Deviate Highlander II: This is what the new high-pivot enduro from Scotland should be able to do

The aim of the Scots in developing the new Deviate Highlander II was to further develop the features of its predecessor, the Claymore, which we already had on test and to build a worthy successor. Improvements were made where necessary and the tried and tested features were retained in other areas. For example, the suspension platform with the high pivot was left virtually unchanged - only the lever curve was slightly adapted.

As with the first Highlander and the Claymore, the Highlander II has also been designed as a high-pivot enduro bike. The main pivot point is very high and the chain cable is decoupled from the rear triangle by a pulley. This feature should have a particularly positive effect on the descent.

Let's take a closer look at the Enduro. What has changed? In its own words, Deviate describes the claymore as a "broadsword" - in keeping with the film of the clans of the Scottish Highlands - while the new Highlander II is more of a rapier, i.e. a fine sword that is lighter and more agile, but just as "deadly". The Scots from Deviate definitely have a flair for flowery slogans. Behind the metaphor, however, there are quite a few innovations. Firstly, at 3.2 kilograms, the Highlander II frame weighs slightly more than the Claymore at around 2.9 kilograms. The suspension travel has been reduced slightly. On the other hand, the new Deviate Highlander is also available in size S.

Deviate Highlander: A geometry made for highlands and mellow trails.

According to Deviate, their aim was to improve on the best trail bike with a high-pivot rear triangle on the market. The axle path, which runs to the rear, is intended to provide stability when things get rough and is particularly good under intensive braking. The Scottish manufacturer promises better control on descents the harder you brake. In addition, the steering angle of 65 degrees with a 160 mm fork should ensure that the bike remains manoeuvrable on difficult descents. The seat tube offers space for very long seat posts. Although the suspension travel of 160 mm at the front and 145 mm at the rear is slightly less than that of the Claymore (front/rear suspension travel: 165 mm/168 mm), it should still enable controlled riding on difficult trails.

The Deviate High-Pivot rear triangle and its features

The clue with a rear suspension system with a high pivot point is that it has special properties when the tyre hits the ground. This allows the rear wheel to move backwards when the tyre hits the ground without the bike losing its forward momentum. In other words, this property ensures that you can move at higher speeds through rough terrain while still maintaining good control. The chain idler plays a special role here, ensuring that the anti-rocking behaviour is increased. This allows you to counteract pedal kickback. According to Deviate, this is particularly evident in the smooth riding experience on rough terrain.

Robust design for tough conditions

Tested under the tough conditions in the Scottish Highlands, the Deviate trail bike should also cut a fine figure in a variety of terrain. The frame is made entirely of carbon and the cable management is well thought out. After wild descents, you can't avoid the odd maintenance job, so the Highlander II has a cable channel that runs along the top tube and hides the cables, but still allows access for maintenance or repair work. The bearings are also fully sealed with double seals - so they offer good protection against water, mud and dust.

Deviate Highlander frameset: four sizes and optionally with Öhlins TTX2 shocks

The Deviate Highlander II is available in four sizes: from S to XL. The S sizes will only be available from July/August. The available colours are Atlantic Blue and Islay Sand. The Enduro also comes with an optional Öhlins TTX2 Air shock absorber. Price The price for the Frameset of the trail bike starts at 3600 euros; with Öhlins shock absorbers it costs 4320 euros. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. The Highlander II is now available from the manufacturer's website or from selected bike dealers.