Pinnacle Arkose Three (jameso to the forum please)

Just thought I’d mention I’d been running my Arkose 4 for 6 months and done 1000 miles on it and it’s been bloomin’ great. Little bit of heel rub on the paint on the nds stay (I wear 5:10s and use flats), but looks great still.

If you’re considering a do-it-all bike then you can’t go far wrong with one. Mine’s done some small jumps and also hit 55mph on the road. Not at the same time! Pretty versatile!

pssst – https://www.instagram.com/p/BsDSjK3l1LP/

@Jameso seen already. Looks great! Will hammer mine for a good couple of thousand miles more before I’ll start on that programme…

The 2019 Arkose X looks ideal to me. Love the colourway too. Hope they do well….

colourway

☹

X looks like exactly what I want spec wise, only negative is I really don’t like that colour. Light colours always look very shabby after a few months of London commuting.

@Jameso
Any new Ramins on the way?

Hello People,

I bought an Arkose 3 last week. I’d like to say thanks to everyone here, especially jameso, as reading all your comments helped me to choose this bike over a number of others (Kona Jake the Snake; RX9 S Fresh Orange; Triban RC 520 Disc; Trek FS x 4; Boardman ADV 8.9; Trek Checkpoint AL 4, etc).
Now I’ve only had the bike for a week, and I’ve only managed about 150km so far, but I’m very happy with what I’ve experienced: compared to my old hardtail the acceleration is laughably quick, the riding has been fun, fast, and comfortable on all surfaces, the gears change so smoothly that sometimes I’m not certain they have actually shifted, and I’ve adapted to my new bike easily. The only worry I have is should I have got the Arkose 4 instead?

There’s only thing that has me concerned so far: I’ve had three punctures on three separate rides, all rear wheel of course. Has anybody else experienced anything like this? I’ve not been one especially demanding routes.
I love the feel of the WTB Riddlers, but do I need to thing about changing to something less puncture prone, or have I just had a run of bad luck?

Thanks again for all the comments – they’ve been interesting and informative, and they helped me chose a great (so far) bike.

pssst – https://www.instagram.com/p/BsDSjK3l1LP/

They keep getting better! :thumbup:

Good stuff @easily.. thank you too. But

I’ve had three punctures on three separate rides, all rear wheel of course. Has anybody else experienced anything like this?

..it’ll be worth checking the rim tape isn’t exposing the spoke holes and cutting the inner tube? If it is the shop would fix you up with a new tape and tube. Also tbh, on any CX type tyre/bike used off-road in winter if I’m riding thorny towpaths or lanes, flinty areas etc I get regular flats. Tyre liner strips work and tubeless is a good option on a bike like this.

Clink – yes, not in the very near future though. Pics of a proto on Pinnacle’s IG.
Thanks 6PB, colours looks great huh? (I didn’t pick the colours so I can say that!)

I did a lot of research before I bought my new 2018 Arkose4 last week and didn’t see any negative comment regarding the Riddlers. I can’t comment personally on their picture resistance as my bike has’nt been out yet.

This is because I may have an issue with the frame. The downtube seems to have a bow in it…with a straight-edge on the underside of the downtube there’s a 2mm gap at the lower crud-catcher boss. Has anyone else noticed this? Is this an indication that the tube was’nt formed correctly and may be prone to failure or am I just being picky?

Wow! Quick reply!

I think it’s just an unlucky streak to be honest. I don’t think it’s a rim tape problem as all the holes have been on the outer side of the tube, and I found two of the probable causes – a thorn and a sharp bit of gravel. I intentionally took the bike over some gnarly ground today to see if it happened again, but I had no problems. I think you’re right, simply British winter riding conditions.

@willmo
I did a lot of research as well, and no – I didn’t find any negative comments about the Riddlers either.

I’ve just had a look at my bike to see if I could see what you described. The downtube seems to go from circular to a more flattened shape where it fixes to the bottom bracket – this might have caused what you perceive as a ‘bow’ in the tube

Thanks 6PB, colours looks great huh? (I didn’t pick the colours so I can say that!)

Yeah, loving that sea blue/green on the D1 especially.

But also the specs. Space for even larger tyres, through routing for dynamo wiring…

Yes the downtube “squashes” for the B/B junction but looking down from the head tube I can see the bow – the straightedge confirms it on the downtube underside with a 2mm gap showing.

@easily

When I got my arkose I took the riddlers off to tape my rims for tubeless and they felt quite fragile, so ended up swapping them for g one speeds. The few times I did ride them tubed they were ok but I did see a review where they had a few punctures (I think advntr.cc). Tbh I think for off road the nano looks like a better bet, on road the g one speed or similar. Using the clement Strada ush at the moment because Planet X had them cheap, not as nice as the schwalbe’s but durable and roll well.

New models look lovely…especially that purple one with the r7000 & ultegra clutch rd.

There’s a new Pinnacle Arkose and we think it might be more versatile than ever

Looks a stunning model year James. Particularly like the split between Road and Dirt options, should see some growth. Are the Dirt still sold with 700c?

Thanks – very pleased with the new version here, the whole team did a good job on them.

Are the Dirt still sold with 700c?

Yes, based on the versatility brief for the bike as the 28-45mm range that this bike covers so well is still better served by 700c. There’s an Arkose X model with flared bars, 1x and 650B Byway tyres if that’s more your thing, it’s a great spec. But we’ve always seen more demand for 700×28-40mm bikes and I don’t see that changing dramatically over the next year, though there’s more interest in what 650B can do now (hence making sure this bike was adaptable on wheel size and axle fittings, for the wheel swappers)
I love my 650Bs but any time I ride Riddler 45s I get off the bike with a realisation that there’s no single answer to the wheel/tyre Q, not on bikes that cover a range of riding like this.

Hi Jameso
I love your pinnacle I’ve read a lot of good reviews and finally wanted to buy one. I was thinking about the new arkose D1 as this was the only colour which I liked but it’s not perfect to me I don’t like metalic. I almost ordered one to try, but I found that all the new arkoses don’t have a rear mount fender , that’s a really big shame why did you take it off ? It’s very useful to use full mudguards specially during the winter time.
In my opinion Arkose and Pyrolite have a own character and looks nicer with raw colours, personally I don’t like the new colours it doesn’t suit arkose very well. Now I don’t know which one I will choose maybe the 2018 arkose 3 black,I don’t know I will think about it.

Hi Wulisu – there’s still a rear guard mount, it’ a removable mount that fits to small bosses under the left seat stay. No way we’d remove guard compatibility on the Arkose but it can look that way.
Colours .. still looking for that universal colour that everyone likes … : ) just felt like time to move on from matt colours here. They look great imo, worth seeing one up close in the shops if you can. If not the 2018 Arkose 3 is reduced now – £1000 down from £1250.

Hi Jameso
Thank you for quick answer. Im not to sure if If I know how does it look, the removable mount , could you show us maybe some picture that would be useful . Would be possible to fit this mudguards https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sks-bluemels-reflective-mudguard-set/ ? I was thinking about buying Arkose 1 2018 or 2019 I know I’m crazy but all my experinece with hydraulic brake always have been bad ;( Year ago I bought Shimano Deore 6 months after both stoped working and started leaking. The Arkose 1 has a mechanical TRP which I used now in my current bike and I’m happy with them.
My idea was buy Arkose 1 , sell the sora 2×9 shifters and reach mech and buy only the new 105 shifters and Shimano Ultegra R8000 11 Speed Rear Derailleur GS and that would be nice for me. I have a plan to go to Evans next week and order arkose 1 the model 2018 seems to be best value for money plus 50£ off if I trade any old bike or 75£ if I choose 2019 model.
I like more how 2019 arkose looks and better bootle mount but not sure about colour maybe better looks in real.
I would love to see Arkose in colours like https://www.norco.com/bikes/dirt-dropbar/gravel/search-xr-steel/ specially the green one is my favourite one , it doesn’t need to be matt , but I know it’s always difficult decision about colour.
Is the arkose 1 model 2019 is lighter ?
Regards

what size should I get for being 5’8″ with a 30″ inside leg, I’m on the cusp between small and medium. Will mainly be for road’s and bikepacking on the NC500. I’m thinking medium
Thanks!

@grantyboy
You know the answer to this – you have to test ride it 🙂

I’m just a little shorter than you ( I could claim 5’8″, but I’m not quite) and I got the small Arkose 3. I was a little worried as I usually ride a medium, but this fits me very well. It has a higher ‘standover’ height than some similar bikes, so that’s something I’d check

Is the arkose 1 model 2019 is lighter ?

The frame is yes – not a dramatic difference, they’ve all been built up now so I can’t check but 100g or so less I think.
And any guards will fit, yes, Bluemels or PDW etc.

Good to see rear thru axle that is the only thing that made me not purchase this bike last year.

Any more info about the frame only option? Will there be a alfine frame only?
Will have full carbon fork?
And most importantly what colour? (Purple please)

Really keen on the new 2019 Arkose D3. Seems like an ideal do it all bike.

I had two questions, which I’m hoping Jameso (and others can answer):

1. With the removal of the seat stay bridge, how do you fit full-length mudguards?

2. Quite a few mates I know who have Arkoses have experienced problems with headsets loosening – I’ve read quite a lot online of people having the same issue? Has this been addressed with the new frames?

Thanks! 🙂

Thanks Jameso that’s good news. I have a one more question can I put 11 speed cassette on arkose 1 wheels is it this same size of hubs like on arkose d3 just double check. Thanks

The 2019 Arkose fork details say:

R1: “Full carbon fork and Alloy steerer w/flat mount, mudguard mounts & dynamo routing”

R2: “Full carbon fork and steerer w/flat mount, mudguard mounts & dynamo routing”

Is that correct; the lower spec models have alloy steerers & the more expensive ones are fully carbon? Just checking, thinking of buying. I’m half scared of damaging a carbon steerer through over-tightening. What torque is recommended for the carbon ones? 🙂

@Jameso

Colours .. still looking for that universal colour that everyone likes … : )

Does it fall to you to pick which one of them becomes the frameset only colour? (Or does it have to the colour of the highest spec offering, so should you need to make a warranty replacement the customer doesn’t feel ‘shortchanged’?)

If the former, did I mention that blue is lovely? 😀

Just discovered this thread and it has been so helpful so thanks all. Thinking about purchasing an Arkose frame to build up using parts from my current bike (Canyon Endurace). Nothing wrong with the bike just need something I can fit more tyre in!

@simonrh is that frame gloss? Hard to tell from the picture and ideally want a gloss frame

Sorry for the delay to your question @rydavis, the frame is a stock colour for that year, matte black with the pinnacle graphic in gloss. A bit too subtle tbh, i wanted the dynorod coloured arkose 3 but the spec was better on this 4.

The Dirt 1 looks very nice indeed. Much better than all the more expensive ones 🙂

Couple of questions, James, if I may:
– The Grit.cx article mentions “a fully modular dropout”, which I thought might mean some sort of non-vertical dropout would be available, but the Alfine version appears to have the same vertical dropout with a hanger… is that a pivoting dropout or is it a bespoke frame with an EBB again? Hard to tell from the photo.
– Is the geometry sheet available anywhere? In previous years I’ve had to walk away from Arkoses because they’ve all been too small for me. I guess that won’t have changed, but I’m curious.
– Some time ago I had a disappointing experience with more than one Ramin frameset (2016 3+, IIRC); are the Arkose frames made in the same place?

In any case, it’s good to see this type of bike evolving at an affordable price. Top marks from me for including dynamo routing.

1. With the removal of the seat stay bridge, how do you fit full-length mudguards?

2. Quite a few mates I know who have Arkoses have experienced problems with headsets loosening – I’ve read quite a lot online of people having the same issue? Has this been addressed with the new frames?

1 – bolt-in bridge that fits to NDS SS, from there fit any guards as normal – easy
2 – that was going back a while now, 2015 spec I think – gloss finish on carbon steerers. Just needed keying with fine wet and dry or grip past if there was any stem-steerer slippage.

Is that correct; the lower spec models have alloy steerers & the more expensive ones are fully carbon? Just checking, thinking of buying. I’m half scared of damaging a carbon steerer through over-tightening. What torque is recommended for the carbon ones?

Correct, yes. Tighten most stems to around 5nm on any steerer.

Couple of questions, James, if I may:
– The Grit.cx article mentions “a fully modular dropout”, which I thought might mean some sort of non-vertical dropout would be available, but the Alfine version appears to have the same vertical dropout with a hanger… is that a pivoting dropout or is it a bespoke frame with an EBB again? Hard to tell from the photo.
– Is the geometry sheet available anywhere? In previous years I’ve had to walk away from Arkoses because they’ve all been too small for me. I guess that won’t have changed, but I’m curious.
– Some time ago I had a disappointing experience with more than one Ramin frameset (2016 3+, IIRC); are the Arkose frames made in the same place?

Of course .. Modular mean 12mm or QR, the Alfine bike uses an EBB frame.
Geo sheets are on the Arkose bike pages on the Evans site.
Frames are made in the same place, same as a number of brands – there were a few issues on that first lot of Ramin 3+, tbh I’m still not clear why. They had some staff shortages around that time so it may have been related.

I have a one more question can I put 11 speed cassette on arkose 1 wheels is it this same size of hubs like on arkose d3 just double check.

Yes no probs – all set up for 11s road now. It’s a Novatec D162SB-SL-X12-11S. Same rear hub on D1 and D2, D3 uses a higher spec model.

Thanks. I could only find 2018 geometry, I’ll assume they’re the same…

Bex hpw tall are you? I’m 6 foot 4. First ride I thought no way. Second ride I had the stem flipped and it was fine. That was the previous generation

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the great info provided on the pinnacle ARKOSE!

I´ve actually decided to get me one myself over a month ago, however Im in a really bad Situation due to Evans site unability to ship internationally. I wanted to get the Arkose 3 2018 but their Website is still not working and it ran out of stock, now I am really into de Arkose 2 2018 and their Website is still not working, Ive contacting them every other day bugging them to help me with a solution but no success so far. I live in Germany bz the way.

So I’m trying to figure ways to buy it, contacting them every other day but s mentioned it seems there will be no solution soon I thought of shipping to a courier in UK and they ship to me. But the courier won’t receive shipping and just do pick up. So thought the courier would pick at one Evans store then Evans told me only who pays the bike is able to collect. I even called many Evans physical store and explained the situation but none of them were really open to help.

I’m quite frustrated with all this situation and I really want this bike before it runs out of stock. Does anybody know a courier service that ships bikes and could receive the parcel delivery and then ship to me? I’m thinking of ways but running out of options and time before the bike runs out. Also I’m quite unhappy that Evans don’t really support on this. I’ve contacting them like mad thinking of ways but no solution. I really want to have this bike but I’m quite losing hope here

Any ideas??

Thanks a lot

Got any UK family?
Cheap flight?
Buy one or a frame off ebay and build it up?

Bit off being unhappy that Evans wont supply out of the UK, presumably for cost/warranty/returns issues that tbh they obviously dont need.

Good luck anyway.

Ring a hotel in the UK near an airport. Ask them if they’ll receive a parcel and store it in their luggage room. Get an Arkose mail order as it’ll be boxes and ready to go. Fly in and stay in the hotel for a night as thanks, fly out the next morning.

Failing that, try getting in touch with Sherpr they are a sporting goods/bikes specialist courier.

Cheap flight and come visit before and ride for a few days here before Brexit 😉

Edit – they even have a shop round the corner from Gatwick airport.

Bex hpw tall are you? I’m 6 foot 4.

I’m only a whisker over that. The reach on the Arkose is just about enough for me to get by with. But it’s a product of a steepish say angle and short top tube; I like more length in the top tube to stop my back folding up. YMMV.

Yeah, Gatwick head office showroom is a walk from the airport.

Fly in, grab a wreck from a skip (perhaps not Evans skip), get £150 tradein = free flights:-0