Review

First Look: Custom Geometry Zumbi F-11 650B

08.07.2014
by

I have been running this unique bike for some time now, and think that it was time I did a quick bike check. Polish bike brand, Zumbi, are becoming increasingly popular all over Europe, and the distinctive F-11 silhouette is being seen at more and more races. What makes this bike special, is that if you wish, you can tailor the bike to your requirements, and not only with the components, but also the frame geometry itself. This F-11 650B bike is available with custom geometry, allowing you to work directly with the frame builder before construction to choose exactly the geometry that suits your personal style and riding. After long conversations and deliberations about head angle, chainstay length and top tubes, this bike was built for exactly the kind of riding that I enjoy!

To find out what geometry I chose, and to find out if it rides well, keep an eye on the digital magazine for a full review coming soon. But for now, here is a quick bike check.

The Zumbi F-11 is hand built in Poland out of 7020 Alloy
The Zumbi F-11 is hand built in Poland out of 7020 Alloy, made exactly to your own requirements.
Rockshox Pike RC3 forks perform perfectly.
Rockshox Pike RC3 forks perform perfectly.
A 35mm Hope Stem keeps the steering quick and precise, twinned with 780mm Burtech Ride-wider bars.
A 35mm Hope Stem keeps the steering quick and precise, twinned with 780mm Burtech Ride-wider bars for an aggressive and stable stance.
The Monarch RC3 shock is dropped into the frame to keep the centre of gravity low.
The Monarch RC3 shock is dropped into the frame to keep the centre of gravity low, and is running a mid compression tune.
A full SRAM XX1 drive train with 36T chainring keeps the weight down to 12.8kg.
A full SRAM XX1 drive train with 36T chainring keeps the weight down to 12.8kg, the lightweight 1650g wheelset also help to keep the weight low.
The bike is currently fitted with the new Ibis 741 carbon rims, look out for a full review soon.
The bike is currently fitted with the new 650B Ibis 741 carbon rims, look out for a full review soon. With 35mm internal width and a massive 41mm external width, these are radical rims.
A 2.25 Hans Dampf on the rear comes out as big as a 2.4 on the 741 rims.
A 2.25 Hans Dampf on the rear comes out as big as a 2.4 on the 741 rims, and saves a fair few grammes.
The Zumbi F-11 has 150mm of rear travel and 650b wheels.
The Zumbi F-11 has 150mm of rear travel driven by an in-house designed FPS suspension system, and is running 650b wheels with a 142×12 rear dropout.
Hope Race levers provide plenty of power at a low weight.
Hope Race levers provide plenty of power at a low weight, and have excellent modulation.
The geometry is totally custom and will be revealed in a full feature soon, it is low and aggressive.
The geometry is totally custom and will be revealed in a full feature soon, however, we can reveal that it is low and aggressive.
Hand built in Poland
Hand built in Poland, if you want to you can work with the builder every step of the way, creating a very unique bike.
Look out for a full feature on this bike soon.
Look out for a full feature on this bike soon.

For more information about the F-11, visit the Zumbi Website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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