Chapter 2 launches their Kaha gravel and bikepacking race frameset

Chapter 2 Kaha gravel bike
(Image credit: Chapter 2)

Chapter 2 has announced the Kaha, a new gravel race frameset aimed to offer performance and versatility for all types of gravel competition, whether it's Unbound Gravel and SBT GRVL or multi-day adventures.

For those unaware, Chapter 2 is a bike brand from New Zealand that specializes in performance carbon road/gravel bikes and was founded by Mike and Neil Pryde. Chapter 2 already has the Ao gravel bike in its range, however, the Kaha will become the brand's best gravel bike with more aggressive geometry, double-dropped chainstays for increased tire clearance, and more storage options.

Kaha means 'strong' in Maori and the frame uses Toray carbon and is equipped with downtube protection to ward off any stray rocks. The bike is said to be designed with one goal in mind, controlled speed. The geometry is pretty racey with a 72-degree headtube, 73-degree seat tube, and a 395mm reach in a medium. Unlike many of the other top gravel race bikes, Chapter 2 doesn't seem to have given the Kaha much aero consideration, although the carbon Mana-Grvl one-piece handlebar which is included with the frameset does route all the cables completely internally for a sleeker and cleaner front end. 

The frame comes in XS to XL sizing and is claimed to weigh 1,099g for a size medium. On top of that the uncut fork is quoted at 409g and the integrated bar and stem weighs 330g (100mm x 491mm).

Chapter 2 Kaha gravel bike fitted with aero bars and a saddlebag

You can fit clip-on aero bars and there's loads of mounting options for luggage (Image credit: Chapter 2)

To further improve the off-road control, both rear stays have been dropped to give the Kaha 47mm of tire clearance from and rear. Chapter 2 sells the frameset with a rigid fork, however, geometry has also been corrected to use a suspension fork should you need more vibration cushioning.

Chapter 2 hasn't been shy when it comes to mounting points on the Kaha. There are two bottle cage mounts inside the main triangle, an under-the-downtube bottle mount, top tube bag bosses, anything cage mounts on the forks, pannier mounts, and fittings for mudguards. There is some internal downtube storage which is accessed through a hatch in the downtube and the bike comes with a padded storage bag to stop tools rattling as you ride. There's also another set of three bosses inside the front triangle which we are still trying to figure out what they would be used for.

Although recent rule changes at Unbound have outlawed aero bars, plenty of events still allow them. The Mana-Grvl bar is compatible with clip-on TT bars for riders looking to get in a more aero position and take some weight off their hands on long rides.

Chapter 2 Kaha gravel bike being ridden on a dusty trail

Tire clearance up to 47mm adds grip and comfort (Image credit: Chapter 2)

Chapter 2's business model is somewhat unique in every frameset they produce is a limited edition run only. The Kaha is no different with only 70 units (42 Grey + Blue and 28 Glossy Black) becoming available in this first drop. These will be available to order from today, with framesets shipping worldwide at the end of April.

The frameset includes frame, fork, MANA-GRVL Bar, C2 Integrated Headset, Thru Axles, and hardware and is priced at USD $3,599 / AUD $5,799 / €3,999 /  £3,449 / NZD $5,399 / JPY ¥522,500 / *CAD $4,599 (*Prices in Canada exclude local taxes.).

Graham Cottingham
Senior reviews writer, Bike Perfect

Graham is all about riding bikes off-road, based in Edinburgh he has some of the best mountain biking and gravel riding in the UK on his doorstep. With almost 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for Bike Perfect.


Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller

Height: 177cm

Weight: 71kg