KCNC have a reputation for lightweight components, with accessories ranging from titanium cassettes to flat pedals to headset spacers.

We wanted to take a look at three typical upgrades components; handlebars, stem and seatpost. As luck would have it we’ve been building up the latest Bikemagic Project Bike and this served as the ideal opportunity to put the KCNC bits to the test. Here’s a first look.

SC Pro Lite Scandium post

The post is the highlight of the three parts tested here. The machined head uses a clever twin-bolt clamp that works in a similar fashion to the old RaceFace XYO, but is much smaller and lighter than that classic post ever was. A 4mm Allen bolt clamps the rails of the saddle securely in place while another bolt allows for independent adjustment of the saddle angle.

It’s one of the easiest and nicest posts to set up that we’ve seen in a long while. And so far the saddle hasn’t slipped or rotated in the clamp, it’s just been impressive from the box to the trail.

Weight is kept to a minimum with a variable wall thickness scandium shaft, and it’s available in a lanky 400mm length, as pictured, which is ideal for cross-country racers who like to run their saddles high.

It costs £95.99

SC Bone riser bar

With a wide and very flat profile the scandium bar is a highlight. It weighs just 230g, not far off that claimed by many carbon fibre handlebars.

There’s a noticeable lack of sweep when compared to most other handlebars, it feels like an extended flat bar more than anything but this probably better suits the riders that are likely to buy such a handlebar. It feels good on the Kinesis so far in testing.

While there are impressively light, they’re not all that stiff, at least compared to the carbon bars of the test bike I was riding right before jumping on the Kinesis with these bars. There’s a little bit of flex noticeable when giving it the beans, but not so far in a scary sort of way. If the bar is too wide there are trim marks.

Fly Ride stem

CNC machined from 6061 aluminium the Fly Ride stem weighs just 120g. In a 90mm length, pictured here, it has a 5 degree rise and 38mm stack height. There’s not much we can say about the stem this early on, but it’s stiff and light, and completes the finished look of the bike nicely.

The handlebars are held in place with four stainless bolts on the faceplate and two opposing bolts clamp it to the steerer tube. There’s a vast range of lengths available and it’s also made in a traditional 25.4mm size.

Verdict

This isn’t a full product review, but based on our initial first look with these bits from KCNC we’re very impressed. It’s well made, finished to a high standard, looks great together and is definitely on the light side.

Watch this space for a full review once we’ve logged some miles.

Available from  www.clee-cycles.co.uk. More at www.kcnc.com.tw