Are you considering purchasing the 2023 Kink Whip BMX bike? If so, you’re not alone. The Kink Whip has been a popular choice among BMX riders for years, but the 2023 model has faced criticism for its high price and heavy weight. In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth review of the Kink Whip, answering common questions about the bike and helping you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
We understand that the Kink Whip may not be the perfect bike for everyone, we encourage you to request a free bike recommendation if you’re struggling to find the right fit. Click the link here for a free bike recommendation.
Our goal in this blog post is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about the Kink Whip. We’ll cover topics like pricing and weight, upgradability, braking systems, sizing and geometry, and overall quality. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of the Kink Whip’s strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll be able to decide for yourself if it’s worth the investment. So without further ado, let’s dive into the 2023 Kink Whip BMX bike.
| Price | $549.99 |
| Weight | 27.8 pounds |
| Upgradability | Fully upgradable and customizable |
| Pegs and Hub Guards | Not included |
| Brakes | Mission U-brakes |
| Top Tube Size | 20.5 inches |
| Rim Material | Double wall |
| Handlebar Material | 100% 4130 chromoly steel |
| Fork Material | 4130 chromoly steel |
| Frame Material | 100% 4130 chromoly steel |
| Crank Material | 4130 chromoly steel |
Sizing & Geometry:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a BMX bike is sizing and geometry. You want a bike that fits your body and riding style, and the Kink Whip offers a few options in this regard.
The Kink Whip is available in a 20.5 inch top tube size, which is suitable for riders between 5’6″ and 5’9″. If you fall outside of this height range, you may want to consider the Kink Whip XL, which has a 21 inch top tube size. That bike is reviewed here.
| Geometry | Detail |
|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 75 degrees |
| Standover Height | 9 inches |
| Chain Stay Length | 13.25 inches |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 11.6 inches |
Aside from the top tube size, there are four other geometries on the Kink Whip’s frame that will affect how the bike feels: the head tube angle, standover height, chain stay length, and bottom bracket height. The Kink Whip has a 75 degree head tube angle, a 9 inch standover height, a 13.25 inch chain stay, and an 11.6 inch bottom bracket. These geometries are considered average and should suit a wide range of riders, but it’s always a good idea to test ride a bike before making a purchase to see how it feels for you. If you are unable to test the bike, know that it will feel balanced between responsive and stable.
In addition to the frame geometries, the Kink Whip’s tires can also impact the bike’s handling and stability. The Kink Whip comes with 2.4 inch wide tires, which are on the wider side and may offer more grip and stability, but may also feel slower and less agile compared to narrower tires.
Quality:
When it comes to BMX bikes, quality is an important factor to consider. A bike with high-quality components is more likely to last longer and perform better, making it a good investment in the long run. So how does the Kink Whip stack up in terms of quality?
| Component | Material | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | 100% 4130 chromoly steel | 7/10 |
| Fork | 4130 chromoly steel | 7/10 |
| Handlebars | 100% 4130 chromoly steel | 7/10 |
| Rims | Single wall | 6/10 |
| Cranks | 4130 chromoly steel | 6/10 |
Remember: It’s best to get the highest level of quality that you can afford.
Starting with the frame, the Kink Whip is made of 100% 4130 chromoly steel. Chromoly steel is a strong and durable material that is commonly used in BMX bikes, so the Kink Whip’s frame should hold up well over time.
The fork of the Kink Whip is also made of 4130 chromoly steel, which is a good sign. Very similar to the forks, the bars hit the mark with full chromoly.
The rims are mission mylar double wall rims. Double wall rims are a MUST for riders over 150lbs who plan to learn tricks on this bike.
The Kink Whip is the first bike in Kink’s lineup that checks all of my boxes for a good mid level box. I’m impressed with the quality.
Final Thoughts:
So, is the 2023 Kink Whip BMX bike worth the investment? After reviewing the bike’s specs and performance, here are our final thoughts:
The 2023 Kink Whip is good enough quality for most riders who will be buying it as their first bike. The Full chromoly main components are sure to last for a while. The two drawbacks are the weight of the bike, and the lack of pegs and hubguards. Even with the $50 price increase, the 2023 model is still adequate value but it has been dethroned by the Fly Proton BMX bike as the best-value BMX Bike.
