Not only Liteville enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the big brother of the versatile "301". The "901" is just as versatile as it is well thought out down to the last detail. The four-bar linkage looks extremely bulky and makes even previous oversize solutions appear puny. The advantage of the large-volume design? Very high stiffness (77 Nm/°) with low weight. "The solid down tube is ideally equipped to absorb high loads from long forks. At the same time, it makes sense to integrate the shock and rocker on this heavy tube," says developer Michi Grätz. The powder-coated frame weighs 3523 grams without shock, including Syntace "X-12" thru-axle and seat clamp. In series production, the anodised, naked frame with other castings and carbon rocker should even weigh just under three kilos. Measured against the suspension travel of up to 200 millimetres, this is an impressive figure.
Speaking of suspension travel. A Liteville wouldn't be a Liteville without the wide range of applications and the associated diverse mounting options. While the 13.2-kilo version of the "901" we rode came with a 160-millimetre Fox fork, the same frame can be fitted with a 200-millimetre double crown fork, making it completely suitable for downhill riding. Two different damper lengths can also be used on the rear triangle, providing between 159-173 and a full 190-200 millimetres of travel. In addition, the front shock suspension can be moved to adjust the steering angle. The first few metres on the "901" are surprising. Contrary to the usual riding position in this suspension travel class, you sit relatively sporty and centred on the bike. The thick head tube, which accommodates a fully integrated 1.5-inch headset, is very short and ensures a low front end. In combination with the steep seat angle, the bike climbs surprisingly well. Another advantage of the low front end is that even with forks with a long fork length, you can put enough weight on the front wheel when cornering despite the short stem. Downhill riding is very sensitive and easy to swallow. With the "HVR" shock and 170 millimetres of travel, the suspension irons out big hits confidently without bottoming out, even with a soft setup. In bike park use with more solid tyres, the Fox "36" had to work hard to follow the rear end.
CONCLUSIONS: The "901" is about to shape a new bike category. Never before has so much suspension travel been so easy to pedal. Whether freeride transalp or DH race, the range of applications is huge.
