Arc8 introduces the new Extra, a carbon frame enduro bike, 160mm rear travel, 160/170mm front, 29/29 or mullet format that can accommodate both coil and air shock absorbers. I had the opportunity to try out the new one for a day on the Bündner Trails in Thoseis Story Lodge as a base.
The most important feature of the Arc8 Extra is its suspension system called the Dual Pivot Suspension System (Slider System), the same one I tested on Arc8 Evolve. The advantage of this system is described by Arc8 as follows:“In our dual-pivot suspension system, a slider replaces the traditional linkage, resulting in a suspension that can be controlled with extreme precision. This system is known for its sensitive initial response and then gently releases the travel, creating a controlled feel throughout the travel. With a traditional linkage and a long stroke shock absorber, the linkages must rotate significantly. This results in the power not being delivered directly to the shock absorber, making it increasingly difficult to achieve an optimal “drop rate”..”“
The system is very progressive towards the end of the suspension travel, which makes it also suitable for steel spring shocks.
Another advantage of our dual pivot suspension system (Slider System) is the ability to independently adjust progression, travel and anti-squat. When the slide rails are moved up or down, only the path is affected, while the progress is affected by the angle of the rails. To change the anti-squat, the main pivot point must be moved. This gives us a very sensitive response downhill and a relatively anti-squat behavior uphill. With the new Extra we have an anti-squat value of 104 or 102% with a sag of 30 or 35%.
The Arc8 Extra also adopts the high, flexible chainstays from the Evolve. A solution that is not often found on a bike of this class and is only possible by keeping the top of the rear triangle rather thin. Speaking of chainstays, they get longer as they get bigger in order to keep the behavior of the Extra consistent.
The extra has a storage compartment in the down tube, which I wasn’t able to test because the cover wasn’t ready at the time of the media presentation. Great idea to avoid routing cables within the headset as was the case with the previous model.
geometry
The geometry varies depending on whether the extra is in mullet or 29 format (changeable via flip chip) and on the fork you decide to mount. The very steep seat angle of 78° is just as noticeable as the very open head angle. Compared to the previous model, the stack has been increased to provide more safety and control on steep descents. Three sizes are available.
Arc8 Extra: first driving impressions
The test ride included several downhill trails with shuttle climbs and a partly steep section with pedals. The terrain was clayey and dotted with beautiful stones set into the ground and the conditions were dry. I was gifted the Mullet model with 170mm fork and coil shock absorber in size M (I’m 179cm tall). It pedals very well uphill thanks to the steep seat angle and the fairly long chainstay. I am convinced that this feature is even more pronounced in the 29/29 configuration not only due to the larger tire contact area, but also due to the 12 mm longer tires Chainstays would come into play. Even without locking the shock absorber, I didn’t feel any significant rocking.
Since it’s an enduro bike, the Arc8 Extra’s preferred terrain is downhill, even given the coil shock of the design I tested. I was expecting softer suspension, but instead found it to be very responsive and sustained mid-travel, as if the Evolve’s character had been transferred to an enduro bike. I checked the sag, which was at 30 percent, and where the end pad was located to make sure I was making good use of all the travel and had the correct spring rate (I probably would have switched to a less stiff spring in a year ). long-term test). On the other hand, it’s a precise decision not to flex the high chainstay, which will please those who watch the stopwatch, and a very “sporty” bike that’s easy to pump over obstacles and bounce around.
The saddle position is nice and centered, with just the right amount of front wheel that gives confidence on steep terrain and doesn’t require you to move your upper body too far forward, allowing the bike to turn easily, which is also helped by the 27.5 -Impeller is supported there.
In all versions we find Shimano brakes and drives with a good price-performance ratio, considering that Arc8 is now sold both online and through stores. The model I tested was the Extra Coil XT Fox 38 Factory 170mm (€7,499), the others can be found Here.
Compared to the first model, which was quite successful due, among other things, to its very affordable price (you can still find it on offer on the website), you have to dig deeper into your bank account.
