Archibald AC1: Stainless steel full-suspension bike with high pivot and gear system

​The Archibald AC1 deliberately sets itself apart from the mainstream: be it in terms of frame material, drivetrain or rear suspension system. The bike, with its M3 stainless steel chassis, is developed and manufactured in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is designed to be more durable than any other full-suspension mountain bike. The brand’s story began in 2019 with the first prototypes in a garage. Today, the AC1 is built in small batches by a small team for tech-savvy mountain bikers. We’ve got all the details on this awesome steel full-suspension bike.

Conclusion

You simply have to love a mountain bike as radical as the Archibald AC1! The combination of a hand-built stainless steel frame from Canada, with bespoke geometry, gear shifting and plenty of high-pivot suspension travel, is a real treat for any bike enthusiast. The charismatic AC1 instantly gets you in the mood for classic Northshore-style freeride action. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Archibald AC1 in detail

• Intended use: Enduro / Downhill
• Suspension travel: 160–200 / 160–200 mm
• Wheel size: 29” / Mullet
• Frame material: steel
• Frame weight: approx. 3.9 kg
• Weight of the complete bike: approx. 17.6 kg
• Price of frame set: from approx. 3,120 euros
• Price of the complete bike: from approx. 4,770 euros
• Special features: high-pivot rear triangle, Pinion gearbox, option for belt drive and single-speed, made in Canada

From a university project to a brand of her own

​The story of Archibald Cycles began in 2019 with Alex Troughton and an idea for his own mountain bike. Troughton, who had already gained experience in CNC manufacturing and the development of components such as pedals and chainrings whilst working at Blackspire Designs, initially developed the first AC1 as part of his university studies. What began as a final-year project turned into a development process spanning several years: over two years were spent on design iterations and prototypes, which were initially created in his own garage.

Step by step, the concept that still defines the AC1 today took shape: a mountain bike developed and manufactured in Vancouver, featuring a steel frame, a high-pivot rear triangle and a gear drive. In 2023, Archibald finally unveiled the AC1 as a production model and opened pre-orders. As demand grew, the young company’s focus shifted increasingly from pure development to production. Archibald moved into its own workshop and brought further stages of production in-house. Now even the CNC-machined frame components are produced directly at Archibald. The garage project has thus evolved into a small, specialised bicycle manufacturer.

​High Pivot meets gearbox

One of the most striking technical features of the AC1 is the combination of high-pivot kinematics and a gear system. Instead of a traditional derailleur system, the AC1 can be fitted with a Pinion Smart Shift gearbox. For riders who want as little drivetrain technology on the rear wheel as possible, belt-drive options are also available, depending on the model. The downhill model also offers a single-speed option with a belt drive. Low maintenance has always been a key focus for the developers; however, for the 2026 model range, Archibald is also offering a version with a derailleur. The AC1 utilises the patented I-Track rear triangle system. The position of the main bearing, which is situated above the usual arrangement, alters the kinematics of the rear triangle. A guide pulley for the chain or belt is designed to eliminate drive-related influences within the four-bar linkage system.

​One frame, three applications

Archibald uses the AC1 as a common platform for different areas of use. There are currently three variants: Trail, Enduro and Downhill. Essentially, the models share the same distinctive frame design featuring a high-pivot rear triangle and customisable settings. The main differences lie in the suspension travel and spec. A variable shock mount allows for shock absorbers of different lengths. The Trail model has 160 millimetres of rear suspension travel and is designed for trail riding and light enduro use. The Enduro AC1 offers 170 millimetres of rear suspension travel, whilst the Downhill version boasts 200 millimetres of suspension travel at both the front and rear.

There are also several options when it comes to the suspension components for the frameset. Among others, Archibald offers models from Vorsprung, Cane Creek, Fox and Marzocchi. Depending on the configuration, complete bikes are fitted with Fox or Marzocchi forks, for example. For the wheelsets, Archibald opts for the ‘Mullet’ concept with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. Alternatively, the AC1 can also be fitted with a 29-inch wheelset. The exact configuration is specified during the ordering process.

Made to measure rather than standard sizes

​The AC1 is therefore less of a classic off-the-shelf production bike and more of a customisable platform. The stainless steel frame is manufactured in Canada. The small brand is so confident in the quality of its product that it offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame. The polished surface of the stainless steel is designed to retain its visual appeal even after years of heavy use. Durable bearings from Enduro-Bearings and bushings from Igus are also intended to minimise maintenance requirements. The design has been revised several times in recent years. In early 2026, Archibald announced a greater shift towards in-house production. This is said to have reduced the frame weight by more than 280 grams, whilst simultaneously increasing its strength.

Archibald also takes a bespoke approach to geometry. The AC1 is available in five standard sizes, but can also be fitted with bespoke geometry for an additional charge. Archibald currently quotes an additional charge of 1,000 Canadian dollars for bespoke frame customisation. In the pre-configured geometry of the Trail version, the head angle is a flat 64.5 degrees, whilst reach values range between 453 and 525 millimetres. The chainstay length can be adjusted between 445 and 465 millimetres. At the time of purchase, size, geometry, travel and components are individually determined through a collaborative decision-making process. The delivery time is between five and six months.

What do you think: would you be interested in a radical steel full-suspension bike with derailleur gears like the Archibald AC1, or would you prefer a more versatile off-the-shelf bike? Let us know in the comments!