The high-end forge Pole Bikes from Finland goes its own way. Their bike frames are CNC-milled. The advantage: material thicknesses can be customised very precisely. Thicker material can be used in areas such as the steering head or bottom bracket than in the less stressed down tube. In this way, weight can be saved while maintaining the same stiffness.
However, huge blocks of aluminium are required for production, and much of the material is turned into tiny chips. This makes the process very expensive. But the fins from Pole Bikes are sticking to it. Their latest creation is called Vikkelä and comes with a proud 190 millimetres Suspension travel. Even though the rear triangle has changed compared to the Pole Tamina, the "long and slack" philosophy has remained the same.
Adjustable flex at the rear of the pole bike
The Super Enduro Vikkelä and the Voima e-bike were developed in parallel and are based on the same design. The rear triangle and the 190 millimetre suspension travel at the front and rear are therefore identical. The merged chain and seat stays are not connected to each other. But doesn't this mean a loss of stiffness? Pole Bikes boss Leo Kokkonen sees advantages in this. After all, the laterally flexing rear triangle is supposed to avoid obstacles better than stiffer rear triangles. The interchangeable rear suspension axles are a clever detail. The available racing axles are said to be 30 % stiffer than the standard axles. This should allow the rear suspension flex to be adjusted.
Ground clearance galore
Low bottom brackets are the trend. This puts the rider lower on the bike and also lowers the centre of gravity. This creates a "standing in the bike" feeling. Here too, Pole Bikes takes a different approach with the Vikkelä. The bottom bracket is at the same height as the wheel axles. Pole boss Leo Kokkonen sees this as an advantage for the handling of the extremely long bike. The rider can move up and down the bike more easily. It also increases the ground clearance. Important, especially in very rough terrain and fast bends.
Pole Bikes Vikkelä: 190 millimetres of travel and still agile?
So much suspension travel is almost worthy of a downhill bike. Nevertheless, the Finns have designed the Vikkelä in such a way that the huge amount of suspension travel can still be ridden actively. Thanks to the e-bike kinematics. The Vikkelä complete bike is available from 5409.67 Euro. The frameset is available from 3861.29 Euro. Depending on the equipment, the Vikkelä should be between 14 and 17 kilogrammes weigh.
The facts at a glance:
- Frame material: Aluminium (CNC-milled)
- Spring travel: 190 millimetres (front and rear)
- Weight: 14-17 kilogrammes (Manufacturer information)
- Sizes: K1, K2, K3, K4
- Price: from 5409.67 Euro / 3861.29 Euro (frame set)
- More information under: polebicycles.com
