Devinci Bikes Atlas Carbon SL (2014)

Top of the line XC and trail bike all in one

Pros

- Split Pivot suspension design
- Trail and XC capable
- Brings 'fun' to a 29er

Cons

- Is it trail or is it race?

Review

The Devinci Atlas is described as a trail bike and rightly so. Similar to the Giant Anthem, you see 29er and 4.5" travel in the same sentence and immediately think XC...The Atlas is much more capable than the numbers would lead you to believe.

I rode this bike in Bootleg Canyon and came away with impressions of a bike that handled most trail situations very well. In fact it was one of those bikes that you sort of forget you're riding, until looking down and "oh yeah, it's the Devinci!" I think most successful bikes feel that way....you forget about working out if it's good or not and just ride the trail and enjoy.

Unlike many 29ers, I felt the Atlas had a bit more of a fun factor. I'm a pretty short guy and often come away from big wheeled bikes feeling either a bit swamped or perched on top of the bike...in short never particularly comfortable. The Atlas, however, seemed a bit easier to launch the wheels on flowing trails and aggressively 'turn in' to technical singletrack. This is undoubtedly because of the very short chain stays which keep the rear wheel tucked in nice and close.

The kit on this model is all top notch stuff, yet considering this, the Atlas SL comes in at well under $6,000. This is still a heap of cash to throw at a mountain bike but compared to many other brands out there it is not bad value. If you want some money left for a beer after your ride you could also check out the RC model which still runs great components and frame but is a lot cheaper.

The Atlas is a great choice for trail riders who also want a fast efficient bike that could easily be raced XC as well. The 29" wheels leave you with the impression that there is more than 110mm travel on offer, yet with the Split Pivot suspension the bike still pedals, brakes and climbs like an XC bike. If you have the money, you could do a lot worse.