PRESS RELEASE: Knolly BikesTHE 2020 WARDEN, WARDEN LT AND DELIRIUMWhen we launched the Warden and Delirium a few years back, these models made headlines with their patented Fourby4 suspension, advanced kinematics, custom parts and premium materials. The Warden immediately became our best-selling all mountain adventure ride and the Delirium delivered big in the park and trail. For 2020 we’ve raised the bar again and are releasing 3 new models featuring our next generation technology: Warden, Warden LT and Delirium. For this launch, our mission was to provide a 27.5 line-up that featured super progressive geometry, game-changing designs, maximum versatility and a premium ride. And we spent long hours designing, engineering and testing, with total dedication to getting it right. This August, we’re super proud to release our newest Warden and Delirium models.
The Next Generation of InnovationWhen we started this project, we were stoked with past advancements but knew we wanted to continue our path of innovation. We had new concepts brewing, so we did something unheard of in the industry and held back on releasing product for 18 months so that we could focus on new research, testing and product development. Knowing we had to seriously knock it out of the (bike) park with these new models, we made sure we had the right ingredients for each model.
We took the time to review our suspension kinematics, tweak our geometry, formulate new moulds/tubes and introduce custom parts that would deliver a dream ride. And the result was revolutionary. The first model that we released was the Fugitive 29er. Yeah, they are all longer, lower, slacker, but like always, we make sure these attributes also equal a bike that allows you to be a pilot, not a passenger.
For our next release, we wanted to leverage all the advancements of the Fugitive but offer our customers a 27.5 line-up that they could ride super aggressive in both in the trail and park. Our solution- the 2020 Warden, Warden LT and Delirium.
Patented Fourby4 Suspension- total confidenceOur new models demanded a suspension set up that would exceed rider expectations. We looked at our Fourby4 technology and fine-tuned it so that our suspension kinematics allows you to pedal even better, while offering increased rear traction. Plus, you get more suspension for an even bigger ride. Just when you thought your Knolly couldn’t get better, we deliver three more confidence-inspiring machines.
157Trail - trail precisionWith the updated Fourby4 suspension, we looked next at rear hub spacing. Our refined suspension allowed us to use the wide flange 157 hubs with 73mm BB shells. This 157TRAIL rear hub spacing offers a new solution because it provides rear end heel clearance equal or better than existing 148 bikes. It eliminates worrying about tire width while allowing us to focus on designing the bike solely based on tire diameter. The new Wardens and Delirium gives you total precision while riding, so that you can choose the best line on the trail.
Progressive GeoThere is a fine balance between pushing the geometry limits and crafting a bike that handles naturally and provides a ride experience second to none. And while the industry has beaten the longer, lower slacker concept to death we have stayed focused on the key ride characteristics that take a bike from good to great.
Our patented OSD (Offset Seat-tube Design) continuous straight seat-tube is a hallmark of our brand and can accommodate a 175mm dropper post on a small, and 200mm+ droppers on medium and large frames.
Steeper seat tubes optimize pedaling efficiency but again too much is not necessarily better. Knolly strikes a balance between climbing performance, fit, and ride handling with little to no sacrifice in any of them.
Trailside geo adjustments: With one bolt Knolly frames switch from neutral to slack and our design changes the BB height, head tube angle, the pedaling platform, and shock progression. Our bikes are designed to climb better in neutral and descend better in slack.
Increased reach combined with short chainstays keeps the wheelbase from getting too long and gives our frames a balanced feel with quick handling and planted stability.
Short head tubes: Better traction and better handling, who doesn’t like that? With a shorter and lower head tube, when climbing riders get more pressure over the front wheel which increase handling switchbacks and techincal climbing; and when it gets rowdy on the downhill, riders are positioned over the front wheel which provides more traction.
Knolly Materials/Parts - Uncompromised performanceAt Knolly, we only source the finest parts and materials and with the 2020 models, we continue this commitment. They feature the most premium aluminum available (6066 alloy) and incorporate sophisticated forgings throughout their construction.
We’ve included CNC machined 6Al-4V titanium fasteners, threaded BB’s, internal cable routing and new Igus pivot bushing technology to deliver ease of use, ultimate strength and total reliability.
3 Models, 3 Great ChoicesOur customers wanted options and this release delivers big. This season, we’re launching offerings for the all mountain ripper, super enduro crusher and the rider who wants to lap the park all day long.
We have legions of
Warden owners that use their bike for every type of ride/trail/rip you can imagine and if this sounds like you, our new Warden will become the one bike in your shed. Set up with a 160mm fork and 160mm shock this all mountain bike will get you climbing techy up-tracks with lightning speed, while ripping steep lines in total confidence (and most likely a load of style).
The new
Warden LT is designed for all those riders who took our first gen Warden to the very edge of its ability (you know who you are) and are questing for more. With a super-enduro type stance, the Warden LT is decked out with a 170mm fork and 168mm shock. It combines increased pedaling efficiency with a “hey watch this” ability when the trail turns down.
And for the park we’re introducing our new
Delirium, featuring a 180mm fork and 175mm shock. The legacy for this OG model is upheld with our latest version and is built for any rider wanting more confidence in the gnar, faster speeds on the descent, total control on trail, and predictability when you need it. Simply put this bike is ridiculously fun, you won’t want to stop riding.
For geometry on all three models, you can set them up in neutral or slack modes. It’s as simple as removing the bolt, sliding the shock forward or back, and re-installing it.
In addition, the Wardens and Delirium are all Di2 compatible, with both e-type and ISCG-05 mounts for any chain guide set up, and fits a water bottle easily. These models are purpose built and spec’d with practical features so that you can take on everything from trail to park and maximize your every adventure.
It took a while to get here but with the addition of these three new frames to our already successful Fugitive and Fugitive LT models, Knolly has sealed its position as the brand delivering the most fun and capable bikes to rowdy riders all over the globe. Knolly riders know.
The 2020 Wardens and Delirium starting from $2197 USD, with complete bikes starting from $5159 USD. They will be available for sale at your Knolly Bikes Dealer and online:
www.knollybikes.com
It combines increased pedaling efficiency with a “hey hold my beer” ability when the trail turns down.
Right now, just looking at the new frame I'm not seeing how the pedalability is improved. Main pivot is still tucked right near 10pm on the bottom bracket. Chain stay pivot looks like its in the exact same place.
Help me see how the new warden pedals better than the old one.
Worth noting: I had a 2018 Aluminum Warden. So not a direct comp the Warden C. I'd imagine you could build a Warden C a fair bit lighter than a Fugitive. My current Fugitive build is just under 35 lbs... (dd tires, Cush core, carbon wheel set, coil fork and shock)
These are interesting. They just have looks only a mother could love and they’ve got old PR of yesterday to battle. Where everyone thinks they’re a million pounds and pedal like trash. Hard to the shake that unfortunately, when swinging around the Yeti/SC world of light, highly marketed, well riding bikes.
Too bad, as these geo numbers look sick as hell. What sort of bearing life are these getting? What was the updated endorphin link being talked about, all about?
We bumped the 2019 Endorphin and Warden links to a M8 upper shock bolt and made the design retroactive so anybody that bought a frame in the previous 4 years could update their bike to the new one.
I'm more of a functional burly bike guy not a fan of Yetis too pretty looking.
Currently riding a Banshee but would love a Delerium.
Just my opinion, maybe from a lifetime on 20’s, but all bikes need a sloping TT and semi bmx silhouette, or they look funky.
"Step into my office."
"What?" Why?"
"Cause you're f((*ing fired!"
People slating their CS yet I've never seen a bike company reply to so many posts.
I've delt direct with @knollybikes whilst over here UK and had great service and they done everything the could to help me out.
Do you think a decent 455 reach would fit such a tall guy?
He asked for a medium so they ramped up the sizing
Its way more balanced than most other Bikes Ive ridden
Point is , soon the industry will have zero options for shorter riders or those who prefer a smaller more nimble frame or those with flexibility issues who prefer a more upright position.
The Chilcotin is one hell of a bike though, I never felt the "need" to upgrade but they had a deal on the Delirium which I just couldn't pass up.
too long is too long.
Should I be worried if the actual isn't that steep?
Great dudes to !!!
My recent move to the north shore to Squamish I’ve noticed that many people are on the 29er wagon . Both here and in Squamish. On my most recent trip to my LBS all the left over bikes are 27.5 .
Being a pilot vs a passenger makes a soild point and 27.5 Is definitely more fun in the parks .
But when all you read about is 29 29 29 and so on . When’s the last 27.5 bike pink bike tested ???
I think this is why you don’t hear about a rad company like knolly much .
The Warden LT peaks my interest as does the new Delirium. Hmmm. NUmber of bikes = n + 1, right?
Are they still retro car themed, or were they inspired by stickers like the delirium chrome+purple was?
Black and Chrome - well that was just necessary
We intentionally haven't shown our Delirium grapics yet, come see us at Crankworx or wait for more info to hit our site!
Is the new Warden frame like the fugitive and with a longer lenght shock you can move from the regular to LT version? Or are the frames completely different? Cheers
www.knollybikes.com/2020delirium
Try to click on geometry when you follow that link then you end up on the Warden ????
patents.google.com/patent/US10363988B2/en?oq=Patent+%2310-363-988
Ah that's the reason why the saddle on my warden is slammed forward
2. What is the point of both the Warden LT and the Delirium? I always thought the Delirium was the Warden LT.
3. Why do 2 of 3 Fugitive frames and both the Wardens above have that hideous orange colour? It clashes with everything except Fox forks.
4. Where’s the new Endorphin?
What offset do you recommend for an og warden, my 41mm offset is a bit of a noodle and twitchy on landings.
37/42/44 ????????♂️
By definition, it is worse.
Pretty much any way you look at it, if your current frame takes a 142 hub, even though the one on the bike is like new and has zero issues, you need a new hub if you want to upgrade your frame. This is clearly not a Knolly issue but still annoying. Thanks for pointing out that everything else will work. Definitely worth mentioning. Cheers.
Knolly? I’ve owned 3. I can assure you that the rear is not flexy.
In the end, feels like everyone gets the same margarita base and choice of pepperoni/chicken/bacon/chorizo and they all go from there