Are you searching for the best Kink BMX frames?
Welcome to my collection, which has something for everyone.
For park and trails dudes, too, even though their frame line is heavily street-oriented.
Sorry, no flatland. However, Jacob Cable is almost a flatlander with his tech wizardry.
Kink is around since 1993, founded by Aaron Zack Phillips in Rochester, New York.
Fun fact: My first real BMX frame was Ryan Sher’s signature, Freebird. (My friend still has it!)
I still remember how stoked I was getting it (because it was a LONG process).
Enough about me.
This post covers:
I want to share this awesome review today with you.
It covers all the frames that Kink offers ATM. (One even goes for only $249.99.)
Enjoy.
Best Kink BMX Frames
Note: Frames are listed in no particular order. (The 1st one is not necessarily better than the 7th one – all are GREAT!)
1. Royale
Kink dropped the all-new Royale frame, one of their more progressive street frames to date.
It comes at a 76-degree head tube angle, 12.5″ (slammed) chainstay and massive 2.55″ tire clearance.
A perfect frame for all the technical stunts you like doing.
Other perks of the frame are integrated chain tensioners and seat clamp, top- and down-tube gussets, CNC seatstay bridge and interior chainstay (yeah, for 2.55″ tires!).
You can get it in black ED, gilded bronze or imperial purple.
Need a responsive frame? Kink Royale. Yo!
Royale specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube: 76° / 5″
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 12.5″ slammed
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 11.7″
- Weight: 5lbs 4oz (20.5″)
- Best Frame For: Technical street
- Price: $329.99 (may vary)
2. Williams
The Williams Frame is – hence the name – Nathan Williams‘ FIRST signature frame as a Pro on the Kink BMX Team.
This frame features a modern street geometry and packs some details to help with the frame’s appearance and utility.
There are integrated chain tensioners as well as knurling inside the drop out to help lock in wheel placement for even the roughest of riders and removable brake mounts for the brake riders.
This frame also is made to fit up to 2.5 tires. There is a custom seat stay bridge in the looks department with an inlay that looks pretty RAD!
Williams specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube: 75.5° / 5″
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 12.75″ slammed
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 11.7″
- Weight: 4lbs 15oz (20.75″)
- Best Frame For: Street
- Price: $399.99 (may vary)
3. Cloud
The Kink Cloud frame is Travis Hughes’ signature frame. This frame is a 100% full chromoly frame that comes in at an affordable price point.
At $249.99 retail, the Cloud is much less than most other full chromoly frames in all of BMX.
The geometry on the Cloud frame is also well-rounded for the most part while also having a steeper head tube. This means the frame should feel comfortable on all terrain from skateparks and street to even dirt.
Another aspect of this frame is integrated chain tensioners and an integrated seat post clamp.
These are features not typically built into budget frames, so you know Kink cares about their products – THEIR FANS!
Cloud specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube: 75.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.5″ slammed
- Standover: 8.75″
- BB Height: 11.65″
- Weight: 5lbs 4oz (20.5″)
- Best Frame For: Street, park & transitions
- Price: $299.99 (may vary)
4. Crosscut
The Crosscut frame from Kink is one of their offerings not linked to one of their riders and has a new-age street geometry. The frame has a super short rear end at just 12.5” slammed and an aggressive head tube angle at 75.5°.
The frame features external gussets on both top and down tube. It also comes with an investment cast chainstay yoke that was made with all tire sizes in mind.
There are built-in chain tensioners as well as removable brake hardware, including holes for gyro tabs.
This frame is made with EVERYONE in mind as it has sizes from 20″ even to 21.25″!
Crosscut specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20″, 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube Angle: 75.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 12.5″ slammed
- Standover: 9.25″
- BB Height: 11.6″
- Weight: 4lbs 15oz (20.5″)
- Best Frame For: Street
- Price: $379.99 (may vary)
5. Tactic
The Kink Tactic frame is the modern version of the widely popular Titan frame. Tactic can be the ideal solution if you’re transitioning to a modern street frame.
The frame has a shorter (but not too short) back end with a lower standover height and five top tube lengths.
You can ride Tactic with or without brakes comfortably and enjoy the wide stays to fit the thickest tires.
The integrated chain tensioners are also present, helping you adjust your wheel however you want.
Plus, the seatstay bridge is investment cast, looking clean and keeping your bike extra tough.
And even though Tactic is more street-oriented, you’ll have no prob shredding trails and skateparks with it.
Tactic specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20″, 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube Angle: 75°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13″ slammed
- Standover: 8.5″
- BB Height: 11.6″
- Weight: 4lbs 12oz (20.5″)
- Best Frame For: Street, park & trails
- Price: $379.99 (may vary)
6. Backwoods
The Backwoods frame from Kink is built for the trails. The frame has a mellow head tube angle, a longer rear end length, plus, a lower bottom bracket height.
These aspects of geometry combined lend to stability in a BMX frame, especially when going fast.
The 74.5 degree head tube angle affects steering to give a feeling of MORE CONTROL. The 13.5″ rear end length makes the wheelbase longer.
Note: A longer wheelbase makes a bike less reactive, requiring more intent to maneuver.
The 11.6″ bottom bracket height lowers the rider’s center of gravity and being lower to the ground adds to the stability of the overall bike.
Backwoods specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″
- Head Tube Angle: 74.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.5″ slammed
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 11.6″
- Weight: 4lbs 15oz (20.75″)
- Best Frame For: Trails & transitions
- Price: $379.99 (may vary)
7. Roll Up
Update: Hobie is no longer riding for Kink, so the frame will only be available until the stock lasts.
I’m REALLY stoked about the release of Hobie Doan‘s signature Kink Roll Up frame! This dude so deserves a signature frame, and the time has come.
With his insane riding style comes an insane frame you can put through anything.
It’s a modern street frame with a short rear end (12.75″) and not too steep head tube angle (75°).
I like that the frame comes with a higher standover height because it just makes it look much better.
This is the perfect solution if you need a reliable street machine that keeps you rolling through anything confidently.
Roll Up specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube: 75° / 5″
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 12.75″ slammed
- Standover: 9.25″
- BB Height: 11.75″
- Weight: 5lbs (20.5″)
- Best Frame For: Burly street
- Price: $399.99 (may vary)
How To Choose A BMX Frame
1. Importance of Top Tube (TT):
The top tube length is the most critical dimension in a BMX frame. It determines the overall feel and fit of the bike.
Refer to Size Chart: Consult an in-depth BMX frame size chart to match your height with the appropriate TT length. This chart can be found in detailed guides and ensures a more accurate fit.
2. Understanding BMX Frame Geometry:
Your choice depends on your riding style and preference either you opt for a stable or a response frame – or even something in between.
Thus, understanding BMX frame geometry is essential.
Stable Frame Characteristics:
- Head tube angle: A mellower HT angle offers stability, especially at higher speeds or during aerial tricks.
- Bottom bracket height: A lower bottom bracket height contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability.
- Chainstay length: Longer chainstays add to the bike’s stability, especially during jumps and fast riding.
- Top tube length: Typically, riders who prefer a stable frame choose a longer TT for added comfort and control.
Responsive Frame Characteristics:
- Head tube angle: A steeper angle allows for quicker steering and heightened responsiveness.
- Bottom bracket height: A higher bottom bracket is common for additional grind clearance and easier spin tricks.
- Chainstay length: Shorter chainstays make the bike more nimble and easier to handle during technical tricks.
3. Weight Considerations:
Lighter frames are easier for tricks and handling, but they shouldn’t compromise the strength needed for rough landings and impacts.
FAQs About Kink BMX
Is Kink a good BMX brand?
Kink is an excellent BMX brand with many high-quality frames and parts for the burliest riders.
How did Kink BMX get its name?
Zack Phillips picked the name Kink because he didn’t have one when he wanted to market his brand in Ride BMX. (There’s no juicy story behind the Kink name.)
Where are Kink Bikes made?
Kink Bikes runs in Rochester, New York, but their frames and parts are made in Taiwan.
