2011 Last Bikes - Eurobike 2010
Last bikes are another German brand with a strong presence on the European race scene. This is the Herb DH which has seen some tweaks for 2011 which allows it to work better with the current crop of downhill shocks. Less progression in the first half of the stroke keeps the bike subtle whilst rising at the end to reduce harsh bottom out.
Following the trend of DH bikes, this is also lower and slacker than the previous version to help with stability. Large bearings are used throughout and should keep slop and flex to a minimum as well as lasting a decent amount of time even with plenty of riding in the worst conditions.
No ISCG tabs are fitted to this but as it comes with its own integrated Last built chain device this isn't really an issue. The top guide bolts directly to the swingarm to kill any flex or movement and the lower guide is a simple wheel which bolts on directly behind the bottom bracket shell. Simple but effective.
Including shock, steel spring and chain device the claimed weight for the 216mm travel frame
is 5.2 kg which is helped in part by the narrow 135mm back end and 73mm BB shell.
is 5.2 kg which is helped in part by the narrow 135mm back end and 73mm BB shell.
Whilst both being aimed at a similar market and may carry similar aesthetics, expect the Herb AM and FR to have slightly different rides. The AM you see here has the slightly lighter tubeset as well as a still slack 65.8 degree head angle in comparison to the even slacker 64.6 degree of the FR offering.
Both bikes come with a taper steerer, but by using a standard 1 1/8" steerer fork you can use an adjustable bottom cup to slacken or steepen the angles if you prefer. The bottom bracket height is also nice and low which keeps the stability good, the actual measurement being +4mm from the axle line.
Both come with these neat replaceable dropouts offering the option of both 135mm
and 150mm rear 12mm axle wheels to be used (142mm will also be offered in the very
near future).
and 150mm rear 12mm axle wheels to be used (142mm will also be offered in the very
near future).
The rear adaptors are used in conjunction with further adaptors at the front which enable the chainline to be optimized for each of the rear wheel options. These comprise a moveable front mech stub and spacers to enable both 73mm and 83mm cranks to be used for optimized chainline.
The Herb FR and AM both feature adjustable travel; the AM coming with 145mm as
standard whilst the fitment of alternative shocks allow this to be upped to 165
and 175mm. The FR comes with the larger shock as standard so dispenses with the
145mm option.
standard whilst the fitment of alternative shocks allow this to be upped to 165
and 175mm. The FR comes with the larger shock as standard so dispenses with the
145mm option.
Shot peened tubing, aluminium hardware and stainless steel Enduro bearings throughout bring a total weight including shock out at under 4 kg for each with a retail price of EUR2000. The Herb DH comes with a slightly higher retail price of EUR2400.
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And the wheelbase looks really, really long on the DH.
and suicidedownhiller its JUST a 4bar with smaller link, nothing complicated.
Im a bit surprised that the Last guys show bikes arent blinged out to the max as they are usually pretty flash, but all of the bikes pictured above are from their demo bike stock so maybe the ones on the stand have a more up to date spec.
I ride for the Last Bikes factory team and you can check out my team bikes here that have a little more up to date specs - hatch.pinkbike.com/album/My-bikes-present
Hmm. Not really impressed.
whats wrong with plate gussets anyway?