2015
Pole went also XC
110mm travel EVOLINK
We tested also a 110mm travel EVOLINK with Aki Kosunen, who was racing XC at the time. We pushed the limits with geometry and suspension. Aki's feedback was that the bike climbed extremely well and was ideal at downhill sections. However, the weight was not there but that we knew from the get go.
Caption
Final protoype passes the test
The final prototype that we got just before the snow fell at 2015 was the lightbulb moment for Leo. This was it: slack head angle and steep seat tube angle with 29" tires. Earlier that year Leo didn't believe in 29" wheels but after some timed runs he found out that he was faster on every run than the first prototype that was based on 27.5" wheels. We never had to change the chainstay lenght as we found out that the chainstay lenght didn't play a huge role when we were changing the head angle.
7075 T6
Getting attention at EWS
The second prototype was made with 29" wheels and slightly steeper head angle. This prototype had 140mm travel. Right after first tests Leo changed the head anlge to match the 25.5" prototype. He tested the prototype at Finale Ligure by racing the Enduro World Series. After the race Leo was interviewed by Enduro Magazine and even René Wildhaber was interested to swing his leg over the protoype. Leo knew already that when he was going back home he would have another protoype waiting for him. The last prototyope had the final geometry that was going to change the industry for good.
Heureka moment
First EVOLINK
We got his first prototype in April 2015. This model was with 27.5" wheels and 150mm travel. The first prototype was tested at Sierra Nevada mountains again with Switch-Backs DH. Our tests showed that our even though this prototype had better suspension layout than Rinne, its geometry was not as effective as Rinne had slightly slacker head angle. After we came bak to Finland we installed a headset to degrease the head angle.
Pinkbike's Take:
Pole Rinne Ylä - Review
"Pole have taken a different approach to bike geometry and suspension design, but those risks have paid off - they've created a machine that's incredibly capable on the descents, an absolute monster when it comes to flat out speed and confidence inspiring in all areas. Its trail performance over less steep terrain was commendable as well, and although it won't climb the fastest it does simplify techy climbs, plus it wasn't designed for setting any records on the way up. And don't forget the Rinne's ridiculous wheelie capability, which comes in handy for impressing kids, girls and fans in the street." - Paul Aston
