Evolution favours versatility: Empire’s MX6-EVO

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White is for winners!
White is for winners!
Singletrack World Issue 143 - June ...
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It’s not an enduro bike.  OK- maybe it is, but it’s not just an enduro bike.  The 150mm Empire MX6 EVO designed not only for descending, but also for getting to the top of descents.  You know, mountain biking.  Of course, with 6in of travel and a 66.5 degree head angle, the MX6 Evo does have a descending bent.

Choose your own wheel size. (Unless it's 29in.)
Choose your own wheel size.
(Unless it’s 29in.)

In a move that’s sure to please everyone but 29er fans, the MX6 EVO is supplied with the hardware needed to run either 26in or 27.5 wheels.  That means that frames can be built up with existing 26in gear and switched over to 27.5 as parts wear out.  Alternatively, it can be built with 27.5 wheels and, once (or if) the whole tweener thing blows over reverted to 26in wheels.  Along similar lines, the rear end is 135mm QR or 142mm thru axle compatible.

Release quickly, or bolt thru?  It's your choice.
Release quickly, or bolt thru? It’s your choice.

“Nothing rides like the MX6-EVO. It’s agile, confidence inspiring, planted and playful.”

Designed to be stiff and playful above all else, the MX6-EVO features Empire’s trademark head tube, removable seat tower, and single-pivot suspension design.  “Tough as hell” needle bearings are used for the main pivot, reducing the flex and binding lesser balls allow.  A rider-owned and rider-driven company with a strong downhill heritage, Empire builds the MX6-EVO in the UK.

The MX6-EVO frameset starts at £1,000 with a RockShox RT3 rear shock and Maxle.

Complete builds start from £2,500 with RockShox, Hope, Stan’s and Continental providing the finishing kit.

empire-cycles.com

NB: Empire suggests that “at the velocities that you’ll find yourself aboard the MX6-EVO it’s good to have a strong grip and some clean underwear.”  Who are we to argue against clean pants?


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