Singular Kite 'crosser
Throughout this week we’ve been taking a closer look at some of the gems from the London Bike Show, starting with the Cervelo R5ca and then Independent Fabrication’s Ti Factory Lightweight.
Next up is Singular’s first foray into cyclo-cross – the Kite. There was a host of fine looking bikes on Singular’s stand but this singlespeed number really caught the eye. Their Peregrine is capable as doubling up as a ‘crosser but the Kite is a more purebred machine.
This beautifully crafted steed, with its subtle yet striking battleship grey with charcoal panel and pink logo, has been some time in the making, with Singular originally hoping to have it in the shops in time for the current ‘cross season.
But unforeseen delays pushed back production and Singular have opted for a August/September release date to hit the 2011 ‘cross campaign.
Offered as a frame and fork or custom complete build, the Kite features a custom drawn triple butted 4130 cro-mo frame and steel fork with lugged crown and clearance for <45mm tyres. An optional full carbon fork, painted to match, is also available, with maximum clearance for 38mm tyres.
Other features on this singlespeed ‘crosser include two bottle cage bosses, head tube mounted cable stops, 1 1/8″ external headtube, 132.5mm rear spacing and low-profile brake bosses. Singular’s Kite on display at the London Bike Show also featured a straddle wire, which helps eliminate brake shudder.
The Kite can only take cantilever brakes and, with no rack mounts or mudguard mounts, this is for getting down and dirty to ride ‘cross.
The frame is available in 50, 53, 56 and 59cm, with the 56 weighing approximately 4.6lbs. The Kite is expected to retail at somewhere around £490 with a steel fork and £590 with a carbon fork.
The prototype on show was built-up with Reynolds DV46 wheels, FSA Force K ‘bars, Cinelli ‘bar tape, USE Alien Pave seatpost, San Marco Zoncolan Ti saddle, Campag Record Carbon brake levers, Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes with Swisstop yellow pads, Acros SH02 headset, Campag Chorus carbon post, Campag Chorus carbon cranks 36, KMC X9 chain, On One 16T cog and Vittoria EVO XM tubulars. Very nice.
So there you have it – the Singular Kite. This bike looks like a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to seeing it come off the production line later this year. Impressed?
