With Red Bull Rampage titles, racing trophies from several disciplines, freeride video parts and everything in between it’s safe to say Kyle Strait is a pretty well-rounded rider. While some pros opt to set up a quiver of different bikes, Strait wanted one bike he could ride in either slopestyle, 4X or dual slalom events. Commencal’s designers heard the call, got to work and created an updated version of the Absolut SX, which is now dubbed the Absolut SX Kyle Strait.
If you have a keen eye you may have noticed Strait was already riding his namesake Absolut SX at Crankworx Rotorua. If you like the idea of this highly versatile bike, you’ll be glad to know it will eventually be available to consumers as part of Commencal’s 2017 line….
With several different disciplines in consideration, the Absolut SX winds up utilizing a unique hodgepodge of sizings and spacings you wouldn’t normally find on a more race or freestyle specific frame. Not surprisingly, the Absolut SX features a very progressive suspension curve- With a supple start and firm ramp-up this design should balance out the bike’s double duties of maintaining grip on the race courses and resisting big hits on massive slopestyle jumps.
The Absolut SX Kyle Strait provides 100m of rear travel, and the frame was engineered with a low ratio intended for running air shocks without having to push them beyond their recommended maximum pressures. Up front, the frame was designed to accommodate a 120mm fork.
Strait chose to stick with 26” wheels, likely for durability purposes, and went with a DH-style 150×12 rear axle. This keeps the rear end strong, stiff and provides plenty of tire clearance for Strait’s various needs.
The frame is purported to be very rigid, and boasts some extremely short 395mm chainstays, which should slay the corners on the dual slalom and 4X tracks. The Absolut SX was given its sloping, compact shape to make slopestyle tricks easier, and the frame is 1x compatible only.
“I am so happy to finally have a frame that fits all of my needs and that I am so stoked to put my name on…Man, we thought of it all on this thing; everything from the strength of the frame, the sizing, all the way to setting up the suspension platform to fit the needs of such a specific frame type. From the first time I hopped on the bike I knew it was exactly what we needed…” said Strait.
The frameset (with Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear shock) will be offered in Metallic Red only and comes in two sizes, S/M and L/XL. Availability is expected for September, and no pricing has been announced yet. Keep an eye on Commencal’s website for updates in late summer or fall.
