Colorado’s Alchemy Bicycles launches new Arktos
Alchemy says the bike benefits from a unique shock ratio curve where the rate is regressive to the bike’s 30% sag point, then ramps up prior to switching back to a regressive rate 85% into its travel.
One of the most talked about bikes from last year’s Interbike trade show is now more affordable. This week, Colorado’s Alchemy Bicycles announced the expansion of its mountain line with its Arktos and Arktos Custom models.
In an effort to offer the unique Arktos design to a larger group of customers, the new Arktos will be the first Alchemy produced overseas. The current in-line Arktos model, introduced in late 2015, will continue to be made in Denver and rebadged as the Arktos Custom. Both bikes will feature Sine Suspension.
The cost difference is $800 for frame and shock ($2999 vs. $3799) or for a variety of builds outlined below.
“We’re well aware that price can be a barrier to entry for premium designs and builds,” explained Alchemy president Ryan Cannizarro. “We received a flood of comments expressing that potential customers cared less about where the bike was produced and more about the price tag.”
David Earle’s Sine Suspension, the hallmark of both the Arktos and the Arktos Custom, is licensed exclusively to Alchemy Bicycles and relies upon a Fox Float X shock for rebound and compression damping.
Color choices include yellow and blue.
As a refresher, the Arktos (Greek for bear) is a 27.5” 150mm trail bike with a Boost 148 rear end that has a unique suspension design that’s claimed to deliver both climbing stability and bottomless travel in one sexy carbon frame package.
Read the Mtbr First Ride Review of the Alchemy Arktos.
Alchemy says the bike benefits from a unique shock ratio curve where the rate is regressive to the bike’s 30% sag point, then ramps up prior to switching back to a regressive rate 85% into its travel. This regression is designed to counteract the progressiveness of an air-sprung shock, meaning the full travel is used — but the midstroke is still supportive.
Head-tube angle is variable depending on frame size, which compensates for reach variance and in turn improves front end control.
Alchemy claims Sine is unlike other dual-link systems (say, Santa Cruz’s VPP). But it was the expiration of the VPP patent that allowed Earle to implement the new design.
Head-tube angle is variable depending on frame size, which compensates for reach variance and in turn improves front end control. Size small are the slackest at 66 degrees, while the XL comes with a 67-degree head angle. Chainstays are a middle-of-the-road 438mm, and seat tube angle is 73.5 degrees across all four frame sizes, S-XL. Other features include internal cable routing and a threaded bottom bracket.
“The Arktos was so well-received last fall that we had to think about how production of this bike would affect the production of our custom offerings,” added Cannizarro.
This is a bike that shines in steeper terrain and encourages the rider to let off the brakes and send it. The faster you go, the better the Arktos handles.
The new Arktos is available for order now with no lead time and is comes in yellow or blue. Arktos Custom frames are painted to customer’s spec in Denver by Ethic Paint Works. One-off custom paint schemes will be offered to Arktos Custom customers for an addition fee.
For more information please visit alchemybicycle.com.
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