We're like buses - no new bikes for a few months then two in a week! Here's the full lowdown on our updated Short Travel Trail/Downcountry/Used-to-be-called-Mountain Biking bike, the FlareMAX Gen4.

The Generation 4 FlareMAX retains the 125mm and most of the geometry of it's predecessor, as we really felt we had hit a sweetspot with that. It combines the confidence inspiring elements of Longshot geometry with a lively and easily cornered feel that's intrinsic to a bike that's going to be speeder biked between the trees along swoopy, singletrack trails.

What's new is the adoption of the Jeht style seat tube and linkage arrangement, which boosts seatpost insertion by 20mm and ensures that the vast majority of riders will be able to fit at least a 150mm drop seatpost to the bike. At the business end of the suspension, we have adopted Metric 210x50 shock sizing to futureproof the bike, and the actual seat angle experience by the rider is a tough steeper than the Gen3 (around 0.5 deg depending on saddle height). Our 2021 swingarm completes the picture with easy clearance for up to 2.5" tyres.

There is now a Rockshox Select Plus shock option, alongside our long standing, super tuneable, high performance Cane Creek DB Air IL. This carries our Cotic developed Base Tune ready to ride.

In terms of ride feel and intent, the biggest change for Gen4 is the adoption of some build kit options for riders looking for more of a scalpel than a hammer. All the builds now of the options to specify a Rock Shox SID Ultimate 120mm fork (in iconic blue), HUNT XC Wide wheels and Wolfpack Trail/Cross 2.25" tyres. This combination of parts drops 1.65kg from the weight of a more trail orientated spec, coming in at just 12.7kg for the Gold XT build complete bike. Just how lively these parts make the bike has to be felt to be believed, yet it's not at the expense of capability. The Longshot geometry and great tyre compound give you astonishing composure in steep situations.

The SID, XC Wide wheels and Wolfpack tyres are an option on all the builds - they're cost upgrade on the SLX based Silver build, but no cost options on the Gold XT and Gold Eagle builds. In July there will also be a Gold Eagle AXS option using the latest wireless groupset from SRAM. These can be reserved now for delivery in July.

If you want your FlareMAX a little more all round capable, we have Rock Shox and Cane Creek 130mm fork options, and our more usual HUNT Trail Wide wheel/WTB 2.5 Slashguard tyre combo on the Gold Build, and Shimano/Continental on the Silver build.

Available right now are the UK made Launch Edition frames which will only be made until July. They are available in Sydney Blue and Gritstone Blue/Green Fade. These frames start at £2,099 with the Rockshox Select Plus shock, or £2,199 with the DB Air IL. Complete bikes start at £3,799 with SLX/HELM equipped Silver build, up to £5,249 for the Gold Eagle AXS build. As always these are just starting points and we have options for different forks, wheels, tyres and suspension throughout the range. Availability on bikes is going to be July at the earliest due to parts deliveries and availability, but frame orders can ship this week if you're quick. They are in stock now in all sizes and colours.

In August the Series Production Taiwan made frames will arrive, which will be in Hubble Purple and Matte Slate Grey. All the same build options and frames options are available, but £300 lower priced. So, frames start at £1,799, and bikes start at £3,499. As more Rock Shox are delivered later in the summer, the Silver build bike option price drops to start at £3,149 with a Revelation 130mm fork.