First Look: Eminent Release Idler-Equipped Haste 2.0

Some of this might be flying in the face of the last news you may have heard about Eminent, where they filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as it restructured its debts. However, it's great to see the brand in good health and bringing new bikes out in 2022.

Frame Details


I don't think it's totally unfair to say that it looks far more refined than the Onset. The Haste has an angular, distinctive frame that is more conventional looking and it's relatively feature-laden. To complement the already mentioned dropouts and travel options, there is also a flip-chip at the top shock mount that can change the head angle by half a degree.

The bike uses double-row angular contact bearings at the main pivots. These will aim to help both durability and stiffness. The frame itself is made of unidirectional carbon fiber.

There is a Super Boost 157 rear end and a long insertion depth, which will help give riders more choice with long-drop seatposts. The frames offer 308mm (L & XL) and 288mm (M) of insertion depth.

Geometry

Thanks to the different linkage and fork, the bikes have slightly different dimensions. For instance, due to the lower front end, the MT has 9mm more reach per size, as well as being a degree steeper in the head and seat tube.


Both bikes feature steep seat tube angles, at 77 and 78 degrees for the models. They're also relatively slack at 64 or 65 degrees in the head tube angle. The bikes use a one-size rear end that has a rear center or 440mm. That said, there will be the option to shorten it by 10mm if you choose to run a smaller rear wheel.

At 643mm for a large LT, the stack on these bikes is quite high. This will no doubt help in fast and rough tracks.

Suspension Design

The bike uses a very distinctive AFS system. This system means the shock floats between two active pivot points. Eminent claim this means the shock can maintain its alignment regardless of lateral forces.

As you can imagine, the more side load being put through a shock then the larger amount of friction there will be at the sliding surface. A telescopic suspension unit undergoing large amounts of flex will not be as sensitive as one that is torsionally stiffer.


The frames also feature an idler wheel to neutralize chain growth as the bike goes through its travel. The 15mm rearward axle path makes this a welcome addition and will help separate drivetrain and suspension forces.

The bike uses a linear, ie. consistent, leverage ratio with the 30% progressivity. This should, especially when combined with that rearward axle, give a platform that will aim to track the ground very well while also being consistent to rider inputs. A ratio that varies more can sometimes be susceptible to wallowing in the mid-stroke, which can hinder performance as well as rider confidence.

Interestingly enough, the bike has a relatively high anti-squat value of 120% at sag. While higher anti-squat numbers normally translate to better pedaling performance it is not always the case. For instance, going far about 100% can mean that as the suspension extends under acceleration it's actually attempting to lift the mass of the rider and will bob, albeit while maintaining a higher rider height. That's not to say this will be the case with the Haste - don’t forget about that idler pulley - but rather it's interesting, and for my money, a very good thing, to see bike brands experimenting.

Similarly, the bikes use a very low 30% anti-rise value. This will mean that the bike will not squat when undergoing braking. This will mean the wheel will act independently of braking forces and will be driving itself into the ground under braking, instead of letting the bike sink into its stroke. Whether or not this is a good thing is very hard to say as it often comes down to a rider's personal preference and riding style. However, again, it's great to see Eminent really go their own way with this, even if it may not suit people who want a bike that conserves its geometry under heavy braking loads.


Models and Pricing

All Haste models come equipped with Shimano Drivetrains, Fox Suspension, and Crank Brothers wheels. There will be three main build options; Comp: $5,999, Advanced: $7,500, and Pro: $9,500. Each will be available in a choice between two colorways.

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Reviews and Tech First Looks Enduro Bikes Eminent Cycles Eminent Haste