Not sure about the new models, but I remember going for the XC2 because it was less stretched-out than one of their higher-end models (which I think was the XC Pro 2 - we might be talking 2009?). I have a short stem on it anyway, but that's just compensation for it being designed for more typical male proportions. I've dug up a couple of pics of it, albeit before I put the Rebas on it. It's grubby, but then I live in Swansea...
Anyone built/got a Kinesis Maxlight?
- Thread starter Crackle
- Start date
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Not sure about the new models, but I remember going for the XC2 because it was less stretched-out than one of their higher-end models (which I think was the XC Pro 2 - we might be talking 2009?). I have a short stem on it anyway, but that's just compensation for it being designed for more typical male proportions. I've dug up a couple of pics of it, albeit before I put the Rebas on it. It's grubby, but then I live in Swansea...
Oh thank you, that's excellent. What size frame have you got? Just trying to judge proportions.
That stem isn't so short by modern standards. The hire bike I used over the weekend had a stubby stem with big wide riser bars. The KM810 and XCpro3 are the ones in their current stable which are pure XC, longer top tube and lower front end, so that chimes with your recall of their lineup when you bought yours.
Mine's an 18". I guess they call that 46cm these days...
After browsing this site over the past few months, I have just signed up especially to give you some feedback!
I have a maxlight XCpro3 - I built it the begining of last year and I love it. Super light, fast and climbs like nothing I've ridden previously. Very nimble. I built it with an XT Groupset, RS Reba 100mm Fork and DT Swiss X1800 Wheelset.
Not the lightest of builds but then I'm no whippet!
I had read about the paint being thin and chipping off prior to buying and considered fitting frame protection. I didn't bother in the end and a year on, with lots of riding on stoney tracks and gravel paths and the down tube is perfectly O.K. I believe the earlier frames were not laquered, or so I have read. The three frames that I have handled certainly are and well. Maybe this was the problem and it was corrected, of course there is the chance that I ride too slow!
Paint finish is good, and the frame is very nice with the squared down tube from BB, formed to a triangular shape where it meets the head tube.
A more important problem to take note of than that of the paint, is a problem that affected some frames with rear wheel alignment. There is some info on the net in regards to these issues. My frame was perfect; my brother also has a XC pro 3 and there were also no alignment issues here either.
I have a 50cm frame with a 110mm stem and EA70 Mid rise bar. I'm 6' 2.5'' it's plenty long enough for me. The frame dimensions are actually pretty much the equivilant to a Specialised Rockhopper 21" frame so the Pro 3 are long in the top tube for the frame size.
My previous bike was a trek 6700 19.5" and this doesn't feel too disimilar, but it has streched me out a little bit more.
I'm not sure what your previous/current bike is like but it took me a while to get used to the responsivness and how snappy the turn in was when I changed rides. I had read reviews [Not Maxlight] where the tester had commented on steering response and thought to myself really it's that noticable? But that was one thing that really stood out. That and the abillity to climb hills. The power transfer from pedal to wheel was for me very noticable compared to my 4 year old Trek. Both these things are supprising really considering how much forgivness is in the frame. The whole frame seems very 'supple' and allows for considerable twisting, smoothing out the harshness when the trails get unforgiving.
No complaints from me and would happily invest into another frame if anything ever happened.
Here are some Piccys!!
Hope thats of some use to you.
I have a maxlight XCpro3 - I built it the begining of last year and I love it. Super light, fast and climbs like nothing I've ridden previously. Very nimble. I built it with an XT Groupset, RS Reba 100mm Fork and DT Swiss X1800 Wheelset.
Not the lightest of builds but then I'm no whippet!
I had read about the paint being thin and chipping off prior to buying and considered fitting frame protection. I didn't bother in the end and a year on, with lots of riding on stoney tracks and gravel paths and the down tube is perfectly O.K. I believe the earlier frames were not laquered, or so I have read. The three frames that I have handled certainly are and well. Maybe this was the problem and it was corrected, of course there is the chance that I ride too slow!
Paint finish is good, and the frame is very nice with the squared down tube from BB, formed to a triangular shape where it meets the head tube.
A more important problem to take note of than that of the paint, is a problem that affected some frames with rear wheel alignment. There is some info on the net in regards to these issues. My frame was perfect; my brother also has a XC pro 3 and there were also no alignment issues here either.
I have a 50cm frame with a 110mm stem and EA70 Mid rise bar. I'm 6' 2.5'' it's plenty long enough for me. The frame dimensions are actually pretty much the equivilant to a Specialised Rockhopper 21" frame so the Pro 3 are long in the top tube for the frame size.
My previous bike was a trek 6700 19.5" and this doesn't feel too disimilar, but it has streched me out a little bit more.
I'm not sure what your previous/current bike is like but it took me a while to get used to the responsivness and how snappy the turn in was when I changed rides. I had read reviews [Not Maxlight] where the tester had commented on steering response and thought to myself really it's that noticable? But that was one thing that really stood out. That and the abillity to climb hills. The power transfer from pedal to wheel was for me very noticable compared to my 4 year old Trek. Both these things are supprising really considering how much forgivness is in the frame. The whole frame seems very 'supple' and allows for considerable twisting, smoothing out the harshness when the trails get unforgiving.
No complaints from me and would happily invest into another frame if anything ever happened.
Here are some Piccys!!
Hope thats of some use to you.
And it's much appreciated and is definitely of some use. The geometry of my current frame is a little similar to the XCPro3, in that it's long and low. I'm probably not going for the Pro3 but the xc130 or xc3 because I want a bike for using on built trails, so I want a more upright position with a shorter stem. However all the feedback on quality, power transfer, steering response is very useful and re-assuring and one of the things I was wondering about was how forgiving the frame was compared to my current chro-mo frame, so to hear you say that it feels forgiving on rough stuff is a comfort. I thought a lighter alu frame might just compromise in that area.
I like the look of your build, I think the Kinesis frames look superb and the components all suit that frame very nicely.
Thanks
CopperCyclist
Veteran
I have an Orange Pure 7 frame that I'll shortly be ebaying if that's of any interest to you...? It's barely used, got about 100 offload miles on it top and in good condition. No probs if you'd prefer something different, it was going to be ebayed anyway just thought I'd offer it first as you mentioned the above!
19" size frame btw
Thanks for the offer but too big: Darn shame as I would happily have an Orange.
ultraviolet
it can't rain all the time....
- Location
- Hythe, Kent, UK
my brothers:
only had it for a season, couldn't get on with it
only had it for a season, couldn't get on with it
Do you know why he didn't get on with it, bearing in mind I won't be buying the XCPro3 frame?
ultraviolet
it can't rain all the time....
- Location
- Hythe, Kent, UK
well apart from the frame having the rear 'drop-outs' facing forward which means you have to have the quick-release crazy tight otherwise the rear wheel pops out under load. he did say say the ride was very harsh even with the carbon stays. i never got to ride it so thats all the info i can give you sorry
Rich XCPRO2
New Member
- Location
- Congleton, Cheshire
Hi, i have a 2006 Maxlight xcpro2, the bike has been faultless for 6 years with around 5000 careful but high octane miles. This bike goes anywhere and weights in at around 23-24lbs due to larger forks for hill climbing. I've been building bikes for over 30 years (i'm 35) so theres not much i don't know about bikes. I will build a custom bike for anyone for a fee, i will build from new or used parts regarding everything is serviceable and in good working order. I can repair broken parts but there is a limit to what anyone can do. If you want any advice, or anyone else on the thread then i'm here to help.
Rich XCPRO2
New Member
- Location
- Congleton, Cheshire
Nice buildAfter browsing this site over the past few months, I have just signed up especially to give you some feedback!
I have a maxlight XCpro3 - I built it the begining of last year and I love it. Super light, fast and climbs like nothing I've ridden previously. Very nimble. I built it with an XT Groupset, RS Reba 100mm Fork and DT Swiss X1800 Wheelset.
Not the lightest of builds but then I'm no whippet!
I had read about the paint being thin and chipping off prior to buying and considered fitting frame protection. I didn't bother in the end and a year on, with lots of riding on stoney tracks and gravel paths and the down tube is perfectly O.K. I believe the earlier frames were not laquered, or so I have read. The three frames that I have handled certainly are and well. Maybe this was the problem and it was corrected, of course there is the chance that I ride too slow!
Paint finish is good, and the frame is very nice with the squared down tube from BB, formed to a triangular shape where it meets the head tube.
A more important problem to take note of than that of the paint, is a problem that affected some frames with rear wheel alignment. There is some info on the net in regards to these issues. My frame was perfect; my brother also has a XC pro 3 and there were also no alignment issues here either.
I have a 50cm frame with a 110mm stem and EA70 Mid rise bar. I'm 6' 2.5'' it's plenty long enough for me. The frame dimensions are actually pretty much the equivilant to a Specialised Rockhopper 21" frame so the Pro 3 are long in the top tube for the frame size.
My previous bike was a trek 6700 19.5" and this doesn't feel too disimilar, but it has streched me out a little bit more.
I'm not sure what your previous/current bike is like but it took me a while to get used to the responsivness and how snappy the turn in was when I changed rides. I had read reviews [Not Maxlight] where the tester had commented on steering response and thought to myself really it's that noticable? But that was one thing that really stood out. That and the abillity to climb hills. The power transfer from pedal to wheel was for me very noticable compared to my 4 year old Trek. Both these things are supprising really considering how much forgivness is in the frame. The whole frame seems very 'supple' and allows for considerable twisting, smoothing out the harshness when the trails get unforgiving.
No complaints from me and would happily invest into another frame if anything ever happened.
Here are some Piccys!!
Hope thats of some use to you.
Rich XCPRO2
New Member
- Location
- Congleton, Cheshire
Rich XCPRO2
New Member
- Location
- Congleton, Cheshire
Rich XCPRO2
New Member
- Location
- Congleton, Cheshire
spec: Maxlight XCPRO2 - FSA sealed headset - Rockshox REBA 85mm-115mm with poploc - THOMSON ELITE 50mm stem - THOMSON ELITE layback post - HOPE seat clamp - WTB seat ti rails - EASTON EA70 risers- HOPE bar ends - SRAM X0 gripshift - SHIMANO XTR gear cable set - SHIMANO XT crankset - DMR V12 MAG, ti axles - SHIMANO XTR front mech - SRAM X0 rear mech - SHIMANO XTR cassette - SHIMANO XTR chain - HOPE disc hubs - SHIMANO XTR skewers - DT SWISS spokes - MAVIC 717 rims- HOPE MONO MINI brakes - HOPE floating discs - GOODRIDGE hoses - GOODRIDGE union bolts - GOODRIDGE pads
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