Price: $1,699
Weight: 13.70kg
Components: Shimano Deore/LX, Avid, Promax.
Frame & Fork: SGX 61 aluminum, RockShox Judy XC, RockShox SID XC rear shock
Geometry: 70º head tube, 72.5º seat tube, 584mm top tube
Sizes: XS, S, M (tested), L
Comments: “Peppercini, with potential as a Habanero.”
www.devinci.com
Canadian Pride: All Devinci bicycles are completely made in Canada.
Devincis can be found everywhere these days, from the mud-speckled glamour
of magazine pages, to the podiums of international races, to your local
trails. The company has come a long way since its humble beginnings almost
10 years ago. Devinci has made some uplifting changes to its 2002 line-up,
most notably to its “All Terrain” group: last year, they were speedy
hardtails; this year, they’re more capable full-suspension rides. We tested
the flagship of the mid-priced, go-anywhere “All Terrain” line-the fiery
red Chili Pepper.
The frame is based on the popular and proven four-bar suspension set-up.
Sealed bearings at the pivots and tight tolerances left us with positive
first impressions, as did the rest of the details, such as the integrated
Cane Creek headset, asymmetrical chainstays, and clean welds. Suspension
and drivetrain components on the Chili Pepper were a piquant mix of solid
performers: up front, the 100mm RockShox Judy XC with air-assist kept the
front wheel tracking the ground; while rear suspension was handled by
RockShox Dual Air SID XC. Both were excellent choices. Truvativ Firex-5D
cranks, Shimano Deore LX derailleurs and Deore shifters, Deore/Sun CR-18
wheels with IRC Serac XC 2.1 tires, and a Sella Italia XO Trans Am saddle
round out the drivetrain. There is nothing here to complain about, as this
is actually an impressive collection of name-brand components for the price.
The numbers were mostly normal: 18 inches measured center to top,
42.5-inch wheelbase, a slightly short 22.5-inch top tube, and stable
16.75-inch chainstays. On paper, the bike looks predictable, however
suspension always adds the potential element of surprise. The first thing
that struck us about the Chili Pepper was the hypersensitivity of the rear
suspension. Seated or standing, it moved a lot, tracking the ground
ruthlessly, with more zeal sometimes than desired, thereby compromising its
quickness. While seated and spinning, everything was ideal, but standing to
sprint left the cross-country racer in each of us wanting more. On the
trail, the Chili was very happy cruising at seated speeds. Up front, the
oil-damped Judy XC was more than up to the challenge of the trail, and
created a balanced and predictable feel. A little flexy in the really rough
stuff, the 100mm fork was able to suck up anything thrown at it. Small
bumps were easily taken care of by the coil spring, and as the trail became
more aggressive, the air-assist ramped up the spring rate well enough to
avoid bottoming the fork.
The Chili Pepper’s braking system seemed mismatched. Avid’s AD3 brake
levers felt solid as usual, but the Promax brakes were not as reliable as
hoped for and demanded by a bike like this, that screams for disc brakes.
This bike was designed to be capable of more than the brakes let it handle,
and we’d rather have seen the limits of the bike, not the brakes. We’d also
upgrade to a more aggressive tire. The 2.1″ IRC Serac tires seemed a bit on
the narrow side, and although they rolled fast and smooth, the tight knobs
packed up too easily with mud.
There are few reasons for anyone to ride a hardtail bike anymore. Devinci
knows this, and the full-suspension focus in its line-up demonstrates it.
The Chili Pepper is a worthy trail performer, and while not a racing bike
per se, it will inspire you to go far and long, comfortably and relatively
affordably. A great medium salsa, this bike can please most, but with a bit
more spice, could attract those looking for even hotter flavours.