Bionicon takes a different approach to the do-it-all quiver of bikes. Rather than compromising between two geometries for climbing and descending, they offer a system that allows on-the-fly travel and geometry adjustments to get the best of both. While their bikes are not designed to win a hill climb or downhill race, they allow the rider to have a single setup with two completely different handling personalities on call with the push of a button.
WHO IS IT MADE FOR?
The Alva is designed for the rider who
appreciates the advantages of both a quick and nimble cross-country
geometry and a more aggressive setup for descents. The bike is designed
to be versatile and has a well-rounded, do-it-all nature.
WHAT IS IT MADE FROM?
Bionicon uses 7005-series aluminum for the
front and rear triangles, a two-piece-machined aluminum rocker, and
proprietary suspension bits front and rear. The X-Fusion shock has a
pneumatic cylinder extension that works with the Bionicon system to
lengthen or shorten the shock’s eyeto- eye measurement and provide
geometry adjustments. Operating the system has no effect on the travel
or spring rate of the rear shock. The Alva uses Bionicon’s proprietary
Double Agent fork with a double-crown, integrated stem and 9-millimeter
quick-release dropouts. The frame uses a 12x142 millimeter rear axle, 1
1/8-inch head tube, and full length cable routing.
WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT?
The Alva is exceptionally adjustable
down to the smallest detail. In addition to the travel and geometry
adjustments, the built-in integrated stem can be adjusted for length and
handlebar height. The build kit has a smart and proven mix of SRAM,
Hayes and house-branded components. Our test bike ran flawlessly for the
duration of the test.
HOW DOES THE ADJUSTABILITY WORK?
The suspension is a four-bar linkage that works with the Bionicon system to provide 6.3 inches of rear-wheel travel, and between 3.15 inches and 6.3 inches of travel up front. The fork and shock are connected via air hoses, which allow the rider to transfer pressure from one to the other and simultaneously adjust geometry and the overall ride characteristic of the bike. The handlebar-mounted control button regulates airflow between the fork and rear shock. Pressing the button and shifting your weight to the front of the bike lowers the fork and simultaneously lengthens the shock for climbing mode, or shifting your weight rearward extends the fork and shortens the shock for the downhill mode. The positions have drastically different ride characteristics. However, after a few miles, we found using the adjustments becomes pretty intuitive and user-friendly.
HOW DOES IT PERFORM?
The Bionicon is so adjustable that if you can’t find a configuration that fits your riding style, you’re too picky. The bike has an adaptable character with the capability to ride aggressive descents as well as the steepest climbs.
Climbing: We found (as expected) that the geometry set to the steeper mode provided the best climbing feel. With rider weight biased over the front of the bike, the Alva is a quick and nimble handler. However, the geometry adjustment does not give the bike a lighter feeling than the scale would let on. While we found the Bionicon system to be helpful for climbing, with the fork travel fully reduced, the geometry is steep enough to be unusable on anything but the steepest climbs. Fortunately, the system
allows the rider to choose any travel setting between the two extremes. Most riders will find their optimum position somewhere in the middle.
Descending: The Alva is a whole different animal when set to the descending mode. With the fork fully extended and the rear end lowered, the geometry is confidence-inspiring through the roughest terrain. The rear suspension is active even under heavy pedaling and braking forces, and the frame is laterally stiff and responsive when tracking the trail.
The absence of an external compression adjustment on the fork left the front end difficult to set up. Even with appropriate pressure (we tried several setups between 15- and 30-percent sag), the fork tended to noticeably dive under braking forces. The result was a fork that tended to stay in the middle of its stroke rather than feeling active to absorb high or low speed impacts. While the rest of the bike handled quite well on the descents, the fork performance left us occasionally struggling to keep the bike on the trail.
Ergonomics: The bike uses fairly conventional geometry for a bike in this travel category while in the descending mode. The climbing mode brings the bike much closer to a cross-country body position by steepening both head and seat angles dramatically. In both modes, the bike has a relatively upright feel, but it’s most apparent while in climbing mode.
TRICKS, TIPS OR UPGRADES?
The suspension pressure is critical to get the most out of the Bionicon. It’s also important to equalize the pressure in the fork and shock before your first ride to ensure a balanced suspension setup. Once you’re happy with the setup, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the Bionicon’s travel adjustments and run it through the different settings.
Our test bike came spec’ed with a 9-millimeter quick-release fork and front hub. While this setup is quick and easy to use for cross-country or trailbikes, it’s an unconventional pairing with a double-crown fork designed for stiffness and steering precision. Fortunately, the new version of the Double Agent fork includes a 15-millimeter thru axle and will be offered as standard equipment going forward.
BUYING ADVICE
For anyone who has not experienced the Bionicon system, the Alva will take some time to get used to. However, when used properly, the system works exactly as designed and provides the rider with two very different bike personalities on the fly.
This story was reprinted from the August 2011 issue of Mountain Bike Action magazine. Click here to start a subscription, or call us on our dime, (800) 767-0345.