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Long Termers: Benji’s Kinesis Decade Virsa March 2nd, 2010
Benji’s Kinesis Decade Virsa
Price: £349 frame only
From: Upgrade www.kinesisdecade.co.uk
Just a quick update, I’ve finally been able to give the bike – in its new weight-weenie build-up – a good spanking on some proper trails. Although in theory it’s been de-gnarled a bit by putting a shorter travel fork (100mm Magura Durin SL) on the front rather than its previous 140mm Magura Thor, out on the trail it hasn’t lost too much technical/descending capability. The lowered BB height (and subsequent lower centre-of-gravity of the rider) has helped to offset any undue side-effects that come with the steepening of the head angle.
It feels a bit more connected to the trail, less vague. It flies uphill like a rocket and whips along sinuous singletrack joyously. The lateral twangy-ness feeling almost like a benefit than a distraction (as it could do when the bike was in “hardcore hardtail” build).
It’s still THAT lovely green colour. I think it needs a more appropriate seatpost and prettier saddle though.
More riding required ASAP 
P.S. it weighs 22.7 lbs.
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Hard to see what’s going on in that photo – lovely looking bike though. I think 100mm hardtails are underrated at the mo.
Sorry! Go to http://www.singletrackworld.com/reviews/long-termers-benjis-kinesis-decade-virsa/ for lots of clear pics of it
Just realised I forgot to include the weight. Oops! Now where did I put that Post-It note…?
22.7lbs it says here http://www.singletrackworld.com/reviews/long-termers-benjis-kinesis-decade-virsa/ very respectable too!!
Thanks Dom. Updated it now
Do Oval do aluminium 27.2mm 400mm seatposts…?
Yes! An ‘M600′ 400mm post weighs 220g. Need one??
I really want one of these but i fear i’m too lanky
That one looks like a 19.5″…? How tall are you benji? I’m 6′2″ish..
It’s the 20in size (biggest they do).
I’m just over 6ft, long legs
You’d prob be okay (esp. if you run longer-than-80mm stems and a layback seatpost).
Im 6′1″ i run mine with a layback post and a 60mm its a good fit for me.
been rollin’ mine S/S with a 90mm stem and longish old carbon s/post I had in the shed off an old Allez, large frame (in green obviously) fits me great and I’m 6′4″ (but I’ve got short legs!!!(32″))… best hardtail I’ve ridden in a long, long time…
Anybody give me a feeling how it might be with a set of Bonty carbon rigid fprks upfront? I think they are 420mm, but I’ve no idea how that equates to modern forks.
My shonky old do anything kona could be retired for one of these..