First Look: Ellsworth Rogue Sixty - Press Camp 2016

Jun 23, 2016 at 19:41
by AJ Barlas  
Press Camp 2016


Ellsworth is answering critics with a very well thought out 160mm AM Enduro bike with the Rogue 60


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.

Ellsworth Rogue Sixty
The Rogue Sixty's Hex key shock pin...
Ellsworth Rogue Sixty
...and Hex Taper rear axle.

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.

Another view of the 3K carbon weave finishing layer
3K carbon weave finishing layer.

Driveside view of the Rogue 60 s AEES rear end.
Ellsworth's variation on the four bar. It's seen a refresh and they're calling it AEES (Active Energy Efficient Suspension).
Ellsworth s variation on the four bar. It s seen a refresh and they re naming it AEES Active Energy Efficient Suspension
Non-driveside rear of the Rogue Sixty's AEES rear end.

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.

Ellsworth Rogue 60 in the XT 1x build kit. The bike is competitively priced at 6 500 US
Ellsworth Rogue Sixty XT 1x build kit in Foxy Orange.
Ellsworth Rogue Sixty
The Rogue Sixty SLX 1x built in Back in Black.
Ellsworth Rogue Sixty
and XTR 1x built in Captain America.

The bike will be available for pre-order come July and the line will be available in September.


MENTIONS: @ellsworthbikes



Author Info:
AJBarlas avatar

Member since May 8, 2011
74 articles

152 Comments
  • 380 8
 actually looks alright. still a little strange, but definitely can be shown in public
  • 36 36
 Hauntingly beautiful
  • 126 2
 "can be shown in public." i had a laugh. thank you.
  • 30 4
 Strange yes, but they moved to the right direction and that bike is beauty!
  • 11 5
 It preserves the look wich this brand was known on its glory days
  • 14 1
 I'm willing to let the past go if they step it up. So far they are in the direction. Thinking maybe they took to heart all the crap we gave them on all the previous posts- it's only to their benefit. Maybe this might swing the pendulum and they come out swinging and down the road start producing some innovative banger bikes. Who knows :/
  • 25 3
 @enrico650: glory days?
  • 13 2
 If they could just bring the rocker and seat stay in line with the top tube it'd be pretty rad. The details of the frame are beautiful, but overall still looks like early 2000s.
  • 1 4
 @PHeller: Color scheme looks like from '70s, esp XTR one.
  • 35 0
 Dear Ellsworth, Welcome to the present. You were stuck in 2001 for quite some time.
  • 5 4
 Ya, agree, its a bit of a stunner...
  • 18 2
 Still kinda looks 2001, just on acid.
  • 7 1
 Major step up. Cheers Ellsworth
  • 5 1
 I was thinking the same thing, finally one that almost isn't butt ugly, almost.
  • 2 2
 @dro-cfr: My guess is about $1K of the price is for hours on the CNC making those things. Way more complicated than they need to be- could've done flat bars and machined away the excess for weight savings but those rockers are machined in at least 3 axes.
  • 4 1
 I think it's nice that some brand keep their look. There ain't many brand today that have signature lines
  • 3 5
 After riding an Epiphany, getting on other FS bikes just don't seem right! It's almost as if the Epiphany was designed to keep you in the line. You also had to gauge your pump for jumping, otherwise the Epiphany would launch, high, even at slower speeds. I like that the company is only a few miles from me, I should go apply for a job with them! I loved my friends Epiphany. Now to go rob a few stores so I can have my own! I couldn't really fathom buying any other FS.
  • 2 0
 @PHeller: Then it would just look like a Session...
  • 1 0
 I've never been a fan of how the Ellsworth's looked but these are getting better.
  • 1 2
 Something still doesn't look quite right though... If I'm honest I think it's just the font of the Ellsworth lettering on the logo! If you put your finger over that bit on the down tube it looks pretty alright.
  • 2 0
 @skidrumr: Yeah, there is a lot of machine time on those for sure, and I agree, totally overpriced for the final product.

Best-looking Ellsworth in quite a few years though.
  • 1 0
 Yeah theyre definetly getting somewhere where the design looks pretty ok, I feel like they want to keep their signature design, no matter what. Still the argument to buy the bike would be the build quality and mechanical design decisions it feels to me. Id like to see the tt and chainstay forming a aligned shape (a curve or straight) It would make everything composed.
  • 76 8
 Never been a huge fan of Ellsworth's look, but these are pretty sweet.
  • 25 3
 agree. lots of legacy hate here, but i think it's kinda cool...
  • 14 3
 agreed, isn´t quite a looker, but still better than a cube stereo or the ktm lycan
  • 7 0
 I've always though the long top suspension rocker made Ellsworth bikes look ugly along with the steepened seat stays. This one is getting better.
  • 14 9
 @gabbatron: On top of that backed by the rock solid Ellsworth warranty...... :/ Doesn't matter how well it's packaged it's still an Ellsworth.......next
  • 5 4
 I've never been a fan either, and these are still ugly lol
  • 6 0
 @rivercitycycles: @gabbatron Ellsworth was bought about 9 months ago by a US carbon manufacturer. No more dealing with Tony on warranty issues.

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.
  • 4 0
 I wouldnt say it looks good but at least it doesnt look the worst. People will be able to buy it based on ride quality and not have to live with a bike that looks like a grasshopper.
  • 4 0
 @joseabvil:

The rear suspension kicks the shit out of most all other designs.
  • 6 1
 @XCMark: Their maybe some truth to that statement(not verified) but the ethos that Tony Ellsworth created during his tenure has put a permanent black mark on the Ellsworth brand. As a consumer I would never spend my money on his name sake regardless of performance.
  • 4 0
 Yep. it's not that ugly, and the geometry isn't that bad. So nowthe only reasons not to buy it are Ellsworth's legendarily bad customer service and their appalling quality..
  • 1 1
 @XCMark: It most definitely does not, that's just something fanboys tell themselves about Ellsworth so they believe there's something worthwhile about them. I'm sure it rides great, but there's MANY other designs that also ride great and don't look like absolute garbage.
  • 61 8
 You know what, say what you will guys but this bike isn't half-bad looking in my books. I'd like to see how it rides, and I wish manufacturers would STOP going to 1X specific designs because some of us live in steep areas and sometimes ride hung-over.

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.
  • 7 2
 Kona didn't move on from linkage based single pivot, but the market caught up with them. Single pivots work a lot better with single chainrings, so they got a bit of a freebie out that.
  • 10 0
 You sound way too intelligent to be on pinkbike
  • 48 0
 I was ready to laugh my ass off at this bike.. but I'll tell you what, these actually look pretty damn good. Props Ellsworth.
  • 2 5
 Wait for geometry numbers. BB looks a little high, doesn't it?
  • 3 0
 @Pichy: Yeah possibly. Looking quickly at this vs. a Nomad it sits about 9mm higher. Which imo isn't enought to complain. Not sure about similar bikes from other brands though. Btw it gives a lot of geos in the article Smile . BB height is 349mm.
  • 2 0
 @Pichy: they are in the article, Bb height included.
  • 1 1
 @FLATLlNE: yes, but visually it looks even higher than wheel axles so I'm skeptical about those numbers
  • 1 0
 @Pichy: that's why bikes have sag bud the bb doesn't sit there when your weight is on the bike. It's just like the rm rmx everyone who's never rode one says the bb is to high but yet it's the same height as the bb on my Reign and no one says shit about the reign bb meanwhile it has 30mm less travel than the rmx front and rear
  • 29 1
 Ellsworth has finally built a decent looking bike. It's only taken them like 20 years Facepalm
  • 18 2
 aesthetics geared towards pleasing owners of pontiac aztecs
  • 11 0
 Wow. I didn't think it was possible for them not to have that atrocious rear end. This looks good! Or better at least...
  • 2 0
 you can kinda see that they weren't willing to completely give it up, though, that linkage is still pretty big
  • 4 3
 @groghunter: Oh yeah it still there to a point. But definitely an improvement. Kinda like a fat girl who has slimmed down, but she still can stand to drop a few more pounds.
  • 9 2
 I remember a time when the Ellsworth Dare and Truth for that matter too, was frames that was highly sought after. The movie JIB was out, cool people were doing awesome riding on Ellsworth bikes. That time is long gone and while this is the most classy looking frame they have produced in years, im afraid that it is still lacking. In my mind, Ellsworth was not able to keep up with the innovation and progress of things. Hell, even KONA left the walking beam suspension set up years ago.
  • 5 0
 This looks like a Horst link to me no? Pivot on the chainstay...
  • 3 1
 Check out Transition Bikes

Very "Truth" oriented .
  • 1 2
 @powderturns: Well, I missed that small detail. But one could argue that the felt difference while riding is not huge.But you are right. Horst, not Walking beam.
  • 2 0
 @powderturns: yup, they should have pointed this out a little clearer in the article, IMO, that Ellsworth is finally adopting a suspension design based on modern methodology.
  • 2 0
 @powderturns:
Kind of like the Marin, they move up a bit from the dropout.
  • 1 0
 @chaserider:

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.
  • 10 0
 Has anyone ever got their ding-dong stuck in their linkage....on accident?
  • 3 0
 no but I used to keep HO-HO's in my swingarm
  • 6 1
 No, not by accident .......... wait ......crap....... did I say that out loud?
  • 3 0
 No but I got tire buzz on my balls whilst out riding today. That kinda friggin hurt.
  • 7 1
 Everyone cares how it looks? Lets see the kinematic results and a ride review please. Past ellsworth bikes have been pretty lackluster in suspension, pedaling performance and not very durable.
  • 35 3
 Welcome to Pinkbike - where everybody looks at pictures of bikes, acts as fashion police, and do not, under any circumstances, ride bikes.
  • 3 0
 @GeorgeHayduke: well said.
  • 1 0
 Always found the old dare, moment, rogue, epiphany to be top class for pedalling efficiency and active braking. Geometry always at odds with given specification (steeper ha and tall bbh) and earlier models 'fragile' especially swingarm and rockers

New bike looks like a massive improvement now that proper engineering is being done by carbon fibre company owners, rather than ' artisan' Tony EW
  • 6 1
 @AJ Barlas: How can it have a "142x12 rear axle" and "the frame uses Boost spacing in the front and rear"? Isn't boost 148?

Also "Close to 50% of the bike is created using domestic content" is that 50% by part count, or by weight or by cost?
  • 1 0
 The frame would be about 50% by cost, but then why wouldn't they just say the frame is US made (or mostly US made)? Call me cynical, but part count is my guess. Sounds like a very Ellsworthian spin on spec'ing US made spokes or something.
  • 9 0
 aesthetically geared towards people with tribal armband tattoos
  • 1 0
 Or dudes that think their tramp stamp is cool.
  • 11 2
 I think that's a job well done. Looks like a fun bike. Props Ellsworth.
  • 10 1
 DAMNIT ELLSWORTH, I WAS HOPING TO LOL
  • 5 0
 I loved my Ellsworth Moment, it's probably the most comfortable suspension setup I've ridden and I'm sure I was a lot faster on the downhills than on my current bike. I've still got the frame in the attic, I keep thinking I'll build it up again and test my theory.
  • 8 0
 ellsworth are getting better and better
  • 4 0
 A friend had a Dare back in the day and it was a rock solid bike. Nothing ever went wrong with it and it rode pretty well. Did have a face only a mother could love tho!! Hope pb are going to do a full review of this and i hope, for Ellsworths sake, it rides as good as it looks!
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!!
  • 6 1
 Ellsworth lust-worthy again like they were 15 years ago? Looks promising to me. Like the so-so girl who grew up over summer break and made you look twice when school started back up in the fall.
  • 6 0
 aesthetics geared towards every kid who thought it would be cool to put a 3k carbon weave spoiler on their dads ford taurus
  • 5 1
 Props to Ellsworth for trying, but I had a buddy on the inside working for the company and I could never support their business practices. Good luck Ellsworth. I rode the Dare - it was very, very good.
  • 5 0
 Ellsworth building a descent looking bike.....pretty sure the apocalypse is coming.
  • 11 0
 That would be a Karpiel.
  • 3 0
 @nozes: I totally see what you did there. Good one.
  • 5 0
 26" friendly with that BB height and will look awesome on the roof-rack of your PT Cruiser.
  • 6 2
 Soooo many dumb and ignorant comments, form follows function, or should. Looks are secondary to me, and of those hating, who of you have actually ridden an Ellsworth?
  • 1 0
 I worked for the old EW distributor in the UK. Did lots of custom builds, usually Thomson / Easton finishing kit and xtr with king rubbed handbuilts.

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.
  • 5 0
 So no more ICT? How in the world did they manage to improve on 110% efficiency?
  • 2 0
 Yeah. Tony couldn't shut up about how good ICT was, but the moment the Specialized patent expires...
  • 3 1
 I really hope they develop some kind of molded in chain protection instead of trying to pass that wrinkled up sock as a protector. other than that, bike looks good. here's to hoping the frames don't snap like they did in the old days.
  • 2 0
 I'm seeing a lot of positive feedback in the comments, but I've got to say that this is still an ugly bike. May not be as ugly as previous Gen Ellsworths....but still. Nonetheless, I'm not the only consumer----seems like they did something right , usually only see hate posts on Ellsworth
  • 2 0
 Utter shit. "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"

Compared to what? bikes from the 90's.
  • 5 0
 In terms of aesthetics, they're gradually getting there.
  • 5 1
 I must be the only one that liked the look of the older bikes (especially the original Dare).
  • 4 0
 I've always loved Ellesworth and find this lovely It's like the quirky hot chick
  • 5 0
 Not even looking at the pics or copy, I came straight to the comments...
  • 2 0
 Looks great, but sort of a step back for me. I was always a fan of the giant rocker link, beautiful machining on those things. I had a blue anodized Moment SST that I still wish I hadn't sold it.
  • 1 0
 No Margaret, there is NO Santa Claus. You best get down to the strip and start 'hookin, 'cuz you're gonna need 65 LARGE, and that'll 'only' get you ' the middle-of-the-road build.
  • 3 0
 An Ellsworth I don't hate the look of. I wouldn't kick this bike out of bed for leaving dirt in it.
  • 1 0
 "...a cut/chip in it won't result in that part of the frame weakening like a UD finish will"

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.
  • 3 0
 I think they could have made the Ellsworth logo a little more conspicuous... perhaps some bigger font, next time.
  • 4 0
 The carbon rocker arm is dope!
  • 4 0
 Hopefully their carbon is stronger than their aluminum...
  • 1 0
 It's crazy how fox has determined the paintjobs of so many bikes over the last few years. Haven't seen an Elsworth in real life for like 10 years, but these seem to be upping their game.
  • 9 6
 i've seen uglier from Ellsworth..
  • 1 0
 Not an Ellsworth fan but this bike looks good. Always disliked the rocker arm before but this design is heading in the right direction.
  • 4 1
 Looks awesome! They always had good looking paint
  • 4 1
 Least ugly Ellsworth ever?
  • 1 0
 Would actually like to hear a review on how this bike performed. It looks pretty good to me. I'd be happy to leave the hate behind if it steps up on the performance.
  • 2 1
 Capitan America? Would expect a bit more white on the grey. Back in Black is the way to go!
  • 2 1
 Yep, Marvel called... They want their IP Back.
  • 3 0
 Super sweet bike!
  • 1 1
 66.5° HA, 160 mm front, and this is called "all mountain".

Soon, you'll see some reviews on DH bikes used on trails and called "enduro".
  • 1 0
 i kinda like it, looks sorta art nouveau-ish. like hector guimard was on the design team.
  • 2 0
 It looks like they wanted to use the MLink design, but chickened out.
  • 1 0
 It is much better looking than their early attempts but it does appear visually similar to a 09 Trek Session.
  • 2 0
 Yuck still disgusting in my opinion...
  • 1 0
 Blimey!! An Ellesworth that doesnt look shit! Well done its took you long enough!
  • 1 0
 Nice Job + boost +tapered 30.9 can be lived with , keen to see the geo . But looks good .
  • 2 0
 Looks like a Fuji now instead of an erector set. Confabulations!
  • 2 1
 The only Ellsworth I haven't cringed looking at.
  • 1 0
 Its about time they made a sexy happen!
  • 2 1
 At least the rocker arm isn't 2 feet long.
  • 1 0
 whats with the WHITE labelled MAXXIS tires? thats also wierd
  • 3 2
 Give me a Klein Mantra Pro any day of the week over an Ellsworth.
  • 1 0
 i still want an old dare frame br=efore this
  • 2 0
 Captain America? No
  • 1 0
 ...............................
  • 2 0
 I'd Tap That!
  • 1 0
 There's some Xenomorph gene in there....
  • 1 0
 Go home ellsworth, you're drunk.
  • 1 0
 i see ugly frame here
  • 2 2
 Cream worthy (the type you make in your pants)
  • 1 0
 Love or hate...
  • 1 0
 Last look: Ellsworth
  • 4 5
 Ellsworth: Still ugly after all these years...
  • 2 6
flag MmmBones (Jun 23, 2016 at 21:40) (Below Threshold)
 *Fugly
  • 1 4
 Numbers say "long, low, and slack." But that trademark ugly rear triangle makes it look like a hot chick with an unfortunate bodoncdonc booty.
  • 2 1
 You think bodoncdonc booty is a downside? That's like preferring margarine over butter, or maple flavored syrup over real maple syrup.
  • 1 1
 SICK!!
  • 10 13
 still an ellsworth
  • 5 3
 Exactly.
  • 2 0
 @ereece: ya can't down vote brocken bikes
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