The Devinci Atlas 29er has been in our test queue for about a year, an admittedly long time, but always a bonus for really getting to know a bike.
The Atlas is a 110mm travel trail bike with a Dave Weagle designed Split Pivot rear suspension. We’ve been testing the 2012 alloy RC model, but they now also offer carbon fiber options. Spec has changed for 2013, but the 6066-T6 aluminum frames remain the same, and that’s really what’s at the heart of this bike’s performance. And perform it does.
The Atlas combines incredibly short chainstays with one of the best rear suspensions we’ve ridden to create a supremely capable trail bike. Oh, and adjustable geometry to suit trail conditions. While 11omm may seem short by today’s all-mountain standards, it feels like much more, and it’s all placed on a bike with tight, whippable handling that’s just plain fun to ride.
Here’s how they did it…
FRAME DETAILS & ACTUAL WEIGHT
The Atlas looks fairly lean and compact from a distance. This is due, in part, to the relatively steep 71-ish degree head angle and 16.9″ (428-430mm) chainstays. The RC’s low profile Kenda Small Block Eight tires don’t hurt, either.
Get closer, though, and you start to see just how burly it really is. Virtually every tube is hydroformed extensively to create a very stiff, strong frame. Cables run inside the triangle with full length housing for both derailleurs. The only thing missing is guides for a dropper post.
Rear derailleur cable wiggles between the crankset and lower pivot, then ducks into the chainstay. It pops out the back end, pretty much directly in line with the derailleur’s intake. While we were initially a bit skeptical of the cable run behind the chainrings, it’s stayed put and never created any clearance issues.
The Split Pivot design places the rear pivot concentric with the axle. The Atlas comes with a 12×142 thru axle using their own axle that bolts into place. The pivots and frame sections are all oversized…the bike looks stout!
To get the rear wheel out, there’s a hole in the non-driveside bolt to accept a small allen wrench, then you turn it. Not as quick and easy as Maxle or DT Swiss’ thru axle, but it looks cleaner. Or, you could carry a 21mm wrench with you. Or, you could buy a 2013 model that comes with the Maxle.
Head Angle | Seat Angle | BB Height | |
HI | 71.2º | 72.8º | 333mm |
LO | 70.6º | 72.2º | 326mm |