Knolly Bikes at Interbike 2003 – The 2004 V-Tach

During his nearly two year hiatus from riding due to a badly broken arm, Noel Buckley channelled his energy and put his engineering skills to use to design what he wanted to be a compromise free, six inch plus travel freeride bike; the result was the Knolly Bikes 2004 V-Tach. Rather than re-invent the wheel, Noel wisely took a look at existing designs both past and present and sought improvement in the six inch plus travel freeride bike market. Choosing a four bar linkage for the V-Tach meant that Noel could construct a swing-arm that he feels offers the most desired traits in a bike purpose designed to be a technical freeride machine.

He came up with a unique, laterally stiff linkage set, the patent pending "Knolly four by 4 link", that offers pedaling and braking performance, and the ability to raise and lower the seat, which is often a sacrificed feature in an interrupted seat tube four bar swing-arm. More subtle, but no less impressive features include; ample clearance at all points for to suit any tire size, and elimination of tire to seat tube interference with a smartly designed seat tube, when elevated the seat post is at a traditional 72 degree angle – when lowered the seat is set to a more downhill style tire clearing forward position. Taking things a step further, Noel built strength into the V-Tach’s 7.3 inch travel (182 mm) swing-arm that he believes other manufacturers intentionally leave out in the name of improving the bottom line, the full bearing pivots are oversized and the rocker plates are internally braced.

With a 7 inch fork the head tube sits at 67 degrees, mount an 8 inch fork and the head angle slackens to 66.5 degrees. If neither of these settings suits you, for instance if you want a faster downhill geometry or a steeper front end to accommodate a 24 inch rear wheel, there is a full degree of head angle adjustment in the frame.

Built, fabricated, and heat treated in the Vancouver B.C. area, the V-Tach will be a limited production run bike available spring 2004, offered in four frame sizes including an extra-small (15 inch equivalent) for younger riders or women who often have trouble finding a high end bike that fits right.

On top of the flexible sizing, the V-Tach is offered as a frame and rear shock or one of several frame kits, the basic kit includes a bottom bracket, chain guide, headset, and rear hub with an option for a front hub. Also available is the “Race Face Hop-up Kit” that contains the previously mentioned, plus a bar, stem, seat post and cranks from the Diablous line. Additional options are available in forks from Manitou and Marzocchi and a deal is offered on Gustav brakes by Magura.

The frame and rear shock MSRP price is to be set near the $3600 - $3800 CAD ($2500-$2800 US) mark.

For the complete V-Tach scoop, listen to [L=https://www.pinkbike.com/audio/interbike2003/knolly.mp3]Noel Buckley’s audio interview[/L] with Radek at Interbike.

For additional information, email Noel Buckley and visit the Knolly Bikes website.