Packing a punch in all the right places with a spec that leaves no stone unturned, the Druid SLX sports the same all-carbon high pivot chassis found on every other Druid, but in a more wallet-friendly configuration. Our ‘One Ride’ geometry philosophy sees the Druid’s ‘actual’ seat tube angle increase per size alongside stack height, and both front and rear centres, keeping you centred, balanced and ready for anything. Such readiness will be more than welcome with a suspension system that eliminates unwanted drivetrain forces, allowing you to tackle trails you’ve previously avoided. With 150mm travel in the front and 130mm in the rear, the Druid SLX won’t waste any time establishing what it can do, leaving you to rethink what you once thought impossible on a trail bike.
The most obvious feature of our Trifecta suspension system is the high pivot point and the resulting rearward axle path it produces. Unlike some other frame designs that talk of a rearward portion of their axle path, the height of our main pivot within the frame structure means our axle path takes a completely rearward trajectory throughout its travel (fig A). This rearward motion allows the rear wheel to move with, not against, any size of impact. This, in turn, allows the bike to remain composed and maintain momentum through rough terrain.
The lengthening of the rear-center during compression also exhibits the advantageous trait of stabilizing the chassis during bigger impacts and compressions. Imagine a weight bias that is playful when high in the travel, but inherently more composed when you need it the most; that’s what a high pivot can bring to your trail riding experience.
Anti-rise is another term often discussed and regularly misunderstood; it is the term used to describe the effect braking has on the suspension system. Significant anti-rise was once seen as a negative trait. However, as our understanding of chassis dynamics has improved, and more importantly, as our riding styles have evolved, it is now seen as a useful aspect that can be used to further tune the ride handling of the bike. The level of anti-rise in our system (fig B) helps counteract the inevitable fork dive associated with the heavy braking loads often encountered with modern, aggressive trail riding. This result is consistent chassis stability under heavy braking.
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