PASSION PROJECT - Vital Rides the Kinematic Coyote FSt 15

We meet with Kinematic.bike founder Phil Thomas to get all the details on their Coyote FSt trail bike before hitting the trails to see what the bike is all about.

Jason_Schroeder

6/5/2023 9:30am

Kinematic.bike is a young brand out of Southern California that produces innovative, high-end titanium bicycles. With a focus on creating reliable and durable bikes that will stand the test of time, the Coyote FSt is their first full-suspension model. It uses a single pivot suspension layout with 130mm of rear wheel travel paired with a 150mm fork, is designed around a Pinion Gearbox system, and can be set up with either 27.5 or 29-inch wheels. A very unique bike with a ton of features to unpack, we had the opportunity to meet up with Kinematic Founder, Phil Thomas, to get all the details on the Coyote before hitting the trails to gather some first-ride impressions!

Highlights

Full titanium frame (made from TI-3AL2.5V alloy)
130mm or 142mm of rear wheel travel // 150mm or 160mm fork
27.5”, 29”, or mixed wheel compatible
Single pivot suspension layout
Pinion Gearbox system with belt drive
66-degree head tube angle
81-degree seat tube angle
445mm chainstay length
3-4 sizes expected
Availability: Spring 2024
MSRP: ~$4,999 (frame only) // ~$5,499 (frame+gearbox)

The Coyote FSt's standout attributes include its titanium frame, Pinion gearbox, and multiple points of adjustability. Each attribute provides unique performance advantages, but combined, they act to maximize the bikes' durability and reliability while appealing to a broad user base. When the Coyote officially launches next year, Kinematic's goal is that riders will appreciate the time and refinement that went into creating a truly one-of-a-kind bike that's a blast to ride on a wide range of trails.

Pinion Gearbox System

My favorite aspect of the Coyote FSt was its Pinion Gearbox system because I've never had the opportunity to ride one. Why gearbox's still have not been widely accepted and integrated by more bicycle manufacturers is a multi-faceted discussion for another day. On the other hand, Kinematic wholeheartedly believes that gearboxes are the way of the future. A Pinion gearbox's primary advantages over a traditional drivetrain are simplicity, reliability, and durability.

The gearbox is a sealed unit protected from the elements and only requires oil changes every couple of thousand miles. Inside are two gearing sub-units that combine to create an individual gearing ratio. A grip shift is used to change gears. Because the two gears have to rotate when you make a shift, you can't pedal during a shift. Shifting under load simply will not happen, forcing shifts to be more thought out in technical sections. However, gears can be shifted in succession while moving or not. This was my favorite feature because I could match my gearing with undulating trails or quickly shift into easier gear at the bottom of a descent without pedaling.

Other benefits of the Pinion system include the central and low location of the gearbox in the frame, improving stability, and the lack of a derailleur and a cassette on the rear wheel, reducing unsprung weight. I got to ride the system with a belt instead of a chain, which didn't provide any significant performance difference on the trail. The feel of the belt was smooth and familiar and provided power to the back wheel, the same as a regular chain. The belt definitely catches people's attention, but the downside is it's more difficult to repair, and most bike shops don't stock belts.

Overall, the Pinion gearbox provided crisp and consistent shifts, was silent on trail, and faded into the background as I rode. Not having to worry about how the system was shifting or the possibility of mangling a derailleur through rock gardens was refreshing. It's impossible to confirm the long-term durability of the unit after one ride, but the fact that the gearbox I rode was five years old and just had its first oil change is reassuring.

The Coyote FSt may still be in the prototype phase, but the production version's general design and kinematics will remain the same. Kinematic originally planned to launch the bike this year, but they're still finalizing some details and would rather postpone the launch than introduce a half-baked bike. (current suspension kinematics below)

From chatting with Phil, the rear triangle will likely change to increase stiffness, some cables may be routed internally, the geometry isn't set in stone, and exact build options are up in the air for the time being. The production version will be compatible with any wheel size configuration, up to 160mm forks, and can fit longer stroke shocks to bump travel up to 142mm in the rear.