Deviate's Lugged-Carbon High Pivot Downcountry Prototype - Eurobike 2023

Jun 22, 2023
by Ed Spratt  
photo

Deviate is hitting all the hot trends with its new project that aims to completely change how the company makes its future bikes.

The new prototype is the latest development from the Scottish brand as it embarks on a lengthy process to try and begin manufacturing frames in the UK. We were told the aim of the project is to test if frames made from titanium lugs with recyclable thermoplastic tubing can be produced at a cost comparable to the brand's current carbon frames made in Asia. The brand was very clear this isn't going to be a short process, but it has a passion to try and find a way it can improve the environmental footprint of Deviate with reduced global shipping and the improved recyclability of materials being a big part of this.

The prototype frame we spotted uses cold metal fusion to 3D print the titanium lugs. Deviate says this is a cheaper method to create this style of design when compared to the Renishaw machines employed by Atherton Bikes. We were told another benefit of this method is the tooling is far less expensive, making it more approachable to smaller companies. You may notice that there isn't much carbon on this frame and this is just for the early prototype as once the bike advances there will be more carbon tubing. Currently, the prototype is designed with 125mm of rear travel with a 140mm fork at the front.

photo
photo

photo
photo

While the prototype is already looking pretty good, Deviate has no plans for a release anytime soon as this project is just as much about creating a new more sustainable manufacturing method for the company as it is about creating a new bike.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Deviate Eurobike 2023


Author Info:
edspratt avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2017
3,035 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Police Called to Scott Sports Headquarters as CEO Dispute Continues
63820 views
First Ride: Fox Releases New Grip X & Grip X2 Dampers
46012 views
Pinkbike Poll: Center Lock or 6-Bolt Brake Rotor Mounting?
42318 views
Tech Briefing: Fancy Suspension, Carbon Wheels, Spring Apparel & More
37082 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line for Round 1
33262 views
SRAM Patent Shows Compact Motor x Battery Unit
31376 views
Bike Check: Craig Evans' Airdrop Edit V5
30390 views
First Look: Fair Bicycle's Drop Best Offset Saddle Clamp is Universally Compatible
29081 views

98 Comments
  • 112 3
 That might be the best looking high pivot in existence, Idler drag be damned
  • 8 0
 no more pivots around the BB, and nothing dangling below. It's a very nice looking bike, and I like the solid idler.
  • 2 0
 Would it be any worse the derailleur drag?
  • 1 0
 It is pretty, the all metal tubing is even nicer than using carbon tubes between the lugs, more seemless too with those nice welds rather than a step from lug to tube. The only thing that looks a little odd on this one is the shock angle is a little relaxed which always looks wierd to my eyes, tuck the bottom in towards the BB if possible or push the top end out, shock and tube angles can make a big differance to the lines and aesthetic of a bike.
  • 10 0
 @maglor: I agree - we have an all Ti prototype we'll be releasing photos of shortly as well. Still using the CMF process to print the lugs but all Ti tubes. It looks great (in my opinion) - but there are some challenges with welding Ti which make it extremely expensive to put into production. Possibly it could be released as a special small batch release, but it won't make it into production. Ultimately, to be price competitive it's looking like Ti lugs with thermoplastic carbon tubing is the most interesting direction...
  • 2 0
 @deviatecycles: Sounds very interesting, what about a good old fashioned aluminium frame? i know it's likely dificult to keep the weight of that down but i'd probably take a small weight penalty for a cheaper Deviate, especially on the enduro end of things, Ti / Carbon does have that cool factor tho.
  • 4 0
 @maglor: It is the high unit quantities required to do alloy much cheaper than our carbon frames is the reason we've not done one yet. Maybe at some point. Smile
  • 1 2
 non drive side is rough as guts
  • 1 0
 @simooo: that one weld/junction isn’t the purdiest but I bet they could clean it up.
  • 2 0
 Beautiful. I hope manufacturing proves cost effective.
  • 64 2
 When did trail bikes become downcountry bikes?

That being said, take my money please.
  • 30 10
 the "downcountry" term needs to just stop....
  • 36 9
 @jaydawg69: Downcountry downcountry downcountry
  • 43 2
 @Nygaard: say it four times and Mike Levy will appear.
  • 8 20
flag jaydawg69 FL (Jun 22, 2023 at 11:21) (Below Threshold)
 @fartymarty: then nobody should say it
  • 2 0
 Such a corny culture
  • 2 0
 @jaydawg69: You're hurting my Epic Evo's feelings
  • 49 0
 All these prototype bikes coming out are better looking than the production models and everyone is preferring that look, and the company is like nah, no plans for a public release. Here is headset routing though...
  • 8 0
 That might not be true for Deviate though, their production model high pivot bikes already look really good!
  • 27 2
 For anyone wondering: Cold Fusion is basically metal powder suspended in polymer and 3D printed at normal polymer temperatures , cold compared to laser welding/sintering. After the inital build, the polymer is removed then the metal powder is fused in a furnace.
  • 4 0
 yes, and you have to print things oversized because when its heat fused it shrinks.
  • 4 0
 Material properties also trend lower in part due due to reduced density but you can hot isostatic press (HIP) parts to improve density and strength
  • 2 1
 @Corkster9: ha, is that just a fancy way to forge
  • 2 1
 Oh look facts, better down-vote!
  • 5 0
 Yes- and you need an inert gas furnace to fuse titanium parts. Check out ‘the virtual foundry’ to see one company working in this area.

As @hamncheez pointed out, parts shrink. To be more specific, they shrink in a fairly uniform way on X and Y (horizontal) axis and more on Z (vertical) due to gravity. In theory all of this can be calculated and adjusted for in software. I still doubt that this can achieve the same tolerances as laser (heat) fusion but it’s really cool to see bike companies putting it to use.

The shrinkage may be the reason why you see mostly titanium used at this point… welding is a lot more forgiving that bonding if there’s a gap to fill.

Also, that’s a nice TRAIL bike.
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: Metal Shrinky Dinks. Nice
  • 7 0
 @basic-ti-hardtail: Could you overcome the drawbacks with post machining of high tolerance surfaces? Adds processes, but if it just a couple of cylindrical bores it would take too much setting up. Interesting tech.
  • 4 0
 @cotic-bikes:
The way you are thinking is terrifying... primarily because I'm already wondering if you are taking orders.
  • 3 0
 @cotic-bikes: I would imagine you could intentionally add some extra material to the part in high tolerance areas with the intent of machining to final dimension. The trick would likely be in the fixturing... especially since 3D printing allows for shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve with machining alone.

One approach I've thought about would be to add some reference surfaces / structures to the part which could be easily removed after machining.

For designers and manufacturers... it's a good time to be looking towards aerospace and formula racing implementation of these emerging technologies. The bike industry isn't even close to optimizing for additive manufacturing yet. I'm really excited for the next several years as everyone from big companies down to small / independent builders get their hands on these new tools. I think we'll see an explosion of creative approaches.
  • 2 0
 @basic-ti-hardtail: Thanks for your thoughts. Some good points there.
  • 19 0
 Is Levy MIA because he is making money off of all this downcountry Labeling?
  • 17 0
 #whereismikelevy
  • 3 0
 He's just followed Downcounty all the way and is now a committed roadie.
  • 2 0
 Actually, I‘m surprised all you guys keep typing the d-word. I used to, but when I noticed, that Google/Apple automatically sends a dollar to Mike Levy every time I do, I stopped…
  • 19 0
 So they aren't doing things how they used to? You could even say they are.... Deviating...?
  • 12 0
 Waiting for Matthew Fairbrothers next adventure!
  • 6 0
 I wonder if this would be the deviate lowlander to complement the longer travel highlander
  • 7 0
 Downlander
  • 3 0
 @shunji180: Lowlander?
  • 1 0
 @shunji180: dh bikes beware
  • 3 0
 Flatlander
  • 4 0
 If I want a bike that goes to the zoo......
  • 4 0
 Deviate has been knocking it out of the park. They make the most refined and versatile high pivots around. I like this concept more than the Highlander v2, which is a little too close to the Claymore.
  • 1 0
 I built up my Claymore in April and have been riding it non-stop. Most fun bike I've ever owned.
  • 1 0
 Hey, don't forget Forbidden Druid & Dreadnought, they are both HP and podium winning bikes, and they did it first!
  • 2 1
 This is exactly where high end bike frames should be headed right now. Hey Deviate! Don’t worry about “adding more carbon” add more TITANIUM!!!!!! Give us a Pinion option too!!! Both electric and Non-electric!!!

I wonder if thin butted ti tubing could be used in strategic places with “keyed carbon/or Ti 3d printed bones” fixed inside of the protective ti outer tube?!?!

Anyways… i’m digging the hell out of that prototype just like it is!!!! Looking forward to a Ti Claymore & Highlander!!!!!!
  • 7 7
 Can we get rid of the nonsense names please? Downcountry is the dumbest name for a bike. No one who rides bikes really cares about those silly names, all we care about is how much travel a bike has, which really is the defining feature for it's intended use. Even my adult daughter, who is nowhere near being a biking afficionado, thinks of bikes in terms of travel.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, but you will want to get a 100-110mm rear 120mm max front so you can then go and ride some downcountry, otherwise you might be getting too much travel.
  • 1 0
 But geo matters a great deal and that is why there are different terms. Would you prefer short travel trail bike?
  • 1 0
 So this is (for now) very similar to the Moorhuhn build by Huhn Cycles, isn´t it?
The only thing from my personal liking is: 125 mm rear travel doesn´t need a high pivot.
Apart from that: Nice peace of art. Love it. :-)
  • 3 0
 Absolutely - the Moorhuhn uses the same CMF process. The prototype frames are been developed to answer that question regarding the use case for a high pivot - our testing so far is showing some real advantages in terms of pedal platform and downhill stability. We're certainly open to non-HPP designs for our shorter travel bikes.
  • 1 0
 @deviatecycles: Thank you very much for this insight! :-)
It´s been many years in the past since I´ve ridden a HP bike, so many things might have changed since then. I personally think that 120 to 130 mm rear travel could be easier constructed with a "simpler" design, like linkagedriven single-pivot, or split-pivot, with more focus on pedability and reduced breaking forces. Assuming that a shorttravel bike gets a lot of pedal-time in the saddle?!
Anyway - looking very much forward in your possible shorttravel future-offering.
Many greetings. :-)
  • 4 0
 Just do full tianium, screw the carbon tubes!
  • 7 0
 No no they are definitely bonded not screwed
  • 1 0
 @darkstar66: chuckle
  • 3 0
 This is it! This is the one! Don’t change it! Wait, can I put a coil in it?
  • 3 1
 Wish the marketing managers would stop using 'recycle' as a selling point. No 1st, 2nd, or 3rd owner, is ever going to recycle the frame.
  • 6 0
 It does mean that manufacturing waste can be reused which is not the case for most carbon fiber systems.
  • 2 7
flag AppleJack76 FL (Jun 22, 2023 at 15:42) (Below Threshold)
 @PhillipJ: But as a consumer, I don't care what they are doing in the factory.

You have something seriously wrong with you, if you think, while riding your bike, "I'm glad that the factory is recycling the waste from make the frame that my ass is sitting on. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside (in my best Ned Flanders voice)."
  • 2 0
 2 adjectives short of the holy grail: 'Lugged-Carbon High Pivot BELT DRIVE GEARBOX Downcountry Prototype'.

So close.

'Electric' has been intentionally omitted .
  • 2 0
 Is there an issue with using Aluminum? It seems like people don't want it because they think of it as lowbrow. It's a shame.
  • 1 1
 3D printing is so hot right now...
  • 4 0
 aluminum and carbon have mis-matched thermal expansion rates, whereas Ti and Carbon match very well. Ti/Carbon is also much less prone to galvanic corrosion than Al/Carbon.

Or so I've read, I don't know anything.
  • 2 0
 carbon lugs with Al tubes... Al lugs with carbon tubes.....which is best!?!?!?!?!
  • 3 1
 Funny how people were sceptical of the athertons bonding bikes together, Pole too, now everyone's jumping on it!
  • 1 0
 Memories of CADEX bikes from Giant would play a part
  • 1 0
 My 1992 Trek 7000 was bonded aluminum tubes. For a vintage vibe, I rode it just the other day. Held together for 30+ years. What's old is new again!
  • 2 0
 Am I the only one who wouldn't mind them keeping a version for this model that keeps these looks?
  • 1 0
 Just make the whole damn thing with Ti tubing, your welders will get faster / is it safe to assume Deviate will be adopting SRAM UDH now?
  • 1 0
 Looks incredible. Wonder what it will look like in the future with more carbon tubes!
  • 2 0
 “Dow country” - Yorkshire Farmer
  • 2 0
 Aww, thought it was fully metal for a second... still stunning though!
  • 2 0
 I want this exactly how it is.
  • 2 0
 Does a down country bike actually need a high pivot?
  • 1 0
 I hope they can find a way to keep the neat cable hiding channel in the top tube with the new manufacturing method.
  • 1 0
 Dang, keep the carbon and send it like it is! Beautiful!
  • 1 0
 That's a good looking frame
  • 1 0
 Wow! Best looking frame I've seen in a long time!
  • 1 0
 Huh? Isn’t only the seat tube carbon?

Anyway, awesome looking proto
  • 4 0
 If you read the article, all is explained....
  • 1 1
 It is a weird title. Saying its a 3d printed titanium lugged frame with carbon and titanium tubes doesn't sound as concise.
  • 1 0
 Good for them. Hope they manage it eventually, even if it takes a while.
  • 1 0
 but I would like it. please exist.
  • 1 0
 Lugs are so hot right now.
  • 1 0
 Holy shit that is beautiful
  • 1 0
 Looking for sex without commitmentwrite to me ➤ u.to/mWPGHw
  • 1 0
 Good lord!
  • 1 0
 Yes please!
  • 1 0
 Downcountry Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin
  • 1 0
 GIVE IT TO ME.
  • 1 0
 Slightly lugged
  • 1 0
 Peak Lug
  • 1 0
 Stunning.
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.045353
Mobile Version of Website