The Carbon “DNA” by Kelson Bikes: A Look at the New American-Made Performance Cycle
In terms of adaptable bike options to handle a variety of daily activities and racing, cyclists have never had it better. Kelson Bikes in Idaho offers another appealing option for cyclists searching for a US-made road, gravel, or cyclocross frame.
Kelson Bikes provides yet another option for cyclists looking for a U.S.- made custom carbon bike frame that can handle all kinds of riding conditions. Each frame is designed and built by hand by Brian Williams, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.
100% Handmade Customization
Kelson Bikes has just introduced the “DNA,” a carbon model that is designed for cyclocross riding. The DNA’s design is intended for cyclocross riding, in which the rider may switch between road and ‘cross wheels. The bike’s balance is excellent, giving the rider outstanding handling no matter what sort of cycling they engage in.
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Kelson Bikes’ new DNA model is their first semi-custom production model, created with input from professional cyclists at DNA Cycling in Utah. The titanium and steel frame can easily handle rough terrain, making it the perfect cross-cycle for anyone who loves an adrenaline rush.
DNA’s disc brakes for cyclocross and the use of wider 40mm tires make this bike a popular choice among bikers who want a well-built, reliable bike that can handle any terrain or type of event, from gravel roads to endurance races to singletrack.
Unlike other bikes on the market, DNA is handmade to perfection and customized for each rider, not mass produced.Available for a limited time only, the Kelson DNA can now be semi-custom built to your specifications. By working closely with Brian Williams, you can have a one-of-a-kind bike that is designed, crafted and painted specifically for you. With every detail accounted for, no two bikes will ever be alike.
DNA bikes are not your average, store-bought bicycle–each one is handmade with precision and care. The process begins with building the carbon frame from scratch; each piece is placed by hand and monitored constantly so that no detail is overlooked.
This hands-on approach allows DNA to control the characteristics of their bike frames, resulting in a build quality that cannot be matched. Not to mention, each bike will perfectly suit its owner since it truly is one of a kind.
The DNA
Mr. Williams had high expectations for his new Kelson Bikes design, and he made a checklist to ensure that this one of the most stunning bikes not just manufactured in the United States, but worldwide. nThe following is Kelson Bikes’ Carbon DNA checklist, which it used while developing this bike. Kelson Bikes opted to take the path of invention in order to make this model versatile enough to be used for road racing, mountain biking, and cyclocross riding.
The DNA is designed for a great riding experience, no matter if you’re on the road or off. The Kelson DNA can be semi-custom made and will only take two weeks to build.
The purpose of the DNA was to strike a balance between the biking needs for road, cyclocross, and gravel. With experience in building bikes that reach high speeds and can take tight corners quickly, Williams combined a sturdy frame with his own creativity.
The requirements in the list above are generally a consequence of a mix of shorter chainstays, fork rake, head tube angle, and BB (bottom bracket) height that lowers the center of gravity.
Cyclocross bikes, on the other hand, have longer chainstays for tire and frame clearance. A higher BB is typical on European ‘cross bicycles; however, U.S.-based builders are recognizing the benefits of a lower BB, which is lower than traditional heights and ideal for faster American courses, taller cyclocross tires, and pedals with improved clearance.
Bicycles have expanded their potential, as seen in the new DNA model. European companies have noticed this development and are now following suit.
Quiver Killer
The DNA geometry, or “Quiver Killer,” as it is known, was birthed in the summer of 2018 after careful CAD design, CNC machining molds in-house, and (not to mention a lot of sleepless nights and long hours)n. A bike that can excel on the road and CX courses while also being able to demolish any gravel race.
Of course, each frame is unique because top tube, seat tube, and head tube lengths vary for each rider. We also layup and build all of the tubing in-house, taking rider height/weight, fiber orientation, and number of carbon plies into account.Carbon fiber and the ability to produce tooling in-house has allowed us to “shape” tubes while maintaining the geometry we like rather than sacrificing geometry for the sake of a tube that would clear a derailleur or fat tires.
Gravel racing is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason… It’s a lot of fun! In the past few years, various gravel events have emerged all around the world. Gravel races, like the Crusher in the Tushar which features 10,000 feet of climbing in 70 miles or Rebecca’s Private Idaho where 20 mph average speeds are not uncommon for the top finishers, imply different skillsets than traditional road racing. Not only do racers have to account for vast changes in conditions from event to event – an course that is smooth one year could be full of bumps and divots the next – but also within the same race.
Conclusion
The Kelson DNA’s Carbon model is only $3,500 for a custom-made frame, ENVE fork, and Chris King Headset–talk about an incredible deal! You’re essentially paying for a handmade bike of excellent quality that you can further customize to your liking. There are initial limited runs for each stock size: Small (52 cm), Medium (55 cm), and Large (57 cm)–two frames per size.