Corsair might not be a name you would expect to jump on the 27+ bandwagon, but that’s precisely why they are. Seeing an opportunity to create a plus size hardtail built around a long travel fork, the Kraken seeks to fill a void in the mid fat market. Add in a ton of all mountain type features, and the Kraken might just put those big tires to their full use…
Built from Columbus Zona chromoly tubing, the Kraken has a claimed weight of 5.94lbs with all of the the frame hardware including the 142×12 Syntace thru axle – for this category, that’s not bad. We were a bit surprised to hear a “plus” bike would be running non-boost hub spacing, but we were told the decision was made because they didn’t feel the bike needed Boost and expects many customers to use their existing hubs or wheels. Designed around a 140mm suspension fork, the frame uses a tapered head tube and threaded bottom bracket shell with ISCG 05 mounts. All cable routing is internal including the Stealth dropper routing. Geometry, tire clearance, and pricing is still being worked out, but the frame will likely have a 67.5 degree head tube angle.
Over at Atomlab, the brand is focusing their attention towards carbon. Specifically the new SL super wide carbon rims. Currently measuring 35mm external, these prototypes were built with a hookless design. Estimated to run around $500-600 per rim, they will be drilled with 32 holes (likely for their Torque nipples) and will be sold complete with their 102 hubs.
Finally, their SL bars are now available in yellow which looks like a perfect match for that Corsair…
