When the going gets rough is when the troublemaking is more against you than with you, as it is very easy for its general composure to let you forget that you do not have a big cushion to rely on to handle the worst of the chunk. Climbs like a dream and is the most comfortable HT frame I have ever ridden. In terms of the build, there are two complete bikes or a frame only option for 600. These items are usually delivered within 3-7 working days of despatch. Balancing this slack steering angle are relatively generous reach numbers, with the size L Squatch measuring in at 480mm. The steep seat tube angle really comes into its own when climbing seated on the Squatch in the steepest terrain. Enough travel and control to mop up reasonably hard impacts, without overly affecting rider position and negatively impacting the dynamic geometry. The Squatch is clearly no XC machine, or the fastest to accelerate with explosive power inputs, but riders who prefer to carve corners will be amazed by how well it swoops through banked, man-made, turns. PRIVACY POLICY Its sorted with rebound adjustment and high and low speed compression settings, and our test unit already had two bottomless tokens installed to increase its progression. During this one-year period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, all parts that are found by Kona to be defective and subject to this limited warranty. Short 430mm chainstays tuck the back wheel in. Deputy Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can alsobe found photographing bikes as well as riding them. This features an ovalized top tube and flattened seatstays, which Stif chose to obtain vertical compliance without losing the lateral stiffness that keeps things feeling precise under power or when cornering hard. Click here to learn more or click OK below to dismiss this message. Fork: RockShox Pike Ultimate | 130mm travel 42mm Offset, COCKPIT First thing's first, the frame. Starting at $49,900, the Expedition starts low and aims high, with our option-loaded 'Deluxe' review version costing close to $75,000. Cassette: SRAM XG 1275; 10-52T The best Stif Mountain Bikes Stif Squatch Frame are on sale at Stif Mountain Bikes Sales 2022. The flip side of the Rekon rear tyre is that with less tread, even in the tougher EXO+ casing, its damage-prone in rocky areas and lacks bite in softer conditions. It is absolutely great at powering down and over things. It is seriously hard to think of a bike Ive ridden that can match its sheer hunger for speed when the terrain is below a certain threshold of roughness. Brakes: SRAM G2 RSC | 200/180 The Squatch is different it is properly low, it is suitably slack, the seat angle revolutionises climbing and long reach measurements that provide a proper rider space. Financial Services Register no. What I will do then, instead of speculating, is focus on how the Stif Squatch rides from the perspective of a rider used to full suspension machines. Santa Cruz carbon handlebars are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for life from the original date of purchase. The foundation of the Squatch is a relatively short travel 130mm fork. It never once felt like the front wheel was trying to tuck under me in corners. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Santa Cruz bicycles or any of its owners, officers, employees, representatives, agents, or affiliates (or any of their respective successors or assigns) be responsible or otherwise liable for any direct, incidental or consequential damages arising from the purchase, use, or ownership of its products, including without limitation damages for personal injury, property damage, or economic losses, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence, product liability, or any other theory. The Squatchs steel frame gets external routing for brake lines beneath the downtube, and an internally-routed dropper post. Reaches are a roomy 460-500mm, with relatively short 420-480mm seat tube lengths allowing most riders to comfortably run a 175 or even 200mm post. Ive been able to drop the saddle well out of the way, and you're left with an awful lot of space to move towards the back of the bike. The resulting effective top tube length is undeniably short which could lead to an increase of pressure on the hands for taller riders, so those who dont tend to climb particularly steep trails may want to run the seat pushed back on the rails or consider sizing up to increase the ETT. He has a particular focus on mountain bikes, but spends plenty of time on gravel bikes, too. When it has been fixed, your car has no visible or invisible damage. As you will undoubtedly be used to hearing by now, the resulting centered position on the bike leads to less attention and energy being required to keep the front wheel in check, letting you focus on your pedal strokes and line choice, and ultimately making climbing a more pleasant experience once the going gets steep. Bottom Bracket: SRAM Dub GXP Threaded Weight: 18.8kg (L) - without pedals: Brand: Stif: I'll post up some ride impressions when I have some to share. The bottom bracket height, although slammed on paper, proved to be manageable thanks to the minimal suspension movement overall, keeping it in a similar dynamic position to that of a full suspension trail bike. Finishing kit is all Burgtec, and the dropper post is a KS Lev. Advertising and commercial: sales@off-road.cc, Mountain bike, bikepackingand gravel bikes. Although the fork has only 130mm of travel, its perfectly controlled by the Pikes top-spec Charger 2.1 damper. FEATURES Combined with the 64 degree head angle, on descents it gives a lot of stability without the steering feeling sluggish. The Pike Ultimate is an easy to set up fork. A thoroughly contemporary hardtail thats a proper hard-charger on technical trails. Please see the Kona owners manual, provided with your bicycle, for additional information. NEWS THE LAB Where a full suspension rig can somewhat isolate impact forces through your legs from effecting the fork, a hardtail has a greater reaction on the fork and so requires some extra support to prevent it from using its travel too frequently. Longer, flatter sections of pedaling receive the butt end of the compromise, with your more upright seated position adding to your aerodynamic drag when the speeds are high enough, and potentially utilizing a less effective set of leg muscles. Part: 19RamFox. Hit compare to see this Stif side-by-side with your bike. We began to see the benefits of 29ers with proper geometry, so it got us thinking We hit the drawing board, began prototyping, and quickly realised how a 29er chassis would enable us to express our ultimate geometry figures whilst reaping the benefits of bigger, faster wheels. The Squatch comes in two builds, the AM and PRO build. Where other hardtails demand a balancing act between core strength and weight distribution to maintain perfect form, the smooth-riding Squatch only ever breaks traction predictably, and usually at the perfect moment to slingshot out of at turn, rather than standing you up or oversteering at the peak G-force. The latest issue of MBR is out now, and as, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, RockShox Pike Ultimate, 130mm travel (42mm offset), Hope Pro 4 hubs w/Torque caps, WTB KOM i30 rims, Maxxis Minion DHF EXO/Rekon EXO+ 29 x 2.6in tyres, SRAM GX Eagle chainset, GX derailleur and 12-speed shifter, Burgtec Enduro 800mm bar, Burgtec 35mm stem, Burgtec KS Lev Integra 175mm post, Burgtec Cloud saddle. The Squatch hails from Yorkshire-based bike shop Stif and is an evolution of its hard-hitting, 650b-wheeled Morf hardtail. Drop the saddle, point it downhill and the bike comes to life. Website: Stifmtb.com, CHASSIS Post navigation Its built around a 4130 chromoly steel frame, rolls on 29 wheels and gets a 200mm KS Lev Integra dropper post. Note: this does not apply to Kona Carbon models. As with the Morf, Stif designed the Squatch for a 130mm fork, which naturally, combined with the rollover of bigger wheels, gives you more value-per-millimetre. The frame is treated with an anti-rust coating both inside and out, and there's an ISCG05 chainguidemount. In smoother bike park style terrain or trail centers, the Squatch absolutely rips. Given that hardtails are ideally around 20mm shorter than full suspension bikes to compensate for the fork compressing independently, you may want to down size on the Squatch. Some states and countries do not allow some or all of the foregoing exclusions or limitations, so they may not apply to you. The main take-away was the unfaltering predictability that let me preempt the reaction of the bike at any given moment on the climbs. Four years ago, I got hold of Stifs 27.5in wheeled Morf for review, liked it so much I built one of my own, and still have it. Registered UK Company No: 03291752, Jungle Products Ltd FRN: 719212 trading as Stif Mountain Bikes are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Yeah, it shouldnt! Once out of the saddle the 480mm reach offers plenty of room, makingmellower trails well within this bikes capabilities. With bigger 29in wheels and a super-low-slung chassis it should, on paper, be a monster when the trail gets gnarly. If like me, youve got shorter legs, its definitely worth considering the PRO 175 model. For the Squatch, and probably one of the reasons for its price, the Stif team is using 4130 chromoly tubing. Its spritely on the pedals, too, and the 430mm chainstay shines it's a lively and flickable ride, despite the 1238mm wheelbase and big wheels. The geometry is at no point the element holding you back, but the limited ability to iron out the square edges of the terrain leads to an incredibly physical ride where your arms and legs must work hard to absorb impacts that you do not even consider on a fully suspended rig. The Squatchs steep seat tube (Squatch tube?) Upfront, theres a Maxxis Minion DHF in 292.6in. Santa Cruz Bicycles pivot bearings are warranted for life to the original owner of the bike. Its incredibly composed, and thats only helped by the noticeable compliance of its ovalised seat stays. Add a chainguide While a chainguide is not strictly necessary for a hardtail with a brand new drivetrain, they count for more as it wears, so I add one as a matter of course. All material Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA1 1JB. Those arent the only neat tricks Stif has up its sleeve. Uphill, its a comfy and easy going place to be as the mega-steep seat tube makes light work of smooth climbs. As it turns out, it is a flat-out troublemaker, with two distinct types of trouble being made depending on the style of track. Not deal breakers, but old standards are ticking clocks when it comes to choice of parts. Today we are delighted to introduce it's 29" wheeled sibling- The Squatch. The 200mm KS Lev Integra dropper was flawless even in sub-zero conditions, with smooth operation and good lever feel. For full details of our returns policy, follow this link. The Squatch is constructed from a 4130 chromoly steel tube set that has been shaped and curved throughout to produce the desired ride characteristic that led their original Morf to being such a success. Santa Cruz Bicycles will repair or replace at its option any Reserve rim made by Santa Cruz Bicycles that is damaged or destroyed by riding. Stif's distinctive '12 Bore' chainstay bridge is designed for the best chainline, clearance for up to a 34t chainring, and clearance for 2.6 rubber out back. Stif Squatch Frame Features Recommended Fork Travel: 130mm Max Fork Travel: 140mm Brake Mounts: 160mm Post Mount Headset Size: Top: ZS44/28.6 - Bottom: EC44/40 ICSG-05 Tabs: Yes Seatpost Diameter: 30.9mm Seat Clamp Diameter: 34.9mm Bottom Bracket Size: 73mm Threaded BSA Max Tyre Size: 2.6" Recommended Crank Length: 170mm Max Chainring Size: 34t On these chunky descents is where the tire pressure was oh-so crucial, with the difference of a couple of psi making such profound improvements to the terrain ironing. He's not shy of an enduro here or there and he's equally happy in the winter slop as he is ripping up the summer's dust. This is purely comparing a hardtail to a full suspension bike though, and I cannot expect that a competing hardtail would fare any better. Theyre different bikes, but clearly siblings with the same mischievous streak running through them. The brown marks in the pictures are where mud/water has got under the edge of the invisiframe. The warranty for damage arising from accidents, crashes and other impacts is limited to offered replacement at a reduced charge as set forth above. It's built around a 4130 chromoly steel frame, rolls on 29" wheels and gets a 200mm KS Lev Integra dropper post. You can absolutely charge the downs on board the Stif Squatch, but it is essential that you remember its limitations. Not cheap coming from Canada, but it is beautiful. Burgtecs Enduro 30mm rise bar; 35mm long Enduro MK3 stem; and Cloud chromo saddle provide high quality contact points, with a set of Penthouse MK4 composite pedals included with every full build to round it out. Photography by Adam Lievesley // @adamlievesleybmx. Didnt look at any for years after that. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk. The Stif Squatch AM will set you back 1,900 with the PRO priced at 2,500. Bottle cage bosses on the downtube and an ISCG05 chainguide mount mean its ready for long days on big terrain. All International order postage costs are an estimate. Stif selected this lower travel number to preserve the geometry as best as possible when pushing hard, with the premise that a more consistent and predictable geometry is better than extra travel across most situations. If you get a Squatch as an alternative to your full suss for winter, you might just end up reversing which one you call the big bike. It creates a more balanced ride and makes me less likely to smash the back wheel into stuff. Words by Robert Johnston // @robert_johnston The warranty is void if the part is modified from its original condition in any manner or used outside normal intended use, as determined by Santa Cruz Bicycles in its sole discretion. THE DIRT However, weve built the frame measuring 78 degrees from the BB centre to the saddle rail at max seat post extension. Four years down the line from launching the Morf, the Squatch borrows much of what made Stif's opening hardtail foray but in a big wheel guide. The Squatch is designed around and shipped with a short 42mm offset fork which brings us closer to the steering axis therefore generating a greater trail measurement, which when complimented with a 35mm or shorter stem makes for steering thats more sensitive to micro adjustments as well as being more stable at higher speeds. You get a similar custom 4130 tubeset and angles that will make . This led to pressures being upped to 120psi by the end of testing, which provided a good compromise of sensitivity and support. Propping up the front is a 130mm-travel RockShox Pike Ultimate, with a short 42mm offset and stubby stem to keep handling composed yet sharp. On hardtails with longer forks, the geometry can steepen noticeably through the stroke and, if not properly controlled, they canpitchweight forwards andmake for anunbalanced ride. Given the rapid. Stif Squatch Pro is a progressive hardtail with a steel frame and super-low bottom bracket height, 29in wheels with 2.6in tyres enhance grip and comfort. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? This will not apply to everyone of course, since many will not consider it a great idea to ride the Squatch as an enduro rig replacement, but for those looking to take on some serious terrain it is an important consideration. Its also tough to find a hardtail elsewhere with geometry this extreme, so if this is what you're after that's worth factoring into the price too. The component spec on the Squatch pro build is generally solid and leaves little to be desired, with the brakes being the only thing that I would want to change. Burning Question: Why Do Some Bikes Have More Travel Up Front? Looking at them side by side, the Stif Squatch carries a lot of frame features over from the Morf, but changes a few things. Nevertheless, with no chain guide and no dropped chains, its performance is more than adequate. The result is their second bike to the market: the Stif Squatch. As well as that, shorter travel helps preserve the geometry. Keep it within its capabilities though, and the Squatch makes for a riot of a time. Our Squatch Frame is shipped with a seatclamp, dropouts and rear axle. After once building a hardtail with a 160mm fork because MOAR TRAVUL BETTER, in the near-decade since Ive found I get on best with 130mm if theres no rear suspension. Rims: WTB KOM trail i30 We are a credit broker not a lender. Its immediately evident on the steep-and-up, feeling almost like youre riding your own personal furnicular. Stif has been mindful of enabling a generous reach value for its Squatch and as a reference, the size large frame stretches to 480mm from its front center to the rider's balance position. And even with the 175mm dropper post fully extended, the seated climbing position never gets too tipped back, even on the steepest gradients. Each bike comes in three sizes from Medium to Extra Large and there are three colour options, Bone, Teal, and . Ovalizing the top tube and chainstays has allowed us to create the a super compliant ride without compromising on stiffness in all-important areas this means things stay comfortable during high frequency chatter but stomp on the pedals or enthusiastically load a corner and youre greeted with predictable positivity. Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.6, 3C EXO TR One thing to remember with the low-slung BB is that it generates a longer downtube, so the medium Squatch feels more like a large full suspension bike. The Stif Squatch is a full aggro 29 hardtail that eats descents for breakfast, while getting you back to the top efficiently and comfortably. Its rather low profile tread is fast rolling but seriously limits braking power, and its very easily overwhelmed in the wet. Outside of testing bikes, Tom competes in a wide range of mountain bike races, from multi-day enduros through to 24-hour races in the depths of the Scottish winter pushing bikes, components and his legs to their limits. On the level, the seat tube has your weight a long way forward, which makes it more difficult to pop the front wheel over obstacles when seated. An incredibly sure-footed 29er, excellent up and down. All without ever feeling like your teetering into turns. To keep it as weatherproof as possible, Stif applies an Ed-black anti-rust treatment to the frames which should resist any rusting of the steel tubes in even the worst winter conditions. 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The Squatchs steep seat tube ( Squatch tube? Squatch in the steepest terrain comes in two builds the!
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