News

EUROBIKE 2015 | PYGA Stage MAX Carbon Trail Bike

27.08.2015
by

One bike that really caught our eye at EUROBIKE was the new PYGA Stage MAX trail bike, rocking 140 mm travel up at the front and 126 mm at the rear. The South African rocket is targeted towards riders looking for an XC/trail bike with slacker angles for bombing around home trails, we took a quick look.

The new PYGA Stage Max has 126mm rear and 140mm up the front
The new PYGA Stage Max has 126mm rear and 140mm up the front
The 438mm chainstays should keep the bike agile.
The 438mm chainstays should keep the bike agile.

One of of the cool features of the new Stage MAX is the innovative +FIVE chainline. If you look at most modern day suspension designs you will see that when the chain is in the middle sprocket, the chainline is angled to the left, and when in the lowest gears this will result in excessive wear on the chain. The +FIVE chain line shifts the rear end of the frame 5mm towards the drive side, correcting chainline. This also means that the wheel dish can be removed and results in symmetrical lacing that improves strength and stiffness (though this will mean you cannot just put in a new dished wheel).

The +FIVE chainline ensures a perfect chainline for better shifting and less wear
The +FIVE chainline ensures a perfect chainline for better shifting and less wear
The 140mm Rockshox Pike fork adds some aggression to the front end
The 140mm Rockshox Pike fork adds some aggression to the front end

The PYGA features slack and long geometry for a 29er, with a reach of 450 mm (in Large), and a 67.5 degree head angle which is tailored towards the use of a short stem for more grip and traction over rough terrain. We do not have exact figures on the weight but expect it to be in the region of 12 – 12.5kg. Targeted at the trail rider who desires XC uphill speed, but who also wants to shred the life out of their home trails on the way down, we look forward to getting this bike in for a test!

SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes and brutal deceleration
SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes and brutal deceleration
The bike features a really unique frame moulding
The bike features a really unique frame moulding

The specifications of the bike are impressive, featuring a Rockshox Monarch RC3 rear shock and Pike RC 29 140 mm Fork, full XX1 drivetrain and super desirable Race Face NextSL crank. The wheelset is a wide rim by PYGA themselves and the SRAM Guide Ultimates provide powerful deceleration.

The Stage MAX is aimed at aggressive trail riders
The Stage MAX is aimed at aggressive trail riders
The suspension action of the PYGA has a progressive ending for sharp acceleration out of turns
The suspension action of the PYGA has a progressive ending for plenty of pop and sharp acceleration out of turns
The Pyga is designed and built in South Africa
The Pyga is designed and built in South Africa

Pricing is still TBA, but expect there to be at least figures with a 7 at the start for the top model. For more information check out the PYGA website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

You may also like