. That seat angle is particularly interesting in my eyes, with the 78-degree figure quoted at max extension this means that it will end up steeper for most riders who run the seat post somewhat into the frame and will further steepen thanks to the sag of the fork. 2500 is no small amount of money for a bike without a rear shock, but in terms of relative value it is about right. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? In the mean time the main details are: SA 78 HA 64 Reach 480mm size large Chain stay 430mm Seat tube 450mm BB drop 80mm = 293mm BB height 29x2.6" tyres experimenting with cushcore to run lower pressures as I'm used to 3.0" tyres on my hardtails. Its rather low profile tread is fast rolling but seriously limits braking power, and its very easily overwhelmed in the wet. 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. All without ever feeling like your teetering into turns. Some may think 130mm of travel a little thin for an aggressive bike, but it proves a really wise choice for the Squatch. 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 Squatch frame is available for 649 in teal, bone, or silver colorways, or you can choose . It wasnt long before riders were requesting the same premium ride quality and progressive handling characteristics on a 29er platform. Register a new Kona bike within three months of purchase, and the original owner qualifies the Kona frame for a free Lifetime Warranty. We are a credit broker not a lender. One of our sales team will contact you upon receipt of your order to arrange a suitable delivery date. Common to these sizes is a 64-degree head angle; 78-degree seat angle (effective, at max extension); 430mm chainstays and 80mm bottom bracket drop. It gives a proper weld surface without sacrificing tube stiffness. The geometry and components spec encourages riders onboard the Squatch to charge hard, which can cause havoc on rough terrain when the limited cushion a hardtail offers leads to the rider becoming overwhelmed. In terms of spec, this build (PRO 175) is one of three options, which has a SRAM G2 RSC Brakes, SRAM GX drivetrain, and a Rockshox Pike Ultimate doing most of the work. 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. Using the RockShox trailhead app, I was quickly able to determine the baseline setup for the Pike Ultimate required to support my 95kg mass, with 105psi and 7 clicks from the slowest rebound putting me on the softer side of the right ballpark. Off jumps and drops, and when playing with manuals and wheelies, the Squatch is definitely on the less playful end of the spectrum, thanks to that slammed BB and reasonably long reach making front end lifting require a little more body English than some. A KS Lev Integra handles dropper duty, with options of 175mm or 200mm available depending on rider preference. Save 35% + Lezyne pocket drive HV pump when you subscribe to MBUK magazine, JANUARY SALE | Get 3 issues for 5 when you subscribe today, 9/3/3/b/933bbb38cfdad3fa12fb88f53c70db2d9ae3486c_Stif_Squatch_01.jpg, hardtail is truly going to compete with a full-sus, RockShox Pike Ultimate, 130mm (5.1in) travel, Maxxis Minion DHF (f) and Maxxis Rekon (r) 29x2.6in, WTB KOM Trail i30 rims on Hope Pro 4 hubs. SRAM G2 brakes arent as powerful as Codes for heavier riders. 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. Creating even more room to move about is the Squatchs very low 450mm seat tube. Stif makes the Squatch in three sizes (M-XL) to suit riders from 55- 66 (165cm -198cm). Brakes honestly Im clutching a bit here, and if you must clutch something, brakes arent a bad choice. Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle; 12s. Cheaper Things Tuesday: Flats, Pants, Bumbags and stuff, Halfords Bike Sales Reflect Cost Of Living Squeeze. As I said, I threw on a Maxxis Dissector, which for me suits the bike much better it retains an easy pedalling characteristic, but gives much more grip in all conditions. The warranty will be in effect for the lifetime of the frame or fork and is available only to the original owner. The Morf is the only bike Ive ever regretted selling and Im currently without a mountain bike. There is also some visible external butting on this seat tube, adding further proof that careful thought has been put into each and every tube on the Squatch. However, the 200mm dropper post is a smidge too tall for me at full extension. Sign up as a Singletrack Member and you can leave comments on stories, use the classified ads, and post in our forums, do quizzes and more. THE LAB Finally, the bike rolls on a pair of WTB KOM rims, laced to Hope Pro 4 hubs wrapped with 2.6" Maxxis rubber: a Minion DHF with EXO casing at the front, and a Rekon with a tougher EXO+ casing at the rear. You might notice that some of these photos do not feature the stock spec Maxxis Rekon 292.6in rear tyre. 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. 8.71K subscribers The Stif Squatch is a full aggro 29" hardtail that eats descents for breakfast while getting you back to the top efficiently and comfortably. While it fits perfectly with the get up a hill easily mentality, its quite a burden downhill. Stif Squatch Pro Pros: The best hardtail geometry I've ridden combined with a supple steel feel and 2.6in tyres that smooth out vibrations and reduce fatigue. Not cheap coming from Canada, but it is beautiful. The tyres I get on a bit better with Maxxis DHF than I used to, but still find it more prone to washing out that a DHRII or Onza Ibex. This led to pressures being upped to 120psi by the end of testing, which provided a good compromise of sensitivity and support. Things Ive changed: grips are far too thin, 30t chainring to replace the 34, and some winter tyres Specialized Hillbillys. 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. Once your order is dispatched you will receive an email with a tracking number. Price: 2499 /2950 /$3500 Unless otherwise specified we will use a Royal Mail Tracked Delivery service to dispatch your order. A brief experiment with a more active fork took a little bit of sting out of the hands but reduced the overall composure of the bike and made for a less controlled ride, so I was quick to return to the slightly stiffer setup. The return process is simple: Fill out the Warranty Bearing Replacement Form, upload a copy of your purchase receipt, and we'll get a new set of bearings out to you within 48 hours! Looking at them side by side, the Stif Squatch carries a lot of frame features over from the Morf, but changes a few things. Cassette: SRAM XG 1275; 10-52T Includes: 2 Front Coilover (985-02-136) and 2 Rear Shocks (985-24-231) Fitment Note: Does Not Fit Air Ride Models. 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. 2020 Stif Mountain Bikes Squatch Base 2020 Base Category Hardtail Trail MTB Design Flat Bar, Hardtail (Front suspension) Frame Steel Suspension 130mm fork travel Features Disc brake Somewhat upright stack and reach vs category Somewhat upright stack and reach vs category Somewhat upright stack and reach vs category Geometry Base Build The result is their second bike to the market: the Stif Squatch. That's a lot for a camper trailer you. For the last 4 years we've watched our original steel hardtail the Morf defy trends and changing standards to remain a rider favourite and cult legend. Adventure-Ready At $585,000 Function Meets Form . 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. Want to win some free schwag? When it has been fixed, your car has no visible or invisible damage. This one served me just fine through assorted winter muck. On our top end build we get a top end fork: a RockShox Pike Ultimate. Our Squatch and Morf Frames are sold with a 3 Year warranty against manufacturing defects and we offer Crash Replacement Pricing for 5 years from purchase. 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. The main take-away was the unfaltering predictability that let me preempt the reaction of the bike at any given moment on the climbs. Unlucky, but Id spec a meatier tyre anyway. 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. 130mm travel, 29 wheels, 4130 steel and modern numbers throughout, mean the Stif Squatch might just be the winter whip of choice. 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. Note: this does not apply to Kona Carbon models. He has a particular focus on mountain bikes, but spends plenty of time on gravel bikes, too. https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item, https://www.fedex.com/apps/fedextrack/?action=track, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. STORE, ABOUT US If any portion of the foregoing warranty (or the exclusions or limitations thereto) is deemed invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law, it shall be deemed modified so as to be valid and enforceable to the maximum extent consistent with such law. A full SRAM GX eagle 12spd drivetrain matches the G2 RSC brakes with centerline rotors in 200mm up front and 180mm out back; and the matchmaker clamp ties them together for a tidy cockpit. The builds share the same general themes, with a 130mm RockShox Pike fork up front; SRAM brakes and Eagle 12spd drivetrain; WTB KOM trail i30 rims; Burgtec contact points, and a KS dropper. Since launching the Morf in 2016, Stif have taken four years to develop and launch this Squatch, their first 29er hardtail. In the event of a non-warranty situation, Santa Cruz Bicycles will make replacement parts available to the original owner at a reduced charge for the applicable warranty period described above. Look on Stif site for sizing/geometry.</p><p>There is marks on the chainstay by where the crank . The curve in the seat tube means you have a minimum 78 degree seat angle from rails to bottom bracket; if youre not so tall and run your seat lower than the maximum height, that effective seat angle gets even steeper. Notwithstanding the foregoing, frames purchased prior to May 1, 2015 are covered under the previously-existing warranty for five years from the original date of purchase. My only takeaway from this (apart from i should buy one) is youve overtaken CK in the beard wizard stakes. The bottom bracket is pedal-strikingly low at 293mm and, when paired with the bikes length, offers a super stable ride in corners. That means that on choppy descents and hard landings, the effect of suspension travel steepening your head angle is reduced, again contributing to greater stability. Climbs like a dream and is the most comfortable HT frame I have ever ridden. 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. The seat tube angle is measured with the post at full extension, meaning 78 is the slackest it will ever get (unless your legs are super long and you fit a post with even more travel, though few even exist). Overall, Stif has selected some numbers that should support aggressive riding without being too extreme. 4 years ago, Stif put their heads together to create the first bike that sported the Stif name their Morf hardcore hardtail. 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. Stif also says its key in allowing the short 430mm chainstays. Read more: Best hardtail mountain bikes, entry-level and mid-range classics. Stif Squatch Frame only - 599 The signature 'chainstay hole' remains Stif Squatch AM Build - 1899 - featuring RockShox Pike Select 130mm, Burgtec cockpit, saddle and pedals. Looking down to where the drive-side chainstay meets the BB shell is our signature 12 Bore chainstay bridge that gives a dialled chainline with upto a 34T chainring and clearance for chunky mud-shed 2.6 tyres. As with any hardtail, good geometry is the key ingredient to behaviour on the trail and we wanted to push the boundaries. The Squatch also gets a 430mm chainstay, all this equates to a 1238mm wheelbase on a large frame. 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. Stif Bicycles are the spawn of Stif Mountain Bikes, a prolific UK bike shop in operation since 1984. We approached designing this bike in two halves, one for climbing, one for descending two fairly out there numbers that create strong descending prowess and a mind-blowingly efficient climbing manner and its the 78 seatangle that making climbing a total cinch. Perfectly poised, way more compliant than most of its rivals and also nimble and easy to chuck around, the well thought-out Stif Squatch Pro is a compelling package. Rims: WTB KOM trail i30 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. 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. If you need any help, advice or technical info on the Stif Squatch, our resident experts are: Perfectly poised, way more compliant than most of its rivals and also nimble and easy to chuck around, the well thought-out Stif Squatch Pro is a compelling package. KS Lev Integra, The best mountain bike: what to look for in a mountain bike, Best mountain bike jerseys: top rated tops and what to look out for, Best mountain bike mudguards: keep your eyes clear of flung filth, Best mountain bike multi-tools: rescue broken rides, Specialized Trail Rain waterproof jacket review, Altura Ridge Thermal Waterproof trousersreview, Best hardtail mountain bike 2022: classic trail shredding machines. For sizes, Stif has opted again for three choices with a medium, large and extra-large offerings. Designing the frame around a 130mm travel fork means the frames geometry is preserved as best as possible, regardless to where it is in the forks stroke. I'll post up some ride impressions when I have some to share. As for the Squatch, Ive had mine about 2 months now. Bespoke 4130 chromoly steel tubing is used throughout with custom tube shaping providing our desired ride feel attributes. Ive had my AM build for about a month now. Click here to learn more or click OK below to dismiss this message. Cheapest Zone yet. BIKE REVIEWS Bottle cage bosses on the downtube and an ISCG05 chainguide mount mean its ready for long days on big terrain. Leave a comment and vote up the most thoughtful comments and each month well pick a winner. The Pike Ultimate is an easy to set up fork. First thing's first, the frame. As it turns out, it is a flat-out troublemaker, with two distinct types of trouble being made depending on the style of track. Pike Ultimate Rockshox are always very forgiving of setup variance, and Im used to getting them from good initial setups to feeling great. It is absolutely great at powering down and over things. Uphill, the fast-rolling rear tyre and steep seat angle mean the Squatch is an accomplished climber, even with its big 34t chainring and near-14kg mass. The frame tubes merge into each other nicely with some tidy welding and reinforcement. Please see the Kona owners manual, provided with your bicycle, for additional information. International Orders are sent using Royal Mail International Tracked Delivery. Website: Stifmtb.com, CHASSIS And that progression (boosted by those two bottomless tokens) translates to a fork that tracks the ground very nicely, while supportively propping up the front end on steep sections and leaving an extra bit of travel as a get out of jail free card for when things go really wrong. Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle; 12s 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. Obviously, alertness to not clipping anything at speed is needed, but no more than any other low-slung bike, and theres less clipping rocks and roots climbing here than on plenty long-travel suspension bikes. In the mean time the main details are: SA 78 HA 64 Reach 480mm size large Chain stay 430mm Seat tube 450mm BB drop 80mm = 293mm BB height 29x2.6" tyres experimenting with cushcore to run lower pressures as I'm used to 3.0" tyres on my hardtails. 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 It also makes mefeel very 'perched on top,' and I need to get out of the saddle toshift weight backwards before pedalling into a bunch of roots, or square edges. Its a bold statement, but its the hardcore hardtail Id buy with my own cash if I was in the market for one, so hats off to Stif for totally nailing its latest creation. Tom Marvin is a technical editor at BikeRadar.com and MBUK magazine. Here we have the Stif Squatch in its priciest build, the AM 200. Any questions please just ask. Along with the four carbon models, BMC also introduced two aluminum models that both come in well under $2,000. Its not like you need the increased length for stability, as thats already provided by the ultra-low BB. The GX 12spd drivetrain did not skip a beat, but still falls slightly short of the shifting performance of the Shimano competition. Also RockShoxs sportier Pike air spring with its smaller negative volume works great on a hardtail too; being less fluid and sensitive than say, a RockShox Lyrik, its much more in keeping with the rear end. A thoroughly contemporary hardtail thats a proper hard-charger on technical trails. Uphill, its a comfy and easy going place to be as the mega-steep seat tube makes light work of smooth climbs. Furthering this bikes value and, of course, its sorted build arethe easily serviceable Hope Pro 4 hubs and the extra-nice Burgtec finishing kit (the grips especially are lovely). Registered UK Company No: 03291752, Jungle Products Ltd FRN: 719212 trading as Stif Mountain Bikes are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 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. 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. To keep things as simple and reliable as possible theres no weird standards theres a threaded BB, a standard 44mm headtube and everyday seat tube and clamp diameters. Softer 3C Maxxis tyres offer better traction while the bigger 2.6in casings really helps isolate you from vibrations. 80mm BB Drop, 430mm chainstays and a 64 headangle complimented with a short offset 130mm Rockshox Pike and 35mm Burgtec Stem combine to create a planted and responsive ride feel that inspires confidence and amplifies fun way past 11. Shop sale. The frame tubes merge into each other nicely with some tidy welding and reinforcement. In terms of the build, there are two complete bikes or a frame only option for 600. Industry Digest: Specialized Buys $14.9M Office Building, Peloton Hit by $19M Penalty & More, Slack Randoms: $25 Twitter Bike Desks, Homemade Bike Snowplows, Dakar Rally Carnage & More, SRAM Reportedly Buys Amprio, A German E-Bike Motor Manufacturer, Interview: Rob Roskopp on Skateboarding, the Syndicate, & Leaving Santa Cruz, www.stifmtb.com/collections/stif-squatch/products/stif-squatch-frame. Pairing this with the 130mm fork also means there is no drastic head angle change regardless of fork position. 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. You are able to track your order at https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item, For high value, pressurised or liquid goods we use FedEx Tracked 24hr service. 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. Drop the saddle, point it downhill and the bike comes to life. Once some burlier rubber was fitted, in the form of a DH casing Minion DHR 2.4, things began to fall into place, but the tire pressure conundrum was still an ongoing battle. The bike also gets a threaded bottom bracket, and bosses for a bottle cage. Tons of details on top of the frame shape include heavily-crimped seat stays flattened widthways (similar to many carbon road bikes) that flex and dampen heavy hits and repeated bumps. As well as that, shorter travel helps preserve the geometry. Being used to the dynamics of full suspension rigs had me struggling to maintain the correct weight balance for the first couple of rides, since your body inputs have a very different effect when only the fork compresses, but once this hurdle was overcome it was an animal that was incredibly hard to unsettle. BB height/drop was an area we wanted to focus on with the aim of mirroring the dynamic ride height of a modern full suspension bike. Ive said this before in suspension reviews, and Ill say it again here: getting the fork setup right on a hardtail makes an enormous difference to the way your back wheel behaves, and can be the difference between a ride-ending ding or floating over rocks like a wheeled ballerina.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'singletrackworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',666,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-singletrackworld_com-leader-1-0'); SRAM GX drivetrains are something I heard a few local riders grumbling about straight after launch, but I understand SRAM revised the mech cage to address some issues.
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