Ellsworth debuted an updated version of their Dare DH mountain bike under World Cup Downhill Racer Jack Reading. Based on Reading’s and other sponsored riders’ feedback, the limited edition 2012 Dare includes a slacker head angle (64°), an extended top tube length and a 30.9 seat post. It also got a tapered head tube to allow for an adjustable angle set headset. The limited edition Dare will be available in late spring and only 24 frames will be produced in the United States. Frame and Shock MSRP is $2795, complete bike with SRAM x9 is $5695 and Shimano SAINT is $6695.00.
For the XC set, the Ellsworth has updated their Enlightenment 29er carbon hardtail with new graphics and new internal tubing, which Ellsworth says makes the frame stronger than ever. It also gets optional horizontal dropouts for singlespeed use. Cables are now run internally and brake housing gets compression grommets to reduce rattling inside the frame. Frame is $1,995 and complete bikes start at $4095 with SRAM X9 up to $6295 for XTR.
Given the current sales climate, they’re discontinuing the 26″ Enlightenment and focusing only on 29″ wheels for that model.
Ellsworth Carbon Shock Stay: The Ellsworth design team has been busy perfecting their carbon manufacturing and kicking the season off with a brand new carbon shock stay that shaves off an additional 100 grams from the already super light aluminum frames. In addition, the shock stay has 142 mm rear spacing for a stiffer and stronger ride.
Lastly, they’ve developed a new carbon shock stay upgrade for the Epiphany, Moment, Evolve and Evolution full suspension mountain bikes. Available May 1, it’ll shave a claimed 100g of their alloy bikes. It has 142mm rear spacing. Pricing TBD.
