Devinci Spartan - First Look

May 28, 2014
by Mike Kazimer  

Devinci Spartan
FIRST LOOK
Devinci Spartan
WORDS: Mike Kazimer
PHOTOS: Matt Wragg

The Spartan - Devinci's New Enduro Race Bike

Last year Steve Smith showed up at the DH World Championships aboard what was said to be a one-off, mini-downhill bike created specifically for that race. But then photos surfaced of a bike that looked quite similar to the World's bike, fueling speculation that a production model was indeed in the works. Well, all the rumors and guessing can be laid to rest, as Devinci has chosen the second stop of the Enduro World Series in Scotland to unveil the new bike, called the Spartan. The bike is aimed at enduro racing, with 160mm of travel, 27.5" wheels, a generously sloping top tube for standover clearance, and a relatively slack head angle. Initially, the bike's main frame and chain stays will be constructed from aluminum, and the seat stays from carbon fiber, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a full carbon version in the future. There are three models currently available, the XP ($3699 USD), RC ($4699), and RR ($6999), giving riders a variety of build kits to choose from.
Details

• 160mm Split Pivot suspension
• Aluminum frame, carbon seat stays
• 27.5” wheels
• RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 on all models
• Frame weight: 8.04lb (medium)
• Complete weight (XP model): 33.04lb
• Complete bikes start at $3699 USD
• Frame only option available in July


Devinci Spartan spec sheet

Geometry - Lo Setting
Spartan Geo

Geometry - Hi Setting
Spartan Geo


Devinci Spartan Matt Wragg photo
  A chip located at the rearmost shock mount allows riders to choose between two different geometry configurations. The high position gives the bike a steeper, 66.4 degree head angle and taller bottom bracket, while the low position drops the BB height and slackens the head angle to 65.8 degrees.


Devinci Spartan
  All of the bikes in the Spartan line come equipped with a RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 rear shock.


Devinci Spartan Matt Wragg photo
  The alloy portions of the frames are handbuilt in Devinci's Canadian facility, and the carbon seat stays are manufactured in Taiwan.


Devinci Spartan
  The heart of the Spartan's Dave Weagle designed Split Pivot suspension layout. The bike's carbon seat stays are attached to the aluminum chain stay using a concentric dropout pivot.


Devinci Spartan
  Team rider Mason Bond takes a lap on the Spartan.





www.devinci.com

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Devinci


Author Info:
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186 Comments
  • 96 3
 I actually like the fact the weight noted on the lower spec'd bike. Yes it is all fine an dandy to have a 27lb super bike that costs $10K, but a 32 or 33lb super bike that costs $3K or $4K is okay as well.
  • 31 2
 The XP version is a serious value. Single ring that sucker and go ride.
  • 55 0
 Yes, and props to them to put the money where it really matters, with high end suspension, dropper post and proper tyres on all models. Apart from weight, there is very little difference in performance between deore and XTR drivetrains, and the brakes are one of the best bargain in the industry.
  • 10 0
 Agreed, I just noticed the tires are the Supergravity spec 1100g tires. Put on the regular Schwalble Snakeskin or Maxxis EXO and drop over a 1lb right there. Right out of the box the low end spec is ready to ride and be ridden hard. I don't own a Devinci, but would consider either of the lower spec bikes it I ddn't have a 1 month old bike.
  • 19 2
 Oooor you can get a CAPRA for same price with ridiculous components and muuuuuuch lower Weight Smile but i have to say i wont be mad at all if i got that Devinci looks damn nice Smile
  • 1 0
 The Super Gravities are 995 grams or so..
  • 1 0
 Nope SG is 1100 Size Performance Colour Compound PSI Weight 27.5 x 2.35 SUPER GRAVITY, TL-Ready Black TrailStar 23-50 1100g
  • 1 1
 the only reason it os in the specs is to show off that it ways well under 30. Super sick bike though
  • 6 1
 I own a Wilson, and now I wish I had a Spartan!!
  • 2 1
 I think this bike has been proven that you could ride it as is and slay it climbing and decending, but also chuck your boxxer on it and ride it in the Park (as proven by Stevie) Could be interesting to try it out in both aspects.
  • 16 1
 I think we need to be careful about assuming what a bike can handle based on what we see pros doing. I realize that Smith used this bike (and Gwin similarly used an enduro) in WC level DH races, but that doesn't mean they can hold up as a park bike over the long haul. Those guys get new bikes all the time. If they trash the bike using it for a couple races what do they care. A regular person dropping thousands of dollars on a bike is going to want it to last a while.
  • 9 0
 I respectfully agree and rescind my comment. After closer inspection, Stevies geo was much different and built specifically for his race.
  • 2 2
 @rsidedown, my bad, I only think in 26"...
  • 4 0
 yep here is a bike that actually most of us can and would like to buy, not just read about it!! Thnx devinci, well done.
  • 2 0
 whats the beginning song?
  • 3 0
 friends never die by odeza
  • 1 0
 @kingpin2607 - currently can't get a CAPRA if you live in the USA. Can't get a CAPRA period if you're tall - no XL.
  • 1 0
 I would like more info on the connectamajig
  • 3 4
 why so incredibly heavy??
  • 6 1
 Since when is 33lbs "incredibly heavy" for a $3700, 6-inch travel bike? The Specialized Enduro is the same price and weighs in at 32.5lbs with a dropper.
  • 2 1
 How about you just spend $2k-ish on the frame and then build the bike to 27lbs yourself for another $2k...there ya go...27lbs, $4k bike!
  • 3 1
 Love the name, love the bike! Spartan, Troy, both cool names. Just need the Wayne, the Shane and the Trev and the range will be complete.
  • 1 0
 Build is excellent, but for the wheels. Swap in some light bicycle carbons on 350's and some vigilantes and your set.
  • 6 1
 slack and black - just the way i like it
  • 1 0
 Will the XP be 11 spd or 10 spd?
  • 1 0
 I am tempted to change out the wheels on the XP
  • 1 0
 Unless there's a new 11-spd Deore groupset I'm unaware of, I think it's safe to assume it's 2x10.
  • 27 0
 Great spec on the bike. Finally someone prioritizes suspension and dropper post on lower end models. The Product Manager should be proud!
  • 2 0
 Devinci definitely does a great job with their specs/price points. Plus they make great looking bikes.
  • 5 0
 Kona has been spec'ing dropper on low price points for a while now
  • 1 0
 www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_594_scategory_149

The actual website photo's must not do this bike justice
  • 22 2
 certainly a beautiful looking bike!
  • 8 0
 Awesome looking bike. I was kind of dreading the day this came out because I knew I couldn't help but directly compare it against my 2 month old Troy Carbon, but now I feel like I made the right decision. I still want one though...
  • 3 0
 Same boat here, XP AL Troy. Given the purpose i'll stick with the Troy for pedalling and all around do everything.
  • 2 0
 Moreover, ST, SA, TT1, TT2 and reach numbers are exactly the same than the TRoy's...
  • 10 0
 SPARTANS!, WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION!.....ENDURO!!!,,,,ENDURO!!!.....ENDURO!!!
  • 8 0
 Chromag bar and stem on top end model? Hells yes. Devinci is the bomb.
  • 3 0
 When it comes to shameless product placement the "goggles around the neck" takes the cake. Really bro, did you need to have your goggles around your neck to hang out in the garden and watch the team mechanic build your bike?
  • 5 0
 It's sad, but yes, I think he really did need to wear his goggles around his neck while he hung out in the garden and people took video of him. If he didn't do it they wouldn't give him money, and he needs money for food and shelter and self actualization.
  • 3 0
 Props for Maslow
  • 5 2
 People need to stop complaining about the weight. It's a relatively cheap aluminum bike. 33 pounds for a bike with that decent kit, a dropper, and plenty of house and cheap components isn't bad at all. Also, looks like you can squeeze a vivid air or CCDBA back there, which is nice for a bike this big.
  • 1 1
 Should be compared to the new gt sanction. 165 bike, 6069 alum, frame under 6lbs. I'm assuming this Spartan is 6061..
  • 8 1
 Looks epic
  • 16 0
 Can't use the word "Epic". Specialized will sue
  • 6 1
 Damn that's sexy, makes me wanna pour honey all over it and lick it off the frame,
  • 7 1
 At 3690 the spec on that bike is great. Congrats to Devinci.
  • 7 1
 No one else going to say it?

This is SPARTAN!
  • 2 0
 I wonder how it compares to the Dixon and the Troy. Had the Dixon Carbon last year, and it was so-so in the geometry department. Felt like I was riding way higher than I should have, and the long toptube made getting the wheel up and over stuff a little difficult.
  • 5 0
 Where can I get one of those connectamajigs for the XO brakes? Sounds super endruo!
  • 1 0
 I have one coming any day now. Ordered the XP version. Going straight to a 1x wolf tooth. Hoping to shed a little weight with lack of front derailleur, front shifter and associated cabling. I'll post a review as soon as I get some mileage on it. From what I've read so far, the RC and XP models can be pretty close to 30 lbs with some small changes. I'm coming off a 2013 Trance X 29er 2 (medium), and that was right at 30 lbs. To me, that bike climbed extremely well at the mentioned weight. Reviews for the Spartan have it as a "good" climber as well.... and that's considering it's designed as an Enduro bike. I'm very curious to see how it feels.
  • 1 0
 I just ordered the Spartan XP. Should have it today or tomorrow. First thing I'll be doing is stripping the front shifter, front derailleur, and going with a 1x wolf tooth. Will try to get as close to 30 lbs as I can. Looks like a few other who are running the XP and RC versions were able to get to 30 lbs without too much trouble. I'm coming off a 2013 Trance X 29er (medium) that was right at 30 lbs. It felt great to me on climbs and all around trail riding. My buddy just bought the Bronson which he said is right at 30 lbs as well. Respectable weight from my personal experiences... but we'll see how it does.

I'll post a review once I've gotten some mileage on it.
  • 1 0
 whoops.. posted twice. My bad
  • 7 1
 I want one now
  • 2 0
 Same.
  • 1 0
 I'm from the same village as Théo Gally and he broaps better on his new bike that's for sure! Dear Mister Weagle -I'm already a big fan of your DW-Link on my Turner Burner, but please work closely with Oton and Galy to create the ultimate suspension for rocky, gnarly and natural trails. No offense for other type of terrains but if it works where Oton trains usually -world-class rock-garden from top bottom Big Grin - it could work everywhere else.
  • 3 0
 You know, if I didn't know any better I would look at those prices/specs and assume Devinci actually wanted to sell these bikes. Weird man.
  • 1 0
 Enticing bike, I would like to see the weight on the RR, Also I like the frame color in the pics, not so much the one on their website, will have to see if they come out with this same color scheme. Since the Norco Carbons are delayed, I might not be able to wait. Looking forward to reviews.
  • 1 0
 I rode the top version of this bike yesterday. It was very fun, super stable. and climbed well. Withe the slack front end I had expected it to wander all the way up the climb but quite the opposite was true . The bike tracked straight as an arrow. Initially the Spartan felt tall and long . When descending though I was amazed at the speed and agility built into this bike. Laying off the brakes was definitely rewarded. Fun Bike ! imho.
  • 1 0
 The XP looks exceptional value. Even the once mighty spesh couldn't touch that. Bravo devinci, I've wanted to like your bikes for ages but the dixon just didn't push my button, now with the Troy and the spartan I really like two. I wonder if ill ever get a chance to ride one.
  • 4 0
 well i guess my 2013 dixon is a POS now.
  • 1 0
 Could be the replacement bike for my Dixon. I want to go back to more travel for bigger hits. However I will wait for the full carbonz frame version. That way I can have a burly build yet keep her under the 30lb mark.
  • 5 1
 I want it I want it I want it I will have one I want it
  • 1 0
 whats the beginning song ?
  • 2 0
 God I hate the old rear maxle. It gets smashed to shit on my Dixon. Can't they update to something like you'd find on the pike?
  • 2 0
 Serious contender there...it looks pretty farquing good...add $1500 to the price for Australia though...if it's available here...
  • 1 0
 This bike look awesome! But I think the rear shock took beating out from the testing, bottomed out pushing that stanchion ring out of place...
  • 4 0
 Would bang. Mmmmm
  • 2 0
 The bike looks AWESOME . . . whenever I see matching outfits though, I get a little queasy
  • 2 0
 Bike looks sick for sure. Too expensive for a non-carbon frame (on the top end). IMO. Hell the yeti 66 carbon is 7K...
  • 1 0
 Sounds like the base version is def a steal. 3699? Sounds like a good deal. Would like to see comparison to new 27.5 Spesh Enduro Comp when it comes out.
  • 1 0
 Wide bars!!! My 2013 Wilson XP came with narrow Skipper bars not even 750mm wide, on a DH bike. Good to see they finally figured it out. lol
  • 1 0
 Frame weight might gain you two pounds from a superlight carbon frame....not a big deal in the daily rider world...imho
How does it pedal?!?....cant wait to find out!
  • 2 0
 Just when i thought i knew what my new bike was going to be...
  • 1 0
 Anyone in the UK after one of these check out PUSH CARTEL they have a few of only a few arriving on Friday!!!!
  • 1 0
 looks like a well made bike who knows if it will prove that .... hope so Wink
  • 11 9
 Not carbon. Not enduro enough if not carbon. Not interested.
  • 7 0
 Does anyone just ride for fun anymore? Sheeiitte dog, this bike is so sick! It could hit the park, or go for an epic, or just flow the local trails.
  • 6 0
 Of course! It's fun to make fun of stereotypes though.
  • 1 0
 Carbon will be out in December
  • 1 0
 haha. shoulda suspected sarcasm there, mountainbart.
  • 1 0
 For a second I thought you were serious
  • 3 0
 Frame price?
  • 2 0
 and every model is already spec'd with a reverb stealth, NICE!
  • 2 0
 Selling my 2013 Dixon Carbon RC
  • 2 4
 I love Devinci, I truly do. I am however left wondering about how this slots into their lineup. We have: Spartan - 27.5"/160mm, Dixon - 26"/145mm, & Troy 27.5"/140mm. I understand if the Spartan was targeted at the enduro crowd, but as others have mentioned, 33lbs isn't really that competitive. If the 'slack' Dixon is the next best choice, the 26" wheels have been proven not to be the better choice (27.5 would offer a better universal package for climbing and descents). ...which leaves the Troy, but 140mm isn't much for an enduro racer and seems more akin to a graduated XC bike than anything.

So how about this Devinci. Keep the Spartan for enduro guys who aren't concerned about racing and more interested in ascents being a means to the descent ends, make the Dixon 27.5", and ditch the Troy all together. Thoughts?
  • 3 1
 To be sure the Dixon will drop out of the lineup in the near future. The 33lb weight is for the least expensive model and I'm sure the RR is pounds lighter. Also, there will be a carbon front triangle down the road as well.
  • 4 1
 Thoughts? Dixon is going to be gotten rid of eventually, maybe stick around as a frame-only until it's been gotten rid of. Troy will stay as the trailbike, and there'll be a full carbon spartan, most likely soon. The full carbon wilson didn't come out too many cycles after the aluminum wilson w/carbon swingarm.
  • 4 0
 Don't want to break Devinci's deal, but the troy rear shock is 200x50, if you swap it for a 200x57, then you get 158mm travel at the rear wheel.
That's for rear travel.
For head tube angle, just change the piston rod on the Pike (27.5 150 -> 27.5 160) in order to get 160mm front travel instead of 150mm originally spec'd, and your head angle will reach 66.5°. Swap your rear 2.35 tire for a 2.25 and you will get 66°.
I did all that on my aluminium Troy XP, including a 35mm stem, and it becomes a very capable, lightweight all-mountain rig.
Last point about Devinci's bikes : choose one size taller than your usual size, cause TT length is really shorter than the other brands.
  • 1 0
 What about BB height? How much did you gain? Rear travel numbers seem off, care to elaborate? No frame rub?
  • 1 0
 BB height stay the same. Shock is still 200mm, so the travel gain is made at the end of the shock stroke (+7mm).
So it allows you to run a little less sag in percent but kept the same pedalling geometry than with the 200x50 (140mm) shock.
BB height increase a little due to the +10mm front (let's say 5mm) but changing the rear tire from 2.35 to 2.25 compensate for this.
If you want to increase BB height, you can use the chips on the rocker link to go for the high geometry, but the HA will become less slack.
Just be carefull, I did that on an ALUMINIUM frame, cannot tell if it work for carbon frame cause at the end of the stroke the seatstay bridge really come close to the seat tube (but don't touch it).
  • 1 0
 That's why I love the chip they put in place, do you have a half day ride to the top? no problem, just change the bike geometry and go.
  • 1 0
 It's a bit tricky to change the chip, it's not an on-the-fly operation. You have to unscrew the rocker and shocks screw, so basically you cannot do it quickly on the side of the trail. Personally I found that even in the slack setting, the bike still pedal very well uphill thanks to the steep seat angle. My only complaint is definitively the sizing. M is closer to S, L to M and so on.
  • 1 0
 I know a guy who did it with his Nomad, fitted a longer stroke shock went to 170mm travel forks from 160mm and fitted an angleset. So he steepened the seat tube angle, slackened out the head angle and remained with a similar bb height.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a great bike! I wonder how it would pedal in comparison to the Troy?
  • 2 1
 Frustrating when articles have geo charts included but are unreadable via my mobile pocket computer.
  • 1 0
 Never have I seen a picture of an AM bike and thought, i need that. until i saw this.. such a beauty.
  • 1 0
 Whats the difference between a bike RC and a Pike RCT3?

RC just have a motion control damper?
  • 1 0
 RC stands for low speed Rebound and low speed Compression. Charger (cartridge) damper is the same on both RC and RCT3, no open bath (Mission or motion control).
RCT3 got the same dials plus a 3 position, CTD-like dial allowing selection of user-defined low speed compression (LSC dial) and predefined pedal-friendly LSC and lockout (closed LSC).
RC is only OEM version.

www.pinkbike.com/news/RockShox-Pike-Tested.html
  • 1 0
 R= Rebound C= Compression
T3= I assume 3 different toggle positions
  • 2 0
 300 reasons why I want one.....and the bank balance isn't one
  • 3 0
 XP! oh no alt, ctl, del.
  • 1 0
 I should this bike's tomorrow at the Store!!!! Come and check them out!!!!!
  • 1 0
 i don't care about the bike! all i care about is damn!!!!! that trail is beautiful !!!!!
  • 1 0
 I'd wait until they make it carbon, hate to buy a sweet new 7000$ bike and then see a nicer variant come out in a year or so
  • 1 0
 I have been after a new bike... I want a longer test ride report and I am in!
  • 2 1
 looks like the dickosaurus rex, me gusta!
  • 1 0
 are we going to assume we can through a boxxer on this like stevie?
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know what the second song is?
  • 1 0
 How do they get it to stand up like that, in the picture? #magic?
  • 2 0
 I am Sparta!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Seriously EPIC B-I-K-E!
  • 1 0
 Careful, Specialized might sue you for using the E word
  • 1 1
 That looks like something that could replace my Pivot Firebird.... hmmmm Big Grin
  • 1 1
 My feelings exactly. I wonder if I could swap my db air onto that frame.
  • 3 1
 Looks awesome!
  • 5 4
 Sorry, far too heavy. 8lbs + for a modern frame is nuts.
  • 4 1
 Same weight as your Spitfire with 20mm more travel. What gives?
  • 1 0
 Check tour facts bro. The spitty is 7.5 with comparable shock.... And doesn't have a carbon rear end.
  • 1 0
 I see 8lbs flat on this scale shot - www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=150247&d=1358723205
www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=150248&d=1358723207
And the Monarch is 100g more than the Float CTD.
  • 1 1
 Weighed mine, definitely not 8lbs.
The clear lacquer version is the heaviest for what its worth and it could also be a large.

That aside, i stand by my point, especially for a carbon reared bike.

PS: the spitfire is also porky, no one ever disputed that :-)
  • 1 1
 Nice.. think the Mach 6 wins the killer bike crown tho - www.pinkbike.com/photo/10505652
  • 1 0
 Zeez guyz ahr zee hawt sheet ohn zee zexy knew bicyclettes, Bravo Devinci!
  • 2 1
 And I just built up a new 2011 dixon, what do I do with it now?
  • 1 0
 Me too! lol
  • 2 0
 Is it new, or is it 2011?
  • 1 0
 Its new, got it from bdh bikes as a frame and shock combo and built the rest up. I think they've got some '11 dexter frames still too.
  • 1 0
 Makes me not feel as bad about my new build being 31lbs!!
  • 1 0
 Not a fan of Devinci at all but thats pretty sick.
  • 1 0
 totally reminds me of a kona operator with that paint job
  • 1 1
 frame looks very similar to the prototype south african worlds bike steve used.....
  • 1 0
 Fresh to death jeeeeeesus.
  • 1 0
 Damn that's heavy. Maybe they weighed it with all the mud caked on? :/
  • 1 0
 I want one just for the name..,
  • 1 0
 wonder if the mid 30 lb is from the 5 lbs of mud on the bike.
  • 1 0
 This will look sweet next to my wilson
  • 1 0
 Its going to get muddy this weekend going by the current weather
  • 1 0
 they start from dh but where 2-3 hours uphill? !
  • 1 0
 I want it, no, I need it.
  • 1 0
 that song never gets old
  • 2 1
 mother of god 3
  • 1 0
 oooo.....
  • 1 0
 no debonair spec?
  • 2 0
 Isn't the deboner only for frames with certain suspension characteristics?
  • 1 0
 oops. i believe you're right. it is a hv can only so probably for more progressive linear sus designs
  • 6 9
 33lbs? The bike looks fantastic but for a top of the line 160mm travel bike that seems to be a weight that is a serious disadvantage to their EWS riders and such compared to the 26lb Enduro and even lighter 650B Nomad.
  • 6 0
 The XP is not top-of-the-line. Its just only 10x more than a dept store bike, not 20-30x like their high end model, or their competition's.
  • 3 0
 You compare an aluminum bike with carbon bikes, and it's not the same price too. Wink

I think it's a really good bike for "everyone", and for their teams they have a cabon version, or an other bike in carbon. Smile
  • 2 0
 Give them a chance for a full carbon version... I'm sure that will help with the weight and something that is in the works.
  • 2 0
 That weight is for the base model, and it's a real world build. Not a 10000+$ bike with pinner xc tires...
  • 3 0
 Just compare the XP spec with specialized enduro comp spec which retails for the same price and you will understand where stand your interest...
  • 3 0
 The UK rrp. for the 650B Nomad frame is £600 more expensive than the listed price for the Spartan XP full bike. I would bloody well hope the Newmad would be lighter...
  • 2 0
 And the frame is handmade in Canada, seatstay are carbon, and lifetime guaranteed. For 2 points at least, Nomad can't say the same.
  • 1 0
 Best name
  • 1 0
 i want that now
  • 1 1
 Where were 180mm bikes? they miss ... Frown
  • 1 0
 WANT!
  • 1 0
 Want!
  • 2 1
 This is SPARTAAAAAAAA
  • 1 0
 Sick bike!
  • 2 4
 33lbs ! Not exactly a light weight. Nice bike though
  • 11 0
 That's for the low end model tho. And remember, this isn't a lightweight trail bike, this is Sparta.
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