In 2005, the first 301 with 115 millimetres of rear travel set off to conquer the trails. Back then, the tidy frame in the classic diamond shape felt like it had significantly more travel. The original design has not changed over the years, but the suspension travel has increased to up to 170 millimetres, with a very light frame weight. Despite the increase in suspension travel, a lot of emphasis was placed on propulsion during these development stages. The 2012 MK10 is now available with 140 or 160 millimetres at the rear - whereby only the rocker can be swapped. We rode the bike in the 140 mm setup.
Result: Thanks to smoother rear suspension and a powerful Fox damper, the MK10 is back to its original qualities: The bike feels very plush again, the rear suspension works noticeably more sensitively and permanently generates traction. Small obstacles are completely absorbed. In rough terrain and at higher speeds, the rear suspension hardens less than on its direct predecessor. Liteville riders with many years of experience will attest to the MK10's slightly stronger pumping when pedalling out of the saddle. Thanks to the revised geometry with a slacker steering angle and slightly lower bottom bracket, you sit lower and smoother on the bike, with the usual high steering precision.
Conclusion: Thanks to the flatter geometry, the 140-301 already rides with the confidence of an enduro bike, but accelerates worlds better. An all-rounder at the highest level.
