When it comes to new products for the 2014 model year, there seems to be no way around the third 27.5-inch wheel size. BiXS is also going down this route and for the coming year, it is setting up the "Sauvage" model series with 150 millimeters of travel, "Chamois" with 120 millimeters and almost all "Mariposa" women's models on this third wheel size. The medium-sized wheels are predestined for smaller riders in particular, as it is easier to find an efficient, ergonomic riding position than with the twentyniners, as BiXS explains.

The "Pace" and "Sign" series, on the other hand, rely on the advantages of 29-inch wheels. As with the all-mountain and women's models, the in-house "D.R.T kinematics" are also used on the rear triangle. The in-house developed "Direct Response Tec" suspension offers a number of advantages. It is said to deliver low weight with high rigidity and is also reliable and low-maintenance. Negative suspension influences should be virtually eliminated.

The BiXS fullys are all equipped with direct mount front derailleurs and post mount brake mounts integrated into the chainstays. This avoids unnecessary adapters. To achieve a tidy look, the gear cables are concealed inside the frame. The same applies to the cable that rides from the handlebar remote to the dropper post. For the rear derailleur, BiXS relies on the new direct mount developed by Shimano, which enables an even smoother shifting process and makes changing the rear wheel significantly easier.

The "Pace Team" rolls on 29-inch wheels and is consistently designed to meet the needs of racing. This starts with the lightweight, stiff carbon frame
with tidy cable routing, tapered head tube and thru-axle. The asymmetrical chainstays are made from a single piece for even more stiffness. The "D.R.T" kinematics of the rear triangle provides 100 millimetres of firm suspension travel. The "X313 Carbon" rear shock and the "XMM 29" Twin Shot carbon suspension fork from DT Swiss are used. The latter can be lowered for steep climbs. BiXS also fitted the "Pace Team" with Shimano's XTR groupset, "Spline XR-1501 ONE" wheels from DT Swiss and "WCS" carbon components from Ritchey. The price for the 10.2 kilograms of high-tech is 7,900 Swiss francs.

With 120 and 140 millimetres of suspension travel on the rear and front wheels, the "Sign" models in combination with the 29-inch wheels are ideal companions on long, demanding tours and single trail rides. 30 gears and a Kind Shock "LEV" Vario seatpost ensure that this all-rounder is comfortable on climbs and descents. On the "Sign Rock", a FOX "34 Talas" fork absorbs shocks of up to 140 millimeters. The XT shift and brake group from Shimano and the DT Swiss "Spline M-1700" wheels round off the equipment of this 12.5 kilogram bike, which is available for 6,600 Swiss francs.

The new "Sauvage", with its newly designed frame optimally adapted to 27.5-inch wheels, is said to be light, compact and better. With the "Direct Response Tec" suspension with 150 millimetres of travel, the "Sauvage" is equipped for rough handling. The "Sauvage Climber" is said to weigh just 11.5 kilograms, making it ideal for longer climbs. Suspension elements from Fox that can be locked from the handlebars, Shimano's XTR groupset, DT Swiss "Spline One XM-1501" wheels and Syntace attachments contribute to the low weight of the 7,900 Swiss franc bike.

www.bixs.com