Pinnacle is Evans Cycles’ own-brand and its Arkose range comprises predominantly of road-focused bikes, though ones that can handle a bit of rough. The Arkose SS is the singlespeed option, running a spinny 38/17 gear pairing.
On the road, that means a high cadence to maintain speed, but roll the Arkose onto rougher paths, over kerbs and towpaths and it comes into its own.
Pinnacle Arkose SS spec overview
- Frame: 6061 aluminium
- Fork: Carbon
- Wheels: Alex XD Lite rims on KT hubs
- Transmission: 38/17 singlespeed
- Brakes: TRP Hylex hydraulic disc
Pinnacle Arkose SS frame and equipment
Pinnacle has handled the singlespeed conversion differently to the competition. Instead of bolting the rear wheel in place and relying on chain tugs in the rear dropouts (like the BLB, Foffa and Condor), it has adopted an eccentric bottom bracket. This is where a standard bottom-bracket axle sits offset within a larger shell and chain tension’s adjusted by rotating the axle within the larger shell and bolting it down at the correct tension.
The frame can also be adapted to run gears should you want to convert at a later date.
The Arkose frame is built from 6061 aluminium with a carbon fork upfront, so even though the Arkose is running disc brakes and fat tyres, it weighs 9.5kg.
The big-volume WTB Nano tyres sit on wide disc-specific Alex rims, resulting in the most comfortable ride on test. Those Nano tyres are also highly proficient in the dirt.
As for stopping duties, TRP’s hydraulic Hylex units impress, albeit the lever action is somewhat on the light side.
Pinnacle Arkose SS ride impression
It’s an impressive bike, though tiring on longer commutes. That’s why you might consider switching to a larger crankset, like the 48-tooth rings on the BLB and Foffa, if that’s its primary purpose in life.
Those longer credentials and the respective upsizing in crank makes further sense because the Arkose has fittings for both mudguards and racks.
Still, whatever you might do with the Arkose, there’s no denying it’s a whole bundle of fun.
It’s a solid offering on long stretches but feels as nimble as a cyclocross bike when things become twisty and bumpy. Yes, at £850 / $914 / AU$1,205 it’s significantly more expensive than a couple of its rivals, but we think the lower weight, adaptable frame and great components make it worth every extra penny.
Pinnacle Arkose SS early verdict
Something a little different for the urban adventurer.
