First Look: Spot's Yobbo and Rollik Mountain Bikes
What is it? Spot Brand just released two new 27.5-inch wheeled, full-suspension, carbon mountain bike frames—the Rollik 575 (140mm), and Yobbo 657 (165mm)—with unique linkage designs:
The Spin
? This mountain bike suspension uses a dual-link design, with a composite leaf spring in place of ball bearings at the rear of the lower link.
? Leaf spring functions as a horizontal shear plate, improving lateral stiffness.
? “This design returns the rider's input energy at exactly the right point to maximize pedaling efficiency.”
Related: Yes, You're Fast Enough for Full-Suspension Mountain Biking
? Leaf spring enhances the shock’s spring curve and provides a more linear, coil spring-like ride.
? Requires less maintenance, because most contamination-prone ball bearings are eliminated.
? The leaf spring is lighter than the ball-bearing-and-axle system it replaces.
? Front triangle molded as one piece with no junctions or overlaps.
? “Tested to 2.5 million cycles with no failure—equal to riding 5 days a week for 10 years”
Related: The 2015 Yeti SB5c Rocks Crazy Cool Suspension
My Take
? Disclosure: I was given an exclusive first look at the technology in May of 2014, and had an opportunity to ride a prototype. Some of my feedback was used to create the final suspension tune. However, I have not ridden Living Link since.
? I’m excited to see another riff on the short dual-link (SDL) design. In general, I find SDL—a category that includes Santa Cruz VPP, Giant Maestro, DW-Link, and Yeti’s Switch Infinity—provides the best all-around performance (efficient feel, well-rounded suspension, goodbraking, stiff frames, etc.).
? Based on a casual side-by-side comparison of this and a Pivot Mach 6 Carbon (with DW-Link suspension design), there are a lot of similarities in the pivot layout.
? Great idea? Clever way around existing patents? Both?
? Conceptually, this seems smart. And leaf springs/flexing bits have been successfully incorporated into full-suspension designs before, so there’s no need to be wary
? Great to see Spot figure out a way to get a water bottle inside the front triangle with a mid-frame shock.
? I’m still waiting to see final numbers, but the geometry is described (and appears in the pictures) as "long, low, slack," much like a Yeti (and an increasing number of brands' bikes). Here’s a little secret: The Spot and Yeti offices are about a quarter mile apart in Golden, Colorado, and the companies test their bikes on the same trails.
? Spot needs Living Link 29er. I’d love to see something in the 110-120mm range to compete against the Yeti SB4.5c and Pivot Mach 429 Trail.
? Love that Spot gives all sizes the same standover (28 inches) so riders can pick a size based on preferred reach/front center. Wish more brands would do this.
Other Stuff
? Five-year frame warranty, lifetime warranty on leaf spring, crash-replacement discount policy.
? Two water bottle positions: one inside frame, one under down tube.
? External or stealth dropper routing (run internally; internal shift wires; rear brake run externally [no bleed necessary to install]).
? 100-percent for frames stress tested before leaving factory.
? The checkerboard finish is from the Textreme carbon fiber fabric, the same material Felt uses in their highest-end bikes.
? All sizes have the same standover: 28 inches. Spot says this allows riders to pick a size based on preferred front center, and not clearance.
Related: Spot Brand's Acme Open Isn't Your Grandma's Step-Through
Specs and Details
? Two models: the 140mm Rollik 557 and the 165mm Yobbo 657.
? 76-degree seat tube angle, 13.3-inch BB height, 28-inch standover on all sizes.
? 5.9-pound claimed frame weight (medium, with shock).
? Enduro MAX dual-row, full compliment, bearings with external o-ring seals.
? Boost 148 rear spacing with RockShox Maxle.
? Removable front derailleur mount for Shimano side-swing.
? Replaceable down tube and chainstay impact protection.
? Frames will be in the low-$3,000 range with Cane Creek Double Barrel shock. Complete bikes start in the low $6,000s.
? Available Spring 2016.
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