Knolly Bikes isn’t turning their back on aluminum, but they are proud to introduce their first-ever carbon bike. What started three years ago with a carbon version of the Endorphin ended up changing with the times as 27.5″ wheels took over. Now, instead of a carbon Endorphin, Knolly presents their 27.5″ carbon Warden.
Completely made in Taiwan with a full internal mandrel treatment for the carbon front to back, the carbon Warden uses the exact same geometry as the aluminum model but with typical stiffer, lighter, stronger attributes. While they were at it, the Warden gained some additional compatibility features as well…
Maintaining the same 150mm F1 inspired strut style suspension, the Four by 4 linkage includes an adjustment of the lower shock mount to change the geometry from neutral to slack. Those numbers include either a 66.5° or 65.5° Head tube angle and a 13.75″ or 13.375″ bottom bracket height.
A new one piece rocker link and custom ti hardware is meant to make the suspension linkage more rigid, and the frame keeps an alloy chain stay to cut down on cost while also allowing for a minimum 2.5″ tire clearance and room for a 38t front chain ring with 16.9 inch chain stays.
Built with completely internal routing, the carbon Warden has every base covered. Shipped with six different fittings for every drive train and brake combination as well as internal droppers, all of the fittings are water tight and are compatible with SRAM’s Quick connect. On the bottom of the frame you’ll find a removable downtube protector that hides the Di2 battery holder. Compatible with front derailleurs including Side Swing, the frame even has provisions for fully external cable routing if you prefer.
Built with a 142×12 rear axle and threaded bottom bracket, the Carbon Warden has a lot going for it in the likability department. Available in the first quarter of 2016, frames will be priced $1000 more than the alloy frame at $3395 with a DB Inline shock. Complete bikes will start at $6250 for the GX Build and $7450 for an X01 build with Industry Nine Carbon Enduro wheels available as an upgrade.
