What has long been the central topic for road bikes has so far played a rather subordinate role for mountain bikes: we are talking about aerodynamics. But this is exactly where Corratec wants to start with the new Revo Bow iLink. The bike inherits the look and name from the well-known Revo Bow race hardtailwith which Corratec is involved in cross-country eliminator races. The new fully replaces the older Revolution iLink and should now cover everything from XCO to marathon as an all-purpose weapon. With modern geometry and a little more suspension travel, the bike should also be an exciting option for fast trail tours.
Corratec Revo Bow iLink at a glance
- Suspension travel: 110/100 or 120/110 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame: Full carbon fibre
- Rear suspension system: VPP
- Sizes: M, L, XL
- 5 models between 3899 and 13,999 euros
Full carbon frame with VPP rear triangle
The most striking innovation on the Revo Bow iLink is the new full carbon frame. It is designed to reduce the weight of the top model to less than 10 kilograms despite the Rockshox Flight Attendant suspension. Unusual for a mountain bike: the upper part of the shock is enclosed by a teardrop-shaped bulge in the top tube, while the shock rocker disappears into the seat tube in the neutral position. In addition to many other measures, this is intended to improve the aerodynamics of the full race bike and save valuable power, especially on long journeys.
Equally noteworthy: Corratec continues to use an elaborate rear triangle design with a virtual pivot point (VPP) and two rockers as well as a rigid rear triangle. This should optimise the suspension characteristics particularly well in order to combine maximum drive efficiency uphill with high sensitivity downhill.
Classically designed: The geometry of the Revo Bow iLink
The geometry of the new Corratec Revo Bow iLink is still orientated towards classic cross-country virtues and does not follow the progressive path of modern race fullys à la Specialised Epic, Cannondale Scalpel or Trek Supercalibre. The steering angle measures 68 degrees, the seat angle 71 degrees. 441 millimetre long chainstays and a reach of 462 millimetres in size L should make for a smooth ride. The handling should therefore be quite neutral. However, the Revo Bow iLink is obviously not designed for speed records on nasty downhills.
- Reach: 442, 462, 482 mm
- Steering angle: 67.8°
- Seat angle: 70.8°
- Wheelbase: 1154, 1182, 1209 mm
- Chainstays: 441 mm
Models & Price: Corratec Revo Bow iLink - from 3899 Euro
The new Revo Bow iLink SL Ultra is the visual highlight and technical flagship of the product range. Packed with electronic components from Rockshox and Sram - from the fully automatic flight attendant landing gear from the AXS Reverb seatpost to the XX Transmission including power meter - no equipment wishes remain unfulfilled here. However, the price is also exorbitantly high at 13,999 euros. The SL Factory model offers almost identical equipment, but is only 1000 euros cheaper.
The Elite and Pro models with conventional suspension technology from Rockshox and a somewhat simpler frame are in a much more normal sphere. Available from 3899 euros, they also have slightly more suspension travel with 120/110 millimetres. This also applies to the SL Pro model for 7999 euros. As a functional top model with conventional Ultimate suspension, carbon wheels and XX Transmission but the lightweight top frame, it hits the centre of the range.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
