Dialled for adventure
This is the Highlander II -Deviates all-carbon, all-conquering trail bike, freshly reconfigured for 2024 with full UDH compatibility. A bike for bike park laps, all day rides, messing about in the woods and everything in between. A bike for reaching the highest, most remote peaks, before screaming down the other side in a stream of speed and laughter.
If the Claymore is a huge broadsword, then the Highlander II is a rapier – lighter, perhaps; more agile – but just as deadly in the right hands. It punches far, far above its weight. Carefully considered geometry suits the most discerning of riders, and 145mm of high-pivot travel will get you out of anything you get yourself into, with astounding performance that matches bikes with far more suspension travel.
![]()
Key Features
- 18T chain idler
- Fully sealed bearings
- Grease injection ports on all pivot and idler bearings
- Downtube protector
- Accessory mounting
- Threaded BB
- Cable gutter system
Idler
Unlike conventional, non-idler equipped suspension designs, the Highlander can virtually eliminate pedal kickback while creating a balanced anti-squat curve which is controlled by the idler position. In the real world this means the bike pedals incredibly well, without bobbing, while the suspension remains fully active: the Highlander II has an uncanny ability to pedal smoothly through rough terrain.
Linkage
Deviates linkage is designed to offer a progressive leverage curve with support for harder and more aggressive riders. High volume air shocks and coil shocks are compatible. The idler means that the leverage ratio of the Highlander II is tuned independently of anti-squat and pedal kickback (of which there is a negligible amount).
Cable Management
When it comes to cable management, internal cable routing is great for a sleek looking bike, yet, it does make the cables harder to access when changing parts or carrying out maintenance. Our solution to this is a cable ‘gutter’ that runs down the underside of the top-tube, designed to keep your cables tucked away and out of sight, whilst maintaining accessibility to the cables.
High Pivot Point
Every rear suspension system has a pivot point. The suspension design on the Highlander uses a high, single pivot point, which results in a rearward axle path. This allows the rear wheel to move proportionally rearward with any impact, while the bike continues to maintain forward momentum. It is a sensation that you will notice from your first ride - the Highlander II can negotiate chunky terrain with a speed and confidence that many bikes packing much more rear wheel travel simply can’t match. Careful idler placement means that the suspension performance on the Highlander II is the best of all possible worlds. The idler location controls anti-squat with a +100% anti-squat curve to eliminate pedal induced suspension bob.
Suspension Kinematics
The unique kinematics of a high pivot point design – a rearward axle path and high anti-rise – means that, under heavy braking, chassis stability and the geometry are maintained. Essentially, aggressive riding is rewarded. The sensation of “the bike not holding you back” is very real on the Highlander II. Riders find themselves hitting lines that they have previously reserved for their downhill bike (or their imagination).
Click here is you'd like to learn more about our appointment system or book an appointment to view this bike!Follow this link if you'd like to learn more about the components and geometry that this bike is spec'd with.