Patrol's New 29er Trail Bike - Interbike 2017
Patrol's 29-inch-wheel 591 will be available January 2018 with an anticipated MSRP of $5000 USD. The 140mm travel aluminum chassis is designed to also accept 27.5 Plus wheels.
Patrol is based in Indonesia, where they have gained popularity among top-level riders there. Three years ago, Patrol set up operations in San Diego, California, and have been expanding their dealer-based sales network methodically in the US. There is a lot to like about Patrol's range. The suspension and design elements are well proven, component selection is on the money, and construction finish is beautiful. Frames are built from aluminum (with the exception of their XC racing hardtail) and Patrol fields a World Cup DH team to keep abreast of technology and trends, and admittedly, to remind potential customers that they are legit.
I noticed that a sizable number of dealers were riding Patrol's trail bikes at Outdoor Demo, so I hunted them down at the indoor show to get a rundown on their range, and a peep at the new 591 29er, which is not slated for sale until January 2018.
I was impressed with the bikes, and more-so by their design philosophy. They want their bikes to perform at the top of their categories, but with geometry that has been intentionally scaled back from the single-purpose numbers that all-in racing machines are sporting these days. Patrol says that they value the fun factor as much as they value finish-line performance. Look for a review in the near future.
I was impressed with the bikes, and more-so by their design philosophy. They want their bikes to perform at the top of their categories, but with geometry that has been intentionally scaled back from the single-purpose numbers that all-in racing machines are sporting these days. Patrol says that they value the fun factor as much as they value finish-line performance. Look for a review in the near future.
Wheel travel is 140mm and the steering angle is 67.5 degrees. Geometry is on the milder side of enduro.
Internal tubes help with cable routing.
Magura MT Trail brakes and 35mm handlebars.
Four-bar Horst-link suspension.
Details everywhere.
The 672, priced at $2899 USD, was a popular favorite at outdoor demo. The 160mm travel trail bike is based around 27.5-inch wheels.
Patrol's 871 downhill racer is as easy on the eyes as it is on the wallet. Shimano Saint drivetrain, Fox suspension, and DT Swiss wheels. $5699 USD.
Shimano Saint drivetrain and brakes.
Threaded bottom bracket shell.
Coil Fox DH X2 Kashima shock.
Low stack-height and Kashima stanchions.
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There are a lot of used KTM's out there looking for a home for a fraction of the cost, with a hell of a lot more technology and manufacturing involved. (And I know this is the same ol' song-n-dance, but people like RC/Pinkbike are living in some sort of fantasy world where we all have that kind of "spare" money laying around).
Cultural reference aside - IME the dimensions for bikes coming out of that region seem to run a bit short relative to how their EU/NA cousins are sized...