SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2010 – Foes Racing had two prototype bikes on display, both gravity oriented.
The Fluid, above, is an 8″ travel downhill rig that’s designed to work with any aftermarket shock. Foes typically designs his bikes around their 2:1 shock leverage ratio with partner Curnutt Shocks. The Fluid comes with a 2.3:1 leverage ratio and can take any 3.5″ stroke shock you want to put on it. Or, if you’re a fan of the Curnutt technology, the front shock mount is replaceable to fit one. If you’re running a coil sprung shock, it’s designed to use a light spring for supple, active suspension.
The frame weight is about 9.5 lbs, and the complete bike as shown here is just under 37 lbs…pretty good for a full fledged downhill mountain bike.
Foes also introduced a new AMX long-travel hardtail designed to work with a 160mm fork. Check both out in more detail after the break…
Heavily shaped tubes follow Foes’ typical style, and they’re all shaped in-house in their California facility. Head tube is straight 1.5″.
The linkage is dubbed L3 for Low Leverage Linkage, a nod to the 2.3:1 ratio. The intermediate linkage arms are machined out on the inside to save weight.
Check out the milling around the upper link pivot.
The rear derailleur mount is equally artistic, looking like there may be different set stops available to change the derailleur’s tension (Margot, I know you’re reading this, correct me if I’m wrong).
It runs 150mm rear axle spacing set up for 20mm thru axle. A floating brake mount option will be available.
Another trick feature on the Fluid’s frame is the use of a replaceable ISCG05 mounting bracket. It lets the frame run any compatible chainguide, and it’s replaceable if you tear it up rather than harming the frame. The goal with the Fluid was to build a Foes-worthy DH bike that’s priced more affordably. Pricing isn’t set in stone yet, but Foes says it’ll be in line with competitor’s offerings.
Foes’ new AMX slopestyle hardtail can run a 110mm to 160mm fork and is called AMX because it’s made for “All Mountain Extreme” riding. That, and slopestyle. It’s got a tapered headtube, shapely toptube, chainguide mounts and will retail for about $1,200 (frame only).
