Devinci

Troy Carbon 29 GX Eagle Mountain Bike

All-mountain bikes in the 140 - 150mm travel range are some of the most capable bikes out there, making quick work of challenging terrain while staying efficient and comfortable enough to pedal all day without draining your energy on the climbs. The DeVinci Troy Carbon 29 GX Eagle Complete Mountain Bike is a shining example of a great all-mountain bike, and features an entirely new carbon frame for the 2019 model year, along with revised geometry that makes it even more capable on technical descents. Not only does this third generation of the Troy have a stiffer and more responsive frame, but it's the first time DeVinci offers it as a 29er—an exciting change for those of us that enjoy the rolling benefits of the larger wheel size. We're fans of the big wheels as they tend to hold their speed quite well, gliding over rough terrain without getting hung up as easily on rocks and roots. Combine these benefits with DeVinci's Split Pivot suspension that stays fully active even while braking, and you've got a bike that maintains impressive traction no matter how rugged the trail is.

The redesigned frame is now entirely carbon fiber including the rocker link. The result is a stiffer and more responsive frame that saves about 1.5lb compared the aluminum version of this bike. DeVinci ups the stiffness even more by moving to Super Boost 12 x 157mm rear spacing. While the transition to a new hub standard might have some people up in arms, the truth is that 157mm rear spacing has been around on downhill bikes for quite some time. Super Boost simply widens the hub flanges to improve the spoke bracing angle, resulting in a stiffer rear wheel that's better able to resist torsional forces caused by cornering, braking, or charging through technical terrain. This is especially noticeable on 29er wheels as they have a greater tendency to flex. In addition to these stiffness benefits, Super Boost allows DeVinci to keep the chainstays super short while still clearing a 29 x 2.4in tire and up to a 38t front chainring—giving you a wide range of tire and gearing options. DeVinci also made the switch to a threaded bottom bracket, simplifying maintenance while eliminating the creaks often associated with press fit BB's.

Taking a closer look at the Dave Weagle-designed Split Pivot suspension, the design consists of a main pivot and a concentric rear axle pivot separated by the chainstay (hence the name Split Pivot), as well as the brake link (seatstay) that floats between the concentric rear axle pivot and the rocker link that controls the shock. The floating brake link isolates braking forces from acceleration and suspension forces, resulting in uncompromising traction when you're charging across rough terrain—even while braking or pedaling. Many suspension designs have a tendency to firm up a bit under braking, reducing suspension sensitivity through choppy terrain and thus losing some traction. DeVinci's Split Pivot remains fully active, soaking up braking bumps and squared-edged hits effortlessly while retaining a supportive mid-stroke for pedaling, climbing, and popping off lips and rollers. When you near the end of the travel, a smooth bottom out progression prevents harsh landings. Suspension performance is further improved by the move to a Trunnion-mounted metric shock that pivots on bearings rather than bushings, reducing friction for a more supple suspension action.

As we mentioned above, the new Troy sees revised geometry that gives it some extra stability at higher speeds or while navigating technical descents. This comes in the form of a slacker head angle and longer reach that together inspire some extra confidence to stay off the brakes and let it rip. The stubby 17-inch chainstays balance the bike's downhill prowess with playful trail manners and nimble handling, keeping things fun on tamer trails while giving the bike the ability to pick lines and navigate corners with precision. Despite these geometry changes the Troy retains the ability to adjust its geometry via a flip-chip, which has been conveniently relocated to the lower shock mount for easier access. The flip-chip alternates between the default "low" position and a "high" position that raises the bottom bracket and steepens the head angle, improve pedaling performance on big days with lots of climbing.

The Troy is constructed using DeVinci's MTB-specific DMC-G carbon lay-up. Using EPS molding, DeVinci creates a monocoque carbon frame with flawless consistency throughout the carbon layers, eliminating resin-pooling and inconsistencies that can negatively affect the strength of the frame. DeVinci puts a lot of emphasis on frame strength and rigidity, and while some might argue that their frames are overbuilt, we appreciate the bombproof and stiff construction that inspires absolute confidence when you're smashing through technical terrain—even if it means a little extra weight. It also allows DeVinci to offer a lifetime frame warranty to the original owner. The frame has internal cable routing for clean lines throughout, and comes with molded frame guards for the downtube and chainstay to protect your investment from impacts while silencing chain slap. The frame also has a two-position bottle cage mount, widening the range of mounting options to allow room for larger water bottles while ensuring there's enough clearance for standard bottles should you decide to throw on a coil shock.