Until now best known for their custom steel, titanium, and carbon fibre road bikes, Colorado brand Alchemy was on hand at Interbike with quite a departure. Rather than slotting the expected short-travel race machine next to their carbon hardtail, the small company decided to launch a 155mm trail bike, the Arktos (Greek for bear). You know, because that’s what they wanted to ride.
Created by Dave Earl – currently of Praxis Works and “author” of Yeti’s original Switch suspension design – the Arktos’ new Sine suspension combines elements of Santa Cruz’s VPP and Yeti’s Switch designs. As it moves through its travel, the Sine’s spring rate levels off and becomes regressive, promising pedaling like a 3in bike and descending like a bike with more than the Arktos’ six.
While its rear triangle is imported, the Arktos’ front end is made in the USA and customers have the choice of any two of the brand’s standard paint colours at no additional charge. While the $3,750 (£2,415) asking price isn’t surprising for a boutique, largely US-made carbon fibre frame, the fact that comes within $250 of the production SB5/SB6 may give some prospective Yeti customers pause.
While very few have ridden one, the Arktos’ pedigree would suggest great things. We look forward to finding out more as they hit the dirt in greater numbers.
Comments (7)
Leave Reply
Post Comment
Like! And Dave Earl knows what he’s doing with suspension too.
Didn’t he do Copperhead Road?
Looks good!
lovely
that looks pretty tasty! better start selling everything…
Oh my lordy!
“Hello, is that the illegal organ transplant hotline? How much for everything?”