Duke FS - the definition of a modern XC bike
The Duke model line has dominated the XC MTB category here for years. Next year will be no different. In addition to the now classic all-carbon Duke hardtails, a new family of full-suspension MTBs – the Duke FS – will be added next season.
Duke FS mountain bikes are the definition of a modern cross country bike – light, low carbon frames, long reach, low head angle and zero pivot suspension system, telescopic seat post on selected models.
Born for the toughest racing circuits and single trails, these universal racing machines have taken the best of their carbon siblings and added a rear shock absorber to their premium equipment. This is how a series of all-carbon XC fulls was created. The new, aggressive geometry and suspension have moved the Duke FS forward a good bit. They will be available in a total of four variants, graded by standard equipment.
The flagship of the series is called the Duke FS Ultimate and carries equipment for really demanding and ambitious riders. The Fox DPS Factory TR remote-controlled shock absorber together with the Fox 34 SC Factory remote-controlled air fork with 100 mm of travel guarantee perfect damping of unevenness in challenging terrain and do not lose energy unnecessarily when climbing. The Limotec telescopic seat post provides enough space for creativity while riding. Top Shimano XTR components only bring the experience of riding the Duke FS Ultimate to perfection.
Ready to deliver maximum performance is the first among equals – Duke FS 1. The ideal machine for XC/marathon tracks. Unlike the Ultimate, it features a Rock Shox Sidluxe Select+ TR remote-controlled shock, as well as a Rock Shox Sid Select+ remote-lock air fork with 110mm of travel for trail comfort. Thanks to the telescopic seat post, it is easy to control even in difficult terrain and easily overcomes obstacles. Confidence and reliability are provided by Shimano XT components with the SLX 12s cassette.
The middle sibling, the Duke FS 2, embodies the best features of both the higher and lower range models. It is thus a perfect compromise between great performance, quality equipment and an interesting price. It goes without saying that it has remote-controlled locking of the Rock Shox Sidluxe Select+ TR shock absorber and the Rock Shox Sid Select+ air fork with 110 mm travel. It can therefore cope with demanding passages during the descent, on the other hand, it does not lose energy during the ascent. It is the only one in the series equipped with Sram components, namely the GX/NX Eagle in combination with Shimano brakes. This way even devotees of the American brand will get their money's worth.
The entry-level model of the range, the Duke FS 3, is certainly no sharpener as one might expect. Quite the contrary – it perfectly satisfies demanding hobby riders as well as less demanding professionals. It boasts the same shock absorber as the higher models, i.e. the Rock Shox Sidluxe Select+ TR shock absorber, thanks to which, together with the Rock Shox Recon Gold air fork with 100 mm travel, it can easily overcome obstacles even in difficult terrain. It is prepared for the use of a telescopic seatpost, equipped with Shimano XT/Deore components.
The Duke FS model range is simply intended for all die-hard XC enthusiasts. You don't have to be afraid to go to the races with them either. Each model will fully support your abilities and allow you to express yourself fully, to show what is really in you. Or simply go to the mountains with them after work or on the weekend, enjoy a bit of adrenaline and a never-ending feeling of freedom. We can't wait for them. And what about you?
With every step, we get further, overcome new obstacles, push our limits, discover new possibilities and get to know hitherto hidden places.