Some think of the "do-it-all" bike as a myth, ranked alongside unicorns and honest politicians. Others see it as the dream of the significant other, wishing to deny the validity of the "n + 1" formula. I myself am still trying to get my head around the idea that one bike could possibly be all things to all cyclists - however the Kinesis Granfondo comes very close.
I've been cycling for many years and in that time have had more bikes than I care to admit (certainly to my wife). The buying of bikes - researching, comparing, justifying, pausing, pleading and finally purchasing, has always been part of me and cycling, probably more than the actual cycling. It was a running joke in my mountain biking days, that each time I would meet my friends for a biannual blast at some distant bike park - I would have a new steed. This habit continued on into my road cycling days as I graduated from my first basic road bike, purchasing slowly more "fancy" road bikes - each time the bikes being more elaborate and more expensive.
My encounter with the Kinesis Granfondo was by chance. I had completed my trip to Italy on my Genesis Equilibrium Ti and the journey had been effected by the bike. After each day in the saddle, the rear wheel would slowly track across and begin rubbing against the rear stays. I tried changing wheels, tyres, quick release and still the problem persisted. I finally relented and handed the bike over to Genesis to check the frame. It turned out the frame was twisted and they offered to refund me. The team at Rutland Cycles were great and gave me a host of options and in the end I settled for the Kinesis Granfondo. It was a more expensive build than the Genesis, but convincing myself (and my significant other) that this was a "bike for life", I made the purchase.
My first impression of the bike was the attention to detail that some "magician of the welding realm" had taken. The frame has an organic quality, that flows and gives it life. The rear stays seemed more muscular than I was expecting, but I viewed that as a positive due to its primary role as my touring bike. The carbon fork also was not some "Bambi's leg" affair, more purposeful and solid. The frame oozed craftsmanship - somebody had taken their time building this frame. I dressed the bike in the full Shimano Ultegra that I had liberated from the Genesis, but added new wheels. I chose Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, which I still have some mixed feelings about. They look great, but as a choice for touring they are probably a bit too flexible.
I have covered over 3000 miles on the bike, including one big tour of France and the bike has been faultless. The setup is very touring, with a high stack height and elevated stem. I added a Brooks B13 saddle, which is a bit of an armchair, however the comfort is undeniable. I've ridden the bike over a range of terrains, including sand, gravel and even a mountain bike park (GPS error!!!) and I have never had a moments doubt. I loaded the bike with approximately 15kg of kit and headed across to France this year. The bike was amazing and I covered 1500km without any creaks, faults or pains.
What does the future hold for me and the Kinesis GF? I have plans to strip her down and make her into a full-bore racing bike again at some stage - di2 components, light weight wheels and remove the armchair. But for the moment she will remain in her touring form and I'll continue to look at upgrading other rides in the stable.
