Scotland-based Deviate Cycles released their first enduro mountain bike; Claymore. Like its shorter-travel siblings, the Highlander and Guide, the new Deviate Claymore delivers rear wheel drive via a high-axle suspension layout resulting in a approx Entire rear axle track. Because it’s pushed by 165mm of rear-wheel travel, the Claymore’s rear hub length is increased by 22mm, a feature they say lends itself well to stabilizing the bike when it’s deep in the suspension stroke. There’s quite a bit more to the Claymore than its high centered aesthetic and allure, so let’s take a closer look.
All exterior photos of James Vincent
Claymore’s deviation
- Intention: Enduro Riding and Racing
- Wheel size: 29″
- Fork travel: 170mm
- Rear wheel travel: 165mm
- Frame material: T700 UD carbon fiber
- Pricing: $3,200 for the frame and Fox Factory X2 Shock
No doubt Deviate Cycles isn’t hopping on the high-axle bandwagon now, suspension design has become a staple on the World Cup podiums. In fact, they’ve invested in developing high-axle ties from the start, with the Deviate Guide Gearbox Bike debuting in 2016.
The Claymore frame is made of T700 UD carbon fiber, at various locations across Asia. Ships from Taiwan, with QC inspections and controls completed at Deviate Cycles HQ’s Scotland headquarters.
All perverts have a file In fact A high main pivot position, unlike many assumed high pivot bikes where the main pivot is much lower; The GT Force Carbon and Cannondale Jekyll are good examples of this. In the case of the Deviate Cycles, their high-axle bikes feature a lower linkage design with a pivoting hub concentric with the bottom bracket. This configuration results in an axial track, most of which is posterior.
The 230mm x 60mm shock provides 165mm of rear wheel travel. Deviate told us they engineered the leverage curve to provide a flexible initial stroke, before becoming more advanced at the end of the 165mm ride. It is said to do well with the air and coil shocks, with enough clearance for the Fox Factory X2 and Ohlins TTX22m.2 shocks. The overall progression from the discharged state to the norm is 21%.
The chainring is routed up and over the main pivot location via an intermediate pulley mounted on the swivel arm, in an effort to eliminate most of the suspension-induced pedaling recoil that higher hub designs may suffer. The exact location of this device, and the number of teeth on the pulley, determine important kinematic parameters including pedal rebound, and also closely related anti-squat numbers.
Claymore runs an 18T alloy intermediate spool (replacement cost £25) with 126 commonly available link chains, so no need to join the chains
The Claymore follows in the footsteps of a Highlander track bike, a 140mm (or 150mm) travel trail bike, that shares a similar suspension layout, modified for extra rear wheel travel and the requirements associated with tough enduro riding. It’s a full 29er and there are no engineering modifications available. In this regard, they say, “Not every enduro track or riding place is the same, so we designed the Claymore to reach the ideal point where consistent stability and snake-like agility meet.”
So, what do these numbers look like?
Currently, the Deviate Claymore is only available as a frame and shock; The geometries discussed here relate to a bike complete with a 170mm Fox 38 fork travel with a 44mm offset.
The somewhat slack 64.3-degree head angle is designed to support a 170mm fork with a 44mm offset. The Claymore should feel relatively roomy, with a generous 490mm reach. Comes in three frame sizes; M, L and XL, fit riders from 170cm to 198cm. Each sports tire size with a rear center (unladen) length of 441mm, with the BB lowered 30mm from the front and rear axles. Keep in mind that the rear center length increases to approximately 463mm at 140mm in rear wheel travel, before the rear axle track bends forward again and begins to shorten the length of the rear center toward the bottom.
Claymore combines these geometries with what should feel like a fairly straight pedal position thanks to the seat tube angle of 78 degrees (effectively). And the actual).
The Claymore is designed to be tumbled hard in the Scottish Highlands where trail conditions are, oftentimes, wet, with plenty of gritty granite boulders (think Fort William) that like to chew on tire bearings. To defend against this, all Enduro bearings on the Claymore, as well as the idler pulley, are protected from ingress of water and dirt by double-lip squeegee seals. It also features grease ports.
Claymore runs a threaded bottom bracket. Frame protection can be seen on the downtube and underside of the drive-side seat post.
Claymore cables route external cables on the front triangle (excluding dropper cable) routed by a gutter on the underside of the top tube. It is then steered internally through the swingarm. The top tube also features two accessory mounting points.
Specific struts for the boom spacing allow clearance for 29 x 2.6 ohm tires
The maximum size of the rear rotor allowed by the swingarm is 203mm
Pricing and availability
Available as frame and shock only, the Deviate Claymore has a starting price of $3200 / £3000 (including VAT) for the frame with Fox Factory X2 Air Shock. All tires are sold with a lifetime warranty and a breakdown/damage replacement policy.
deviatecycles.com