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Our Demo Bikes

For 2021, Chasing Epic is making the best demo fleet even better… because this year, we’re partnering with Shift Mountain Bike Demo Center to bring you a fleet with FIVE different brands.  Yes, that’s right- five brands, with eight models to choose from!

Before we get into the bikes and build specs, we want to explain a few key details about our fleet.  As you probably know already, 2021 is posing quite a challenge for all bike companies across the world due to unprecedented demand and a disrupted supply chain.  Because of that, here are a few things to consider:

 

  • Our demo fleet is a fluid thing, as bikes are coming in and out throughout the year.  That said, we are fairly confident the bikes listed below will always be available.  If for some reason bikes change, we’ll update this page and will give you other options.
  • Same with our build kits; unfortunately, fluctuating lead times are wreaking havoc on bike manufacturers, and they’re substituting parts all the time.  The build specs below should be accurate, but a few parts may be different when it comes time to ride them on our trips.
  • Because of Shift MTB’s agreements with the bike brands, we have a couple limitations on where we have bikes available:  Our Revel bikes are not available in Brevard, and our Forbidden Druid demos are *only* available in Brevard.
  • And finally as always, we have limited size runs for each bike… but we always do our best to make sure you get a kick-ass bike for your trip.  If your first choice isn’t available, we’ll make sure you’ve got a great second option.

DEVIATE CYCLES

Highlander

The Highlander burst on the scene last spring as one of few high-pivot trail bike designs, and its launch has been met with rave reviews.  The bike is set up with 150mm of rear travel matched to a 160mm fork, which means it can tackle the burliest terrain you can throw at it.  Don’t let the long travel fool you, however, as the bike pedals quite well and won’t hold you back if you want to push the pace on the climbs.

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 160mm MRP Ribbon fork
  • Cane Creek Kitsuma air shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro 305 wheels
  • Shimano XT drivetrain
  • Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes
  • Bike Yoke Revive 160mm dropper post

Sizes Available: Medium, Large, XL

FORBIDDEN BIKES

Druid

Like the Deviate above, the Druid is also a high-pivot bike but is aimed slightly more trail than enduro with just 130mm of rear travel paired to a 150mm fork up front.  The bike climbs everything you can throw at it, and the high pivot rear suspension floats over the chunk like you’ve never experienced before.  ** This bike is ONLY available on our Brevard trips. **

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 150mm MRP Ribbon fork
  • RS Super Deluxe air shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • Shimano XT drivetrain
  • Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes
  • Bike Yoke Revive 160mm dropper post

Sizes Available: Medium, Large, XL

GUERRILLA GRAVITY

Trail Pistol

A repeat from our 2020 fleet (but with less travel), the Trail Pistol is the ultimate do-it-all trail bike that leans towards more rowdy terrain.  This bike absolutely crushes the climbs, but its modern geometry and burly build can handle just about anything you throw at it despite the shorter travel.  It’s one of our favorites.

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 130mm Pike Ultimate fork
  • Fox DPS Performance Shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • Shimano XT drivetrain
  • SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes
  • BikeYoke Revive 160mm dropper post

Sizes Available: Medium, Large, XL

Gnarvana

The biggest bike in our fleet, the Gnarvana is meant for long, rowdy descents and high speeds.  Don’t expect to break any speed records on the climbs, but it’s not exactly a slouch.  The descents are where this bike shines, however, as the slack HTA and long travel set it up for the fastest of riders.  ** Note: as of Spring 2021, we’re only expecting this bike to be available in Brevard.  We will update this post if this changes! **

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 170mm DVO Onyx SC D1 fork
  • Cane Creek Kitsuma air shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • Shimano XT drivetrain
  • SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes
  • BikeYoke Revive 160mm dropper

Sizes Available: Medium, Large, XL

REEB CYCLES

Sqweeb

The Reeb Sqweeb V3 is an all-out brawler; it’s the only aluminum frame in the fleet, and it’s built for going fast.  Really fast.  If you’re looking for something that can handle all the chunk and tech you can throw at it, the Reeb is the bike for you.  It’s a lot to handle, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 160 Cane Creek Helm II
  • Cane Creek Kitsuma air shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • Shimano XT drivetrain
  • Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes
  • PNW Components Loam 150-175mm dropper post

Sizes Available: Medium, Large, XL

REVEL BIKES

Rail

Want a bike that’s built to go fast and erase mistakes?  The Revel Rail is for you, then.  The only 27.5″ option in our fleet, the Rail is one of the best at smashing through chunk and rowdy terrain.  It’s a little slow on the uphills, but once you point it downhill, you’ll forget all about the climb that got you there. This is one of the most fun bikes we rode in 2020.

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 170mm Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate
  • Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • SRAM X01 Drivetrain
  • Code RSC brakes
  • Crank Brothers 150mm dropper

Sizes Available: Medium, Large

Ranger

180-degrees from the Rail, the Ranger is built for speed.  This bike is a light, snappy, XC/Trail machine that’s meant to climb and pedal fast, and have fun on the descents.  With limited travel we definitely don’t recommend this bike for trips like Monarch Crest, Moab, or Brevard, but the Ranger is at home in Sun Valley and Crested Butte for more skilled riders.

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 120mm Rockshox SID Ultimate
  • Rockshox SID Luxe Ultimate shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • SRAM X01 Drivetrain
  • G2 RSC brakes
  • Crank Brothers 150mm dropper

Sizes Available: Medium, Large, XL

Rascal

The Rascal is one of the best 29’er trail bikes on the market: with 130mm of rear travel and a 140mm fork up front, it can handle just about any terrain you throw at it.  The CBF suspension platform rides more like 150-160mm of rear travel; it’ll blow you away the first time you hop on the bike.  If you’re looking for a do-it-all trail bike for your trip, this should be at the top of the list.

 

Expected Build Specs:

  • 140mm Rockshox Pike Ultimate
  • Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock
  • Industry Nine Enduro-S wheels
  • SRAM X01 Drivetrain
  • G2 RSC brakes
  • Crank Brothers 150mm dropper

Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, XL