Deviate Cycles has released the Highlander 150, a high-pivot, long-travel trail bike. The Scottish brand built the 150mm 29er around a high-pivot suspension design, which certainly sets this bike apart from the pack.
The Highlander 150's carbon frame weighs in at 2.85kg and is designed to be used with a 160mm fork strapped to the front. The brand's previous model, the Highlander 140 can be switched to a 150 by swapping out the rocker link.
By adding 10mm of travel, the Highlander 150 is designed to charge harder on rowdier descents and tackle bigger hits. A 65-degree head angle creates more high-speed stability, and Deviate has made the suspension leverage curve more progressive, so the frame is better suited to coil shocks and high-volume air shocks.
What's the benefit of a high pivot point bike? Every full-suspension bike has a pivot point, and the Highlander 150's pivot point is clearly higher than most bikes. This creates a rearward axle path, which means the rear suspension can suck up impacts while the bike maintains its forward momentum. Deviate says this allows the Highlander to tackle intense terrain better than traditional suspension setups with more travel.
The high pivot point design requires engineers to use an idler pulley to induce tension on the chain, similar to derailleur jockey wheels. The design eliminates extra pedal bob and kickback, leading to an efficient pedaling platform. Deviate says the suspension still generates rear-wheel climbing traction, but it doesn't sink too far into its travel.
All of this means that the Highlander's suspension won't hold aggressive riders back. The bike will reward riders by allowing them to hit lines that they previously may have only done on a full-on downhill bike.
The Highlander 150 is sold as a frame only and is compatible with metic 210x55mm size shocks. The rear axle features 148x12mm boost spacing, and the frame is designed for a fork with 44/42mm offset. It uses the BSA threaded bottom bracket standard and post mount 180mm brakes. The seat tube can accommodate 200mm dropper posts with a 34.9mm seat collar.
The Highlander is available in a black colorway and in three sizes: medium, large, and extra-large. A frame with no shock starts at $3,796/£2,699 and prices go up from there depending on which shock is chosen. There are six shock options (three coil and three air) from Cane Creek and Fox.
If riders order a frame today, they are expected to arrive in August. Deviate is based in the UK but will ship anywhere in the world. Any frame will automatically qualify for free shipping. Customers outside of the UK will be responsible for paying import duties and taxes if applicable.
