Lightweight 29″ carbon hardtails scream up hills, no doubt about it. On smooth terrain, they’re are hard to beat in terms of efficiency. Most are designed for the race course though, and although there are 29″ hardtails designed be equally fun pointed back down, most are made from heavier materials like cromoly or aluminum.
The new EPO from Canfield Brothers is the first carbon 29er designed for aggressive riders that is still light enough to hang with your hammerhead buddies. However, astride this genre-defying ride, you’ll be having all the fun when the trail is pointed down. The EPO features progressive geometry designed for a 120 – 140mm fork, 66.8º-67.9º based on fork) and super short 414mm chainstays are almost mind blowing for the category.
The swoopy lines offer oodles of stand over clearance and help keep the stays short. It also checks all the boxes with a threaded bottom bracket, 142×12 dropouts, (maxle included) ISCG 05 tabs. And although the listed weight is only 1450 grams/ 3.196lbs., its rated for all-mountain trail abuse. It’s even front derailleur compatible, if you’re still into that sort of thing.
There are a few downsides though: although it uses a 30.9mm post, it lacks routing for a stealth dropper post. It’s currently only available in medium and large as well, but is reasonably priced (for a carbon frame) at $1700.
I wanna ride one.
Check it out: http://canfieldbrothers.com
Photo: Canfield Brothers
