Identiti Mettle 2017 | Bike Check

September 26th, 2016

By Andrew Dodd in Bikes,Features

Identiti Mettle 2017 – a UK born enduro shredder

Earlier this year at Core Bike Show we took a look at the prototype Identiti Mettle – designed by Pat Campbell-Jenner and Michael Bonney.

This close-to-production version was on display at the NEC Cycle Show at the weekend, and both Michael Bonney and Pat were on hand to talk through the bike and the thoughts behind the design…

The Identiti Mettle is available in three sizes – small, medium and large. They are generously sized – the large features a 648mm effective top tube; 485mm reach and 1247mm wheelbase. All sizes feature a 435mm chainstay; 75degree seat angle and 65degree head angle. The eagle eyed will spot bottle bosses on the down tube – a slight annoyance for the bottle fans, but this bike was designed purely around performance.

Based around a 160mm four bar platform, the Identiti Mettle is firmly aimed at hard trail riding and Enduro racing. The design has come from Pat’s direct input from trail-side racing and testing, whilst Michael has advised on critical geometry and the latest technology. Being an industry insider, Michael always has his finger on the pulse when it comes to new technology and trends, and he knew about metric shock technology a long time before it was announced. It seemed like a feature the Mettle should have to ensure it’s as modern as possible.

The finger print detailing is something that Identiti has always had – and it’s used well on the Identiti Mettle. The metric shock compatibility allows for the new ultra low friction Rockshox rear shocks – you need to feel the back on this bike to appreciate how good it feels!

The Mettle is available in two colours – battleship grey, and purple. The grey is subtle and cool – but we’re all about the purple with fluro yellow detailing. It’s a completely different colour to anything else we’ve seen and certainly gives the Mettle an identity – though you’d better be fast enough to run it!

Made from 6000 series Aluminium tubing, the frame is based around a four bar suspension platform out back. It features a 148mm Boost axle width – not for plus size tyres, but the 3mm of extra clearance and a better chain line.

The linkage design offers a natural 15% progressive action, which combined with the riders preference in volume spacers allows for a very progressive design that is incredibly supple off the top, and will keep composed when wading in to gnarly stuff with gritted teeth.

The Identiti Mettle has gobs of mud clearance, and a nice wide pivot stance – perfect for slamming in to turns and for coping with wet and muddy conditions.

We love the finger print detailing on the Identiti Mettle – it’s definitely the best looking bike that Identiti has produced to date.

The Boost 148mm system has been used to offer more tyre clearance and allow for a wider bearing set up for the main pivot. This keeps things ultra stiff and offers more than enough tyre clearance to cope with the typical conditions that UK riders are faced with.

The seat stay brace on the front of the seat tube is a significant addition, and enables for loads of mud clearance out back.

On the prototype frame, the seat stay brace was near the tyre (click here to see the prototype) – which in testing would scrape thick mud from the tyre and bunch it up near the BB, so this revised design puts the seat stay bridge in front of the seat tube. Smart thinking chaps!

Cable routing is as direct as it can be – on top of the down tube with cable ties to hold things in place. No annoying internal routing to faff with, other than the simple internal routing for the dropper post, which pops out by the down tube.

Direct mount brake mounts for 180mm rotors are in place, and all bearings are quality sealed units.

Michael Bonney and Pat Campbell-Jenner with the brand new Identiti Mettle 160mm travel trail bike. We’re excited about this one!

It’s great to see the combination of Michael and Pat’s work come together – it’s a really well thought out project that will offer great value and the performance of much more expensive bikes. We can’t wait to sling a leg over one and get testing!

Frameset price is to be confirmed, but target pricing with Rockshox Deluxe shock is expected to be around £1500, and full builds from £3K. Production models of the Identiti Mettle are expected around February 2017 – we will have confirmed pricing and details nearer the time.