All-mountain riding seems to have engulfed a huge number of bikes, some of which can genuinely deliver, but others appear to be lost in the wrong genre. So, where does the 6Point4 fit into all of this? What Iron Horse have delivered with this bike is a grin-inducing, singletrack-thrashing monster that really can be ridden comfortably anywhere. To top it all off, it’s great value as well.
Ride & handling: Excels at attacking singletrack
This bike may reset the all-mountain benchmark. Weighing in at about 15.8kg (35lb), it climbs sufficiently well, yet can take some serious hits without a problem. Thanks to the lack of pedal bob, the 160mm of rear travel doesn’t seem to hinder climbing at all. The cockpit provides a comfortable reach and an efficient pedalling position too.
Where this bike really shines, though, is on singletrack attack. The rear suspension action gives the air shock a more supple feeling, reaching almost coil-like levels of performance, which keeps the wheel planted over rocks and through the turns.
The combination of great geometry, a stiff frame and a wide bottom bracket give the bike a stable, confidence inspiring feel. The Kenda tyres roll well, but things can get a little dicey on hardpack surfaces. At lower speeds, the Marzocchi 55R may not be the plushest or most supple fork, but get it up to speed and it feels almost transformed.
Frame: Wide and stable, with 160mm of well controlled travel
The dw-link suspension design has a short distance between pivots, a triangulated rear end and a 150 x 12mm rear axle, making the 6Point4 one of the most laterally stiff full-suspension frames you can buy. Thanks to the dw-link and the Fox DHX shock, the 160mm of travel is well controlled and effective.
The rear axle’s near-vertical path keeps the chain at an almost constant length, eliminating pedal kickback and providing a stable, uncompromised pedalling platform. The 6Point4 also boasts an 83mm wide bottom bracket, forcing a wider and more stable stance, while the 68-degree head angle makes for capable climbing without killing the fun of descent.
Equipment: Capable suspension, Avid brakes and a mix of SRAM and Shimano kit
The kit list may not be the stuff dreams are made of, but the right bits are placed where it counts. A Fox DHX Air 5.0 shock combined with the Marzocchi 55R fork makes for suspension more than capable of tackling the nastiest of terrain.
Shimano-compatible SRAM Attack shifters move the Saint rear mech faultlessly time after time and FSA’s cranks can certainly stand up to plenty of abuse out on the trail.
Kenda Nevagel tyres may not suit everyone’s tastes, but they roll well and drift predictably, should the occasion arise. Elsewhere, the 90mm stem and 680mm Truvativ bars seem fitting for this all-mountain steed. Avid brakes finish the bike off with their ever-reliable stopping power.
