Borealis Bikes

Echo XX1 Complete Fat Bike - 2016

It seems counterintuitive, but the Borealis Echo XX1 Complete Fat Bike has us thinking that fat bikes and suspension aren’t such a strange combination. The Echo was built as a perfect partner to the RockShox Bluto suspension fork, and saying it adds even more fun to the equation doesn’t really do it justice. So why not add to the party SRAM’s proven XX1 one-by-eleven groupset? The result is a setup that’s race-light, and ready to tear up the trails.

Borealis built the Echo frame by pairing cutting-edge carbon fiber construction methods with geometry that’s been optimized for the RockShox Bluto — the world’s first dedicated fat bike suspension fork. Beyond shedding grams, the composite construction has enabled Borealis to finely tune the ride quality, resulting in a strong frame that will hold up to heavy use. That’s particularly important, since the addition of the 80mm travel Bluto invites even more aggressive riding than the already surprisingly capable Yampa.

The profiling of the seatstays enables a degree of vertical compliance, while the oversized chainstays keep the pedaling responsive when you stomp on the gas. Like the Yampa, the Echo clears massive 4.8 inch tires on a 100mm wide rim. To achieve that degree of clearance, Borealis has relied on another industry first, namely a 197mm-spaced rear hub, which is secured by a Maxle quick release thru-axle. The result is a dishless rear wheel, a surprisingly stiff rear end, and perfect drivetrain alignment with the 100mm threaded bottom bracket shell. Additionally, it provides enough clearance for a one- or two-by drivetrain, regardless of your tire choice. Naturally, there's plenty of extra clearance for mud, snow, or anything else you're likely to find yourself riding through. The head tube is tapered, which takes advantage of the incredible stiffness provided by the Bluto. It's equipped with three bottle cage mounts, to keep you hydrated for long hours in the saddle. And at 1370 grams for a medium frame, it’s far lighter than it appears.

Of course, the Echo frame is mated to a RockShox Bluto suspension fork. SRAM's XX1 one-by-eleven drivetrain got the nod for the XX1 build. The crankset is a featherweight Race Face Next SL setup. These Canadian-built beauties are by far the lightest fat bike-ready crankset on the market, and they’re paired with a 32t narrow-wide chainring for flawless chain retention without the need for a chainguide. SRAM XX brakes handle stopping duties, and the cockpit is primarily Race Face Next hardware with a WTB saddle. The wheels are Borealis's own hubset, featuring a 197mm quick-release thru-axle out back, and a 150mm 15mm quick-release thru-axle front hub. They're laced with stainless spokes to Turnagain FR80 rims, wrapped in 4 inch wide 45 North Husker Du tires, for a versatile, reliable setup.

The Borealis Echo XX1 Complete Fat Bike is available in four sizes, from Small to X-Large, and in the colors Black and Black/blue.