Spotted: Pole’s New 190mm Travel Bike

May 31, 2021
by James Smurthwaite  

Leo Kokkonen, founder and CEO of Pole has posted photos of a new prototype bike that has 190mm of travel front and rear.

The bike is an example of the next development of Pole’s suspension design and uses the same linkage as the upcoming eMTB that we saw on social media in February.

Leo is currently testing the suspension concept in Madeira and was able to give us a number of details of the bike ahead of its launch later this year. The four bar linkage uses hollow bonded links and is apparently the culmination of two years’ worth of development. It is able to be used with eMTBs, regular drivetrains and, interestingly, gearbox bikes, something Pole hasn’t previously explored.

Leo has also been posting plenty of photos of the new eMTB that uses the same linkage design

The philosophy behind this bike was apparently “more is more” and that is the reasoning behind its 190mm travel, making it one of, if not the, longest travel non-downhill bikes going.

Also sizeable is the headtube that comes with the 1.8” standard. This is a standard we first saw at Eurobike in 2019 and, while we were originally told it was implemented for aesthetic reasons on eMTBs, Leo actually sees a number of performance advantages to the standard too, he said:

bigquotesHead tube is 1.8" with ZS 66. With adaptor the bike can be ridden with 1.5", and also dual crown. My take on the 1.8" is that stiffness is near the dual crown without the turning radius limitation.

photo
photo
Photos: Leo Kokkonen

Leo couldn’t give us a full geometry run down at this time but some key figures include an 80° seat tube and a high bb. The bike can also apparently be run with 29”/29”, 27.5”/27.5” or mullet wheel sizes. Both bikes will be available later this year.

Watch Leo's walkaround of the bike on Instagram TV here.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Spotted Enduro Bikes Pole Bicycles Pole Prototype Leo Kokkonen


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363 Comments
  • 578 2
 Can't break a chainstay if they don't exist...
  • 69 4
 But how will they delete the headtube and shock mounts?
www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=129057&pagenum=7088
  • 170 11
 Lets spend lots of money designing and building a bike only for it never to sell cause it looks atrocious
  • 31 2
 No chain slap either
  • 12 2
 @thebradjohns: JESUS
  • 18 3
 That weird bloated potato headtube annoys me to look at. But then they had to put a Zeb with that weird offset 1.8 steerer in that weird bloated potato headtube.
  • 74 1
 On the bright side, it will probably never be stolen.
  • 35 2
 They say if you haven't got anything good to say, don't say anything. I'm not saying anything.
  • 3 2
 This would probably make it easier to be used with a belt drive, which is nice when using a gearbox. Obviously it is only one solution. Others would be a single pivot design like Orange makes them or have a horst link design and open a pivot. But if he wants a short link suspension design, this is a nice solution to allow for a belt drive.
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: that’s crazy!
  • 2 0
 @thebradjohns: dentist bike for dentists work
  • 1 0
 @joedave: Not even if they gold plate it!
  • 3 1
 @thebradjohns: I think EFBE testing goes to show that things have changed wouldn't you think? polebicycles.com/efbe-tri-test-gravity-the-gold-standard-test-for-gravity-frames
  • 13 3
 @ravenracinginc: I am afraid that Pole currently is like a political party after 10 years of ruling, no one trusts them. Their image in is deep sh*t and is not recoverable anymore.
  • 9 1
 This piece is Polarzing
  • 2 1
 @heavyp:
Custom built for Goldmember, the Austin powers villain
  • 2 1
 @heavyp: add some purple ano bits and I’d ride that all day!
  • 1 2
 @thebradjohns: How hard did you bottom out? The o-ring isn't even on the shock anymore.
  • 3 1
 We're a bunch of harsh bastards aren't we. Credit where credits due, regardless of what we may say or think of Pole's designs he's clearly living his dream. Weird potato headtube aside I'd still ride the shit out of that bike.
  • 2 0
 @streetkvnt-kvlt: Yeah, no one sane questions that. Doing anything is indefinitely better than bitching on PB for sure. He has accomplished more than most of us, just made a few mistakes and behaved like a dick few times. The bike is also ugly as f*k, but this does not mean I(we) do not respect him. Life is unfair and the border between success and failure is really thin no matter how hard you work/try.
  • 3 1
 @lkubica: yes, but its still ugly
  • 387 6
 Pole Bicycles: We make ugly bikes.

Pole Bicycles: Hold my beer...
  • 11 0
 pure comedy
  • 28 3
 I tried to think of something nice to say. Best I can come up with is KILL IT WITH FIRE. Still not very nice....
  • 5 2
 @friendlyfoe: I'm trying to insult this abortion, but it's so bad as-is that I can't compete!
  • 17 1
 I’m going to try to translate the lyrics of an old Norwegian rap song. -That fell out of the ugly tree and hit all of the branches on the way down.
  • 5 0
 @bengtleon: lol we have that saying too
  • 9 0
 I quite like it
  • 13 0
 @bengtleon: I'm not sure what's funnier, that translation, or the fact old Norwegian rap exists.
  • 22 3
 It's not ugly, he shared a pre-production photograph by mistake
  • 2 0
 I rather liked the smooth and swoopy aesthetic of the “original” CNC frames. This iteration? Not so much...
  • 4 0
 276 comments and not one about how it looks like a cricket.
  • 3 0
 @TheR: Hey, it looks like a cricket
  • 2 0
 Finally- a frame that works well with the Trust fork. I wouldn't ride that bike if I won it in a raffle.
  • 230 4
 Hey 90’s, what’s up
  • 45 128
flag stage-a (May 30, 2021 at 12:53) (Below Threshold)
 Hey 21st century, where did the punctuation go?
  • 6 28
flag travieso429 (May 30, 2021 at 12:54) (Below Threshold)
 @stage-a: huh
  • 87 2
 Idk it kinda looks like any modern Orange bike
  • 5 4
 @travieso429: whoosh?
  • 15 0
 Needs a Boone crankset.
  • 3 1
 @rtclark: over somebody’s that’s for sure
  • 14 0
 Come’s with all the Big Shiny Tunes compilation CD’s. \m/
  • 17 1
 @camcoz69: The suspension design looks like an old Marin (like the Quake), except somehow less refined looking.
  • 4 1
 @camcoz69: If that isn't comment gold in the next podcast, then @mikelevy isn't doing his job.
  • 1 3
 Your mom's house
  • 1 0
 @fantaman:
  • 1 1
 @camcoz69: Nonsense
  • 213 1
 The bar was on the ground and pole brought a shovel
  • 1 0
 lmaooo
  • 146 5
 When you think there can't be any uglier, They prove you wrong
  • 58 1
 Holy shit is that thing ugly. But Pole is behind the curve on making stuff that promotes social distancing
  • 3 1
 Came here to say the same thing @NorCalNomad:
  • 104 0
 That looks like it should have bar ends on it
  • 88 1
 Marin mount vision designers sigh in relief.. wahoo we no longer have the ugliest bike title!
  • 21 0
 Ironically this is literally a revised version of Marins old suspension design.
  • 5 1
 I still like and ride my mount vision.
  • 4 0
 @squarewheel: You're Swiss. You're forgiven
  • 5 0
 @pakleni: we're also guilty for redalp bikes ...so it's understandable
  • 3 0
 @yeti85:
When I'm in the saddle I care more about the function than the form.
  • 57 0
 You can all stop picking on Niner and Knolly now.
  • 4 2
 I might've missed it, but what's the dig on Knolly?
  • 50 18
 @Neechy: they look like truck stop prostitutes.
The curved down tube a Big saggy pregnant beer belly and the linkage upon linkage the meth teeth.
  • 4 1
 @Neechy: nothing from me, had one and loved it, great bike, but the masses rip the shit outta them.
  • 4 1
 @Neechy: Their seat tubes are way too straight
  • 18 71
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 3:35) (Below Threshold)
 @englertracing: This comment is horribly misogynistic. Please think about what you're saying. And don't say it's a joke, etc. It's no excuse.
  • 29 13
 @getonyourbike: are you worried about offending truck stop prostitutes? #toowoke
  • 21 3
 @getonyourbike: and your comment is rather sexist - why do truck stop prostitutes have to be female?
  • 6 26
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 11:13) (Below Threshold)
 @Heidesandnorth: *exasperated sigh* At least try to use your brain. Name another sex that can become pregnant. I am aware that the trans community exists, and respect that.

EDIT- Comical gotcha attempt? I don't know.
  • 64 20
 Amazing how many people are fashion divas on this page... oooh its ugly wah wah. Yet so many moan about nothing changing and everything looking like everything else. Reactions like this page will put companies off from innovating.

Lets get some perspective people... we all look like total idiots to the general public in our enduro fox tld evoc gear and silly bouncy bikes. .. don't for second think we look slightly cool to anyone but the "bros", so don't get so caught up on perceived looks. We all look like jokers to start with.

I kinda like it.. limited chain slap. loads of clearance for any size front chain ring, opened up BB area so smidgen easier to clean. Deffo some advantages to this design. Different is good in a lazy industry which has lost some of the old school experimentation that was fun and drove change, and where a new model = 1deg slacker and a new paint job. Let's see how it rides from the reviews.
  • 6 2
 FWIW, 7Mesh makes some stuff so you don’t look like a sponsored racer, wannabe, or IG shill. Good designs, subtle, contemporary colors... I’m surprised people still buy stuff with big logos - so gauche.
  • 2 0
 Yeah fair point. Maybe I was a bit quick to judge.
  • 1 0
 People on PB always seem to hone in on the most minor issues lol. Can't tell if everyone really feels this way or it's more
  • 1 0
 Dam, burned
  • 3 1
 I have to agree with you there. That being said, I'm someone who doesn't like YT or even Santa Cruz as much, purely because they are mainstream "bro brands," and care much more about function over fashion. (Probably going to get downvotes for dissing SC but before you do, consider what I said. The Nomad is referred to as a Bromad for a reason)
  • 46 0
 I looked at the date of this article 3 times just to check...
  • 45 6
 1.8 steerers can f*ck off. And keeping the 15mm axle standard is dumb as well when 20mm and 1.5 straight steerers did it better a decade ago
  • 27 3
 I'm all for 1.8. Backwards compatible, might solve part of the creaky crown epidemic (stanchions still a problem), and 1.5 straight limited stem lengths. Could also have more angleset and reach adjust options.

When new standards are backwards compatible, they're fine.

But I still think anything over 160mm should be dual crown due to creaking issues.
  • 4 0
 I thought 1.8" steerer would be a good time to make the bearings bigger also. Not sure if that's happening or not. Think it'd be a good idea.
  • 7 0
 @mdinger: nah. Bearings will be smaller IMO.
  • 4 0
 @Afterschoolsports: It's Mtn Biking after all.
  • 5 1
 Lack of turning radius on a dual crown is overstated in my opinion. Can manage just fine with my 37mm stanchions climbing tight switchbacks, it’s just the 63* head angle and slack seat angle that get me.
  • 1 1
 @JustinVP: I will deal with the creaking(if it arises. only had 1 of maybe 6 long travel forks ever creak, and then it was very intermittent) before I deal with getting off my bike because of an uphill switch back....45 times per f*cking ride. lol
  • 2 0
 @gticket: agreed. I run dual crowns on my long travel trail bike, I have absolutely zero issues. I have at least the same turning angle, as my friend has on his slash with knock block. Slow super technical stuff the turning circle would be an issue, but my trails aren’t like that. I really did try to like the 38 that came on it but it started creaking after 100km. Dorado went on whilst the 38 was being warrantied. Second 38 started creaking after 60km. The third was sold the moment I received it. The fork action felt ok but when spoiled by a dorado, it was like riding a stack of old newspapers.
  • 4 0
 @gticket: I agree. Watch the old Kranked and NSX movies where they're riding the jankiest Shore on dual crown forks.
Specialized Enduro team messed up by not running DH38 fork for their races.
FCs are so long now that knee contact on upper stanchion shouldn't be an issue.
Really want to mount a DH38 m.1 or Nero R to my G16 29er to see how it is. Really not digging the 36 170mm up front now
  • 4 0
 @gonecoastal: It’s just a little “out there” for mass appeal, but it’s amazing having no speed limit other than what your arms can handle. With many DC being travel adjustable, you should do it! I’m on a Canfield the one.2 and it feels like it rides on rails. 36mm DC not 37mm fyi
  • 32 1
 You guys are hard to please. I think apart from the frame this looks pretty good.
  • 26 0
 I'm really Balfa'd by this design.
  • 9 0
 No, Balfa's were gorgeous in their own overbuilt way (I even bought one and modernised it a few years ago).

I have loved all the Pole bikes to have come out (inc. the machine) but this one is hideous.
  • 3 0
 @MrZ32: I think that you and I have similar opinions on bikes, I have been (ahem) pro Pole since they came out, I thought that The Machine was one of the most beautiful frames ever made. I was very bummed that they discontinued it. I would not be surprised if that thing rode amazing but it really does need one of Commencal's prototype covers that they use.
  • 1 1
 @Vudu74: yeah.. I'm also a big commencal fan.. sounds like we have very similar tastes. Haha
  • 23 2
 Four independent links with little connection between left and right, that's not something you want to start a design with. If that rear end isn't wiggly, congratulations. You have achieved the impossible.
  • 4 0
 They oversized the links, so problem solved.
  • 5 0
 @stratosfear: Yeah I saw that, but still. The left and right links should always be solidly connected. This just reminds me of the shit bike I had back in the day. Not saying it can't be done, like I said, congratulations to them if it's decent.
  • 3 0
 @DavidGuerra: Sorry I should have added a /s to the end of my comment.
  • 3 1
 @stratosfear: I had to Google /s
Sarcasm...
Good
I wonder if Leo can ride?
And if he can I wonder if he is a good test rider... or if he could be overcome by the smell of his own farts?
  • 6 0
 @englertracing: I met the guy in Finale Ligure a few years ago, he definitely is a decent rider.

How objective he is when his own creations are concerned might be another matter, though.
  • 4 2
 @englertracing: He's fast. Not pro level, but way faster than your average pb commenter. www.rootsandrain.com/rider19931/leo-kokkonen/results
  • 18 3
 Lets take a poll:

1. Good looking bike, average performance
2. Terrible looking bike, +10 horsepower, wins races because of its technology/geo/specs

Which one would you choose?

I think Id still choose #1 haha
  • 17 3
 Honestly, I think I would take the shitty looking bike. To me? It looks quite cool, industrial, even.
  • 4 2
 This is pike we’re talking about. It’s going to be ugly, ride like shit and need disassembling to fit in your vehicle for the ride home.
  • 4 0
 @thenotoriousmic: you know they also makes bike racks nowadays that this bike still won't fit in.
  • 6 1
 @Jaib06: Except you wouldn’t, otherwise you’d be riding own of those NAILD R3ACT bikes by Marin or Polygon, which no one is riding, and which work way better than this Pole probably will.
  • 3 1
 How about a terrible looking bike that flexes and is likely to break while costing a ton?
You wanna ride that?
  • 3 0
 @SlodownU: the REACT bike did work amazingly. The looks definitely slowed down the "I have to get one of these" momentum.

Truth is your going to need a bike that looks good AND functions good to make it viable.
  • 3 0
 @SlodownU: I waited ages on one to come in my size, constantly being told it was going to be in the next container. Only to be finally told that it was discontinued. I’m still gutted about it. My mate has one and it is no exaggeration, the best bike I’ve ridden by a long margin. The climbs are better than neuron and descending is better than my torque. It doesn’t pop off jumps like either of those bikes at first, but my mate has zero issues after he adapted.
  • 18 1
 No matter how well it rides.... just yikes
  • 18 4
 1993 called, they want their frame back. Man that is UGLY, none of their frames are much to look at but this takes it to a who new level of UGLY, damn
  • 15 3
 The looks are a matter of personal taste,, but the level of commenting here is truly disappointing. The little engineer in me appreciates the design quite a bit.

For reference, let's play a game and start with a list of design criteria:

-Top-notch suspension kinematics and behavior (yet to be verified in this case, though).
-Competitive geometry.
-Clerance for a meaty rear 29" tire.
-Leaving the BB area free of pivots for mounting a motor or putting an "acoustic drivetrain" in there.
-Room or two bottles inside the front triangle. Personally, I can't care less about this, but seems to be an important factor for a lot of people.
-Should not weigh a metric ton.

Please submit your sketches, or even better rideable bikes. There seems to be no lack of volunteers to provide critique based on just a couple of photos.
  • 3 0
 Fair point. I admit being one of those quick to judge, but I agree that it's easy to criticise and difficult to create.
  • 5 4
 none of what you reference is difficult to design or engineer...making all of those also look good is the hard part..and what was failed on this frame.
  • 4 3
 @radrider: I wholeheartedly disagree here. Proof isn't hard to come by just by looking at some widely used suspension designs, even quite recent ones.
  • 3 0
 @jukka4130: Actually, I cannot think of even one suspension design currently in use, from linkage-driven single pivots through Horst link to VPP, where there aren’t many examples out there, that work really really well.

And I honestly don’t see why the design from Pole should be better than any of those in any of the aspects you mentioned.
  • 2 0
 So similar to any other modern enduro bike?
  • 1 1
 @FuzzyL: True when it comes to kinematics and function, but the packaging is one of the key factors here. How many of the designs listed have a pivot near the BB area which makes motor mounting impossible or at least tricky? Issues like thet aren't present in this design, thus making it highly adaptable.
  • 2 0
 @jukka4130: Leo, is that you???? That thing is ugly as hell - and a good engineer sometimes needs a good designer to not shell out stuff that hurts the eye. After all, an MTB is a life-style product…
  • 1 1
 @Heidesandnorth: ...and a product of high performance as well.
  • 2 0
 @jukka4130: Well, I‘ve tried a few eBikes (I wouldn’t buy one, but I was kind of tired of people telling me that I can’t argue against something I haven’t tried). The one working best by far was the Turbo Kenevo, and I think you can’t get the pivot much closer to the BB than in a classic Specialized design. And the eBike’s suspension performance didn’t seem compromised by that at all. So, I think that’s a none issue.
  • 1 1
 Dude, none of the criteria you mentioned are anything special on a modern enduro bike. Those are literally basic requirements. There is a huge choice of really well engineered and well working bikes on the market that also look better and have been proven to not break easily as well as have good customer service if they do.

There is nothing "innovative" about this bike. Genuine innovation should do at least one of these:
- solve an existing problem
- introduce a new functionality
- perform an existing functionality noticeably better
- simplify the design
- make the bike lighter
- make the bike stronger
- make the bike cheaper or easier to produce

Being different for the sake of being different is not innovation. This bike uses a decades-old suspension system, most likely geometry that you can get on a lot of other bikes, nothing indicates it should be lighter, it sure won't be cheaper, their chosen production method has been proven incompatible with their quality control (frames splitting in half) and nothing on this frame is simplified compared to the competition.

Where is the innovation again?

And yes, it is uber ugly, which does matter for consumers. You're kidding yourself if you think it doesn't. People didn't want the R3ACT bikes despite genuinely superior performance and an actually innovative suspension system (which the Pole doesn't have). People still laugh at the Multipla even though for the intended use that car was fantastically practical.


TL;DR: imagine I'm in the market for a long travel "climbable DH bike" like this and you're a Pole sales guy. Give me a single good reason not to buy a Canfield One.
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: Have I used the word innovative here? Not that I am aware of. But when you said it, the design does quality as innovative in my opinion. Since you listed the criteria for innovation, here's something for starters.

- introduce a new functionality -> The kinematics can turn out to be something very interesting.
- perform an existing functionality noticeably better -> Same as above.
- simplify the design –> Yes, in a certain way.
- make the bike cheaper or easier to produce -> Very likely.

Decades-old suspension system? Where did that come from? Could you point one example that is even closely similar?

When it comes to R3ACT suspension, as far as I've understood opinions on its performance were and are still somewhat polarizing.
  • 20 4
 wow looks like shit
  • 14 0
 Honestly at this point I'll just put a dropper on the Tues an call it a day.
  • 5 0
 I wish more dh bikes had internal dropper routing, oh and space for a bottle.
  • 1 0
 Seriously! 190mm is just crazy!
  • 5 0
 @Afterschoolsports: I was legitimately considering a Canfield One.2 for exactly this reason. I think a DH bike with a reasonable seat tube angle and dropper routing is super cool.
  • 1 0
 @BlackVR: I’ve been eyeing that one off. It’s a bit small for me but if they ever bring out a bigger size I’ll jump on it. I think the banshee legend can run a dropper too. That’s a lot closer to my size but sta isn’t as nice as the Canfield iirc.
  • 10 0
 Yeah, I like single crown forks in the 150-160ish range, but when you start getting in this range, with big wheels (long axle to crown), a DC makes a lot more structural sense. You have to add all kinds of reinforcement to the crowns/steerer/headtube to deal with these massive fore-aft forces and a DC fork remains much stiffer. Stiffer fore-aft means less bending and binding which means better bump absorption and tracking, not to mention the torsional stiffness is dramatically better. Just the fact that the current SC forks keep creaking at the crowns is all the evidence you need of how ridiculously stupid this all is. Just put a Fox 40 or Boxxer on it and call it good. Also, because of the highly reinforced crown, the SC version ends up taller than the DC version, so you get the worst of both worlds with SC, flexier, and higher ride height for the same travel. This wasn't an issue back in the day when we started riding the "AM bikes", but it's gradually evolved to stupidity at this point.
  • 14 0
 Pass the eye bleach
  • 2 0
 Double hinge
  • 12 0
 Looks like a grasshopper.
  • 12 0
 Needs a Trust fork.
  • 6 0
 It looks like they took a bunch of identifying features of bikes and then mangled them into one wacky ass chimera abomination. There's the RM slayer's bit that braces the top and down tube, the oversized headtube from Guerilla Gravity (with absolutely none of the function), the weird yolk type shock mount used by specialized and YT (among others), and the chain stay delete that Orange has been doing for years. Can't wait to see in what way this one manages to break...
  • 6 0
 I applaud them for trying something new and different, but that thing is HORRIBLE looking!! I actually think the Stamina series bikes are awesome looking, and I like that they're making their bikes in metal still, but I can't look at these pictures without a little bit of vomit coming up!
  • 6 0
 The colour is rad. I like it in a twisted kind of way and I would love a few hours of riding before making any king of unqualified judgment.
One thing though, I don’t think it needs 2 Pole logos’s on each side, in the same way VW transporters do not need massive VW badges on the rear panels and the word transporter down the sills.
  • 5 0
 So I'm a huge dork and recreated this with Lego pivots and rods to verify. The wheel path does not resemble a high pivot at all as it has no rearward travel. It moves up and then in very similarly to a low single pivot. The rearmost link would have to pivot clockwise or the seatstay would have to pivot clockwise to give the tire rearward travel. Neither of those things are happening here because the forward link only moves forward on an arc, not downward enough or backwards.
  • 3 0
 I mispoke. The rearmost link would have to pivot counterclockwise to generate a rearward axle path. The seatstay would still have to pivot clockwise.
  • 1 0
 @Warburrito: post a pic? i also am a dork that likes to recreate frames with Lego so I understand how they work!
  • 7 0
 i like the look of the machine and stamina but this is not really what i expected from Pole
  • 4 0
 This bike better work something special. Proving us wrong on the trail is the only way forward for these guys. We've come to love and respect uglier bikes that rode really well. They say victory is the best deodorant.
  • 6 2
 Front triangle looks legit.....but what happened to the back? This thing needs to pour me a few drinks before I wanna take it for a ride.
  • 5 0
 Pole has always been a few years ahead of the rest of the MTB world. They were impossible to get way back in 2019!
  • 7 1
 What on Gods green earth is that?
  • 3 1
 Shit.
  • 6 0
 Ooo an updated Marin quake
  • 5 0
 80 degree seat tube angle is super steep. Knees might feel far in front of the pedals.
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: uhh let's keep this about how ugly the bike is
80* seat angles are ok
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: uglier than the redalp
  • 9 5
 The frame is like a girl that have spent a lot of time on make up, clothing picks but had to pick shoes in last minute. Rear end of this bike is so ugly.
  • 5 20
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 3:34) (Below Threshold)
 This comment and the reply are horribly misogynistic. Please think about what you're saying. And don't say it's a joke, etc. It's no excuse.
  • 5 4
 @getonyourbike: This comment and the reply are horribly misogynistic. Please think about what you're saying. And don't say it's a joke, etc. It's no excuse.
  • 2 1
 @getonyourbike: Why is it bad to hate women? I mean, it is a free world after all!
Me, I hate people - rocks are ok…
  • 1 0
 @Heidesandnorth: today i was thinking to myself : is it ok to hate women if you hate people in general ? is it ok to hate men women and diverse for different reasons ?

i dont know, but i got vaccinated today and there were people fighting about whos first - i am pretty sure i like rocks more than people.
  • 5 1
 Looks like a @Trek Session...errr... I mean a Trek VRX 400.

www.bicyclebluebook.com/marketplace/buy-now/2000-trek-vrx-400-17479
  • 3 0
 That was my first full suspension bike, in 1999... It was pretty sweet in it's day. It had adjustable rear travel 3.5"-4" -4.5" ( I think ). Looks like a Walmart bike today though haha!
  • 2 0
 @Bushmaster123: I had the VRX 200 and it was my pride and joy. A good friend of mine still has it today, but you're right, it does look like a Pole... I mean Walmart bike.lol
  • 1 0
 @jovesaxa: I actually had the 300, green frame, yellow RS Judy fork, the swingarm had a dark grey matte finish. Looked pretty cool! Tires had paper thin sidewalls. I got really good at patching tubes trailside, almost every ride ha!
  • 1 0
 Haven't though about rapidfire shifters (specced on BBB) in years, but I miss them. Had them on a Diamondback and loved them.
  • 2 0
 Honestly, I don't think the e-bike looks that bad (maybe the larger down tube makes that oval seatstay less obvious), but I cannot say the same about the 'regular' one. The completely un-braced links seem like a pretty glaring design flaw too, especially when considering how fast these are meant to go.
  • 3 0
 How did they manage to combine beautiful Mondraker/ Rocky Mountain front with beautiful Orange rear triangle and get this ugly bike?
  • 10 4
 Cracking design.
  • 18 3
 In all seriousness, after my experience with Pole in 19/20 (Stamina 180) you would have to be mad to buy a bike off this company.
I find it odd they are still in business after the poor quality of product and the even worse customer service. Do yourself a favour and avoid Pole like the pandemic.
  • 3 2
 @6foot5aussie: can you elaborate? Would love to know issues you’ve had cause besides the two ugly ugly UGGLLLY bikes in this article I’ve always really liked the look of pole bikes
  • 4 0
 @MillerReid: Frame separated in half after 311km of riding. INstead of sending me a replacement frame I was quizzed to make me feel like it was my fault. Then ignored for 6 months until I sought legal help to obtain a refund. They then refunded the cost of the frame MINUS the cost of shock, headset etc (Which they had possession of). Had to ask for them to send those items to me so I could sell them and recoup some of my loss. Worst experience with any purchase ever.
  • 1 0
 @6foot5aussie: wow! That’s super super shitty and changes how I feel about them 100%.
  • 5 1
 Hey mum can we get Marin quake No, we have Marin quake at home Marin quake at home...
  • 6 4
 Bet this sled is a speed goat on steroids! Only wish I could get the chance to test ride a Pole... Appreciate all the creativity, innovation and forward thinking of Leo and his team.
  • 4 1
 Seems like most are bitchin about how it looks. But, if it performed a lot better than your current bike, would you consider it?
  • 4 4
 @thebradjohns: and if it performed worse?
Flexy, breaky...
  • 4 0
 Well, that’s kind of the point here, isn’t it?

If you are to come up with a solution, that differs from the ones that are out there already, and a lot of which work really well, than you need a reason, especially at the price point at which Pole are selling their aluminum frames.

In the past, the different manufacturing process and the look that went with it were enough for some customers. Or the radical geometry figures.

But I doubt many people are going to buy this for it’s look, and Pole’s geometry isn’t as unusual anymore, there are other ultra long options out there. And even if someone is convinced by the 1.5” head tube approach, that will not justify buying a frame. At this point I think this will be a hard sell.
  • 6 1
 Orange you glad you didn't buy a Pole?
  • 2 0
 I have nothing against Pole, per se. But that is the ugliest suspension linkage I can recall ever seeing. A shame, because the front triangle isn't the worst looking thing, IMO.
  • 4 0
 Yep looks a bit orangy. If it performs then that's what counts. Function over form
  • 5 4
 This is just hilarious! Based on all wife beater outfits seen on bike parks I should have figured out long time ago that MTB is so much if not most about looks! All this bitching about the looks of the bike makes me actually to consider to buy that particular bike as a statement and if the bike is as fast as the e-bike prototype seemed to be, for performance too Big Grin .
  • 2 1
 Pinkbikers are all about fashion. They can't recognize innovation, thinking outside of the box when it's under their nose. Without a Pole or any other outliers, you would still a 71 and a 120mm stem. There is nothing cool about wearing the latest trendy kit and riding the same latest big brand carbon Enduro as your fat neighbor.
  • 3 0
 “You’re one ugly moth*#%*#*er” rings in my head now when looking at this bike.
  • 3 0
 Wow. This is one of those few times when it looks like a duck but isn't one.
  • 5 1
 Leo bringing ugly back for 2021! First prize at the dog show for sure..
  • 5 1
 Wow it’s ugly. Looks like a prototype for the year 2000
  • 4 1
 New just in, josh bender slapped a monster t on this thing, and sent it to flat. The flat won.
  • 3 0
 Do they just pick up a bunch of tubes and throw them in a pile and say "weld them together like that"?
  • 6 3
 This bike should come with a paper bag cover so when you're not riding it, you don't have to look at it.
  • 3 5
 "Ride it in the dark they all feel the same"
"Put a paper bag on its head"
  • 4 18
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 3:33) (Below Threshold)
 This comment and the reply are horribly misogynistic and rapey. Please think about what you're saying. And don't say it's a joke, etc. It's no excuse.
  • 4 2
 @getonyourbike: are you friends with mtbscotland per chance?
  • 2 11
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 6:16) (Below Threshold)
 @timbud: Because we both live in Scotland and have respect for other people? No, but I'm alright with this. Go us, @mtbscotland
  • 1 3
 @getonyourbike: misogynistic yes.
Rape, no
  • 3 10
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 10:15) (Below Threshold)
 @englertracing: "Behaviors commonly associated with rape culture include victim-blaming, slut-shaming, sexual objectification, trivializing rape, denial of widespread rape, refusing to acknowledge the harm caused by sexual violence, or some combination of these."

Kinda the definition. When you're describing a woman as 'it', it's most definitely objectification that reduces a woman to sexual pleasure and no more.

Quite frankly, I couldn't give a shit if people don't like me saying it. It's a problem and it's rearing its ugly head here. It's repulsive and I know it wouldn't make me feel welcome and safe if I was a woman.
  • 4 4
 @getonyourbike:
Or alternately me describing a bike as an "it" has you one triggered little SJW
  • 3 11
flag getonyourbike FL (May 31, 2021 at 10:28) (Below Threshold)
 @englertracing: Phrases used when talking about having sex with an unattractive woman. You know full well that's a straw man argument.

Using social justice warrior as an insult is interesting (bullshit). Trying for a world where people treat each other nicer is a bad thing? Alternatively, not working towards that is people being selfish.
  • 6 2
 @englertracing: Dude, you posted like 10+ replies on this article all with the same content. Maybe you're not the one to throw the term "triggered" around. Glass houses and all that.
  • 3 2
 @Rusettipasta: just having a bit of fun Wink
  • 2 5
 @englertracing: You and most of the folks dishing out props are reprehensible arseholes.
  • 1 1
 @getonyourbike:
You’re not really coming across all that well yourself perched all the way up there on that high horse Rolleyes
  • 4 0
 Wouldn't mind giving this a crack
  • 3 0
 I wouldn't touch that with a six and a half foot pole... Oh wait, err nevermind.
  • 1 0
 Sucker almost looks like an e-bike but with the battery in the swing arm/seat stay as opposed to the downtube. Haha
I bet it rips tho! I bet the swing arm design helps mitigate chain slap though.
  • 1 0
 Always liked the brand pole and how they look. But nah hell no that’s some ugly bikes right there! Took a page out of orange book on creating ugliest bikes on the planet. Let’s uh keep these as prototypes eh
  • 3 0
 Oh, please, can someone save that beautifull ZEB fork, they are too preety for that ugly frame. RS do something.....
  • 2 0
 High pivot without an idler. No room for chain growth. That rear end is gonna feel terrible wouldn't it? I dunno I'm not an engineer but that doesn't make sense to me.
  • 1 0
 Its the opposite of a high pivot...it only moves the wheel forward
  • 2 0
 @Warburrito: weird!! New trend is a rearward axle path, not forward
  • 2 0
 The front end is a flowing organic design but the rear looks like its made out of wood and had no artistic thought put into it at all..So much for consistency in design.
  • 4 1
 Every time I think they can’t make an uglier bike...
  • 1 0
 With the “unique” seatstays and the weird brace near the head tube, my brain keeps telling me it’s a giant gold grasshopper.
  • 3 0
 that seatpost angle....just make it 90 degrees already
  • 3 1
 What a horrible design.
That 1.8" thing is not even a standard and it already has bored me enough.
  • 2 1
 Wow. When the one covered in mud actually looks better than the cover shoot... it had a baby with an Orange, and that thing is hideous. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I like how 9 out of 10 pictures the thing is obscured by mud.
  • 3 1
 Reminds me of a gold painted Mountain Cycle San Andreas.

ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb6479874/p5pb6479874.jpg
  • 1 0
 Come on now. the San Andreas was beautiful. The Pole on the other hand...
  • 4 2
 They truly are genius, I don't know many brands that can fuck up the looks of every bike they release
  • 3 0
 Something about this looks like a mid 2000's freeride rig
  • 2 1
 The good news is Polygon no longer holds the title for ugliest bike. I for one would have my face blurred in every photo with that abomination... Yuck!
  • 3 0
 This bike is giving me Redalp vibes, seriously ugly looking!
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: uglier than the redalp
  • 4 1
 Makes me nauseous to even look at.
  • 1 3
 Then simply don't look at it.
  • 2 0
 As a positive side effect, there will be no supply shortage on these bikes as soon as they are available.
  • 2 0
 The spotted headline seems a bit overstated when the ceo posts it on social media and has a chat with you
  • 2 0
 Thank goodness it's a prototype. They can still fix the most obvious and extremely visible flaw before its final release...
  • 4 0
 Breaking news.
  • 2 0
 Reminds me of the old Cannondale Gemini... which, is probably not a good thing.
  • 2 1
 CEO of Pole bikes must fire the whole design team. Even if it’s a great bike to ride everyone cares about looks. And those who say they don’t, actually care more!
  • 3 0
 You know that the CEO is the lead designer?
  • 1 0
 @T1kkaaja: The fact remains Leo should probably fire himself and become a hands-off board member or something. He is his company's worst enemy.
  • 2 0
 I think it looks great. More bike than I need for sure but can hardly wait to read some reviews.
  • 2 0
 naaah one's you pass the shock and awful and look at it with open mind and kinetic principle it not that ugly
  • 2 0
 yeah, a bit odd but I like it. alot more than what Spesh was selling a few years ago
  • 4 0
 I need a pole-filter pls
  • 2 0
 they were so concerned if they could do it, they didnt stop to think about if they should.
  • 2 0
 Who approved this dog shit lol
  • 3 0
 Le Woof.
  • 3 1
 That is ugly as sin, sorry pole
  • 1 1
 Ugly as a Pole cat
  • 2 0
 Not sure if it is fast but it's a bloody ugly bike for sure.
  • 2 1
 ok with all the negative talk about Marin, and Niner ugly looks, com'on with the fugly comments!
  • 5 2
 Ugly as hell
  • 3 1
 If it ain't ugly enough for you, there's a golden anodized option
  • 3 1
 2003 called. They want their rear suspension back...
  • 4 2
 Wouldn't touch that with a ten foot....
  • 3 1
 Since you totally need 190mm.
  • 1 0
 There was too much minttu vodka after heatstroke in sauna... Smile ))
Biig cheeeers Leo!!!! This is the way!!!
  • 2 2
 Yes, one of the most beautiful bikes out there.
  • 2 0
 Front end is gorgeous. Rear end.. holy shit Leo, do something about it!!
  • 2 0
 @stumpe90 The back end of this thing gives a whole new meaning the the term "Butt Ugly" doesn't it?
  • 2 4
 But who cares if it rides well? Although I haven't tested it, but I'd ride the ugliest bike in the world if it was the best performing and this one doesn't even look that bad, people just seem to automatically get disgusted if they see something remotely different from what has been in use for 20 years.
  • 2 0
 @THJS: "I'd ride the ugliest bike in the world if it was the best performing"

No, you wouldn't. As another commenter said, if that's the case why are you not on one of those R3ACT bikes from Marin or Polygon? By all accounts they literally outperformed everything else available. But they were damn ugly so no one bought them.

It's all fine saying on the Internet how we all put performance before looks, but when it comes to actually spending money, the truth is we consider both at least equally. And there's nothing wrong with that either. We do it with cars, home appliances etc. so why not bikes?
  • 2 0
 Did I read high bottom bracket as a key feature. Face/palm!
  • 1 3
 You can facepalm as much as you want but clearly you don't know what you're talking about
  • 2 0
 Maybe they get their inspiration from a game of pick up sticks.
  • 3 1
 Holy shit that is one butt ugly bike right there
  • 2 0
 Who's down to ride a 190mm pole?
  • 1 0
 190mm........ When will the torture stop?
  • 1 0
 Want to make your Orange 5 look gorgeous... set it next to this monstrosity.
  • 3 1
 pole, please put a dual crown on it.
  • 3 1
 My Pole is longer that yours
  • 2 1
 Wow! The normal bike looks even worst than the ebike! That’s very very ugly!
  • 2 0
 Shit's getting weird again.
  • 1 0
 I knew my pole machine was ugly. Now when I see a photo of it.... Ouch... I'm sorry ladies.
  • 2 0
 This bike just make Polygon Xquarone look far more good looking.
  • 3 0
 FUGLY - but I'd ride it
  • 2 0
 My eyes! AAAGHHH! They are on fire! So horrible!!
  • 1 0
 Hasn´t this design been proven wrong already in ancient biketimes?
Or egalises the motor the disadvantages?
  • 1 0
 REDALP's lawyers are on the phone. They sent a cease and desist letter for stealing their 'essence'.
  • 1 0
 Pole Abomination? Pole Blasphemy? No, it's the....Pole Synkkä Munkki! At least according to Google Translate.
  • 1 0
 Or even the Pole Synkkä donitsi....

Need some natives here.
  • 2 2
 @knutspeed: Accurate translation, but the bike looks sick.
  • 2 1
 I dont care to read the article or pay attention to its positives, it looks like poo
  • 1 0
 Hope that rear end looks better in person!
  • 2 0
 Front end isn’t much better
  • 2 0
 uggo
  • 1 0
 the suspension design screams for an idler pulley
  • 2 0
 @thebradjohns: screams "kill me, please kill me"
  • 1 2
 It's not a high-pivot.
  • 4 2
 Dis. Gus. Ting.
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't touch it with a 39 and a half foot ...... POLE
  • 1 0
 room for a water bottle or 3
  • 4 2
 Dog shit...
  • 2 1
 Ugly now. Retro cool in 25
  • 4 2
 Looks ground BREAKING.
  • 2 1
 Sure I saw Rob Warner and Steve Peat racing one of these back in the 90s!
  • 2 0
 Orange Evolink
  • 2 1
 Just when they couldn't be more dogsh*t. This comes out

Blarf
  • 2 1
 What in the MS Paint is going on with that swingarm?
  • 1 0
 Must have looked really cool on paper
  • 2 1
 You say high BB? Take my money, I don't care what it looks like!
  • 1 3
 I know right? I've never strongly believed in the "low BB" marketing, yes, it does make the bike more stable in a way, but especially on a longer bike the negatives outweigh the positives.
  • 1 1
 Im sure it rips. But man that thing is hideous. And I love their other bikes.
  • 1 0
 This is probably a watershed bike for the future generation of MTBs?
  • 2 0
 Looks like an Orange
  • 1 0
 A case of not looking at the mantle piece while poking the fire
  • 2 0
 Aaggghh, my eyes!
  • 1 0
 At first glance, that is an ugly bike. But you never know until you try.
  • 1 0
 KHS Fetish DH Re Visited 2021 Yup
  • 4 3
 I don’t know wtf you guys are talking about, that bike is sexxy
  • 2 3
 Yeah! I think so too, looks awesome. It's just that these commenters are afraid of new things and if others hate it, they must hate it too so they don't accidentally stand out from the crowd..
  • 1 0
 They've gone from absolutely stunning to abhorrent
  • 1 0
 well that is one fugly bike, hope they didn't pay the designer...
  • 1 0
 Apparently everyone is afraid of dual crown forks
  • 2 4
 I thought this thing was an ebike. Than I realized there was not motor. It was just fat at bottom of frame for no purpose. Have you ever heard of a polish scientist, you haven’t - well me either.
  • 4 0
 Really?! So you’ve never even heard of Marie Curie, one of the best known scientists of the modern era and the first women to win a Nobel Prize? Huh...

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Curie
  • 1 0
 They got sent the wrong bike by mistake.
  • 1 0
 The frame looks like a futuristic rifle from a bad 80's SciFi movie.
  • 1 0
 hands down the ugliest bike ive ever seen
  • 2 1
 This might be one of those bikes that looks better in person
  • 1 0
 Reminds me Fiat Multipla... Ugly it is
  • 1 0
 That’s exactly what I am doing. Really stupendous advice.
  • 1 0
 For someone reason it makes me think of a Praying Mantis.
  • 1 0
 Reminds me of a Foes Weasel
  • 1 0
 Damn, not even Leo’s mom would ride that Pole.
  • 1 0
 And the FUgly bike of the year award goes to....
  • 1 0
 pole, this is why dual crown forks exist
  • 1 0
 This thing looks like it was drawn in MS paint......
  • 1 0
 That’s one of the ugliest bikes I’ve seen since the 90’s
  • 1 0
 Kirk Precision goes full suspension! yupieSmile
  • 1 0
 Wouldn't touch that ugly pig with a 10' pole
  • 1 0
 What shock is that?
  • 1 0
 Might be DBair IL

canecreek.com/product/dbair-il
  • 2 1
 Long travel = awesome!
  • 1 2
 not only did I throw up in my mouth a little bit, I projectile vomitted like the exorcist
  • 1 0
 that's ugly.
  • 1 0
 Yikes.
  • 1 1
 Leo Getz....Any ugly design submitted by his designers....Leo gets!
  • 2 1
 Pole.....huh huh huh huh
  • 1 0
 Why even?
  • 2 1
 That bike prolly rips
  • 1 0
 As in rips apart in two halves like a lot of the previous ones did? Wink
  • 1 1
 Eye bleach, Eye bleach Get your Eye bleach.
  • 1 0
 ew.
  • 2 2
 ....fun to ride but you don't want to be seen on it
  • 1 0
 sure something else
  • 2 1
 Looks like a Honda
  • 1 0
  nuff said.
  • 2 0
 Bugger, the vomit emoji didnt work. And the stupid offset of the fork makes it look like the stanchions were installed into the lower crown by the same people who build department store bikes up for sale, everything goes on backwards.
  • 1 1
 Riding a 190mm pole must be quite enjoyable...
  • 1 0
 "spotted"
  • 1 0
 poor wretch
  • 1 0
 NSMB approved sleuthing
  • 1 0
 Is it a crack or dirt?
  • 1 0
 Looks fugly
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