Carbon prototype made in Germany: The True BC Knuth melts enthusiasts away
Jan Timmermann
· 29.01.2026
True BC has long been known for its exclusive carbon wheels made in Germany. Now the small boutique label is presenting its own carbon frame. Naturally, this is also manufactured by hand in Germany. The sensational True BC Knuth is still a one-off. However, the first small series production could start this year. The prototype is the personal dream build of True BC mastermind Dominik Heinstein. We know the first details about the black and orange beauty.
The True BC Knuth in detail
- Range of use: Trail / Allmountain
- Wheel size: Mullet, 29/27.5"
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/135 mm
- Frame weight: approx. 2.7 kg
- Frame material: Carbon
- Price frameset: 4500 Euro
- Special features: hand-laminated in Germany, high-pivot rear triangle
The next step in carbon manufacturing
True BC owner Dominik Heinstein has been manufacturing high-quality carbon rims in his own workshop for years. The next step will be his own frame - also hand-built from high-quality carbon fibres, of course. The debut model is designed to take on full-blown enduro trails and still cut a fine figure on the tour. The 433 millimetre short chainstays in combination with a 27.5 inch rear wheel should provide the necessary fun factor and agile cornering. At the same time, a 29-inch front wheel and a 480 millimetre reach in size L should ensure the necessary smoothness. The head angle of Heinstein's personal prototype is 65 degrees flat, the seat angle is 78 degrees steep. A bottom bracket drop of just 22 millimetres to the rear wheel axle should harmonise perfectly with the progressive gear ratio of the high-pivot rear triangle.
The high-pivot design squeezes 135 millimetres of travel out of the rear triangle of the True BC Knuth trail bike. Between 140 and 160 millimetres are possible on the fork, whereby Heinstein relies on an upside-down suspension fork from Intend with 150 millimetres of travel on its test bike. Relatively high anti-squat values in the suspension should ensure good climbing characteristics under chain tension. The supported single-link works with a damper installation dimension of 180 by 50 millimetres and is compatible with both air and steel spring dampers. Slim tubes with a large wall thickness are used on the prototype in order to minimise both weight and susceptibility to damage from impacts. Heinstein laminated the frame, which weighs around 2.7 kilos, in-house in Pommelsbrunn, Bavaria.
To the taste of the master
The exotic True BC Knuth uses an integrated eight-pin dropper post for maximum saddle adjustability. The integrated cable routing works with laminated carbon tubes to make servicing and handling easier. True BC boss Dominik Heinstein builds his personal prototype trail bike with lightweight and high-quality parts. These include, of course, the carbon rims from the in-house workshop, which are fitted with orange textile spokes from Berd Spokes. The gears are shifted by a Sram X0 AXS Transmission groupset and the True BC Knuth is stopped by a Trickstuff brake system. A crank from Garbaruk, tyres from Onza and a carbon saddle from Tune complete the build.
Conclusion
Visually, this prototype is an absolute feast for the eyes. Technically, the True BC Knuth is particularly interesting due to its hand-made production in Bavaria, the integration of an eight-pin seat post and the high-pivot suspension. Everything points to a lightweight, dead chic trail bike for individualists. We are already looking forward to the first small series and a test of the new True BC Knuth. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
