Lee Cougan Innova Super Gravel: Full suspension gravel bike - 100 mm suspension travel!

Italian manufacturer Lee Cougan is breaking new ground in the gravel segment with the Innova Super Gravel. The bike combines a carbon frame with integrated rear suspension and a 100 mm suspension fork. Lee Cougan has thus positioned the model between classic gravel bikes and lightweight cross-country mountain bikes.

Innova Super Gravel: The name says it all at Lee Cougan

The centrepiece of the Innova Super Gravel is the ISS system (Innova Structural Suspension) developed by Lee Cougan. It was introduced on a Softail Marathon MTB back in 2022, that we presented back then. This is a suspension system integrated into the carbon frame that does not require a classic shock absorber. Instead, Lee Cougan utilises the flex properties of the carbon structure to generate 30 millimetres of rear suspension travel. According to the manufacturer, the system is designed to effectively absorb shocks while ensuring high drive efficiency. Damping is achieved via oil pistons integrated into the frame. A Fox 32 suspension fork with 100 millimetres of travel is used at the front.

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Geometry for versatile use

The geometry of the Innova Super Gravelbike is designed to enable both agility at low speeds and a smooth ride at high speeds. To achieve this, Lee Cougan combines a 69 degree flat steering angle with a 73 degree steep seat angle. The chainstays measure 428 millimetres. The reach in size S is 581 millimetres. The geometry is therefore more orientated towards modern cross-country bikes than classic gravel geometries.

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Features and variants of the Lee Cougan Innova Super Gravel

Lee Cougan offers the Innova Super Gravel as a complete bike in the Mullet SG version and as a frame kit. The Mullet SG equipment includes a Sram GX Eagle drivetrain and Rival brake levers as well as Galfer disc brakes and wheels from Microtech. The carbon handlebars come from Basso and feature ergonomics typical of gravel bikes with a 12 degree flare. A special feature is the steep stem with a -20 degree angle, which is designed to enable a very sporty riding position.

Area of application and target group

With the Innova Super Gravelbike, Lee Cougan is targeting bikers who are looking for more suspension travel and control than classic gravel bikes, but don't need a full-fledged mountain bike. The manufacturer sees possible uses ranging from technical trails and fast gravel sections to multi-day bikepacking tours. Thanks to the suspension and tyre clearance for tyres up to 2.4 inches wide (also more typical for XC MTBs), the bike should remain confident even in more demanding terrain.

Technical data and equipment

Frame

• Material: Toray T700 Carbon (1K+3K+UD)
• Rear suspension travel: 30 mm
• Tax rate: Tapered
• Inner bearing: Press Fit 92 x 41 mm
• Axle standard: Boost 148 mm
• Cable routing: Integrated
• Di2 compatible: Yes
• Weight (size M): 1.2 kg

Geometry

• Steering angle: 69 degrees
• Seat angle: 73 degrees
• Chainstays: 428 mm
• Reach (size S): 581 mm

Mullet SG equipment

• Fork: Fox Factory Kashima 32, 100 mm travel
• Circuit: Sram GX Eagle
• Brake lever: Sram Rival
• Disc brakes: Galfer, 160 mm
• Stem: Woz Alpha, -20 degrees, 80 mm
• Handlebars: Basso Carbon Gravel, 440 mm
• Impellers: Microtech RK25
• Seat post: FSA KFX, 27.2 mm, 0 mm offset
• Saddle: San Marco Ground

Miscellaneous

• Tyre clearance: Up to 2.4 inch
• Bottle holder: Down tube, seat tube, top tube
• Accessory attachment: Top tube, down tube
• Tax rate: Acros with steering angle lock
• Total weight (size M): 11 kg