Along with the release of the brand’s new top-end carbon XC race machine, the Stratos CF, Silverback Bikes are eager to announce their Sido platform replacement alloy XC range, the Stratos AL! The bike is based on the carbon version, and is aimed more at the budget-conscious rider.
The Frame:
The frame design process starts with the carbon version on Linkage, a suspension design program and then moves on to Solidworks, an engineering program. The alloy frame is designed to have similar ride, handling and suspension characteristics to the CF frame. This is accomplished by the brand new ‘Burst Pivot’ – a linkage driven single pivot suspension platform featured on the Stratos AL. On Solidworks the shapes and kinematics are fine tuned and (FEA) finite element analysis can be run on the frame to analyse stresses. AL also gets adjusted geometry to improve handling and stability, making the bike more rider friendly and more technical trail ready than the Stratos CF’s racing nature.
The new Silverback Stratos AL frames are around 450g lighter than the Sido frames!
Asymmetric Design
The resultant asymmetric frame design is dictated by purpose driven innovation. Stress analysis shows that braking, pedalling and suspension forces are not symmetrical, and so the frame is completely asymmetric – designed to deal with those forces where and how they occur when riding. Most noticeably, the frame is designed around a single oversized tapered main pivot utilizing angular-contact headset bearings for durability and superb stiffness. User centered design means that tools needed for servicing are off the shelf items and easy to find in any bikeshop.
Stratos AL frames have unique sheathed cable routing and is also internal dropper post compatible to deal with the highly technical demands of modern XC courses. The seat tube is shortened to accommodate a longer dropper post – for more clearance. The AL 5.0 model comes with a Surface alloy seatpost.
Fork
To complement the updated geometry and BURST Pivot suspension platform, the fork on the AL 5.0 is a Rockshox Judy Silver TK with 120mm travel. The Judy is lightweight, easy to set up and offers plush suspension with Rockshox’s impeccable track record.
Drivetrain/Brakes:
AL 5.0 has a meticulously chosen 1×10 drivetrain with the same gear ratio that you would normally only get on 11 speed setups! A 32t chainring paired with a wide range, evenly spread 11-42t cassette gives you a decent top speed without spinning out, with a light enough top gear to get up steep climbs comfortably.
Confidence on a bike is more than just good geometry and suspension choices, but also how quickly and controlled you can bring the bike to a standstill. With that in mind, the AL 5.0 is fitted with Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes running on a 180mm rotor up front and a 160mm rotor at the rear. Good modulation and solid performance in all weather conditions is what you can expect from these.
Wheels:
AL 5.0 features 21mm Surface Tubeless ready alloy wheels. The pre-taped alloy wheelset is lightweight and with a pair of 2.25″ Maxxis Crossmark II tubeless ready tyres. Add sealant, inflate. It’s really that easy.
3-cross Laced with stainless spokes to 32h Shimano Centerlock hubs, these wheels are designed for a max rider weight of up to 120kg.
Contact & control:
AL 5.0 is finished in a high-quality Surface Alloy control part package – all anodized alloy control parts. 780mm wide oversized handlebars and #borntobefast lock-on grips offer superb control.
All-in-all:
Stratos AL is born and bred to be easy to live with XC bike. The AL 5.0 is value-focused without compromising ride- or component quality. Silverback believes in making the Right Bikes at the Right Price – and AL 5.0 stays true to this.
Price: €1499 – Stratos AL 5.0
Source: Silverback Bikes
