Devinci’s Spartan has been a staple on the enduro scene for several years, but it’s getting a major update for 2022 with its new high-pivot suspension. The redesigned 2022 Spartan HP sticks with the Split-Pivot linkage Devinci has used for years, but the new bike combines that linkage with a high-pivot chainline. The HP offers a rearward axle path that ensures its 160mm of travel provides the most stability and traction possible.
The release of the new Spartan HP has me begging the question; is high-pivot suspension the future of gravity riding? In recent years we’ve seen a lot of bikes and manufacturers going this way, including Commencal’s Supreme DH (a few years ago), Forbidden’s Druid and Dreadnought, Norco’s Aurum DH and new Range enduro bike, Trek’s latest Session DH bike, and now the Spartan HP.
Devinci Spartan HP frame details:
Whereas Devinci previously offered aluminum or carbon framed Spartans, all models of the new Spartan HP are full carbon only. The shapely carbon frames feature hidden pivots (with accessible hardware) for a clean look, and the pivots rotate on Enduro double-lip sealed bearings.
One interesting change is that Devinci has reduced the bike’s travel from the previous 165mm to 160mm for the HP version. They say the new suspension offers a more bottomless feel, and the bike at 160mm provides the best balance of capability and efficiency. Up front Devinci offers either 170mm or 180mm forks, depending on the model, and all Spartan HP’s roll on 29” wheels.
The new Spartan HP’s idler pulley is claimed to be one of the most quiet and durable available. The idler features low-friction bearings and a thermoplastic cover/guide to keep your chain secure, clean and quiet.
The Spartan HP uses Super Boost 157mm rear spacing, leaving ample clearance for 29×2.5” tires and 28-36t chainrings. Other key fittings include a metric Trunnion mount rear shock, a threaded BB with 2-bolt ISCG 05 mounts to accommodate lower bash guards, and a universal derailleur hanger.
To keep dropper post flex to a minimum, Devinci made the jump to a 34.9mm seat mast. Insertion lengths are as follows: Small – 225mm, Medium – 250mm, Large – 285mm, XL – 300mm.
Finishing details include partially guided internal cable routing, a molded polyurethane chainstay protector, rock guard and shuttle pad to protect your frame, and a water bottle mount inside the front triangle.
Suspension:
Devinci says the combination of a high-pivot chainline and their trusted Split-Pivot linkage effectively separates braking and pedalling forces, and provides excellent small-bump compliance alongside solid pedalling efficiency. Although every model of the Spartan HP is sold with an air shock, the new frame’s progressive leverage ratio was tuned to work well with coil shocks too.
The chart above shows how much more rearward the new Spartan HP’s axle moves vs. the outgoing MK2 frame. This rearward axle path increases stability and traction when you’re charging hard and wallowing into your suspension.
Geometry:
Frame geometry has been updated for the new Spartan HP’s, following today’s usual pattern of a longer reach, slacker head tube and steeper seat mast. A quick glance at the geo chart reveals Devinci’s front ends are getting considerably lengthy, but the rear ends remain quite short across the board.
One new feature for the Spartan HP is optimized chainstay lengths for larger frame sizes; small and medium frames come with stubby 425mm stays, but larges get 430mm rear ends and XL’s stretch out to 435mm. Check out the chart above for all the geometry figures.
The Spartan HP retains Devinci’s Hi/Lo flip-chip on the lower shock mount, which alters the frame geometry in several ways: It changes the head tube angle by 0.5 degrees, seat tube angle by 0.5 or 0.6 degrees (depending on frame size), increases/decreases reach by 5mm, chainstay length by 4mm, and lifts/lowers the BB by 7mm. Standover height also varies by 6mm, and stack height by 4mm. The Spartan HP’s wheelbase also changes, but only by 3mm.
Model Lineup:
There isn’t a low-end or entry-level model in the new Spartan HP lineup, with the three available builds ranging from roughly $6000-9000 USD. Check out the complete specs and pricing for each model below.
Spartan Carbon XTR 12S – Available in Gloss Skyscraper Silver.
Spartan Carbon XT 12S LTD – Available in two colors; Gloss Secret Blue or Gloss Skyscraper Silver.
Spartan Carbon GX 12S – Offered in Gloss Secret Blue or Gloss Skyscraper Silver.
While weights for the XTR and XT LTD builds weren’t yet available, Devinci lists the weight for a complete medium GX 12S at 33.07lbs, which is roughly two pounds lighter than any outgoing aluminum or carbon Spartan.
The 2022 Spartan HP’s are now available to order through Devinci retailers.
