Kink Williams BMX Bike Review

The Kink Williams is a high-quality BMX bike designed with a street riding focus, crafted for the experienced rider. Weighing at 27.5 pounds and priced at $999, it's a well-built, full chromoly machine, packed with many aftermarket parts. Although it's on the pricier end of the spectrum, the Williams provides exceptional value for its cost, demonstrating Kink's commitment to crafting top-notch bikes for discerning riders.

The Kink Williams is a high quality BMX bike that will help a BMX rider achieve their dreams. This bike weighs 27.5 pounds, and costs $999. Known as Nathan William’s signature model, it’s designed for street riding and packs a punch with full chromoly and aftermarket parts. For the BMX rider with a keen eye for detail and a desire for optimal performance, this bike could be the perfect fit.

In previous reviews, Kink Williams has been lauded for its excellent quality and build. As for the current model, expectations are sky-high given its high-grade construction and the reputation of its namesake rider.

Overview

Kink Williams Overview

The Kink Williams: Overview

With a price tag of $999, the Kink Williams represents a top-tier offering in Kink’s BMX lineup. Weighing in at 27.5 pounds, it’s a mid-weight bike designed to handle the rigors of intense street riding.

This BMX is designed to be a versatile tool for the seasoned rider, featuring full customization and upgradability, allowing you to tailor the bike according to your preferences. Adding to its value for money is its stock of accessories including four nylon pegs and four nylon Hub guards.

Available in a single, striking Trans Matte Forge Blue color, the Kink Williams caters to riders looking for style and performance in a single package.

Buying Advice

How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You?

How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You

Are you finding it tough to choose the perfect BMX bike for yourself? I’ve got a solution. I provide free bike recommendations for my subscribers, helping you save time and make an informed decision. Simply click the link here and tell me about your preferences. Based on your height, skill level, and budget, I’ll find three BMX bikes perfect for you, including options like the Kink Williams.

Choosing the right bike size is a crucial aspect of BMX riding. I recall my first bike was too small and lacked the quality to endure my weight. It ended up breaking within a few months, a costly mistake that can be avoided with proper guidance. Understanding the bike’s geometry and its impact on your style of riding can help prevent such problems.

Geometry & Sizing

What Size Should I Be for the Kink Williams?

Kink Williams Geometry and Sizing

It’s paramount to choose a bike whose geometry suits your riding style and whose sizing complements your height. Getting this right can mean the difference between a smooth, comfortable ride and one that feels awkward and is prone to cause accidents. Let’s take a detailed look at the geometry and sizing of the Kink Williams.

Toptube SizeRecommended 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
BMX Bike Sizing Guidlines

The Kink Williams comes in one size option: a 21-inch top tube. While it doesn’t offer a variety of sizes like some other bikes, it’s ideally suited for riders over six feet tall. If you’re below this height, you might want to reconsider or understand how this size might affect your riding style.

Frame Geometries and Their Feel

Every BMX bike has specific geometries that influence the overall feel and rideability. Here’s a breakdown of the Kink Williams’ geometries:

Name of GeometrySpecificationDescription
Head Tube Angle75.5 degreesA slightly steeper head tube angle for a more responsive feel.
Stand Over Height9 inchesStandard stand over height for easy maneuverability.
Chain Stay12.75 inchesShorter than average, adding to the bike’s responsiveness.
Bottom Bracket Height11.7 inchesA taller than average bracket height for increased clearance.

Parts Geometries

Along with the frame, the geometry of the bike parts also play a pivotal role in how the Kink Williams handles. Let’s examine these:

PartGeometry
Forks30 millimeter offset
Handlebars9.25 inches tall and 29 inches wide
StemTop load aftermarket stem with 22 millimeters of rise and 48 millimeters of reach
Gear Ratio25.9 (25 tooth sprocket and 9 Tooth driver on the right side)

These geometry specs give the Kink Williams a highly responsive and snappy feel, perfect for technical, responsive tricks. Do remember that understanding how these parts affect the bike will help you choose your perfect ride.

Quality

Is the Kink Williams a good Quality Bike?

Quality and Durability of the Kink Williams

A BMX bike is an investment, and the Kink Williams is no exception. With its high price point, we expect a corresponding high level of quality. So, what does this bike bring to the table in terms of longevity and robustness? Let’s dig in.

Quality Breakdown

ComponentQuality
FrameFull Chromoly
ForksFull Chromoly
HandlebarsAftermarket 4-Piece
Cranks48 Spline, 3-Piece
RimsDouble Wall

While all these components are chromoly or aftermarket quality, it’s worth noting that they may not represent the highest quality tier you might expect at this price point. However, these components still promise a robust and reliable ride.

Chromoly versus High Tensile Steel

To understand why chromoly is preferable over high tensile steel, we need to delve a bit into bike material science. Chromoly, short for Chromium-Molybdenum, is a steel alloy that is lighter, stronger, and more elastic than traditional steel, thereby providing better structural integrity and rider comfort. High tensile steel, on the other hand, while less expensive, is also heavier and less durable.

The Kink Williams, made mostly of chromoly, strikes a balance between weight, strength, and longevity, all critical aspects for any serious BMX rider. Its components should comfortably withstand the rigors of BMX riding for an extended period, especially with regular maintenance and care.

Pros and Cons

Highlights and Lowlights of the Kink Williams

Highlights and Lowlights of the Kink Williams

Positive
  • High-Quality Parts
  • 4x Pegs and Hub Guards
  • Full Chromoly
Negatives
  • Non-Aftermarket Frame
  • Heavy

The Kink Williams is renowned for its comprehensive features and solid construction. This section provides an in-depth review of the BMX bike’s highlights and lowlights, discussing the outstanding aspects and areas that may require improvements.

Noteworthy Features

The Kink Williams showcases a variety of impressive features, including:

  • Cinema Sync halflink chain
  • Cinema CK pedals
  • Cinema Beta guard sprocket
  • Cinema ZX hubs
  • Cinema Williams 2.5 inch tires

These are all aftermarket parts that, if purchased separately, can incur a significant cost. However, their inclusion in the Kink Williams package brings a significant cost-saving benefit to the buyer.

Areas of Disappointment

Despite its general impressiveness, there are a few areas where the Kink Williams falls short:

  • Its 48-spline cranks, although better than many others on the market, are standard and not aftermarket.
  • The frame of the Kink Williams is not an aftermarket component, which could be a letdown for riders who invest significantly and expect a high-end frame.

Quality Score

The Kink Williams earns a high-quality score of 8.4 out of 10 according to the Dougsterbob Score, placing it among the top-tier BMX bikes in the market.

Weight Limit

Remarkably, the Kink Williams has no weight limit. It caters to riders of all sizes with its sturdy construction, promising durability and longevity.

It is worth noting that high-quality bikes like the Kink Williams, built with superior materials and featuring better part upgrades, are often more suitable for heavier riders. These bikes are not only durable but also long-lasting, making them a worthy investment that can lead to less frequent replacements, thus potentially saving money over time.

Riding Style

Kink Williams Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?

Kink Williams Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?

8.5Expert Score
Kink Williams

How does it stack up for different types of riding?

Street
9.3
Park
4.6
Dirt
2.4

Every BMX bike is uniquely built to excel in different environments. Whether you’re into shredding park ramps, cruising through city streets, or conquering dirt trails, the Kink Williams could be your perfect match, but let’s break down its performance in each of these areas.

Is the Kink Williams Good for Street Riding?

The Kink Williams outperforms in street style riding, scoring an impressive 8.89 out of 10. Street style involves a lot of technical tricks and precise control, so it’s impressive to see the Kink Williams excelling in this discipline. The bike’s responsive geometry and full chromoly construction make it a street beast, ready to tackle any urban challenge that comes its way.

Is the Kink Williams Good for Park Riding?

When it comes to park riding, the Kink Williams managed a commendable 6.92 out of 10. This score indicates a good, although not exceptional, performance in the park. The bike’s snappy and responsive geometry might be a bit challenging for beginners in a park setting, but experienced riders will find it allows them to execute quick, precise maneuvers around the park’s ramps and bowls.

Is the Kink Williams Good for Dirt Jump Riding?

However, if dirt riding is your game, the Kink Williams may not be the best fit for you. With a 4.1 out of 10 score in the dirt category, it’s clear this bike’s strengths lie elsewhere. It’s not to say that you can’t use this bike on dirt tracks, but it may not perform as well as other models specifically designed for that purpose.

Even with these scores in mind, remember that you can always customize and upgrade the Kink Williams to suit your preferred riding style. Different components can significantly change a bike’s performance, so don’t let these scores deter you if you’re passionate about this bike.

Best Upgrades

Should I Upgrade the Kink Williams?

Top Three Upgrades for the Kink Williams

After an in-depth review of the Kink Williams, one might be pondering about the necessary upgrades for this bike. As an affiliate marketer, my role is to guide you towards the best purchases and also help you understand the value of the products you are investing in. But you may be surprised by what I have to share about the Kink Williams.

Are there any crucial upgrades required for the Kink Williams?

The answer, simply put, is no.

This BMX bike comes as a complete package right out of the box. The quality of components and overall design is already at such a high level that any further upgrades aren’t necessarily required from a performance standpoint.

However, this is not to say that personalization and customization are out of the question. If you’re looking to change some of the bike’s geometries, color schemes, or simply wish to tailor it more to your personal style, then certainly, you can consider certain upgrades.

For example, you might want to change the handlebars or seat to ones that you find more comfortable, or switch out the pedals for a style you prefer. These would be more personal preference changes rather than performance upgrades.

kink williams stem

But in essence, the Kink Williams is a solid bike that, for the most part, needs no immediate modifications or upgrades. This reinforces its standing as a bike offering exceptional value for its price tag.

Similar/Better BMX Bikes

Are there Comparable Options?

Kink Williams Comparisons

If you are considering the Kink Williams but are also open to other options in a similar price range, there are several noteworthy models to consider. These BMX bikes offer similar quality and are designed for advanced riders, like the Williams.

The Sunday Soundwave: This bike is known for its high-quality parts and excellent performance. Similar to the Williams, it is also more expensive than average, but offers premium value for its price.

The Sunday Darkwave: An equally high-end choice, the Sunday Dark Wave is another bike to consider. It is particularly noted for its durability and high-performance capabilities.

The WeThePeople Battleship: This model, while slightly more expensive, offers full aftermarket parts, positioning it as a top-of-the-line BMX bike for serious riders.

The WeThePeople Envy: Another solid option from WeThePeople, the Envy offers exceptional durability and high-quality parts. It’s perfect for riders looking for a long-lasting BMX bike that can handle rigorous use.

The Subrosa Novus: Similar to the Kink Williams, the Subrosa Novus also sits on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, be aware that it is often considered overpriced for the level of quality it offers.

In conclusion, the Kink Williams is a solid, quality bike that would serve any advanced BMX rider well. It is essential to note that while the Kink Williams is an excellent bike, it may not deliver the same degree of “aftermarket” quality found in other bikes within the same price range. But rest assured, it is still a great BMX bike that provides value for the price.

Warranty Info

Does the Kink Williams Have a Warranty?

Kink Williams Warranty Info

When investing in a high-quality BMX bike such as the Kink Williams, understanding the warranty offered is paramount. It provides a layer of protection, and gives you confidence in the purchase knowing that the manufacturer stands by their product. Kink BMX does provide a warranty for the Kink Williams bike. For detailed information about what’s covered and the terms of the warranty, visit Kink BMX’s Warranty Page.

Warranty Info
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.

It’s essential to purchase your BMX bike from a trusted supplier. Why, you may ask? A good supplier will have your back when issues arise, and will be committed to ensuring you have a positive shopping experience. I highly recommend Danscomp, having had excellent experiences with their customer service myself. They’ve always taken care of their customers promptly and professionally when issues arose.

Final Thoughts

Kink William Conclusion

Conclusion

The Kink Williams is a high-end BMX bike, tailor-made for those seeking a professional-level ride for their street stunts. This 2024 model not only justifies its price tag, but exceeds expectations with its high-quality components, durable full chromoly build, and an impressive array of included accessories.

However, it’s not a bike that we’d typically recommend to every BMX enthusiast. Its nearly $1,000 price tag and specialized street riding design make it a niche product. That being said, for the right rider, the Williams can be a game-changer.

Looking beyond the Kink Williams, the BMX market is an ever-evolving landscape with competitive offerings from other brands. Always remember, your perfect bike is one that caters to your personal needs and preferences.

If you need assistance choosing the right BMX bike, remember to utilize the free bike recommendation. Just click here and provide some information about yourself. I will handpick three bikes perfectly suited to your height, skill level, and budget. Save time and avoid the stress of scouring through dozens of bikes.

Got any questions about the Kink Williams, BMX riding, or anything related? Don’t hesitate to join our BMX Nerds Discord here or visit the Community Page here to ask your questions. We’re a friendly community always ready to share our knowledge and help fellow riders.

This Year vs. Last Year

Is the 2023 Version Different from 2022?

Model Year Updates

The Kink Williams has seen significant upgrades in its 2024 iteration. Primarily designed for street riding, this high-quality bike is the most expensive in Kink’s lineup. It weighs in at 27.5 pounds and costs a hefty $999, but its price is reflective of its top-tier performance and components.

Changes Throughout the Years

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 Williams

  • Old Color Option
  • $899

2023 Kink Williams

  • New Forge Blue Color
  • Released for $999 then dropped down to $899

In 2023, The Williams got a new color and the release price was $999. After a few months they dropped the price to $899. Aside from that, there are no major upgrades or differences.

Dougsterbob
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Dougsterbob

I began riding BMX at the age of 13 and it quickly evolved from a hobby to a life-long passion. The freedom and thrill of each ride, coupled with the chance to connect with diverse people at different skateparks worldwide, turned the sport into more than just a pastime. Now, with over 14 years of BMX experience and 5 years as a coach, I'm dedicated to sharing my insights and helping others in their BMX journey through this platform. It's not just about the ride, it's about the BMX lifestyle.

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