The fully updated Knolly Warden takes what made it special, then gives it a fresh linkage, more travel, and a wider rear footprint. And there’s a new LT version for those needing just a bit more. And if you want a lot more, there’s an updated Delirium, too, which pushes things into full-on park bike range. All three run 27.5″ wheels, with frames designed specifically for them with max tire clearance.
The Warden frames remain 6066 alloy, and they keep the custom machined titanium hardware, but the upper linkages are more refined. But, they keep their signature Fourby4 design, and straight seat tube that allows from 150mm to 200mm dropper seatposts depending on frame size. The frame tubes and kinematics were refined, too, following the updates used for their latest Fugitive 29er.
Key upgrades are the move all the way from the prior model’s 12×142 up to “super boost” 157×12 rear hub spacing, and a jump up to 160mm/160mm travel for the base Warden.
Jump up to the Warden LT and you get 168mm rear travel with a 170mm fork. Both options give you a switchable lower shock mount position to make the bike a little lower and slacker. And both use a 157mm rear axle spacing, but keep a standard 73mm BB shell. So, you get a standard Q-factor for better pedaling dynamics, and they shape the chainstays so you don’t end up with heel clearance issues.
The bikes get short chainstays, and really short head tubes, paired to help you keep the weight on the rear wheel when it’s time to climb, and on the front when it’s time to shred.
Other touches include CNC’d titanium fasteners, a threaded BB, ISCG mounts, and internal cable routing. The latest IGUS bushings keep it all moving up and down smoothly.
The gold-coloured Warden seen in some of the above photos was inspired by the Ford GT supercar, and Knolly was showing it off at Crankworx Whistler. Here’s a little video to get you stoked on the new Wardens…
The updated Delirium is the big boy of the lineup, now offering 175mm of rear travel, and running a single-crown 180mm fork up front. The frame has been fully redesigned and is lighter than the outgoing version, yet is stronger than ever. Fun fact- the crow motif on this frame is an homage to a massive murder of crows that are locally famous for flying over Knolly’s headquarters in Burnaby, B.C. each evening.
2020 Wardens and Delirium will show up in shops next March with prices ranging from $2,197 to $2,655 USD, complete bikes with the Dawn Patrol kit ranging from $5159 to $6216 USD.
