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Deviate Cycles Guide – A Full Carbon Gearbox Bike

23.11.2017
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After riding a number of gearbox bikes, we see huge potential if the technology could be harnessed effectively. We have to admit to being super excited when news of the new Deviate Cycles dropped into our inbox, looking smoking hot. Check out the full scoop from Deviate Cycles here:

Deviate Cycles is proud to release two full carbon, gearbox complete bikes, with a frame-only option. Deviate Cycles are a UK-based bike brand specialising in gearbox bikes selling direct to the consumer.

The ‘Guide’ draws its name from decades of guiding experience by the founders, augmented by a naval and motorsports (Prodrive/Aston Martin Racing) mechanical engineering background, and reflects what will become the heritage of the company.

At the beating heart of the Guide is its Pinion C-Line gearbox. While the gearbox is nothing new in mountain biking, the new breed of Pinion gearboxes offer reliability and performance at an acceptable weight, allowing us to focus on creating the best suspension system we can. The suspension is optimised to work with the fixed chainline the gearbox provides. The Guide also features a high pivot point, which when coupled with our idler means that we can fine tune the suspension to have both desirable anti-squat characteristics and zero pedal kickback. We have designed what we feel is a game-changer in terms of how a full suspension mountain bike should perform.

The overall design is also borne of what Ben and Chris have spent the last decade riding. The end result is a bike that tracks the ground like no other, reducing fatigue on long descents and allowing the rider to focus on the trail ahead. However, it’s the finer details that make the Guide shine. Twin lip wiper seals throughout are testament to the tough conditions the bike deals with in the UK and the Alps. Weight is not a headline, but with the UK build coming in at under 33lb, the Guide sets the benchmark for gearbox bike weights. The Guide is ready for whatever you have planned for it.

With the end user in mind, we are happy to offer two subtly different builds, a ‘UK’ and an ‘Alpine’ build that reflect the different requirements of each environment. These builds are complementary to our frame design with each component selected based on proven reliability and performance.

Highlights

  • Medium and Large Frame Sizes Available (Small coming soon)
  • Full high modulus carbon fibre construction
  • 27.5″ (650b) wheel size
  • 160mm of rear wheel travel
  • Supplied with highly tunable Cane Creek DBAir CS or DBAir Inline shock
  • Metric shock (210*55mm)
  • Pinion C-Line Gearbox Drivetrain (12 speed C-Line with Magnesium casing)
  • Integrated (and replaceable) chain tensioning system
  • Integrated (and replaceable) bash guard
  • Full internal cable routing
  • 31.6mm seatpost with internal cable routing
  • Enduro double row, angular contact, max fill bearings on all pivots
  • Twin lip wiper seals for all suspension pivots
  • Bonded rubber protection from rock strikes and chain slap
  • 2.7” tyre clearance

Geometry of the Deviate Guide

Frame Only

Drivetrain Pinion C-Line Gearbox
Rear shock Cane Creek DBAir Inline 160 mm (+ £ 100)
Price £ 3,399

UK Build

We like this build for mainly 1:1 (climb:descend) riding – but also works great in the Alps.
Fork Cane Creek Helm 160 mm
Rear shock Cane Creek DBAir Inline 160 mm
Drivetrain Pinion C-Line Gearbox
Brakes Shimano XT (Rotor: 180/180 mm)
Seatpost 9point8 Fallline 150mm
Bars Renthal 35 mm 800 mm
Tyres Maxxis HighRoller II Exo 3C TR
Wheels ZTR Arch MK3
Price £ 5,699

Alpine Build

We prefer this build for riding with some form of uplift assistance or very rocky and rough terrain.
Fork Cane Creek Helm 160 mm
Rear shock Cane Creek DBAir Inline 160 mm
Drivetrain Pinion C-Line Gearbox
Brakes Shimano XT (Rotor: 200/180 mm)
Seatpost 9point8 Fallline 150mm
Bars Renthal 35 mm 800 mm
Tyres Maxxis HighRoller II Exo 3C TR/Maxxis HighRoller II DD 3C TR (f/r)
Wheels ZTR Arch MK3
Price £ 5,799

The first batch of bikes will be shipped to customers in February 2018.

Orders and more info at: deviatecycles.com

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Words: Photos: Deviate Cycles

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