Knolly Bikes Launches Fugitive 29er
PRESS RELEASE: Knolly Bikes
Knolly Bikes is freaking fired up to announce the release of the Fugitive, our first 29er, which delivers incredible traction, downhill stability and a smooth ride on any terrain. Our newest model was developed to meet the growing demands for a 29” so the Fugitive debuts with the highest level of pedaling platform of any Knolly model, yet it still maintains the legendary composure in the rough that we are known for. Our riders wanted an epic bike that could take them into the backcountry, attack the biggest descents, efficiently climb steep technical trails and adapt to any route to provide a comfortable ride on long beautiful single track trails.
After determining rider requirements for a new 29er generation, we started designing our Fugitive model from the ground up. Considering past trends and manufacturing innovations, every Knolly frame part, feature, and production process was toiled over leading to significant investment in new molds and tooling. Current industry standards were reviewed, adopted and tweaked to produce a bike that we believe is in a category in its’ own.
Our engineering approach involves a fresh perspective and a promise of achieving only the best. In an industry fixed on releasing new products as quickly as possible, we did something that some might consider borderline insane. With the Fugitive model, we committed an extra 18 months beyond the normal new product development timelines to research and development.
Innovation through Partnerships
The new pivot bushing technology on Knolly Bikes was developed with Igus, the world leader in polymer bushings. Working closely with Igus, we developed a new pivot bushing advancement and when combined with their high-end roller bearings, they deliver less friction and added durability for the Fugitive and all frames going forward. Igus products are used throughout the bike industry in frames, forks, rear shocks and other parts that rotate and/or slide.
Innovation through Pioneering
The Fugitive is the beginning of our Gen 5 alloy and carbon frame platform, which meant a massive investment in tooling for the next phase. Our commitment to producing the best aluminum suspension mountain bikes led to pushing the boundaries of highly manipulated tube-sets and an extensive use of sophisticated forgings throughout the Fugitive’s construction. Every detail including the tube cross-section and width were designed in 2D and 3D to ensure uncompromised performance for the rider. The new seat tube, a key structural part of the frame, explores the limits of hydroforming technology. Throughout the frame, we sourced exotic aluminum alloys to deliver reduced weight, improved reliability and unlimited length dropper post compatibility. And using only the best materials, we incorporated custom CNC machined 6Al-4V Titanium fasteners to reduce weight and increase mid-linkage stiffness.
Engineering with Purpose
We fully committed to the already existing 157mm rear hub spacing, branding it 157TRAIL, and we are able to implement this with rear end heel clearance equal or better than existing 148 bikes. This decision allowed us to eliminate tire width and focus on designing the bike solely based on tire diameter. As a result, the Fugitive supports 29” wheels but it can also run 27.5” Plus x 3.0” wheels/tires with minimum compromise to the BB height.
 | The 29’er Fugitive is a product of years of research, design and engineering. We produced a bike that we believe will deliver unprecedented rider performance. The Fugitive has an all-star feature list that includes new suspension linkages and pivots, 175-200mm dropper post compatibility, fully internal cable routing and 2 geometry positions. These features combined with our proven patented Fourby4 suspension, create a package that instills confidence in any terrain. |
The new Fugitive is also available in a long travel (LT) version, adding 15mm of added rear suspension. Here is a complete list of features:
+ Rear Travel: 120mm/135mm
+ Fork: 140-150mm
+ Wheel Size & Max Width: 29”x2.6” and 27.5”x3.25”
+ Rear Axle: 157TRAIL x 12mm
+ Up to 200mm dropper compatible on all frame sizes
+ 73mm threaded BB with removable ISCG05 chain guide tabs
+ Max. 38t single ring / Dual ring compatible
+ Trailside adjustable geometry
+ Clearance for water bottles of all sizes
+ Removable downtube protector that doubles as Shimano Di2 battery holder
+ Full internal routing
+ Shares its suspension and frame parts with next-generation Knolly bikes to ensure ease of bike maintenance/service and inventory management between models
The Fugitive frames range in price from $1979 to $2175 USD, with complete bikes ranging from $4300 to $6900, both will be available for sale July 2018 at your Knolly Bikes Dealer.
https://www.knollybikes.com/
MENTIONS: @KNOLLYBIKES
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Bike of the year
add in 200mm dropper compatible and 38t or front derailleur compatible as well. lots of positive's with this design.
I came here to say that, too. I * own the Porsche 917K, # 004/017
*don't
That Gulf Porsche color way is amazing, @KNOLLYBIKES
Either way, amazing.
Nicely done @KNOLLYBIKES
Is it staying 26" will it come in glow in the dark green to match my warden?
In addition, the big question is will you sell the hubs with the fancy spacing directly?? There was some serious mis-aligned expectations when Chris C said it was going to be easy and then some of the major manufacturers wouldn't sell the hubs directly and then Pivot wouldnt sell them directly either. Not everyone wants a cowbell i9 hub. It's about options and a decent supply chain. Otherwise we get psudeo-proprietary stuff that makes sense on paper but actively hurts the value of the bike.
Hoping the market is a little more prepared.
I especially love you guys for going with 157 rear hub instead of that #$%^&ing 148 boost and all bastards which came along with it, while still having possibility to mount front derailleur.
Keep it up and I promise that I'll do my best to buy my next FS frame from you.
Knolly philosophy is to have low pedal feedback but that does sacrifice anti-squat so the design needs to have a climb switch which is not always practical. How many modern bikes suffer from pedal feedback?
The patent linkage doesn't affect the kinematics. Specialized or any other FSR design could do the exact same kinematics as a Knolly. No secret sauce there.
The benefit of your design is to have a straight seat tube (long dropper) but the negative is more flex and maintenance (more pivots).
linkagedesign.blogspot.ca and Andre at www.youtube.com/channel/UCAicBI2QJNNrE2j_RkbzjYQ for real information.
was going to write an offensive rebuttal but was enlightened by your video link.
reckon I'm to armchair to contribute further.
I salute you
*sips beer and nods.
Hardly any modern bike suffers from pedal kick back, but hardly any offer that amount of traction, grip and insane braking control on even the steepest descends, which Knolly does. Also hardly any of those modern bikes work very well with both air and coil.
Also Knolly under no circumstances require climb switch, unless you do most of your climbs on fireroads or tarmac. On technical climbs it is second to none in my opinion.
linkagedesign.blogspot.ca/p/tutoriales.html for good information on suspension kinematics.
It's a combination of bearings and bushings. That said, the bushings on my Turner were flawless for many years.
Curious - would you call this a MY2018 or MY2019?
Front Tire Ardent 29X2.25 60 FOLDABLE 750 SINGLE 65 EXO Black
Rear Tire Ardent 29X2.40 60 FOLDABLE 805 SINGLE 65 EXO Black
When /where can I get test ride?
Thanks!