EUROBIKE 2015 | The new Antidote CarbonJack Enduro Bike
EUROBIKE tends to follow the same procedure day in day out, with one standard visit to a manufacturer’s stand where you’ll be presented with all their latest news after another. So naturally it was a pleasing breath of fresh air when the guys from Antidote approached us with a very tempting offer to look at their new bike
At EUROBIKE we had the luxury of throwing a spontaneous eye over the Antidote CarbonJack.
Antidote, the small Polish bike firm, craft all of their distinctive carbon frames by hand in Krakow. After previously making waves in the downhill word with their Lifeline DH, they’ve now set their sights on the enduro market and are pushing the CarbonJack.
The transparent finish reveals the carbon beneath it and gives the bike a great look.
Antidote Bikes design, develop and make their bikes in Poland.
Exclusively made from carbon and covered with a layer of transparent lacquer, the bike makes an impressive first impression as the frame and rear are each single pieces. The carbon that Antidote chose makes use of Vectran fibres – frequently used for spacesuits – and is reputed to increase the rigidity and durability of the frame.
The chainline accentuates the aesthetics of the stays.
The clear lines give the headtube a stylish look.
With 160 mm rear travel, the CarbonJack has been designed to take front forks with a height of 555 mm, which includes most modern 160 mm forks. The medium-sized frame has a 425 mm reach and chainstays of 438 mm, which is relatively compact considering the position of the rear shock. Teamed with the slack 65.5° head angle, the wheelbase comes in at 1,183 mm, promising stability on high-speed sections. The effective seat angle of 75° should convince riders of the comfy riding position on climbs.
We couldn’t fail to notice the small details that are testament to the high level of craftsmanship that had gone into the bike.
The display model came fitted with a brilliant DVO Diamond fork.
Clean: the rear disc brake mounts.
Geometry:
| Size | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toptube Effektive | 585 mm | 615 mm | 640 mm |
| Chainstay Length | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm |
| Headangle | 65,5° | 65,5° | 65,5° |
| Seat Angle Effektive | 75° | 75° | 75° |
| BB Drop | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Seattube | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 455 mm | 480 mm |
| Stack | 603 mm | 603 mm | 616 mm |
Not just an attractive frame, the CarbonJack features an eye-catching rear end with two aluminium rocker arms linking the main frame, rear and the floating rear shock, linked on either side. According to the designers, it results in a great wheel trajectory and progression without causing unwanted pedal influence. The rear shock is behind the seat tube, with the piggyback reservoir mounted at 90° to ease access to the Climb Switch lever.
Large bearings should ensure stiffness at the rear.
The piggyback reservoir has been mounted at an angle of 90°, making the Climb Switch lever easier to reach.
A mudguard to protect the shock will soon be made available.
The CarbonJack is so far only available in medium, but the large frame should be available soon. According to Antidote, the frame weighs 2.5 kg (minus the shock), and the frame set retails at 2,999 € (minus the shock). For an extra 400 €, you can include a Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS. And Antidote are willing to custom-build any frames upon request.
For ordering details and more info head to: antidotebikes.com
Text: Martin Stöckl Fotos: Sebastian Hermann
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About the Author
Aaron Steinke
Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!
