Just like the Edison EVO we reviewed last summer leading into Eurobike, Bionicon is again offering a discounted pre-order on the revamped ride of the new rEVO. The new bike gets updated geometry, a lighter frame, and some trick new suspension tech. Bionicon chose to launch the update as a stealth limited edition build with a bunch of top-of-the-line, but understated components.
Read on for full details, options, pricing, and timing…
Since Bionicon is a small company, putting together every bike, fork, and suspension component that they sell in their Rottach-Egern HQ, they look to other options like this 2nd annual preorder to keep consumer price down. They got a great response when they tried it last year, and were able to get customers on bikes for a savings of about 1000€. So overall no price increases for 2016, but this preorder goes a bit more high-end.
The 2016 models do get some major updates, too. First, the bikes get increased frame reach for all sizes, in the longer toptube/shorter stem trend we’ve seen almost across the entire industry seat tube is shortened. Then to shave weight, the headtube has been reshaped, as well as have many other small details, so that even with the longer reach the 2016 frame drops a few grams overall.
A big update is a reworking of the on-the-fly adjustable geometry Bionicon System. It gets a new feature, adding an internal spring/damping element to the shock extender (which had been a rigid pneumatic cylinder in the past) that improves suspension action and overall bump sensitivity/adjustability. The overall travel of the X-Fusion Vector HLR Air shock itself has also been tweaked, so the total available stroke is identical to the Non-Bionicon System (NBS) bikes. With the longer front end geometry, the fork’s adjustment range gets updated on the rEVO as well. It drops from 80 to 60mm to compensate for the longer reach, with max head and seat angle adjustments of 4°, vs. the previous generation’s 5°.
The Bionicon System bikes are built with blackline X-Fusion Metric HLR forks and the Vector Air HLR shock, exclusive to Bionicon, with black hard anodized stanchions/pistons for less friction and longer durability. Drivetrains go with black SRAM XX1 and the black XG-1195 cassette. Bionicon includes one of their B-labs c.guide eco chain guide as an extra precaution. Cranks themselves go with the top end RaceFace Next SL carbon crankarms on a 30mm aluminum axle and BSA bearings for a light, enduro-capable option. Bionicon adds in their own B-Labs OVAL narrow-wide Cinch chainring in the size of your choice: 28, 30, 32, or 34T for a clean spiderless solution.
From a details point of view, the 180mm brake post mount, ISCG05 chain guard mount, front derailleur mount, and service-friendly BSA bottom bracket all carry over on the new bikes. The new rEVOs will come in two colors: black anodized with gray decals, or the raw brushed aluminum with gray decals that we introduced at the beginning of the year.
Three options will be available for the rEVO:
1. 180mm front/rear travel with the adjustable Bionicon System
2. 160mm front/rear travel with the adjustable Bionicon System
3. 160mm front/rear travel with a Non Adjustable (NBS) standard Pike and Monarch Plus
For the rest of the spec… Wheelsets are handled by 27.5″ 35mm Syntace rims on Syntace Hi-Torque hubs, at just under 1850g. Schwalbe lends Magic Mary and Rock Razor tires for front and rear grip. Magura’s MT7 brakes with 200/180mm Storm SL rotors handle stopping. RaceFace SIXC Carbon bars (785mm) bolt to Turbine stems for steering precision, with Ergon GE1 grips for an ergonomic hold. Kindshock dropper posts hold Selle Italia SLR ti-railed saddles in place. The KS can be picked in either the 150mm or 125mm adjustment range and come with a Southpaw remote in place of a front shifter. The Bionicon System bikes get the B-Switch remote neatly tucked in between the bars and the Southpaw lever.
Preorders are available through their website for 30 days, starting July 6th with an exclusive build of some of the best light and strong components available for 4999€ (or 4200€ outside of the EU without VAT). The preorder lets them get good volume pricing, without greater complication of unique setups for each customer. Like the last preorder, delivery will be at the end of the 2015/start of 2016. First come, first served.
Bionicon claim they’ve got the process down now, so anticipate quicker turn-around this year. Again, all three builds will be the same price, with advance payment of 50% of the total required within 7 days of preordering. The remainder will be due on bike delivery/pick-up. Any more info can be found on Bionicons site, with the preorder going live today.
