The "Orbit Link" rear triangle was developed by Dave Eagle. An experienced engineer who has already worked for Specialized and Santa Cruz and is also the founder of Praxis Works and Alchemy Bikes. According to Andy Mattmann from Indian Summer (sales), the special thing about this bike is:

"That the pivot point is guided around the bottom bracket. This means that the Sled could also be set up as a single-speed bike. It has a long wheelbase and comes with a shock and fork specially tuned by Swiss suspension tuner Akira, resulting in a bike that is very downhill-oriented."

Equipment

The equipment consists of tried-and-tested and a few unusual parts. The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is familiar. The telescopic seatpost from X-Fusion is a rather rare product, but it does its job perfectly, even in colder temperatures. The 800 millimeter wide handlebar, paired with a 35 millimeter stem, is in line with the current trend, as is the built-in chain guide. Unfortunately, the TRP brakes are not convincing. It requires a lot of finger strength, is difficult to modulate and does not have much braking power. A drop of bitterness on an otherwise harmonious build. The suspension is the Rock Shox Lyrik suspension fork with 170 millimetres of travel and the Monarch RT3 shock.

Processing & details

The frame design is unspectacular, but the proportions are beautifully realized. The welded seams are evidence of expertise, as are the beautifully implemented details such as cable inputs and outputs. The workmanship is of high quality. Only in the rocker area do the cables scuff the paint.

On the flat

The bike is easy to move forward despite its high weight. The central riding position helps. The suspension is very sensitive and efficiently absorbs even the smallest bumps. The Sled manages the balancing act between smoothness and maneuverability very well.

Up the mountain

On the climbs, the high weight is noticeable with a certain inertia. Despite 40 percent sag, the rear suspension only bobs imperceptibly and the DMR is easy to get uphill. The traction on rough single trails uphill is above average.

Downhill

The bike sits firmly on the ground and the rear end absorbs both big and small bumps well. It gives the impression of more than 160 mm travel at the rear. The rear suspension is very sensitive and has a pleasant end progression. Even fast, hard hits are well damped. Thanks to the short stem, the bike is very agile. It invites you to play off-road and corners well. It doesn't bottom out on jumps and the suspension easily absorbs flat landings. The long wheelbase does its bit for smoothness in rough terrain. The extra weight is not noticeable downhill.

Conclusion

The DMR Sled is not an everyday bike and its trump card is a very potent rear triangle. When it comes to bike handling, the motto is "get on and feel good". Unfortunately, it has a little too much flab on its ribs. The brakes show weaknesses and don't match the otherwise harmonious design. The riding position is rather stretched for a size M, but downhill the position is good.

Recommendation

This bike is ideal for anyone who rides mostly with trail support and is looking for a potent downhill bike. 15 kilos is simply a tad too much for long uphills.

Manufacturer/distributor

www.dmrbikes.com / www.indiansummer.ch

Test report published in issue 02/2019 of Ride magazine