With the Vacay, Cam Zink has a clear mission: rather than launching yet another all-round enduro bike, the freeride pioneer wanted to develop a bike that can do one thing above all else – deliver riding fun. The result is an aluminium bike with 150 millimetres of suspension travel, unusually short chainstays and a geometry designed for wheelies, jumps and playful riding.
Conclusion
I found myself gaping in amazement time and again at Cam Zink’s mind-blowing tricks and lines at the Red Bull Rampage. The Vacay is one of the few genuine freeride full-suspension bikes still available on the market. It’s a niche market, but that makes the bike all the more exciting. Anyone who consistently tackles big jumps and enjoys playing with the terrain should definitely take a look at the cool aluminium Vacay. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
The Zink Bikes Vacay in detail
- Intended use: Freeride
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: Mullet / Full-27.5
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame weight: approx. 3.5 kg (excluding shock absorber)
- Price range: 1,575.95 euros
- Price of the complete bike: from 4,734.80 euros
- Special features: Flip-chip, lifetime guarantee
Cam Zink: The man, the legend
Cam Zink is one of the most influential figures in modern freeride mountain biking. The American made a name for himself with spectacular jumps, innovative tricks and his uncompromising riding style, winning, amongst other things, the Red Bull Rampage twice and the overall title of the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour. Zink gained worldwide fame for his record-breaking backflips and 360s over immense distances, with which he repeatedly redefined the boundaries of the sport. His decades of experience as a professional ultimately led to the founding of Zink Bikes. The brand’s first model, the Vacay, is designed to embody precisely the qualities that Zink himself stands for: creativity, playfulness and maximum riding enjoyment on challenging terrain. In the online configurator, riders can put together either frame kits or complete bikes.
Freeriding without compromise
Zink offers the Vacay in three frame sizes. The Large size comes with 426-millimetre chainstays, whilst the two smaller frames are fitted with extra-compact 420-millimetre chainstays. The Vacay is one of the last new bikes still designed for 27.5-inch wheels at the front and rear. However, a 29-inch front wheel also allows for a mullet setup. A flip chip enables the geometry to be adjusted. The seat tube angle is steep, whilst the head angle is either 65 or 63.9 degrees. Whilst many modern trail and enduro bikes are becoming ever longer, flatter and smoother-riding, the Zink Vacay deliberately takes a different approach. The concept is aimed at riders who prefer to spend their time on jumps, side-hits and technical manoeuvres rather than racing against the clock.
The extremely short chainstays are designed to ensure that the front wheel can be lifted easily, making the bike feel particularly agile. This should make manuals, bunny hops and quick changes of direction easier to pull off than on many current enduro bikes. At the same time, the suspension, with 150 millimetres of travel, is designed to remain capable enough for challenging trails and freeride lines. The so-called ‘Lift Technology’ is said to offer a very progressive suspension that provides support, particularly during jumps and active weight transfer. Cam Zink has deliberately not developed a one-size-fits-all trail bike, but rather a bike for riders who prioritise creativity and riding enjoyment over lap times. The Zink Vacay has a distinct character and boasts playful handling. Its strength is said to lie in actively engaging the rider. Particularly on flowing trails or in the bike park, the Vacay promises a riding experience more reminiscent of a large dirt jump or slopestyle bike than a classic trail bike.
When it comes to the frame, Zink Bikes opts for aluminium and robust, low-maintenance components. These include, amongst other things: 150 mm rear suspension travel, a mullet setup or a full 27.5-inch configuration, a threaded bottom bracket, a UDH derailleur hanger, a choice of internal or external cable routing, the option of a long dropper post, and a lifetime frame warranty. Freeriders will find the Vacay to be an exceptional alternative to mainstream bikes.
What do you think: would you prefer a versatile enduro bike or a specialist freeride bike? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor