Archive: Simple
Years of production: 2013-2014
See the current Solaris, our steel 29er hardtail.
The Simple was our take on the world of singlespeed. In this version it grew 29" wheels for smoothing the trail, and was based on the Solaris, its geared sibling. Singlespeeds bring a lovely element of simplicity, light weight and silence to riding a bike, and coupled with the grace, durability, clean lines and attention to detail we put into all our frames, the Simple was a ride partner for the simple life.
Sizes: Medium, Large and XL. Wheels: 29".
Frame and tubeset
- Shares its tubeset with the Solaris, with track ends for chain tensioning instead of a derailleur hanger
- Lightweight version of the BFe 34.9mm seat tube for pedalling stiffness and frame precision, with a dropper-compatible 31.6mm seatpost
- Ovalform top tube, larger than the Soul's, to tie down the taller head tube and longer frame
- 44mm head tube with zero stack top cup for low bar height and external bottom cup for taper steerers
- Reynolds 853 DZB (Dual Zone Butt) down tube, new for 2013, with an extra thick section by the head tube. This let us drop the front gussets without losing durability, bringing back the clean-lined Cotic look
- No front mech gear stops, but hose clips for Shimano Alfine hub gears and dropper post remotes
- Runs anything from a 470mm rigid fork to a 120mm suspension fork, singlespeed or hub geared: the ultimate winterised trail hardtail
The Simple had an agile and interactive ride, with a compliance and speed across the ground that has to be experienced.
Geometry
Simple 29er
| Frame size | Medium | Large | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube (centre-top) | 440mm (17.5") | 480mm (19") | 520mm (20.5") |
| Top tube (effective) | 23.8" | 24.6" | 25.4" |
| Reach | 429.3mm | 446.5mm | 463.7mm |
| Head angle | 70° | 70° | 70° |
| Seat angle | 72.5° | 72.5° | 72.5° |
| Chainstay length (centre to centre) | 440mm | 440mm | 440mm |
| Chainstay length (horizontal) | 435mm | 435mm | 435mm |
| BB drop | -55mm | -55mm | -55mm |
| Head tube length | 100mm | 110mm | 120mm |
| Usual height range | 5'9" - 5'11" | 5'11" - 6'2" | 6'0" + |
| Stem length | 50-90mm | 50-90mm | 60-100mm |
All measurements based on a 490mm axle-to-crown rigid fork, or a 100mm travel suspension fork at ride height. An 80mm or 470mm rigid fork steepens the angles by about 1 degree; a 120mm suspension fork slackens them by about 1 degree.
Component sizes
- Seatpost diameter: 31.6mm
- Bottom bracket: 73mm width
- Headset: 44mm cups, ZS44 top / EC44 bottom (for example a Hope 2H)
- Rear: track ends for singlespeed or hub gear chain tensioning