Top Picks from Ard Rock 2025: Stunning Bikes, Including Zerode's Buckled Downhill Bike and Manitou-Gamux's Retro-style Trail Bike with a Modern Twist
In the world of mountain biking, the Ard Rock bike festival is a hotspot for showcasing the latest and greatest in bike technology. This year, several standout bikes caught the attention of enthusiasts, including the Gamux Manitou Future FS 11, the Orange Stage 6, and Charlie Hatton's World-Winning Atherton A200.
First, let's take a look at the Gamux Manitou Future FS 11. This frame is CNC'd from 7075 aluminium in just two main parts, with carbon inserts for fine-tuning flex characteristics. The bike's rear fork suspension system is an homage to the 1990s original, with 80mm of travel. The Future FS 11 also features a purple anodised Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive tech to keep mass low and unsprung weight reduced, making it a modern reimagining of an iconic retro mountain bike.
The Gamux Manitou Future FS 11 is not alone in its use of advanced technology. The Orange Stage 6, another bike featured at Ard Rock, boasts an SRAM GX AXS T-Type drivetrain and matching Reverb dropper, powerful Maven brakes, and Continental Kryptotal tyres. The bike also retains Orange's hallmark folded monocoque aluminium construction, handmade in Halifax, and includes a "SAFE" lunch box storage compartment.
At the festival, the Orange Stage 6 was available in a bright lemon-yellow build with SRAM kit, 150mm rear and 160mm front travel, and a Trunnion-mount shock.
Charlie Hatton's World-Winning Atherton A200, another notable bike at the festival, is a handmade bike using custom carbon tubes bonded to titanium lugs. The bike features Dave Weagle's DW6 platform, a custom upper rocker for precise suspension tuning, and an O-Chain decoupler and full MRP chain guide. The Atherton A200 is available in 12 sizes with multiple custom options, making it a versatile choice for riders of all shapes and sizes.
Finally, the Zerode G3 bike, now in its third generation, has already racked up World Cup success. This high-pivot DH bike features 200mm of travel, Fox Factory suspension, and custom Hope bling. The G3's frame is designed for maximum performance, with a focus on weight reduction and power transfer.
The Merida Big 9 10K bike also caught the eye of festival-goers. This maximum-bling XC rig features a purple-to-black fade on its lightest CF5 carbon frame and Shimano's latest XTR Di2 kit. The bike also boasts a sculpted headtube junction, internal routing through the bars, and an integrated NS SIC FSA one-piece cockpit. The Merida Big 9 10K's slacker head angle, steeper seat angle, and Merida's AGILOMETER sizing system make it a formidable choice for serious XC racers.
Lastly, we can't forget to mention the Yeti ASR 40th Anniversary Edition bike, a limited edition bike with a retro design, featuring over 21 custom parts and a price of £14,000. The bike celebrates 40 years of Yeti, with a T85 frame that delivers 130mm of rear travel. The ASR 40th Anniversary Edition features a Fox Float SL shock with color-matched graphics, a SRAM XX Eagle drivetrain with a special violet treatment, and a FOX Float fork with custom silver dials.
Each of these bikes showcases the latest in mountain bike technology and design, making them a must-see for any mountain biking enthusiast. Whether you're an XC racer or a downhill rider, there's a bike here that's sure to catch your eye.
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