Deviate Cycles releases the Highlander 150
Deviate Cycles today reveal a new addition to the much-praised Highlander range – the Highlander 150.
We reviewed the Deviate Highlander 140 back in 2020 and it was and still is one of my favourite bikes of all time. I can not wait to try the Highlander 150. Read on to learn about their exciting new bike.
Continuing to leverage the unparalleled suspension action, gloriously sleek design and sweet spot geometry of the Highlander 140, the 150 slackens it and switches it up to 150mm of smooth, responsive travel.
The original Highlander 140 is designed to be the world’s most capable do it all trail bike, as happy on all-day back-country epics as carving turns at the bike park. The Highlander 150 shifts the focus a little – with that extra 10mm of travel and subtle geometry tweaks, it’s rowdier, with more of a descent focus, and can take the big stuff a little harder – whilst still being a great all-round machine.
The Highlander 150 doesn’t just have more travel – the head angle is kicked back to 65 degrees for a little more high-speed stability and confidence when the going gets steep. Additionally, the suspension leverage curve is more progressive which lends the Highlander 150 to coil or high volume air shocks.
High pivot eh?
Deviate’s the high pivot point, and the careful idler placement, mean the suspension performance on the Highlander is the best of all possible worlds. The rearward axle path lets the bike flow over rough terrain, and as the idler location controls anti-squat, the Highlander has negligible pedal kickback and a deliberate anti-squat curve which eliminates pedal induced suspension bob. The unique kinematics of a high pivot point design maintains chassis stability and geometry under heavy braking, meaning aggressive riding is rewarded.
One bike – two flavours
Anyone who already owns a Highlander 140 can change it up to a Highlander 150 and vice-versa by simply swapping out the rocker link – making the world’s most capable trail bike even more versatile. The Highlander 150 is still running 29” wheels and retains the Highlander’s signature balance of stability and playfulness.
Frame details
The Highlander 150 has all the attention to detail you’d expect from Deviate Cycles. Compatibility and reliability have been obsessed over to ensure that it’ll give years of trouble-free performance.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Crash/damage replacement policy
• Fully sealed bearings throughout – high-quality double row, angular contact max fill bearings
• Silent 18t chain idler with twin outboard sealed bearings
• Grease ports on all pivots and idler for ease of maintenance
• Cable gutter for clean lines with care-free maintenance
• 2.8” tyre clearance
• Boost 148
• Threaded BB
• Bonded rubber frame protector
• Water bottle compatible
• Accessory mounting points
• 126 link chain – commonly available – no need to join chains
How to buy
Now available to pre-order at deviatecycles.com in M, L & XL sizes. The Highlander 150 is offered as a frame only with a choice of air and coil shocks. Starting at $3200 USD/£2699 GBP and coming with a lifetime warranty and crash/damage replacement policy. Shipping is free worldwide.
The Highlands of Scotland
Deviate Cycles, as a Scottish bike manufacturer, has developed and tested the Highlander in the rugged Scottish Highlands. The huge variety of terrain and challenging conditions make Scotland the perfect testing ground for any bike. As the saying goes “if it works in Scotland, it works anywhere”.
What do you think of the new offering from Deviate? I know I’m excited and itching to get hold of one. If you’ve read some of my other articles then you will know how big a fan of high pivot bikes I am. They just ride so well!
The Deviate Cycles Highlander 150 is also one hell of a looking in my opinion. That elegant black frame and discreet logo look so premium. Twinned with a single accent colour with the build colours perhaps a yellow would make this one classic bit of bike porn!
Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
