Niche manufacturer Ellsworth Bikes is back in South Africa with a beautiful product portfolio and point to prove. Say hello to the Ellsworth Epiphany Eagle 29er…

Words By Aaron Borrill // Photographs By Robert Ward

Let me guess – you’ve never heard of Ellsworth Bikes, right? Well, we don’t blame you. After all, this niche brand was on the verge of closing its doors a few years ago, owing to a dearth of investors and a stifled R&D programme. Thankfully there’s been a renaissance of sorts, and after new ownership and a 25^th-birthday celebration, things are looking a lot more positive for the American brand.

Understandably, the product portfolio has been given a contemporary revamp, and the resultant bikes are nothing short of droolworthy. Take the Epiphany Eagle, for example: it truly looks like a work of art. But as the halo bike in Ellsworth’s range, does it have what it takes to challenge the slew of contemporary trail-biased 29ers currently ruling the XCO and XCM roost?

Hand-made in the USA

Okay, maybe not entirely; but Ellsworth pride themselves on personally manufacturing as much of the componentry as possible, so as to honour the ‘handcrafted’ moniker. Apart from the carbon frame (which is manufactured overseas), the alloy components, rocker links and chainstays are all made in the US.

In terms of visual clout, there’s nothing quite like it, and its bespoke nature will appeal to a large portion of the market – particularly those who enjoy riding their bikes as opposed to racing them. The geometry is something to behold: fluid in appearance, the bow-like design of the frame sure looks intriguing, as does the exposed carbon-fibre weave. This is rounded off by Ellsworth’s trademark logo and a selection of purposely-placed graphics, such as the model designation, CTA nomenclature and 25th Anniversary badge.

Available in three colourways – red, blue and black – there’s a shade for everyone; but we suggest the stealthy facade of our test unit. Not only does it accentuate the gold SRAM XX1 Eagle group set and Kashima-coated stanchions of the Fox fork and rear shock, and to maximum effect; it looks badass, too. In fact, it garnered more rubbernecking from onlookers than a Federer/Murray Wimbledon tennis final.

It’s not a slacker

The Epiphany is fast on nearly every kind of surface; but just how good is it when the terrain tilts upwards? Well, it’s definitely more proficient in a downhill (read: twisty and technical) environment, but the 32T ring in combination with a 12-speed 11-50T Eagle cassette means there’s ample ratio left in reserve for even the steepest of gradients. Yip, that 50T rear sprocket is like a super-granny, enabling you to hamster up 10 per cent inclines with ease.

But despite the gearing’s superlative range, it’s the ride quality that stands out, regardless of whether you’re climbing or descending. Much of this boils down to the ultra-smooth, softer tune allowed by the bike’s suspension geometry. But more on that later…

Braking power comes in the form of Shimano XT stoppers – a proven recipe, and an effective application when it comes to thwarting progress – but we’d have preferred something a little more on point to match the already high-end componentry. XTR maybe? Other than that, the balance of the build comprises XTR pedals, an alloy Thomson Elite seat post, WTB SL8 Ellsworth saddle and Thomson alloy bar. There’s plenty of scope to drop a little more grammage if you wish.

Scything trails like a boss

Despite the aluminium rear triangle (the frame is 100% carbon), the Epiphany displays all the modern traits you’d expect from a contemporary mountain bike: tapered internal headset, a Boost 148 rear axle, press-fit bottom bracket and internal cable routing. All very impressive; though annoyingly, the cables rattle inside the frame on bumpier surfaces.

Eschewing the ‘slacker is better’ philosophy that many of its competitors have adopted, the Ellsworth’s relatively steep head angle of 69.8 degrees means it’s less forgiving on trickier courses, but still controlled enough to scythe its way through lefts and rights no matter what the angle of approach.

Traction is one of the Epiphany’s many drawcards, no doubt owing to the super-grippy tread pattern of the Maxxis Ardent 2.25-inch tyres, longer chain stays and 148×12 Boost rear axle – a feature that also mitigates flex and improves rider confidence. The four-bar Instant Centre Tracking (ICT) suspension design essentially limits drivetrain input for optimal power delivery – no bobbing here, meaning a softer and plusher tune can be dialled into the 130mm Fox 34 Float front and 120mm Fox Float DPS rear shock arrangement.

Two-finger salute

Let’s be honest here, there are lighter, faster and more popular (racing) bikes on the market: the Cannondale Scalpel Si, Scott Spark and Specialized Epic are cases in point. But are these attributes the be-all and end-all of mountain biking? Arguably not – especially to the non-conformist who purposely shuns mainstream ideology in favour of individual fulfilment.

Despite its boutique-like, ‘niche’ bent, however, the Epiphany is certainly no slouch when it comes to the multi-faceted features of a modern trail. Though while it’s impeccably precise through technical singletrack, there’s no question its geometry and heft are ultimately more suited to marathon-style riding than the ups and downs of fast-paced XCO.

So if you want to ruffle the feathers of the trail snobs and steal the show from the brand bunnies – and, generally, just look like a boss wherever you roll – the Epiphany might be just the bike you’re looking for. But exclusivity such as this does come at a price – R129,000, to be exact. (Frame sets can be purchased separately, and custom builds are available). Contact ASG Sports Solutions for more information.

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