The all-new Redline D880 29er is their first foray into full suspension, and it brings something new to the table.
It uses a completely unique Binary Link suspension design, an evolution of the single pivot design that eliminates the small pivot near the rear axle by putting two larger main pivots near the bottom bracket. The benefit of the design is that they keep the weight (ie. center of gravity) low on the bike. It gives a feel that mimics the feel of their BMX bikes, which Redline is known for.
The secondary benefit is that it keeps the compressive forces directly inline with the shock’s canister. This means there are no weird angles or side pressures pushing at the shock, which helps keep the movement very smooth and helps the shock last longer.
Kurt Hall, who has engineered bikes for Klein, Trek and others, has been working on this design for a couple years. He wanted to take what’s good about a single pivot design (like a strong rear triangle) and improve what’s not (like pedal bob).
The secondary pivot lets the suspension do what it needs to do without affecting pedaling, and vice versa. Chain tension stays consistent through the travel.
This shows the suspension in full extension (left) and compression (right). The small upper link barely moves, just a couple degrees of rotation to bring the forward-most lower pivot up slightly. The combination provides 110mm rear wheel travel, mated to a 100mm fork up front.
Other details include a 12×142 rear, hdroformed alloy frame with sealed cartridge bearings and PF92 bottom bracket.
The D880 is $3,750 and comes with a full XT drivetrain and Novatec wheels. Below that is the D860 with an SLX group, Reba fork and Monarch shock.
We saw the latest Conquest Pro Disc carbon ‘cross bike at Sea Otter. Now, there’s the Conquest Disc Alloy, a new hydroformed alloy cyclocross bike that doubles as a commuter but keeps the 70mm BB drop and head angle as the racier Conquest Pro but gets slightly longer 425 chainstays (10mm longer). That means it also works as a great gravel road bike, too.
It comes with Schwalbe Sammy Slick semi-slick tires that have reflective sidewalls and gets the new light action Tiagra group. It gets a carbon fork and house brand cockpit with Selle San Marco saddle and Velo bar tape.
The complete bike is $1,599.
More info at RedlineBicycles.com.
