EUROBIKE 2019 News

Zerode Katipo announced – a new gearbox driven 29er enduro machine

Kiwi brand Zerode has unveiled a new enduro bike! The Zerode Katipo is a 160 mm travel 29er and is driven by a Pinion C.Line gearbox. We have all the most important info for you here!

Zerode Katipo | 160 mm/160 mm (f/r) | 29er | Pinion C1.9 (or C1.12) gearbox | start at € 5,850

Named after a venomous spider from Zerode’s home country, New Zealand, this new gearbox-driven enduro machine looks like it means business. The Katipo is Zerode’s first dedicated 29er and is made for charging effortlessly through the roughest trails around, sporting 160 mm travel front and back and aggressive geometry that looks to be bang on-trend with the latest crop of long travel big wheelers.

This carbon version of the Katipo may not be venomous, but it should be more than capable of wreaking havoc at your local trails!

The geometry of the new Zerode Katipo

Zerode is currently only offering the Katipo in two sizes, 475 and 505, named after their respective reach measurements. Zerode’s founder and engineer, Rob Metz, wanted to create a bike that combined the magic carpet-like suspension performance made possible by a gearbox-driven design with modern and capable geometry. A quick look at the Katipo’s geometry table will show you if he succeeded!

Size L XL
Sattelrohr 460 mm 490 mm
Head tube 110 mm 120 mm
Head angle 64°° 64°°
Seat angle 75.5°° 75.5°°
Chainstay 444 mm 444 mm
BB drop 25 mm 25 mm
Wheelbase 1,245 mm 1,279 mm
Reach 475 mm 505 mm
Stack 610 mm 618 mm
The Katipo’s slack head angle should give plenty of confidence in the steeps
The 444 mm chainstays should keep things nice and agile out back
The 75.5° seat angle isn’t the steepest we’ve seen, but it is on-trend
It’s hard to deny that Zerode’s new 29er looks stunning, especially in this “Peppermint Rascal” colourway! A stealthier “Sharknado Grey” is also available.

Features, pricing and availability of the new Zerode Katipo

The main talking point of this bike, other than its beautiful looks, has to the Pinion gearbox. The Katipo comes fitted with Pinion’s C1.9 XR gearbox which offers 9 gears and a gargantuan 568% overall ratio. In terms of spec, the choice is all yours. Zerode offers a configuration program that they call “Custom/er”. This effectively lets you spec your Katipo however you want. Pinion’s C1.12 12-speed gearbox is also available in the configurator. Prices for a full build start at € 5,850. The Katipo is also available as a frame-only option, which will set you back approximately €4100 and includes the Pinion gearbox as well as a FOX Factory X2 (or a different shock of your choice). The Katipo is available to pre-order now.

A standout feature – the Pinion C1.9 XR gearbox gives the Katipo a massive 568% gear ratio

Zerode’s new Katipo long-travel 29er offering looks like it should be an absolute blast to ride! Zerode fans have waited a long time for a dedicated 29er, and the Katipo has answered their prayers. We can’t wait to test one!

For more info head to zerodebikes.com


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.

Words & Photos: