Kinesis launch Aithein in limited edition anodised finish

The Launch Edition of Kinesis’ new Aithein bike is now available.

We’ve been following the development of this bike over the past few months. First, we interviewed designer Dom Mason about the whole concept of this new lightweight alloy road bike, we saw a nearly-ready prototype, and then we showed you some spy shots of the finished article. 

Kinesis have employed their new superplastic forming (SPF) process here, using higher temperatures and lower pressures than with hydroforming in order to produced thinner-walled tubes.

Kinesis say that the Aithein frame weighs as little as 1,041g – that's lighter than Cannondale's CAAD10, for example (Cannondale quote a frame weight of 1,150g). The monocoque carbon fork is 357g. The bottom bracket is a wide BB86 for the efficient transfer of power while the head tube is tapered with a 1 1/2in lower bearing for more rigidity up front..

The Launch Edition Aithein, available in limited numbers, has a special anodised finish using laser-etched graphics, metallic grey decals with lime detailing.

The standard finish frames will be following close behind. There will be two painted options finished in SickGreen metallic or SweetOrange metallic.

Kinesis have put a rider weight limit of 14st (89kg) on the Aithein which is available in five sizes from 47cm to 59cm

The price for the frame, fork and headset is £649.99.

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