Kinesis launched the original Tripster ATR in 2012 and it came to be something of a genre-defining bike. With a titanium frameset, slack geometry, disc brakes and clearance for chunky tyres, it was a machine designed for adventure.
Now Kinesis have introduced the Tripster ATR V2 – making a number of subtle but significant updates to fine-tune a frame which has become one of the Sussex-based brand’s best-selling models.
What’s new, then? Kinesis have used a new, custom titanium tubeset, featuring an increased gauge on the downtube and a flattened section on the toptube. The ATR V2 is a frame ideally setup for mixed terrain bike packing adventures and Kinesis say the new tubeset allow frame bags to sit more securely on the bike, while also making the bike more comfortable to shoulder.
The rear triangle has also been updated to accommodate flat mount disc brakes, while a dual rear dropout system gives ATR V2 riders the choice of running the 12x142mm thru-axle that come as standard, or a traditional 9x135mm quick release.
The internal routing now takes brake and shifter cables/hydraulic hoses/Di2 wiring inside the frame, in a move which Kinesis say reduces water or mud ingress, while also improving shifting reliability. A third bottle cage mount has also been added under the downtube.
Tyre clearance is key for a bike like the Tripster ATR, designed to be fast on road and versatile off-road, and the second version of the frame can run up to 45mm 700c tyres (or 40mm with mudguards). Kinesis say it’s also possible to run 650B wheels with two-inch mountain bike tyres. A new straight blade, full carbon, tapered 12mm thru-axle fork has helped increase the tyre clearance and is available separately for £279.99.
“Right from the beginning in 2012, the Tripster surprised us with how popular it was and how much people enjoyed building them and riding them,” said Kinesis’ Bruce Dalton. “They’ve always been fun to ride, capable and tough and people have taken them on some amazing adventures all over the world, like adventurer Ed Shoote from We Love Mountains.
“We’ve given the Tripster a thorough re-design for this new V2 model. Customers and our ambassadors were telling us they wanted an even more capable and versatile bike to help them do more adventurous riding but with all of the qualities they loved about the original. We’ve worked long and hard on making the V2 an even better bike and we’re really pleased with the end result.”
Kinesis called upon adventurer Mike Hall, the Tour Divide record holder and organiser of the Transcontinental race, to showcase the Tripster ATR V2 in its natural environment, on the roads and trails around Hall’s home in mid-Wales. Check out the video at the top for a flavour of what the ATR V2 is capable of.
The Tripster ATR V2 is available to order now as a frame only for £1,849.99 and comes in seven sizes from 48cm to 63cm.
Website: Kinesis Bikes
