Ellsworth has something new on the way for 2017 - the Rogue Sixty. The Rogue is a combination of their more than 20 years experience and the feedback that they have heard from consumers, and the numbers look good.
Key figures include 420mm chainstays, a generous reach (432mm for size medium), a 349mm bottom bracket height, 74º seattube angle and a 66º head angle. The wheelbase on a size medium comes in at 1,169mm. The bike sits on 27.5” wheels and is definitely of the long, low and slack variety, but it doesn’t stop there. The brand have also made sure that with all of these static numbers the rider is still positioned in a good, strong position while riding.
Details
• Carbon frame (alloy chainstays)
• 27.5" wheels
• 160mm travel, 1x specific frame
• Internal cable routing
• Di2 compatible w/ hidden storage solution
• 3 colors; Captain America, Foxy Orange & Back in Black
• 4 models; SLX, XT (shown), XTR & SRAM X01
• M, L, XL (small possible in the future)
• MSRP: $6,500 USD
The Rogue Sixty has 160mm of travel and in case it’s not already clear from the numbers, it’s aimed squarely at aggressive riders and suited well to enduro racing. The frame is of the carbon variety with exception to the chainstays, and lateral rigidness was a key point of focus in its development. To help with this, Ellsworth implemented hexagonal ends on their 148x12 rear axle, as well as on the bolt through the rocker link shock mount. These hexagonal ends aim to prevent the rear from twisting and allow for better activation of the suspension. Further contributing towards increasing stiffness, the frame features pivots with a clevis design on the bearings (dual encapsulated) and 15mm ID ultra high quality bearings.
The frame is finished with a 3K weave as opposed to a more typical unidirectional (UD) finish. Ellsworth took this direction for its functionality, with the 3K adding a more robust element to the frame, given it has a slightly better impact absorption property and a cut/chip in it won't result in that part of the frame weakening like a UD finish will. In terms of other final details, the bottom bracket is housed in a 73mm threaded shell, the seatpost diameter is 30.9, and the frame uses Boost spacing in the front and rear. In addition, there's even compatibility for Di2 built into the frame, via a “den” located by the bottom bracket. The 160mm of rear travel is achieved with Ellsworth’s AEES (Active Energy Efficient Suspension) and is aimed to provide a supported base while pedaling but remain active for traction.
There will be four models of the Rogue Sixty available and the XT build (orange shown here) comes in at a competitively priced $6,500 US for a great spec. Pricing on the other three models is yet to be confirmed but each will be spec'd with 1x drivetrains (not surprising, since the frame can't accept a front derailleur), equipped with Fox suspension and a well thought out parts kit including chain guides, Maxxis High Roller II tires and Race Face Turbine 150mm dropper posts on all sizes and models. Close to 50% of the bike is created using domestic content, which is something Ellsworth is proud to continue with. All colors are available in any model and are not model specific.
The bike will be available for pre-order come July and the line will be available in September.
MENTIONS:
@ellsworthbikes
Best-looking Ellsworth in quite a few years though.
I got to enjoy Ellsworth warranty back in the early 2000's. It was lots of fun when Tony told me to just redish my rear wheel because the back end of the bike was bent. It was my third time bending the bike in less than 6 months.
The rear suspension kicks the shit out of most all other designs.
The hive-mind hate on certain brands is remarkable on this site. For years Specialized could do no wrong and Kona was knocked for every choice they made. Hell, Kona STILL hasn't really moved on from their single pivot suspension but the Process is hailed by all as the messiah of modern geometry. I owned one, it was OK.
If you want small companies to stay in the game and provide alternative rides to what everyone else is making then stop blindly hating on a bike because of aesthetics or brand-name and check them out on their own merit. I for one don't like the super long front end on many bikes because I have a stubby torso and longer legs than normal so I actually preferred the "short" Devinci Troy over my Process 134 DL. Maybe this bike will fit someone else better than a Bronson, or a Capra, or any of the other trendy bikes at the moment.
In short, good job Ellsworth. If I have the chance to ride one before I buy my next bike next year I'll for sure give you a solid look.
Very "Truth" oriented .
Kind of like the Marin, they move up a bit from the dropout.
Technically it's not a Horst pivot (the patent was very specific to pivot location vs. rear axle) but yes a four-bar with chainstay pivot.
New bike looks like a massive improvement now that proper engineering is being done by carbon fibre company owners, rather than ' artisan' Tony EW
Also "Close to 50% of the bike is created using domestic content" is that 50% by part count, or by weight or by cost?
Long history of a brand that has copped a bit over the years but are still bangin out bikes and keeping mtbing interesting. Props to them for sticking to their guns over the years and making bikes. The more choice we have as riders the better the product and hopefully $$ stay competitive. Good to see!!
Not many broke during my time there ( but the old truth and joker certainly had issues). Most common repair was replacing chainstay pivot bearings which could have a limited lifetime in UK wet/mud. We had wonky frames arrive time to time but always dealt with before escaping into the wild.
New bike looks great.
Compared to what? bikes from the 90's.
Is this true? Shouldn't every manufacturer be doing it if so? I don't think the 3K looks bad. It looks like a a race car.
Soon, you'll see some reviews on DH bikes used on trails and called "enduro".