First Look | LAST Bikes present the brand new COAL
While the same team from LAST were still rubbing their hands in glee at the success of their Kickstarter campaign for the new enduro hardtail, they had already begun presenting their newest project. With 160 mm travel and 27.5″ wheels, the COAL is destined to become the successor of the tried and tested HERB 160. After a lengthy development stint, this bike should be faster, lighter and more ergonomic.
Here’s the low-down.
Coming with 650b wheels and 160 mm travel, the COAL has been designed with one key concern – namely, to keep the playful nature of its predecessor, the HERB 160. To achieve this goal, LAST deliberately designed it with the same 428 mm chainstays. The slack 65° head angle should render it a smooth handler and master of cornering. In sizes S to XL, the COAL’s top tube length lengthens as the sizes go up. While the 450 mm reach on the large frame and the slack head angle define its geometry as modern, LAST have upped the seat angle to 75° so that the COAL inherits a substantial ability to climb.
The geometry isn’t the only aspect designed for the descents, as the bigger rear shock should do its bit too. The bike features enough space for something like a Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS or a RockShox Vivid Air. Moreover, fixing a bottle cage should be issue-free as well. The HERB 160’s shock length of 216 mm has remained unchanged.
The rear appears super versatile, with provisions for both the standard 142 mm rear hub axle and the wider 148 Boost hub. The same goes for the cranks and chain line: Boost compatible, but able to take regular cranks too. The BSA bottom bracket shell features an integrated ISCG05 mount, so a chain guide can be attached if that’s your thing.
The new frame weighs in at 2.89 kg (according to the manufacturer for the medium frame), making it more than 750 g lighter than its predecessor. The COAL will be available as a frame set or in one of three complete bike models, weighing upwards of 12.5 kg. Intended for sale from February 2015, the COAL will be up for pre-orders from 1 November 2015. The final spec hasn’t yet been announced but ENDURO will definitely present the whole run-through as soon as it’s finalized.
For more information and to put in a pre-order head to last-bikes.com.
Words: Daniel Schlicke Photos: LAST Bikes PM
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