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Description

Big wheels definitely keep on turning with the all new Escarpe 290! This incredibly capable bike pairs our all new 135mm platform with Manitou’s Minute Comp 140mm fork; Shimano Deore/FSA groupset with WTB/Formula wheelset and Vitus finishing kit. Welcome to aggressive trail riding; backwoods assaults and adventures on two wheels; whatever your preference the all NEW Vitus Escarpe 290 platform will take it all in its stride!

135mm Travel V-Link 29” Frame 
The 2015 Escarpe frame is an all new development for this season!! Following a lengthy period of R&D we have taken the best attributes from our award winning Escarpe platform and fine tuned the linkage positions and leverage ratios to obtain the desired axle path we required.
The new Vitus platform features a floating horizontal shock mount (FHSM) and actual main pivot location (AMPL) designed to provide the most efficient pedalling and suspension action. This layout requires the shock to interrupt the seat-tube; our solution to this is our two-piece hollow “Clamshell” chainstay yoke which is both light and stiff.
The main pivot location is located in a fixed high and forward position in line with a 32T chain ring position, this gives natural anti squat/bob when pedalling in the most commonly used 1x 32T setup without relying on excessive chain tension and none of the related pedal feedback. Because of the main pivot location the Escarpe has 55mm of travel with a rearward axle path helping to keep your momentum.
The chainstay pivot location is placed in-line with the chainstay eliminating any force directed to the shock linkage causing the shock to compress (aka pedal bob) due to chain tension. This pivot location also maximizes active suspension when using the rear brake similar to a floating brake design – but without the added weight.
The leverage rate is designed to have a falling rate to sag point then go mildly progressive; this helps the bike sit comfortably in the sag position whilst also providing a stable platform. The lower shock mount moves forward with the suspension, this helps to keep a linear rate without falling off at full travel. This movement also reduces the shock angle change at full travel reducing side loads and improving shock life and reliability.

Manufactured from 6061-T6 triple butted aluminium and delivering 135mm of fully active suspension travel via the Horst-Link 4-bar design with our horizontal floating shock mount.
We have added a removable High Direct FD mount and ISCG-05 tabs to facilitate any drivetrain combination. The rear axle is the now industry standard 142mm x 12mm E-Thru platform.
The frame is also Reverb Stealth ready thanks to the internal cable routing.
A bolt on down tube protector adds impact resistance to the down tube and cables from rock strikes.

Rear wheel travel is controlled via the RockShox Monarch R air shock which features a custom tune and rebound adjustment.

Specification

Geometry

Sizing Guide