Upgrade Bikes have just revealed the all-new Kinesis Maxlight XCPro3, a major update of a classic frame launched nearly a decade ago.

Upgrade Bikes, who design all the Kinesis frames for the UK market, say that rather than being a mere update on the XCPro2, it’s been completely redesigned from the bottom bracket shell up.

The changes centre on reducing weight and make it more race-ready. First up is geometry that is the same as found on the carbon fibre KM-810 released at the end of last year, being based around a 90-100mm suspension fork.

With the vast Taiwanese firm Kinesis at its beck and call, the frame boasts some of the latest aluminium manipulation technology. Both the top tube and down tube are formed using an exclusive SPF (Superplastic Formed) process, which allows the removal of the large down tube gusset of the Pro 2 frame.

Hydroforming is used on the chainstays to ensure plenty of tyre and heel clearance, and new too is the carbon fibre wishbone seat stay assembly. Dropouts are stiffer and lighter, the bottom bracket shell has excess material machined away to reduce weight, and the cable stops are now slung underneath the top tube for a cleaner look.

All the changes have produced a lighter frame than the previous incarnation, with a claimed 1.52kg for a medium. Of course, any new frame from Upgrade wouldn’t be complete without a fresh lick of paint and some new decals, there’s a choice of ‘Tech Blue’ with white graphics or ‘Tech White’ with red decals.

Price TBC. www.kinesisbikes.co.uk