Pole turned heads a few months ago with the introduction of their fully CNC machined enduro bikes, then it went up for pre-orders. So we had to stop and take a look at one in person. And ask why. Turns out, there’s a lot of logic behind the design and method. First, they can produce on demand, keeping inventory levels small and only making what’s needed. Second, they can iterate quickly and add or subtract features as needed. Theoretically, they could even make small geometry changes. Check out our original post for the tech details, and enjoy these closeups before getting to new bikes and options from Foes, Trailcraft, RSD & Diamondback…
Specialized isn’t the only one pushing the shock off to one side. This position lets them mount the shock sideways, setting the piggyback reservoir off to the side.
The suspension moves on two linkages, with the lower one concentric with the bottom bracket.
The bolts that appear to be holding the left and right halves of the frame together are really only needed during bonding. Each side of the frame is machined separately, then they’re fused together. The bolts hold them in place during the process, but then technically could be removed afterward. Also note the cable routing channels that are shaped into the frame along with the holes for the zip ties.
Check them out at PoleBicycles.com.
Foes Ridgeback Trail Bike
Foes Racing is adding a new trail bike with the ability to run both 29er and 27.5+ wheels and tires. The Foes Ridgeback mixes 140mm rear wheel travel with up to a 160mm fork.
This one’s a prototype, which is using 157×12 “Super Boost” on the back, which let Foes use a fatter seat tube structure. But, that left limited space for a chain guide so they’ll be going narrower and switching to regular 148×12 Boost spacing for production.
Pricing and availability TBD.
In the back of the booth, they had this collaboration with Oakley. It’s a one-off for someone on their team and won’t be for sale, but worth a look. What’s impressive is that the paint’s matte-like finish almost hides just how good the shading and transitions are. It’s almost weathered looking, but very three dimensional.
Trailcraft adds limited edition rim colors
Trailcraft’s premium youth mountain bikes have a limited supply of color-matched Stan’s NoTubes Crest rims, letting you match up some models’ rims with the frame color. Look for orange…
…and green, but act quick if you want them, as there are too many available.
Not a new model, this bike shows what can be done as your child’s skills progress. This bike belongs to the founder’s son, who currently has one of the fastest Strava times on a local enduro segment near Fort Collins, CO.
Just want to convert an existing bike into a more kid-friendly option? Check out their direct-mount cranks and 1x chainrings, which come in very kid-friendly sizes.
RSD Raises a Middle Child
Direct-to-consumer brand RSD, based in Canada but shipping throughout North America, was walking the show with two late stage prototypes of their upcoming Middle Child 27.5+ trail hardtail. With a slack front end, steeper seat tube that’s dropper compatible, and plenty of bottom bracket clearance, it’s designed to be your ultimate play bike.
It’ll be a butted 4130 chromoly steel hardtail with big tire clearance for up to 27.5×3.0 or 29×2.6 tires, and a 1x specific design. Look for a summertime launch with complete bikes starting at $2,799 with a 140mm Pike RC fork. Full build specs available at RSDbikes.com.
Diamondback Sync’r goes carbon
The new Diamondback Sync’r Carbon will have a svelte 3lb frame weight with a Fox 34, and can be run as 27.5 or a 29er. Built around a 140mm fork, it’ll have a slack 66° head angle. Max tire size is 27.5×3.0 in the rear. Fall 2018 release, starts around $2200-$2400.
This one is a custom studio build with carbon rims, but stock bikes will come with alloy wheels.
Other models get paint and spec updates. The Release full suspension bikes switched to Fox suspension and all get new colors.
The Haanjo gets this sweet new metallic green and bronze paint and graphics, and now comes with WTB Byway tires. More details at Diamondback.com.
