Foes have added a new 29er variant of last year’s Shaver ‘Ultra Trail’ bike for 2013James Huang/BikeRadar
Foes introduced the 26in-wheeled Shaver ‘Ultra Trail’ bike last yearJames Huang/BikeRadar
As always, Foes use a single-pivot suspension design for the new Shaver 29James Huang/BikeRadar
Foes’ signature linkage design helps keep the back end in check and keeps the shock leverage ratio controlled throughout the strokeJames Huang/BikeRadar
142x12mm through-axle rear dropouts on the new Foes Shaver 29James Huang/BikeRadar
Foes use a 44mm-diameter head tube for easy tapered steerer compatibility on the new Shaver 29James Huang/BikeRadar
The rear derailleur is attached to an especially stout hanger on Foes’ new Shaver 29James Huang/BikeRadar
Foes’ new FXR features a new linkage design with a 2.3:1 leverage ratio, 6.3-7in of adjustable travel and an 8lb frame weightJames Huang/BikeRadar
The huge, single-pivot rear end of Foes’ revamped FXR is stoutly built and further reinforced with gussets at the upper cornersJames Huang/BikeRadar
Foes paired the FXR show bike at Sea Otter with a FOX DHX Air 5.0James Huang/BikeRadar
The tapered head tube is backed by an enormous monocoque-style top tube and even upper and lower gussetsJames Huang/BikeRadar
Rather than weld or machine ISCG tabs directly on to the bottom bracket shell, Foes use a modular system that can be easily replaced if one of the tabs is damaged after impactJames Huang/BikeRadar
The modular ISCG plate is clamped securely behind the bottom bracket cup and held in position by a set of splines machined around the edge of the shellJames Huang/BikeRadar
Foes introduced the Hydro downhill bike last year and have already made a few big improvements for 2013James Huang/BikeRadar
The latest Foes Hydro switches from a 1.5in straight head tube to a tapered setup for 2013James Huang/BikeRadar
Last year’s conventional seat tube has moved to a lighter monocoque-style setup on the revised Foes HydroJames Huang/BikeRadar
A generous 8.25in of travel is available from the single-pivot rear end of the Foes HydroJames Huang/BikeRadar
The long FOX DHX RC4 rear shock yields a low 2.36:1 leverage ratio on the 8.25in-travel Foes HydroJames Huang/BikeRadar
New from Foes is the SSV hardtail ‘play bike’, designed for use with a 140mm-travel forkJames Huang/BikeRadar
The stout front end of Foes’ new SSV hardtail is ready for abuseJames Huang/BikeRadar
The huge box-section monocoque-type top tube on Foes’ new SSV hardtail play bike feeds straight into the widely set seatstaysJames Huang/BikeRadar
A welded gusset bolsters the rear end of Foes’ new SSV hardtailJames Huang/BikeRadar
Foes use a machined chainstay yoke on the new SSV hardtailJames Huang/BikeRadar
The Sea Otter Classic has always been a springboard for new Foes Racing frames and this year continued the trend with three all-new or updated aluminum platforms for model year 2013: a revamped downhill machine, two new trail bikes, and an aggressive hardtail for when any amount of travel is still too much.
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The new 29in-wheeled version of last year’s Shaver ‘Ultra Trail’ retains that bike’s hard-hitting personality, single-pivot rear suspension design, 142x12mm through-axle dropouts and clever modular ISCG tab system for easy replacement in the event of a hard impact. The stoutly built rear end shortens slightly to 5-5.5in of travel but retains the same sensitive 2.3:1 single-pivot leverage ratio as the 26in bike.
Geometry is modified to suit the bigger wheels, too. Head tube angle steepens to 68.5° and the chainstays grow by an inch but curiously, the seat tube has slackened by 2° and the bottom bracket is also 0.4″ higher on the Shaver 29. Claimed frame weight is 7.3lb (3.3kg) and suggested retail price will be US$2,399 with a FOX Float rear shock when it begins arriving in stores in eight weeks.
The 6.3-7in FXR is completely fresh for 2013, featuring a new monocoque-style top tube, a curvier hydroformed down tube, and a revamped 2.3:1 leverage ratio on the single-pivot rear end. The front derailleur switches to a direct mount style and the rear end is sized for 150x12mm through-axle hubs. Suggested retail price is $2,499 with a FOX DHX Air rear shock and projected availability is this September.
Foes’ new fxr features a new linkage design with a 2.3:1 leverage ratio, 6.3-7in of adjustable travel and an 8lb frame weight:James Huang/BikeRadar
Foes’ new FXR features a new linkage design with a 2.3:1 leverage ratio, 6.3-7in of adjustable travel and an 8lb frame weight
Downhill riders get a revised Hydro platform for 2013, which switches from a conventional round seat tube to a monocoque-style piece that Foes say is both stronger and lighter than before, plus a new tapered head tube to replace last year’s 1.5in front end. The single-pivot rear end still offers 8.25in of travel and a low 2.3:1 leverage ratio for supple, bump-eating performance. Suggested retail is $2,599 with a FOX DHX RC4 rear shock.
Foes introduced the hydro downhill bike last year and have already made a few big improvements for 2013:James Huang/BikeRadar
Foes introduced the Hydro downhill bike last year and have already made a few big improvements for 2013
Finally, there’s the new SSV ‘play bike’ hardtail for use with 140mm-travel forks. Strength and stiffness are the key traits here, with a massively burly monocoque-style top tube, a hydroformed down tube, a machined chainstay yoke and enormous stays. The threaded bottom bracket is set up for either a multi-chainring or single-ring setup with replaceable ISCG tabs and the rear end sticks with conventional 135mm quick-release open dropouts. Suggested retail price is US$1,199.
New from foes is the ssv hardtail ‘play bike’, designed for use with a 140mm-travel fork:James Huang/BikeRadar
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New from Foes is the SSV hardtail ‘play bike’, designed for use with a 140mm-travel fork