After two years and 300 HB.160s sold, there are some new things coming from Barnoldswick. The Hope HB.130 keeps the sleek design and technical innovations that made the HB.160 such a unique bike but comes with 130 mm travel, 29” wheels and completely updated geometry.

Das Hope HB.130 ist ein schickes Trailbike
Hope HB.130 | 140/130 mm (f/r) | € 7,500 | 13.1 kg

Hope’s mantra “If we can make it in-house, we will make it in-house” holds true for the new HB.130. The carefully constructed carbon main frame, the exquisitely machined rear end and basically all components except for the tires, drivetrain and suspension come directly from the Hope factory in Barnoldswick, England. If you get your kicks from anodised, machined titillation you should be quite happy here. As the name suggests, the HB.130 offers 130 mm travel at the rear, is fitted with a 140 mm fork and rolls on 29” wheels. The bike comes in just one high-end spec that cost € 7,500 and weighs 13.1 kg. If you have your own particular wishes on spec and finishing kit, the HB.130 will also be available as a frameset for € 4,700. That obviously sounds like a lot of money, but the package you get is much more than just a frame and a shock. More on that in a second. Let’s start with the most exciting part.

The Hope HB.130 is manufactured almost completely in England – only the tires, drivetrain and suspension come from external suppliers.
The black logos are sandwiched between two layers of paint. If you’re after a more individual look, coloured sticker kits are available that sit in exactly the same place, though on top of the paint.

Hope HB.130 geometry – a modern 29er Trail bike

Developing the HB.160 in a manufacturable and production-ready bike turned out to be quite a challenge and cost a lot of time, which is why its geometry ended up being dated when it was released. The new HB.130 profited from the manufacturing experience Hope gained, allowing full attention to be placed on updating the geometry. The wheel size, travel and Trail bike intentions set the brief for the design. Continuous development over two years and three prototypes resulted in this, the fourth iteration and the production version of the HB.130. The numbers speak for themselves and on paper, the bike is a modern Trail bike with a reach of 470 mm, a head angle of 66° and a seat tube angle of 75.7° (all for a size L). The angles and bottom bracket height can be adjusted with a flip chip which actually makes a noticeable difference in handling and broadens the range of riding the HB.130 can do. We’ll look at this in more detail in our first ride impressions. The Hope HB.130 will initially be available only in sizes M, L and XL, though if there’s enough demand, a size S may also be added.

Hope has learnt from the mistakes of the HB.160 – the geometry of the HB.130 is bang up to date.

The flip chip offers you the choice of two geometries – low or high. We recommend the slacker setting for more fun on the downhills.
Größe M L XL
Sattelrohr 420 mm 450 mm 490 mm
Oberrohr 600 mm 627 mm 654 mm
Steuerrohr 100 mm 105 mm 110 mm
Lenkwinkel (high/low) 66,5/66° 66,5/66° 66,5/66°
Sitzwinkel (high/low) 76,7/76,2° 76,7/76,2° 76,7/76,2°
Kettenstrebe 435 mm 435 mm 435 mm
Tretlagerabsenkung (high/low) 33/39,5 mm 33/39,5 mm 33/39,5 mm
Radstand 1191 mm 1213 mm 1235 mm
Reach 455 mm 475 mm 495 mm
Stack 615 mm 619 mm 624 mm

About the suspension

The rear end of the Hope HB.130 uses the same Horst link design featured on the HB.160 as Hope was happy with how it performed and behaved there. With the custom-tuned metric shock (210×50), the kinematics are similar to the HB.160 in the high setting and gain some additional progression in the low setting.

A detailed look at the Hope HB.130’s special features

The HB.130’s monocoque carbon frame has the same, sleek carbon finish as the HB.160, with just two layers of clear coat to fix the logos in place. The rear end is a labour of love that is machined from aluminium and has no visible weld seams. Unlike the HB.160, all the connections are slotted and glued together. That doesn’t only look better but allows Hope to use a non-weldable aluminium alloy that is stronger and more durable. In addition, it spares having to do the time-consuming alignment of the frame necessary to correct for slight warping during welding.

The chainstays are now glued instead of welded and instead of a radial brake mount, the bike uses a Postmount fitting
CNC-porn wherever the eye wanders
A thick rubber protector shields the down tube
The cable runs are neat and rattle-free

The manufacturing quality and finishing is absolutely top class.

Instead of the radial brake mount that required special brake callipers, the rear brake now uses the normal Postmount standard for maximum compatibility. The bottom bracket area has also been updated and now uses a threaded BB – though in Hope’s own proprietary 46 mm format. However, it does offer the option to fit any of the current crank axle standards on the bike and Hope offers bearings to suit each one. The other welcome new feature is the space for a large bottle in the frame.

Frästeile am Mountainbike soweit da Auge reicht
Just like the HB.160, the HB.130 uses 130 mm spacing for the rear end with a special hub to fit
Der schmale Hinterbau sorgt für bessere Speichenwinkel
That makes the rear slightly narrower and ensures a rear wheel with even spoke angles

The HB.130 keeps the special 130 mm rear dropouts and 17 mm thru-axle. That reduces “wasted” space on the brake side while maintaining effectively the same flange spacing as on a Boost hub. Theoretically, the biggest advantage of this system is that the spoke angles on each side are equal, resulting in a stiffer and more durable rear wheel. However, it does also limit you to using only the special Hope hubs as no other manufacturer builds hubs around this format.

Spec, availability and service

Like the HB.160, the Hope HB.130 will only be available in a single base build, though with various upgrade options. For € 7,500 you get FOX Factory suspension with a 36 GRIP2 fork and DPX2 shock. The suspension can be changed to Öhlins kit consisting of a RXF 36 EVO fork and a TTX air shock, free of charge. The bike comes fitted with a SRAM X01 Eagle groupset, though the cranks can be upgraded to Hope’s own offering for an extra € 360. Further upgrade options include the Santa Cruz Reserve 30 carbon rims and a SRAM Eagle AXS groupset.

The Hope HB.130 is available as either a frameset or a high-spec complete build

High-end build or dream custom bike – the Hope HB.130 is also available as a frameset.

Except for the dropper remote, everything in this image is Hope
Bling Bling
The HB-logoed hubs are only available with the HB.130 complete built or frameset

You also have the option to specify options such as your stem, crank or dropper length, rim width, rotor size of the Tech 3 E4 brakes and the colour of the large array of anodised Hope parts for free. You can choose from seven colours, though Team Green is only available for selected parts.

If you desire, you have the option of seven different colours for all the anodised Hope parts as well as decals
How about silver?
Or stealth black? The suspension can also be upgraded to the Öhlins suspension here free of charge.

Hope HB.130 complete build

Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 140 mm
Schock FOX DPX2 Factory 3 Pos. 130 mm
Brakes Hope Tech 3 E4 160/180/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost FOX Transfer, 125/150 mm
Stem Hope AM, 35/50
Handlebar Hope Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Hope PRO4 hubs, Hope FORTUS 26 rims (different rim widths available) 29″
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/MAXXIS Minion DHR 2.5WT/2.3″
Price € 7,500

Optional Upgrades
Hope Evo cranks: € 360
SRAM Eagle AXS: tbd
Öhlins RXF 36 Evo fork + TTX shock: no extra cost
Santa Cruz Reserve 30 carbon-rims: 1.695 € (complete build), 2.200 € (aftermarket)
Sticker kit (8 colours available): 38 €

The HB.130 is also available as a frameset. Because of its proprietary standards, the frame-only package includes the frame, shock and headset along with a bottom bracket and hubs as well.

Hope HB.130 Frameset

Shock FOX DPX2 Factory 3 Pos. 130 mm
Bottom bracket Hope HB
Headset Hope HB
Saddle clamp Hope
Hubs Hope PRO4 HB Edition
Price € 4,700

The HB.130 will be available from the middle/end of September but can be ordered immediately. The delivery time for the standard spec is anticipated at 3–4 weeks as due to its involved production, it’s not feasible to make more than 5–6 frames per week. Hope is justifiably proud of its high-quality manufacturing and offers a lifetime guarantee – of the 300 existing HB.160s, not one has come back for warranty. If you want, you can also pick up your bike in Barnoldswick and get a factory tour thrown in as well.

Helmet 100% ALTEC Glasses Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Trail Shirt Fasthouse Jody Tech Tee Shorts POC Resistance Enduro Pads POC Joint VPD System Knee Schuhe O’Neal FLOW SPD Hip Pack High Above Lookout Pack

Hope HB.130 first ride impressions

As mentioned before, the HB.130 is endowed with modern geometry that makes you feel at ease as soon as you get on. The reach is comfortable, the seat tube angle neither too steep nor too slack and the bottom bracket is relatively low, letting you feel completely at one with the bike. With the flip chip in the high position you can surmount basically any climb without the front wheel lifting – the only limit will be your fitness or lack of low enough gearing. Even with the slightly slacker seat angle in the low setting, the bike still ascends without any problems and keep the front wheel planted. However, we would advice moving your saddle forwards to stay in complete control. The Horst link suspension has a tendency to bob when the shock is in open mode and it’s definitely helpful to use the climb switch for long uphill sections.

The Hope HB.130 is an outstanding and versatile companion even on longer riding trips

Steep uphills, technical trails, high-speed flow – the HB.130 is versatile and won’t let you miss out on any fun.

The Hope HB.130 climbs extremely well. Unfortunately, the rear end has a tendency to bob up and down so you’re better of reaching for the climb switch on the shock.
The bike offers a well-integrated riding position and the suspension is sensitive and plush

On the way downhill, the rear end reveals just how capable it is, particularly when in the low setting. The HB.130 sticks to the ground, swallowing bumps effectively with good progression at the end of the suspension stroke, while being able to deal with big hits too. The handling can be described as intuitive, quick and precise without feeling nervous at high speeds. The FOX 36 GRIP2 fork suits the character of the bike very well. In the high setting, the handling is similar, though the front end reacts even more sensitively, requiring a little more concentration. Given that the bike seems to climb just as willingly in both settings, the low option should be perfect for everyone except the most hardcore XC racers or long-distance riders.

The agile and manoeuvrable handling is perfect for technical sections …
Vollgas mit dem Hope HB.130
… as well as blazingly fast high speed trails.

Conclusion

The Hope HB.130 is pretty much exactly the bike that the HB.160 should have been. A versatile and modern bike that scores points with its downhill performance, but will be just as happy with you spending long days in the saddle. At € 7,500 it’s not cheap but arguably offers acceptable value for money when you consider the manufacturing quality, manual labour and above all the excellent service and support that’s behind it. As a customisable English piece of crafted technology, this is basically a must-have for Hope fans and definitely an interesting option for anyone looking for something a bit different.

Tops

  • excellent geometry
  • incredibly high-end finishing
  • comprehensive customisation options
  • versatile

Flops

  • rear end tends to bob when pedalling uphill

For more information visit: hopetechhb.com


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Words: Photos: Roo Fowler/Hope, Andreas Maschke