Cahill, has firsthand experience with.
He said, “When I sold my 4 Seasons Disc, it was simply because I wouldn’t be doing a long distance bike commute, or much winter riding going forward. But that bike was exceptional for those purposes. It looks like Kinesis has paid attention to the needs of the prospective RTD rider. Elements like the fork routing for a dynamo light, front and rear threaded mounts in the fork crown, and the updated geometry all point to a future classic.”
Kinesis typically develops its own carbon forks, and the RTD follows the same approach. The frameset features a new RTD carbon fork with internal routing for brake hoses and dynamo cables, and threaded mounts. Adaptable cable ports allow the RTD to be configured for mechanical or electronic drivetrains, in both 1x and 2x setups. It also has a 12mm thru-axle and the graphics match the frame.
Tyre clearance remains the same as the previous generation with space for up to 34mm tyres without mudguards or 30mm with mudguards. While some pro-level bikes offer more room, other endurance models, such as the Lauf Úthald and Mason Definition 3.0, provide similar clearance, accommodating tyres up to 35 mm.
As for the geometry, Kinesis says that the new RTD has been “meticulously refined to deliver a rare balance of responsiveness and stability. The handling remains confident and predictable…making it an exceptional endurance road bike frameset”
A size 54cm frame has a 570mm stack and 389mm reach, 1,025mm wheelbase, 420mm chainstays and a 166mm head tube. There are seven sizes from 48 to 60cm available.
It has used an oversized down tube, flared top tube and tapered head tube to deliver suitable frame stiffness, while a 27.2mm seatpost and flattened seat stays help to provide a bit of bump-absorbing comfort.
It’s sold in just the Pepper Red with black graphics. Liam adds, “I would, however, take this chance to ask Kinesis to bring back the hot pink colour. I lost count of the number of people, from inside and outside of the cycling world, who said something along the lines of “gosh that’s a nice bike, I bet it was really expensive”.”
The RTD frameset costs £950, keeping it under £1,000 and only £100 more than the 2018 Scandium RTD frame.
Kinesis offers a five-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the forks. For more information, head over to kinesisbikes.co.uk
Would you choose a modern aluminium frameset like the RTD over carbon for your next endurance bike? Let us know in the comments section below.
