Whistle Kiowa C XPLR: lightweight and versatile full carbon gravel bike

The Whistle Kiowa C XPLR is a full carbon gravel bike designed to combine lightness, performance, and versatility. The T800 and T700 carbon frame, full carbon wheels, SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13-speed electronic groupset, and compatibility with tires up to 700x50 make it a bike suitable for both fast gravel rides and more adventurous routes.

With a claimed weight of just 9.6 kg, the Kiowa C XPLR offers a performance-oriented platform, without sacrificing the ability to tackle long journeys and bikepacking setups.

Full Carbon frame and fork

The Full Carbon T800 and T700 frame is designed to offer lightness and rigidity, with a modern construction featuring integrated cable routing and internal space for carrying gear.

• Frame: Full Carbon T800 and T700.

• Cable routing: Integrated Cable Routing.

• Storage compartment: Downtube internal storage.

• Bottom bracket: BB-PressFit 86.5x41.

• Tire compatibility: Ready for 700x50.

• Derailleur hanger: UDH hanger.

• Headset: FSA No.55R 1.5".

The Full Carbon fork completes the platform and is designed to increase the bike's versatility, both for gravel use and for touring setups.

• Fork: Full Carbon.

• Thru-axle: 12x100 mm thru axle.

• Tire compatibility: Ready for 700x50.

• Preparation: Ready for bag rack installation.

The bag rack readiness and the internal compartment in the downtube make the Kiowa C XPLR particularly interesting for those who want to use it for bikepacking and gravel touring.

SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13-speed drivetrain

The Kiowa C XPLR is equipped with a SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13-speed electronic drivetrain, designed to offer precise shifting and a wide range of gears on different terrains.

• Rear derailleur: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13s, Electronic Shifting.

• Shifters: SRAM Rival AXS.

• Crankset: SRAM Rival XPLR 13s, 40, 172.5 mm.

• Cassette: SRAM Rival XPLR XG-1351, 13s, 10/46.

• Chain: SRAM Rival E1.

The combination of a 40-tooth chainring and a 10/46 13-speed cassette allows for tackling both fast sections and the climbs and gradient changes typical of gravel routes.

SRAM Rival AXS Brakes

The braking system is handled by SRAM Rival AXS, with 160 mm Paceline rotors.

• Brakes: SRAM Rival AXS.

• Rotors: Paceline 160 mm.

Disc braking offers effective and modulated control, particularly useful when the route alternates between asphalt, dirt, and surfaces with varying levels of grip.

Whistle C35 Full Carbon Wheels

The setup is completed by the Whistle C35 Full Carbon wheels, which are lightweight and designed for performance-oriented gravel use.

• Wheels: Whistle C35.

• Material: Full Carbon.

• Tubeless: Tubeless Ready.

• System: Ratchet 36T.

• Interface: CL.

• Freehub body: XDR freehub body.

The Tubeless Ready configuration allows for the use of compatible tubeless tires, while the Ratchet 36T system and XDR freehub body are perfectly consistent with the SRAM drivetrain.

Michelin Power Gravel Tires

The Kiowa C XPLR is fitted with Michelin Power Gravel tires in the 700x47 size, a section suitable for combining rolling efficiency and control on gravel routes.

• Tires: Michelin Power Gravel.

• Size: 700x47.

The frame and fork are also Ready for 700x50, thus allowing for the option of using wider tires based on route requirements and chosen setup.

Integrated Full Carbon Cockpit

The cockpit is a distinctive element of the Kiowa C XPLR. It is a one-piece carbon system designed to maintain integrated cable routing and offer a clean and aerodynamic setup.

• Cockpit: Whistle Kiowa, One-Piece Full Carbon Cockpit.

• Cable routing: Integrated Cable Routing.

• Sizes 47-51: 9x40 cm.

• Size 54: 10x42 cm.

• Size 57: 11x44 cm.

The cockpit configuration varies according to the frame size, so as to provide a position consistent with the different bike dimensions.

Seatpost and saddle

The rear section uses carbon components to keep weight down and complete a performance-oriented setup.

• Seatpost: Full Carbon, 18 mm Offset, 410 mm length.

• Saddle: San Marco Zero.

The Full Carbon seatpost has a length of 410 mm and an offset of 18 mm, while the San Marco Zero saddle completes the setup.

Weight and sizes

The extensive use of carbon, from the wheels to the frame, fork, cockpit, and seatpost, helps to keep the overall weight of the bike down.

• Weight: 9.6 kg.

• Sizes: 47 - 51 - 54 - 57.

The availability in four sizes allows you to choose the most suitable configuration for your body type and riding position needs.

Please Note

Technical specifications may change without prior notice based on component availability.
Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may not perfectly reflect the described features.

Whistle Kiowa C XPLR: a gravel bike ready for anything

The Whistle Kiowa C XPLR combines a Full Carbon T800 and T700 frame, Whistle C35 Full Carbon wheels, SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13s electronic drivetrain, and Michelin Power Gravel 700x47 tires into a lightweight and versatile gravel platform.

The internal storage compartment, compatibility with tires up to 700x50, and bag rack readiness further expand the possibilities of use, from sporty rides to gravel adventures and bikepacking.

Weighing only 9.6 kg, the Kiowa C XPLR is a gravel bike designed for those seeking a fast, lightweight bike capable of adapting to different terrains and conditions.

Do you want to receive your bike ready for use? Don't forget to add the bike assembly service at the time of purchase! Discover all the details here: Francesconi bike assembly

A Complete Guide to Bike Sizes

Foreword: Not all bike sizes are the same

Each type of bike has a specific frame and often uses a different size scale. For example, a road bike with a 54cm frame might be considered a medium size by one brand, but a large by another.

Bicycle adjustment margins

Some types of bikes, like gravel bikes, offer a wide range of adjustments, adapting to different body types. Other models, however, have limitations in this regard. This is an important aspect to consider.

How to use size charts

We've created a simple guide to help you find the right bike size:

1. Check out our size charts for each bike type.
2. Learn more with specific tips to help you make the right choice.

Size Charts: Find Your Perfect Bike

Gravel and road bikes

Sizes are based on the length of the top tube (in cm), which determines the reach of the bike.

For gravel, measurements may vary slightly due to different geometries, but remain similar.

Mountain bike

MTBs are measured in inches, based on the seat tube.

Sizes also vary depending on the type of MTB: full-suspension , hardtail or fat bike .

Children's bikes

The size depends on the size of the wheels, often associated with age:

What to do with half measures?

If you are between two sizes:

• Comfort : Choose the larger size.
• Performance : Go for the smaller size.

Final tips for choosing

1. Consult the manufacturer's instructions : Always check the brand's guidelines.
2. Ask an expert : a specialized workshop can help you choose based on your height, ideal reach and goals.
3. Test the bike : If possible, test the model you intend to purchase.