2008 marks a huge change in Devinci's long travel down hill bike line up. In the past few years they have had as many as 5 different models that covered their DH/FR line up, all with a similar frame design, only varying in geometry to meet rider’s needs. But for 2008, a brand new frame has arisen from a whole lot of data collection and input from team and test riders. Once everything was compiled and the drawing board versions were actually being ridden and abused, the 2008 Wilson is now ready for the public. Here is a look into what you can expect from the 2008 Devinci Wilson 3.
There are now 4 versions of the Wilson to replace previous models in the Wilson and Ollie line ups. The Ollie was Devinci’s answer to rider’s freeride needs, but you can now find those specs tightly wound into the new 8.5-9 inch travel Wilson frame. With adjustable geometry settings often only found on high end boutique bikes, the new Wilson is sure to have a set up that will fit your personal riding needs and feel. Adjustments at the chain stay drop outs and front shock mount mean that you can adjust your BB height, Head Tube/Seat Tube angles and the over all length of your wheel base to suit courses or riding styles. All the frames are now smaller in terms of the cock pit area too-truer sizing means that a small frame will better fit the little riders out there, while the taller guys will now be on the proper fitting medium and large sized rigs. (Check below for full geometry specs.)
Geometry Specs:
| Dropout Position | Front Shock Position | Chain Stay | BB Height | Head Angle | Travel | Wheel Base |
|---|
| DH | Front | 17.3 | 13.9 | 64 | 8.6 | 45.9 |
| FR | Front | 16.8 | 14.4 | 65 | 8.8 | 45.4 |
| DH | Rear | 17.0 | 14.8 | 65.7 | 9 | 45.6 |
| FR | Rear | 16.5 | 15.4 | 66.8 | 9.1 | 45.0 |
*
the geometries are with a Fox 40, semi-intergrated headset and 2.3 tires on a medium frame*
Like many companies, Devinci is creating frames with smoother, more curved lines that are both strong and visually appealing. Tube manipulation on the Wilson 3 allows for better stand over with a sloping top tube, less need for gussets at the head tube with better tube/weld overlap. The ability to run a long seat post and still get the desired seat angle is aided with a nicely shaped seat tube. The days of nasty cut and weld frames seem to be fading and I for one am a fan of the curvy lines. Devinci even did a little fancy work near the head tube where the top and down tubes meet. They have made both the down and top tube diameters smaller to allow for a better turning radius/clearance with dual crown forks, while still maintaining a large amount of welding surface area for strength.
Along with the great looking tubes, you'll notice that the new decal package is very bold and easy on the eyes. The decals aren't just for looks either as some of them are placed to actually do a task too. The top and down tube decals are in high wear zones and can easily be replaced once they get too tattered from pedalling or shuttle wear.
While all the curvy lines are nice and dandy and I like the way they look, the bike needs to be strong and sensible too. Here is a look at what has been done to improve the overall strength through weld placement, gussets and bracing. The all new machined main link has received some serious re-enforcement for battling side loads through an X-shaped brace that is bolted to each side of the link. The new seat stays are a lot shorter than in previous years, making them stiffer, while adding a brace to connect the two has added more lateral stiffness to the whole frame. Running the full length of the down tube you’ll find what I can best describe as a functioning gusset. All the vital shock mounts and pivot points are located here. The full length weld and gusset means that it’s strong the whole way down the tube with no interruptions. Previous Wilson models were only welded/gusseted up to the front shock mount, then again near the main link and BB area. All of these braces, gussets and welds have been put in place to make the frame stiffer and stronger.
 2007 Down tube |  2008 Down tube
|
The last big change to the Wilson frame is the use of composite bearings for 2008. In the past Devinci used a grease nipple at the main pivot so that users could maintain their bike and keep it squishing nicely. Now they have gone to a self lubricating, polymer composite bearing that when compared to the old bearings will shave a quarter pound off the frame weight alone. The self lubricating, composite bearings are what you find in several automotive and industrial applications and are more than tough enough for us downhillers. The 2008 frame weighs in at under 9 pounds with a DHX 3.0 air shock strapped in.
Drive Side
Non Drive Side
Now that you know all about the frame, let’s see what’s hanging off of it. Devinci has their own in house brand of parts called Daredevil and on the Wilson 3 they have placed the full mix. The direct mount stem on the Marzocchi 888 RC-3 and DH riser bar keep you turning, while the seat, seat post and pedals should leave you planted in comfort. The new black finish on the Daredevil parts is also found on the front 20mm hub. In past years Devinci spec’d their house brand rear hubs, but now for 2008, the Wilson 3 is sporting a proper DT Swiss 340 hub in 150X12mm spacing. The choice to run an outside brand rear hub was a smart move as companies like DT make wheels and make them well. The hubs are laced to Mavic 325 rims with DT spokes. Maxxis’ 2.5 High Rollers tires are the meats of choice on the Wilson. I would have liked to see them spec’d in a DH casing though as we are riding these bikes in rough conditions and the less flats the better in my opinion. (Or I guess I could try to get smoother.)
The drive train is a mixed combo of parts that have really proven themselves to riders over the past few seasons and will make your ride just as good. A SRAM X.9 shifter moves the world renowned X.0 rear derailleur across the rear SRAM 990 cassette. You will no longer find room to mount a front derailleur on these bikes. If you feel that you need a front derailleur, then this is not the bike for you and you should have a look at the Frantic. The Daredevil pedals are mounted to Race Face’s Evolve DH crankset to move the chain and get you moving forward. Once you get the Wilson 3 up to speed, you’ll eventually need to slow it down or stop it in its tracks and this is where the Avid CODE 5 brakes come in. These brakes have SO MUCH pad contact and power that stopping will never be a problem.
| Frame size | Medium Devinci Wilson 3
•8.5-9" of travel |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX 3.0 Air
• 9.5”x3” stroke |
| Fork | Marzocchi 888 RC-3
•20 mm Axle
•200mm of travel
•Adjustable Rebound
|
| Headset | FSA Orbit Z 1.5R |
| Crankarms | Race Face Evolove DH, 170 mm in Black |
| Chainring | Race Face 40T |
| Chain Guide | MRP System #3 (will appear on later models) |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face X Type 83mm |
| Pedals | Daredevil Flats |
| Chain | SRAM PC-951 |
| Cassette | SRAM PGII-990 11-32T 9 speed |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X.0 |
| Shifter Cable/Housing | Stock |
| Shifter Pod | SRAM X.9 |
| Handlebar | Daredevil DH Riser with 31.8mm clamp area |
| Stem | Daredevil direct mount 888 Stem |
| Grips | Devinci Performance (will appear on later models) |
| Brakes | Avid CODE 5 with 8" rotors |
| Front Wheel | Mavic 325 rim on Daredevil 20mm TA hub |
| Rear Wheel | Mavic 325 rim on DT Swiss 340 150X12mm TA hub |
| Tires | Maxxis HighRoller 26x2.5 in Single Ply |
| Tubes | Stock Schraeder |
| Saddle | Daredevil FR |
| Seatpost | Daredevil AM 2-bolt (31.6) |
| Price | $4599 Canadian MSRP |
The riders have been out on the 2008 Wilson 3 and this is what they have to say about it so far:
Simon Stevenson-
-Devinci has definitely stepped it up a notch. With a sweet new look, the new curves are candy for the eyes. A dropped top tube (for a lower stand over height), a lower bottom bracket height, four different frame settings and not to mention 1.5 lbs lighter. When it was time to ride - it did not disappoint.
Geoff Pendrel-
-I raced the bike this weekend at Crankworx’s Canadian Open DH race. The course was full on world cup style so I opted for the low and slack positions to fulfill my need for speed. High speed corners were awesome on board this rig as the bike just seemed to stick to the ground. When it did break loose it drifted predictably and comfortably before hooking up and moving on. Watch out where you pedal though, my first few rides saw me bashing crank arms if I wasn’t careful. Tighter corners were sharper and quicker too, no doubt due to the shortened chainstays.
-Pedaling was a pleasure, the lighter weight and lack of pedal induced bob let the bike accelerate with ease while the four bar design kept the suspension active when it needed to be.
Steve Pawlitski-
-There are a lot new good things about it that I liked a lot, the first things I noticed about the bike was how short and small it was. This made the bike so much nicer to handle and throw around. The Wilson also felt quite a bit lighter which is really good. The corning on the new Wilson was just at a whole new level it was fast and low all the way through the corner.
To learn more about Devinci bikes, please visit their site at
www.devinci.com.
