SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Kinesis DC37 disc fork is intended as an aftermarket upgrade for more traditional framesets with non-integrated head tubes, which still remain very popular-particularly in cyclo cross circles.

 

Tipping the scales at a sensible 650g; build quality is noticeably superior to many I’ve come to expect from this price point. Painted and lacquered straight carbon blades with 45 degree rake are neatly fused to a 6061 aluminium crown and 300mm steerer.  Dun finishes are generally a turn off for me but this one seems well applied and instantly forgotten once fitted.

 

Since we’re on the subject, the total axle to crown measurement is 405mm, which buys a little extra mud clearance sans asphalt and shouldn’t dampen the handling of bikes running something around the 390mm mark. 

 

That said; it’s worth getting the tape measure out and comparing with existing forks to avoid any nasty surprises-especially if you’re running an older frameset with some unwelcome toe clip overlap. 

 

Thankfully the forged ends and inner disc mount are left in their raw state, shouldn’t turn furry at the first hint of gritting Lorries and despite those obligatory “lawyers lips”; whipping wheels in and out is painless enough.  

 

Mudguard eyelets and drilled crown curried further favour with me. However, retro fitting the existing guards required some trial and error to prevent lower stays fouling the brake calliper’s rotor arm, causing pads to bind against the disc. This was eventually cured by some not-too delicate manipulation of the stays and unlikely to prove a headache with fresh guards.  

 

Handling initially felt twitchy compared with my ‘cross inspired winter/trainer’s curly carbon blades, though never unpredictable and I soon revelled in the responsive, flickable persona. Beefier legs give a more direct feel, without denting the fatigue busting damping characteristics over washboard tarmac and lumpier trails. 

 

This inspires a more aggressive riding style and with mudguards ditched, I’ve had no problems tackling singletrack and bridle path at impressive speeds without unnecessary bounce. In these contexts, some slight harshness crept in after 90mins or so but this is relative to other carbon/composites and didn’t induce any tingling around the ulnar nerve.

 

Ultimately, while lacking the outright pzazz of full carbon exotica, the DC37 remains an excellent choice for riders converting to discs or upgrading an OEM fork.