Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles will introduce 27.5” carbon versions of its legendary, award-winning trail bikes in 2014 — the Absolute Truth and the Epiphany Carbon XC — at Interbike in Las Vegas, September 18-20, according to Tony Ellsworth, founder of Ellsworth Bikes.
In 1993, Ellsworth Bikes introduced the partially carbon Absolute Truth edition, which today is on display in the Bicycle Museum of America in Ohio. The bike was the “carbon” version of the Aluminum Truth — Ellsworth’s XC race bike that has been acclaimed as one of the “top 25 mountain bikes of the past 25 years.”
The Epiphany, first introduced in 2005 and hailed by Outside Magazine as the “holy grail of trail bikes,” has combined long travel, and comfortable geometry at class leading lightweight design, which has made it as capable at climbing as descending.
Fast-forward to 2014, Ellsworth Bikes today is utilizing Toray Aerospace High Modulus, High Pressure Carbon, designed to use geometric anisotropic properties of the carbon fiber lay up for increased strength and durability, to create the Absolute Truth and Epiphany Carbon XC frames — blending high art and high performance. “Both the Epiphany Carbon XC and the Absolute Truth’s sculpted shape not only provide the life and stiffness of the highest quality carbon, but the stand over height, internal cable routing and overall feel of the frames are just short of a masterpiece,” said Tony Ellsworth.
Absolute Truth 275
The new Absolute Truth features the 27.5” wheels, with the same wheelbase and geometry of the legendary Truth frame. With the lower optimized stand over of the ZS style headset and the unique shaping of the front triangle, Ellsworth has captured the aggressive geometry and bio-kinetically optimized rider position ideal for XC and Endurance racing, complete with 120 mm of travel.
Coupled with the updated ICT suspension for today’s gearing, 300 percent higher compaction pressure of the Toray Aerospace Carbon Fiber, and 120mm of XC efficient travel — the Absolute Truth is a new benchmark for XC racing and endurance riding.
The 2014 Absolute Truth is available in an beautiful, multi-toned Candy Apple Red with pin striping and detail worthy of an art show. Its Aerospace Aluminum Cousin, the Truth, also with 27.5” wheels — are both available in five sizes (XS to XL).
Absolute Truth Specs: http://ellsworthbikes.com/bikes/mountain/absolutetruth-275/
X9 complete bike — $5,995 MSRP
XT complete bike — $6,995 MSRP
XTR complete bike —$8,995 MSRP
Frame set — $3,495 MSRP
Epiphany Carbon XC 275
Like the Absolute Truth, Epiphany Carbon XC 275 frame features Anisotropic Force Vector Carbon layup design — this high modulus carbon fiber is provided by Toray, the world’s leading producer of aerospace carbon.
The Epiphany Carbon features a laden head angle of 69.5 degrees, and 140mm of rear travel coupled with 150mm Fox Racing 34mm Kashima CTD front fork. This geometry with the new 27.5 wheels size translates to the same legendary handling as the Epiphany namesake with 26” wheels, 30.9mm seat tube for dropper posts, and internal cable routing for stealth style remote dropper or normal, 12 x 142 rear axle, available in three component groups, with wheel and component options. A new chainstay design providing optimum tire clearance and increased stiffness without additional weight.
“The Epiphany Carbon, with its stiffer, lighter, more aggressive trail geometry, is an ideal machine for riders seeking that nimble climbing long travel trail bike experience,” Ellsworth said. “Just like the original Epiphany, the new Carbon XC 275 utilizes the time tested evolved, refined, and proven ICT suspension to provide zero energy loss, fully active travel. The result is a benchmark in maximized efficiency, Increased traction and control for more speed, and reduced rider fatigue for more distance.”
The 2014 Epiphany XC Carbon is available in a beautiful, Nude 3k Carbon with an elegant and artistic gold tribal detailing, available in S, M, and L. Its Aerospace Aluminum cousin, the Epiphany Enduro 275, also debuts for 2014, in Ellsworth’s timeless shot peened, anodized and laser etched finish, with 27.5” wheels — and is available in five sizes (XS to XL).
Epiphany Carbon XC 275 Specs:
http://ellsworthbikes.com/bikes/mountain/epiphany-c-xc-275/
X9 complete bike — $5,995 MSRP
XT complete bike — $6,995 MSRP
XTR complete bike —$8,995 MSRP
Frame set — $3,495 MSRP
Ellsworth is currently taking orders for the Absolute Truth and Epiphany Carbon 275 XC and the aerospace aluminum versions — the Truth 275 and the Epiphany 275 Enduro. For more information on Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles call at 760-788-7500 or visit www.ellsworthbikes.com. Visit Ellsworth at Interbike’s OutDoor Demo in Boulder City, NV September 16-18 and Interbike Expo, September 18-20 in Las Vegas (Booth #5125).
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.