Swift Carbon have developed a great reputation for high-end road and time trial bikes, and have now diversified into the mountain bike arena. They start with the Detritovore, a lightweight, XC race-orientated 29er.
The hardtail is made using high-modulus Toray carbon fibres with Mitsubishi Rayon filaments, which Swift believe give their frame a specific and optimal blend of stiffness and comfort. Claimed frame weight for a small size is 1.1kg (2.43lb).
While it’s set to be sold as a frame-only in the UK, here at BikeRadar we were lucky enough to get our hands on the first Detritovore – or D-Vore – in the country, built up and ready to ride.
It was brought to us by Swift’s founder and MD, former pro road racer Mark Blewett. He explained about his company’s “pragmatic” approach to suppling “top-flight yet affordable equipment”.
He also described how success with road bikes such as the RS-1 Ultravox meant entering the mountain bike market with a lightweight XC racer was a natural progression.
As with their road bikes, Swift use a carbon construction process that leaves tube insides buttery smooth, unlike traditional air bagging. It shouldn’t leave potential for the insides of the frame to be rough, ragged and susceptible to inconsistencies that could cause poor performance or failure, so the D-Vore should be light and strong. First impressions also suggest it’s relativey stiff.
The D-Vore has a press-fit 30 bottom bracket shell, a short, tapered head tube, a broad, flat-topped top tube and a chunky down tube. The seat tube has a gentle backwards curve, accommodating the front derailleur without compromising saddle position.
The nicely formed junction of the curved top tube, seat tube and seatstays
Our medium sample (three sizes will be available) has a head angle of 71 degrees, a seat angle of 73 degrees and a top tube length of 24in.
The build includes carbon cockpit items from Easton, a Ritchey headset, a SRAM XX transmission, a RockShox SID 100mm fork, Easton EA90 wheels and Swift’s own saddle and 27.2mm carbon seatpost.
The D-Vore frame will be distributed in the UK by C3 Products, with an expected price tag of £1,500 for the frame only.
Keep an eye out for a UK-exclusive First Ride of the bike in issue 142 of What Mountain Bike, on sale 20 November 2012.
