New XC bike features seatstay suspension, external cables and tri-spoke wheels
The new Veli is a cross-country mountain bike designed around a unique suspension system that sits at the rear of the chainstays.
The swingarm pivots around a point where the chainstays and seatstays meet on the shortened rear triangle. The shock is mounted on the left-hand side, connecting the stubby swingarm to the seatstay.
Veli claims the full-carbon monocoque frame, including the rear shock, tips the scales at 1,800g in an unspecified size.
The bike has 120mm of front-suspension travel provided by a Fox Factory 34 SC fork, while the rear features a custom-tuned Fox Factory Float DPS to control the 112mm of travel.
Unconventionally, the Veli employs a mixed wheel-size setup, bringing mullets to the world of cross-country bikes.
The bike is only available in one size and is priced at AU$13,700. Veli says the bikes will be available to ship at the end of May.
Radical suspension
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The Vasttech suspension system has been in development for four years, since its concept was first unveiled at Eurobike 2018. The Veli is the first and only bike to feature Vasttech suspension linkage on the market.
The system puts the pivot point on the chainstays, with the shock positioned on the seatstay controlling the swingarm.
Vasttech says this enables it to use a standard double-diamond frame, which the brand believes is stronger and lighter than other full-suspension frame designs.
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Vasttech claims the system offers a significant reduction in unsprung mass, improving the bike’s small-bump sensitivity.
It also claims the kinematics of the system reduce pedal bob, providing quicker acceleration because the rear end squats less on steep climbs and sharp accelerations.
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The system also provides a rearward axle path, which Vasttech says helps in absorbing square-edge bumps.
Monocoque construction
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In its search for performance gains, Veli says it decided on external cable routing to keep the frame as stiff and strong as possible without adding weight by reinforcing cable ports.
The brand also says external cable routing is beneficial for owners, simplifying servicing and removing the frustration of threading cables through the frame.
The Veli features internal routing for a dropper post.
The bike is available in a single frame size with a 454mm reach. The brand says it intends to release additional sizes in 2024.
The Veli has a head tube angle of 68 degrees, which is similar to other modern cross-country bikes.
A set of carbon monocoque three-spoke wheels are custom-made for the bike, which Veli says are optimised for suspension kinematics and feature oversized Enduro wheel bearings.
Veli specs and pricing details
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The Veli is available in a single-build option with components from Veli’s sister company, Atoll Bike, including carbon handlebars and stem, as well as an aluminium crankset.
- Fork: Fox Factory 34 SC, 120mm
- Shock: Fox Performance Float DPS
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR
- Brakes: Shimano XTR
- Wheels: Custom carbon fibre monocoque
- Tyres: Vittoria Barzo 29×2.5in (f), Vittoria Barzo 27.5×2.1in (r)
- Price: AU$13,700