Welcome to our comprehensive review of the BMX bike model – Kink Launch. The Kink Launch is a medium quality BMX bike that may not necessarily help a BMX rider achieve their dreams. This bike weighs 26.6 pounds, and costs $449. Join us as we delve into the specific features, strengths, and areas of improvement for this model and assess whether this could be the right fit for your BMX aspirations.
The Kink Launch has been on the market for some time now and has garnered mixed reviews from riders around the globe. The 2024 model comes with certain expectations attached to it based on past performance and we’ll examine how well these expectations have been met in the subsequent sections.
Overview
The Kink Launch: Overview
The Kink Launch: Overview
What’s the weight of the Kink Launch?
The Kink Launch BMX bike weighs approximately 26.6 pounds, striking a balance between strength and lightness that will help you make the most of your riding experience.
How much does the Kink Launch cost and is it value for money?
Offered at a price of $449, the Kink Launch provides solid value for its cost. While it’s not the highest-end model available, it offers a good blend of affordability and performance.
Is the Kink Launch customizable and upgradeable?
Yes, the Kink Launch is fully upgradeable and customizable. This means that you can replace the parts with any that suit your preference or enhance your riding experience, allowing the bike to grow with you as your skills progress.
Does the Kink Launch come with any notable accessories or features?
Regrettably, the Kink Launch does not come with any pegs or hub guards. However, it does come with a standard U-brake made by Mission.
What color options does the Kink Launch offer?
For 2024, the Kink Launch is available in three exciting color options: Matte Midnight Black, Cosmos Magenta, and Galaxy Silver. These fresh, vibrant colors add a stylish edge to your BMX experience.
Buying Advice
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You?
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You?
Choosing the right bike is a vital step towards a fulfilling BMX journey. As a subscriber, you have access to an exceptional service – a free bike recommendation. All you need to do is click the link and tell me about yourself, and I’ll find the top three BMX bikes that suit your height, skill level, and budget. This simple process will turn your overwhelming search from 90 different bikes to just three.
Why is the Correct Bike Size Crucial?
My experience with my first bike was a wake-up call on the importance of correct sizing. The bike was not only of low quality but also too small for my weight. I found myself dealing with a broken bike after only a few months. The Kink Launch has a top tube size of 20.25 inches, making it perfect for riders between 5’3″ and 5’6″. If you’re taller or shorter, you may find it more challenging to progress and your riding experience may not be as comfortable.
Sizing & Geometry
Kink Launch Geometry and Sizing
What are the Kink Launch Geometry and Sizing?
Understanding the geometry and sizing of the Kink Launch is essential to ascertain if it’s a perfect fit for you. Let’s take a close look at the available sizes and their ideal rider heights.
| Toptube Size | Recommended Height (USA) | Recommended Height (Not USA) |
|---|---|---|
| 20.00″ | 4′ 10″ to 5′ 3″ | 1.47m to 1.60m |
| 20.25″ | 5′ 3″ to 5′ 6″ | 1.60m to 1.68m |
| 20.5″ | 5′ 6″ to 5′ 9″ | 1.68m to 1.75m |
| 20.75″ | 5′ 9″ to 6′ | 1.75m to 1.83m |
| 21″ | Over 6′ | Over 1.83m |
| 21.25″ | Way Over 6′ | Way Over 1.83m |
Available Top Tube Sizes
The Kink Launch comes in one top tube size of 20.25 inches. This size is ideally suited for riders who fall between the heights of 5’3″ and 5’6″. If you’re larger or smaller than this, you might find it difficult to progress and experience comfort while riding the bike.
Frame Geometries
Several other geometries on this frame can impact how the bike handles. These include the head tube angle, bottom bracket height, stand over height, and chain stay length. Here’s a table summarizing these geometries:
| Name of Geometry | Spec | Shop Description |
|---|---|---|
| Head tube angle | 75 degrees | A standard geometry that contributes to a comfortable riding experience. |
| Standover height | 8.75 inches | A slightly smaller standover height than most BMX bikes, designed to fit riders between 5’3″ and 5’6″. |
| Chainstay length | 13.2 inches | A standard length contributing to overall stability and handling. |
| Bottom bracket height | 11.6 inches | A standard height offering a good balance between stability and agility. |
Part Geometries
The bike’s parts also have their specific geometries that affect the overall riding experience. The forks have a 32mm offset, the handlebars are 8.75 inches tall (width unknown), and it comes with a top load stem with 32mm of rise and 50mm of reach. Additionally, the Kink Launch features a 25/9 gear ratio with all parts located on the right-hand side.
Detailed Examination
While the frame of the Kink Launch is primarily made of high tensile steel, it does include some chromoly elements. The forks, for example, have a chromoly steer tube, beefing up their durability slightly. However, high tensile steel’s limitations mean that it bends easily and won’t last as long as full chromoly frames. This trade-off is one to consider depending on your riding style and skill level.
Quality
Quality and Durability of the Kink Launch
Quality and Durability of the Kink Launch
Is the Kink Launch durable enough for intense BMX action?
Analysis of the Kink Launch’s Composition
The Kink Launch is a bike that primarily consists of high tensile steel with a small component of chromoly. It’s significant to highlight that high tensile steel is considerably weaker than chromoly, making it susceptible to bending and damage over time, especially under intense usage. The longevity of the bike is closely tied to its material composition.
Part Material Breakdown
To assist our readers in understanding the bike’s construction, let’s delve into its various parts and their respective materials.
| Part | Material | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | High Tensile Steel | This makes the bike’s main structure more prone to bending, especially under heavy usage. |
| Forks | Chromoly Steer Tube, High Tensile Steel Legs | While the steer tube offers some strength, the fork legs can bend over time, especially with imperfect landings. |
| Handlebars | High Tensile Steel | As with the frame, handlebars made of this material can be less durable under heavy strain. |
| Cranks | Full Chromoly | These are strong and reliable, suitable for regular BMX activities. |
| Rims | Single Wall | These rims, being single-walled, might not withstand heavy-duty action as efficiently as double-walled rims. |
Chromoly vs High Tensile Steel
Why is chromoly preferred over high tensile steel? Chromoly is about four times stronger than high tensile steel. It resists bending and is generally more resilient to wear and tear. If budget allows, a full chromoly bike is always a wiser investment for serious BMX riders.
Pros and Cons
Highlights and Lowlights of the Kink Launch
Highlights and Lowlights of the Kink Launch
Every BMX bike has its strong points and areas that leave room for improvement. Let’s dive into the Kink Launch and dissect its components. What aspects shine? Where does it fall short? What can you, as a potential rider, expect from it? Read on to find out.
Noteworthy Features of the Kink Launch
- The Kink Launch comes with aftermarket Kink Hemlock pedals known for their grip and sturdiness, making it easier for riders to maintain control and balance during their rides.
- The bike also boasts an aftermarket Kink bold HRD stem, enhancing the stability of the bike while providing a customizable experience for the rider.
- Its sealed integrated headset and sealed bottom bracket protect the bearings from dirt and water, extending the bike’s lifespan and improving its overall performance.
Areas of Disappointment and Potential Upgrades Needed
- Despite its notable features, the Kink Launch falls short with its weak 410 chain, which can wear out quicker than higher-quality chains under heavy usage.
- It also comes with non-removable brake mounts. This may be inconvenient for riders who prefer a brakeless setup.
- Another drawback is the lack of pegs or hub guards, which limits the bike’s street riding capabilities.
- Its unsealed front hub is also a letdown. Sealed hubs offer smoother performance and are more durable against external elements.
Quality Score and Weight Limit of the Kink Launch
The Kink Launch has been given a quality score of 1.7 out of 10 on the DougsterBob scale, which means it’s a relatively low-quality BMX bike. Due to its lower quality components, this bike has a weight limit of 130 pounds. It’s important to remember that the bike’s longevity and performance could be compromised if used by riders above this weight limit.
Advice for Riders Over the Weight Limit
If you are a heavier rider, over the weight limit, it’s crucial to invest in a higher-quality bike. Bikes made with better materials and components can handle more stress and will ultimately last longer. Although it may seem like a hefty investment upfront, it saves you the trouble and cost of frequent part replacements in the long run. Remember, it’s better to spend more once on a bike that will last, than to constantly repair a bike not designed to handle your weight.
Street, Park, or Dirt?
Kink Launch Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?
Kink Launch Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?
Now that we have covered most of the basics of the Kink Launch, it is time to dive into one of the key questions on your mind: Is this bike designed for park, street, or dirt riding? A BMX bike’s performance in different settings depends on several factors such as geometry, component quality, and overall design. Let’s take a look at how the Kink Launch fares in each category.
Kink Launch Scores in Different Riding Styles
The Kink Launch scores a 1.56 in Street, which means it has some potential for street riding, but its performance might not be up to the mark for more advanced riders or those looking to perform technical street tricks. Its High tensile steel frame may not withstand the punishing nature of street riding for a longer duration.
In Park settings, the Kink Launch scores a 2.82. The bike’s lighter weight, coupled with its compact frame design, can offer some advantage in a park setting. However, due to the lack of full Chromoly construction and overall build quality, its potential for high-impact maneuvers and jumps might be limited.
When it comes to Dirt riding, the Kink Launch tops with a score of 3.08. Thanks to its overall design and geometry, the bike can handle the unpredictable nature of dirt tracks to a certain extent. However, like in the other categories, its High tensile steel construction could become a limiting factor for more advanced dirt riding.
Customizing the Kink Launch for Your Riding Style
While the Kink Launch shows promise in all three styles, you may want to customize it to suit your preferred riding style. Remember, this bike is fully upgradeable and customizable, meaning you can replace parts as you see fit. This allows you to optimize the bike based on where and how you want to ride. For example, adding pegs can enhance its street performance, while a higher-quality set of wheels could improve its park capabilities.
So, while the Kink Launch comes with limitations due to its build quality and material, its customizable nature offers an opportunity for you to mold it according to your needs. Just remember, the bike’s core construction will always have some impact on its performance and durability.
Best Upgrades
Top Three Upgrades for the Kink Launch
Top Three Upgrades for the Kink Launch
As a BMX rider, you’re always looking to take your ride to the next level. Sometimes, a bike might be great right out of the box, but other times, it might need a few tweaks to get it where you want it. This is especially true for the Kink Launch. The following are the top three upgrades you might want to consider for the Kink Launch to boost its performance and feel.
1. Upgrade to Full Chromoly Frame
First and foremost, you might want to consider upgrading to a full chromoly frame. The Kink Launch currently has a high tensile steel frame which is not as durable as chromoly. Chromoly is a much stronger material, making it more resistant to the wear and tear of BMX riding. This could dramatically increase the longevity of your bike.
2. Replace the Single Wall Rims
Another important upgrade could be to replace the single wall rims with double wall rims. The Kink Launch comes with single wall rims, which are not as strong or durable as double wall rims. Especially if you’re planning to perform high-impact tricks, you need rims that can handle the stress. Double wall rims are typically stronger and more durable, providing a better riding experience.
3. Add Pegs and Hub Guards
Finally, consider adding pegs and hub guards to your Kink Launch. Currently, the bike doesn’t come with any pegs or hub guards. If you’re interested in street riding or performing grinds, these are essential components. Pegs allow for more trick diversity, while hub guards protect your bike’s hubs from damage when grinding.
While these upgrades would require additional investment, they can greatly enhance the performance and feel of your Kink Launch, making it a much more capable BMX bike.
Similar Options
How Does the Kink Launch Compare with Other BMX Bikes?
How Does the Kink Launch Compare with Other BMX Bikes?
The Kink Launch is a decent beginner bike in the realm of BMX biking. However, it’s crucial to consider other options as well to make sure you’re making an informed decision. We’ll look at some other bikes in a similar price range to see how they stack up against the Kink Launch.
1. Kink Curb: A Notch Below the Launch
The Kink Curb is one step down from the Launch in Kink’s lineup. While it’s more affordable than the Launch, it features an entirely high tensile steel frame which makes it weaker and less durable. Its lower quality makes it a less ideal choice for riders who are more serious about BMX riding.
2. Kink Whip: A Step Up from the Launch
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the Kink Whip. This bike is a considerable step up from the Launch, with a full chromoly frame that offers significantly more strength and longevity. However, this higher quality comes with a higher price tag, making it a potentially challenging choice for riders on a tight budget.
3. Other Brands: Exploring the BMX Market
While Kink offers some solid options, it’s worth exploring what other brands have to offer. Brands such as Mongoose, Sunday, and Fitbikeco offer a range of BMX bikes that cater to different riding styles and budgets. Researching these bikes and comparing them to the Kink Launch can help you get a comprehensive understanding of what’s available in the market.
Warranty
Does the Kink Launch Have a Warranty?
Does the Kink Launch Have a Warranty?
When purchasing a new BMX bike, it’s essential to consider the warranty. This can be a lifesaver in the event of unexpected product failure. After researching the Kink BMX warranty page, we can confirm that the Kink Launch does come with a warranty.
What Does the Kink Launch Warranty Cover?
The Kink BMX warranty covers any manufacturing defects that may surface during the period of the warranty. However, this warranty does not cover typical wear and tear or any damage resulting from misuse or poor maintenance of the bike.
One (1) year warranty against material defects, workmanship defects, breaks, cracks and defective or malfunctioning parts.
Regardless of the place of purchase, your bike must be assembled by a qualified bike shop. Assembling a Kink bike yourself, could void all warranty coverage.
Issues that are not covered after being built by a reputable bike shop include; stripped threads and/or rounded nuts, bent dropouts, bent axles, tires, tubes, grips, minor paint and cosmetic finishes, dents, rider abuse, misuse, neglect, or improper maintenance. The rider is also responsible for purchasing a bike appropriate to their riding level.
Why is a Warranty Important?
A warranty is your safety net as a customer. It guarantees that you’ll receive assistance if your bike develops issues related to manufacturing faults. This is especially crucial for products like the Kink Launch, as they require a significant financial investment.
It’s important to note that your warranty can only be as good as the shop where you purchase your bike. This brings me to my personal preference: I’ve always bought my bikes from Danscomp. They’ve earned my trust by providing excellent customer service and by always taking care of their customers when issues arise.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on the Kink Launch
Final Thoughts on the Kink Launch
In the world of BMX bikes, the Kink Launch undeniably has a niche. A step above the curb, but not quite reaching the high echelons of elite BMX machines. Yet, what is crystal clear from the get-go is that the 2024 Kink Launch is a largely high tensile steel bike with a dash of chromoly thrown into the mix.
Is the Kink Launch a Good Fit for Your BMX Dreams?
While affordable, this bike may not be the dream machine for seasoned or ambitious BMX riders. Despite this, for those seeking an upgradeable and customizable bike, the Kink Launch offers a solid start. So, let’s be honest here, if you’re hunting for a heavy-duty, top-tier BMX bike, this one may not fit the bill.
Considering the Alternatives
While there are numerous brands in the BMX market, each has its unique pros and cons. Consequently, some brands might surpass the Kink Launch in certain areas. However, the accessibility and upgradeability of the Kink Launch might be appealing to some BMX riders.
Final Verdict
Is the Kink Launch the right bike for you? That largely depends on your expectations, ambitions, and budget. If you’re just getting into the BMX game or are looking for a reliable yet cost-effective bike that you can gradually upgrade, the Kink Launch may be an ideal choice. Yet, if you’re already a hardcore BMX rider and demand high performance from your bike, this might not meet your high expectations.
A Time-Saving Reminder
Don’t forget about the free bike recommendation I offer. It could save you time and energy in searching for the perfect bike. Just tell me about your needs, and I’ll find three bikes that might suit you. Here’s the link again: Free Bike Recommendation.
Got Questions About the Kink Launch?
Do you still have questions about the Kink Launch or BMX in general? Don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find us on the BMX Nerds Discord here or on our Community Page here.
This Year vs. Last Year
Model Year Updates
Changes Throughout the Years
One of the key updates to the 2024 Kink Launch are the brand-new color options. These exciting new variants include matte midnight black, Cosmos magenta, and Galaxy silver, giving riders more personalization options when choosing their BMX.
Each year, the brand may or may not introduce new changes to the model year. The most common change is new color options or a new color way. It is very rare that they have significant changes… but if they do, I’ll note them here.
2022 Kink Launch
- Old Color Options
2023 Kink Launch
- New Color Options
In 2023 Kink added all new colorways and that is the only significant change.
