@chapaping this was at Comrie Croft, both were running Fox air shocks, probably X2. The Highlander was the 140 version with Helms and the Claymore Zeb’s. I tested both in a large at 178cm tall. I’ve been on a ML AM9 coil shock for ages..
Reach is 465 on the Highlander and 490 on the Claymore iirc, the Bird is 475.
Both the Deviate bikes were super efficient on climbing. I actually prefer a bit more squidge or give on climbing, so never use the climb switch on my coil but the AM9 doesn’t climb too badly.
There was no bob to be felt in the open setting, and watching my mate climb on the Claymore you could tell this was the case visually.
The suspension wasn’t really optimised to my prefrences, I used probably 80% of the travel but there wasn’t much pep although the Croft is not really Claymore territory..
I preferred the Highlander for the terrain but there was nothing in it climbing wise. The Claymore was noticeably more lazy on the front end but no doubt it would excel in fast terrain.
Descending there was a bit more noise than I expected and I felt a bit detached when pedalling (maybe due to the extra chain, pulley etc)
Really smart looking bikes and I am local enough to organise an extended test ride to get the suspension more to my liking. The I prefer the simplicity of coil over the five variables of the X2.. the Deviate can run coil too.
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