The Kink Gap is a popular BMX bike that is available in three variations: the Kink Gap, the Kink Gap XL, and the Kink Gap free coaster. In this review, we will be focusing on the free coaster version of the Kink Gap.
Weighing in at 27.2 pounds and priced at $529, the Kink Gap free coaster is a mid-range BMX bike that may not be suitable for everyone. This bike is one of the most affordable freecoaster BMX bikes, but the low quality is not suitable for all.
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Our goal in this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Kink Gap free coaster, including its price, weight, sizing, geometry, and quality. By the end of this review, you should have a good idea of whether the Kink Gap is worth your investment.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $529 |
| Weight | 27.2 pounds |
| Toptube size | 20.5 inches |
| Head tube angle | 75 degrees |
| Standover height | 9 inches |
| Chainstay length | 13.25 inches |
| Bottom bracket height | 11.6 inches |
| Fork offset | 32 millimeters |
| Handlebar width | 29 inches |
| Stem length | 50 millimeters |
| Crank length | 175 millimeters |
| Rim material | Single wall |
| Brake type | Mission u-brakes |
Overview:
The Kink Gap free coaster is priced at $529 and weighs 27.2 pounds. It is fully upgradable and customizable, so you can change out the parts to suit your preferences. However, it does not come with pegs or hub guards, so you will need to purchase those separately if you want to grind on the bike. It does come with a standard set of Mission u-brakes, which are sufficient for most riding styles but may not offer the highest level of stopping power.
| Geometry | Detail |
|---|---|
| Toptube size | 20.5 inches |
| Head tube angle | 75 degrees |
| Standover height | 9 inches |
| Chainstay length | 13.25 inches |
| Bottom bracket height | 11.6 inches |
| Suitable rider height | Between 5’6″ and 5’9″ |
| How will it feel? | Average. A healthy balance of stability and responsiveness |
In terms of color options, the Kink Gap free coaster is only available in a flashy Chrome plated finish. It comes with a 20.5 inch top tube, which is suitable for riders who are between 5’6″ and 5’9″ in height. The frame geometry of the Kink Gap free coaster includes a 75 degree head tube angle, 9 inch standover height, 13.25 inch chainstay length, and 11.6 inch bottom bracket height. This geometry is fairly standard and gives the bike a stable feel, thanks to the longer than average chainstay length.
| Geometry | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fork offset | 32 millimeters |
| Handlebar width | 29 inches |
| Stem length | 50 millimeters |
| Crank length | 175 millimeters |
Other parts of the bike, such as the fork offset, handlebar width, stem length, and crank length, also affect the handling and feel of the bike. The Kink Gap freecoaster has a 32 millimeter fork offset, 29 inch wide handlebars, 50-millimeter reach stem, and 175 millimeter cranks. The rims of the bike are single wall, these low-quality rims could cause issues for heavier riders or riders who are riding at a high level.
Sizing & Geometry:
The Kink Gap free coaster is suitable for riders who are between 5’6″ and 5’9″ in height, thanks to its 20.5 inch top tube. The frame geometry of the bike is designed to give it a stable and responsive feel on the trails or in the park. The head tube angle of 75 degrees, standover height of 9 inches, chainstay length of 13.25 inches, and bottom bracket height of 11.6 inches all contribute to the overall handling and feel of the bike.
Overall, the sizing and geometry of the Kink Gap free coaster should work well for riders who are within the recommended height range and who are looking for a stable and responsive BMX bike. If you’re taller or shorter than the recommended range, or if you have specific preferences in terms of geometry, it may be worth considering alternative options.
Quality:
| Part | Material | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Trimoly (hi-tensile/chromoly mix) | 5/10 |
| Forks | Hi-tensile legs with chromoly steerer | 4/10 |
| Bars | Hi-tensile | 3/10 |
| Cranks | Chromoly, 8 spline | 6/10 |
| Rims | Single wall | 3/10 |
When it comes to the quality of the Kink Gap free coaster, it’s important to consider the materials and construction of the frame, fork, bars, rims, and cranks. The frame is trimoly, which is essentially a mixture of chromoly and hi-tensile steel. This often leads to issues with the hi-tensile steel back end bending over time.
The handlebars are also hi-tensile. The cranks are good-quality chromoly and should be able to withstand plenty of abuse, the downside is the chunky and heavy 8-spline build. Overall, the Kink Gap free coaster has a solid set of parts that should hold up well to the demands of BMX riding if you’re under 150lbs.
While it’s always a good idea to inspect the bike carefully before you buy it, the Kink Gap free coaster appears to be well-constructed and should provide good value for the price. It’s important to remember that no bike is perfect, and even the highest quality bikes will require maintenance and repairs from time to time.
Final Thoughts:
So, do I recommend the Kink Gap free coaster? Overall, I think that the Kink Gap is a solid mid-range BMX bike that offers good value for the price. It has a solid set of specs, including a durable frame, fork, and cranks, as well as responsive handling and a stable feel. But this bike is slightly overpriced for the quality you receive. I would recommend getting a kink whip, cult control, or fly proton
