The fact that a Deviate bike was chosen as one of the dream bikes needs no further explanation. But we do anyway: a high-pivot chassis with Öhlins components, Vittoria tyres on loudly buzzing Industry Nine wheels and an extra-long OneUp seatpost. The eyes can hardly get enough of the Highlander II. The Deviate is neither particularly light nor cheap. But it is absolutely exotic and a trendsetter to boot. Because bikes with a high pivot point and chain deflection are currently all the rage. So it's no wonder that the BIKE readers asked the Scotsmen to take to the stage at the Test Wish Concert.
The facts about the Deviate Highlander II
- Price: 9360 Euro
- Range of use: All Mountain
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 mm front / 145 mm rear
- Wheel size 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 15.3 kg in size L
- Weight of wheels: 5537 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: High-pivot rear triangle, external cable routing, Vario seatpost with 200 millimetre stroke, lifetime warranty,
Deviate Highlander II: the express train for experts
The boutique brand places our test candidate one class below its full-throttle enduro bike Claymore in the all-mountain category. However, it becomes clear from the very first descent that the Highlander also craves brute speed. A peculiarity of the high-pivot concept is the elongation of the rear end as soon as the suspension releases its travel. The Deviate is a prime example of this effect. If you dare to hit the trail at Mach 3, you can shoot downhill extremely quickly on the long and flat bike. The rear wheel sticks firmly to the ground and the long chainstays provide an ICE feeling in high-speed sections. On the other hand, you have to literally throw yourself into corners to initiate changes of direction - not for beginners, but for experts with an active riding style.
Once you've finally found the optimum set-up on the Swedish suspension after some experimentation, you'll be unstoppable on the Deviate. The rear shines with plenty of traction, forgiving every landing and every overlooked bump. Compared to this impressive performance, the fork struggles to keep up. In terms of riding position, the music also plays mainly at the rear. To get enough pressure on the front wheel, you have to actively push your centre of gravity towards the front wheel in bends. Maximum effort is also required to pull the Deviate onto the rear wheel for bunny hops or manuals. It almost seems as if the bike is trying to avoid playing around in favour of speed.
Fast train downhill, cosy journeyman uphill
Measured against the downhill performance, the Highlander cuts a solid figure on the climbs. A seat angle of 76.5 degrees puts the rider in a pleasantly efficient and compact riding position. Although the rear suspension is not completely bob-free on the climbs, the bike's own life remains within the frame. The extra-long, deflected chain is hardly noticeable. Deviate has obviously managed to design the system quietly and efficiently. The 15.2-kilo fully is quickly underchallenged on flat trails. Here, the tough wheel acceleration slows down the riding fun. If you take the Deviate on tour, you should keep the bike happy with fast downhills. On the climbs, the candidate likes to take it easy and without time pressure.
The equipment leaves nothing to be desired!
- Fork Öhlins RXF36 m.2 Air
- Vapoursr Öhlins TTX2 Air
- Circuit Shimano XT 1x12
- Ratio/bandwidth 32; 10-51/510 %
- Brakes Shimano XT BR-M 8120 203/180 mm
- Telesupport/lift OneUp-Dropper/ 200 mm
- Impellers Industry Nine Trail S
- Tyres Vittoria Mazza/Martello Graphene Enduro 29 x 2.60/2.40
Meanwhile, the exceptional equipment list leaves nothing to be desired. Matching add-on parts and a choice of tyres with good grip and stability meet powerful Shimano XT stoppers with four pistons. The 200 mm dropper post can be lowered to the end of the seat tube and offers plenty of room to manoeuvre above the bike in key areas. Only the loud rattling of the outer shell of the dropper post in the frame doesn't quite fit into the otherwise high-quality overall picture.
BIKE review of the Deviate Highlander II
Strengths
- High high-speed expertise
- very potent and high-traction rear triangle
- Good climbing properties
Weaknesses
- requires a lot of physical effort
- sluggish as soon as gravity is absent
- Trains rattle
The BIKE verdict on the Deviate Highlander II
Individualists will love the Deviate Highlander II. However, you should also bring a lot of dedication to your riding style. Those who can master the Deviate will be rewarded with a speed rush. Versatility on tour is not the strength of the High-Pivot-All-Mountain. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Max Fuchs
Editor
