According to Devlin and Madnes, low suspension travel, full suspension construction and a steel frame are not a contradiction in terms. The two steel experts present slimline bikes that are designed to cut a fine figure on tours, trails and at the marathon start line. Each frame is built by hand with great effort and can be customised.
The Devlin Demon and the Madnes Nova bring a breath of fresh air to a scene that is now dominated by mass-produced carbon frames. We took a closer look at these two exciting fullys.
1st Devlin Demon
Devlin mastermind Sean Doyle raves about the lively and rewarding riding characteristics of steel-framed bikes. The Demon is the latest cross-country platform from the Australian frame builder. The chassis is made up of 3D-printed parts and high-quality steel tubes from Columbus, which are soldered together.
This gives the Demon a respectable frame weight of around 2.7 kilos. Doyle's geometry proposal includes a devilishly slack head angle of 66.6 degrees and long reach values. However, customers can also express their wishes for a custom geometry. The number of bottle cage mounts and the colour of the frame can be customised, as can the internal or external routing of the cables.
The Devlin Demon in detail
- Area of application: Marathon / Cross Country
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame weight: approx. 2.7 kg
- Price frameset: from AUD$ 6900
- Special features: made in Australia, custom geometry possible, custom paintwork
2nd Madnes Nova
Madnes Bicycles is a small frame builder from Montpellier, France. The frame of the Nova marathon and trail bike is made from Reynolds 853 and 631 steel. Depending on the shock stroke, the rear triangle with virtual pivot point provides between 120 and 135 millimetres of suspension travel. According to Madnes, the kinematics have been optimised for an efficient pedalling platform.
Particularly aesthetic: the 180-millimetre steel post-mount brake mount. Durable polymer bushings, external cable routing for the rear brake and a bolted bottom bracket are designed to increase ease of maintenance.
The downside of the filigree design: the French only allow the rear triangle up to a maximum of 2.35 inch wide tyres. There are only two sizes to choose from, both are designed with a steering angle of 65.5 degrees. The reach values are moderate, the chainstays are short at 432 millimetres and should ensure agile handling.
Each frame is manufactured individually to order and takes at least 16 weeks to produce. Customers can also order a custom paint finish from Madnes at the same time.
The Madnes Nova in detail
- Application: Marathon / Trail
- Suspension travel: 120-140 / 120-135 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame weight: 3.3 kg (M) / 3.4 kg (L)
- Price frameset: from 2200 Euro
- Special features: Variable suspension travel, made in France, custom paintwork
Conclusion
Steel-frame mountain bikes in low-stroke segments? Why not? I am convinced that this suspension travel class can make many bikers happy. Durability and timeless design speak in favour of the small series bikes from Devlin and Madnes. Even if you don't regularly stand under a marathon starting arch, the Demon or the Nova should be a nice, customised touring fully. - BIKE Editor Jan Timmermann
Jan Timmermann
Editor
