Although the Carbonjack 29 is just one of three frames they offer, it’s evident that Poland’s Antidote is a small company with big ideas: The new Carbonjack 29 features the brand’s own patented FDS suspension platform, and it’s built from a unique composite blend.
The Carbonjack was previously a 27.5” bike, but the new version has been given 29” wheels. In addition to the bigger hoops, the Carbonjack 29 frame has been significantly updated with new geometry, a new upper link, and a leaner overall look. Antidote says the Carbonjack 29 is faster and more stable than the previous version, but still offers a playful ride.
Antidote Carbonjack 29 frame details:
Antidote’s frames are designed in-house and made by hand in Poland. The Carbonjack 29’s front and rear ends are both made from a blend of carbon and Vectran, and the monocoque front triangle features additional Kevlar reinforcements.
One notable change from the previous Carbonjack’s design is the upper shock link. Where the 27.5″ version’s link sat behind the seat mast, the new 29er has an upper link that wraps around the front. This design presumably helped Antidote lengthen the seatmasts for better dropper post compatibility (the masts look pretty short on the 27.5’s). Depending on the brand, Small frames can run 120-150mm, Mediums will fit 150-180mm, and Larges and XL’s can run 180-210mm dropper posts.
I like how Antidote trimmed down some of the beefy-looking sections of the previous Carbonjack. The 29er has open cavities at the seat mast junction and under the down tube that give it a mean, racey vibe. The entire 29er frame has been reshaped with contours that look more organic and less boxy than the previous iteration.
The Carbonjack 29 uses a Boost-spaced 12x148mm rear axle, accepts 30.9mm seatposts, and can have either a threaded or press-fit BB92 bottom bracket (at the buyer’s option). Cables are internally routed through the front triangle, and the rear end allows clearance for up to 29×2.6” tires. Finishing touches include titanium shock mount screws, a water bottle mount atop the down tube, and a mudguard to help keep the rear shock clean.
Suspension:
The new Carbonjack 29 employs Antidote’s patented FDS (Floating Damping System) suspension platform to provide 150mm of rear travel. Under impacts, the rear end actuates two short links that counter-rotate to compress the shock from both ends simultaneously. Antidote claims their floating design offers excellent small bump sensitivity, solid climbing traction, enough progressivity to handle DH style terrain, and efficient pedalling without feedback.
The shock’s position keeps the bike’s center of gravity low, and the Carbonjack’s rear triangle allows access to the side of the shock for quick and easy tuning adjustments.
Geometry:
The new Carbonjack 29 is (you’ll never guess) longer and slacker than the 27.5” version, to improve its stability. Check the chart above for all the numbers, but here are some key figures; The head tube is 65°, the seat mast is 74.4°, and a 450mm reach on a Medium puts their front end length pretty close to most current enduro bikes.
Antidote’s ‘Golden Ratio’ geometry is designed to balance the bike’s front center and chainstay measurements, to put the rider’s weight in an ideal position for both climbing and descending. This might lead you to assume they offer size-specific rear ends, but that’s not the case. Apparently the Golden Ratio magic is all worked into the front triangle, because regardless of size the Carbonjack’s rear ends are all the same length at 450mm.
The Carbonjack 29 was designed around a 160mm fork with a short 44mm offset to increase the bike’s trail measurement and further aid stability. If you want to go longer up front, it can run a 170mm fork.
The Carbonjack 29 frame sells for $3499 euros (approx. $3860 USD), which includes a lifetime warranty to the original owner. Color options are not listed, but Antidote does offer some customization of their other models… If you’re interested in buying a frame, contact Antidote online.
