XC FS - Mountain Bike
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Evolve our current XC offering to meet the demands of modern race tracks. Retain the original goal of a super light, championship winning XC bike with the finest parts and performance with a target weight of around 11 kg, ready to race.
XC is at our heart, it’s where we started, it’s what we raced, it’s where we won. Today we want to tip our hats to those days with a modern take on those great days. Our XC bike had to be a collection of the finest components to ensure performance and reliability. It would have our detailed customisation as standard and it will be sold for an incredible price.
The key for us to meet todays demanding tracks was to source a full suspension chassis.
When you ride one of our bikes, you’ll know it’s a bike that’s been built with passion for perfect performance, by people who love riding. And we do love riding our bikes.
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Your Forwards bike is designed for you, which is why you can choose your own colour. We’ve chosen a colour here for our feature build but we ask you to imagine it in your own choice of colour. After all, thats what a Forwards is all about, imagining and realising your very own dream bike.
Our bikes are not restrained by factory paint. Every single one is truly individual. They are custom painted by the finest Artisan painters here in the UK.
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Our bike graphics are tastefully subtle and have evolved since this feature bike was built. They now feature 30mm tall ‘Forwards’ on the main down tube and the model name on the back of the top tube, 20mm wide. The production number is on the inner side of the left hand chain stay and is 10mm tall. They also have a small Union Jack on the back of the seat tube to mark that they are assembled by hand, here in the UK.
The graphics are airbrushed onto the frame by our Artisan painters, flat polished and clear coated to create a seamless transition between graphic and chassis colour. You can also choose the graphic colour to compliment the chassis colour.
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Every Forwards Bike is individually numbered according to its production. This number continues to increase across our entire range of models. We introduced the numbering on build number 10 and the number is 10mm tall to mark this event.
XC Carbon Frame
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Our chosen frames are manufactured with a specific mix of Toray T700 and T800 carbon fibre. T700 and T800 is ideally suited for the stresses and strains of a dedicated mountain bike and balances reduced weight and performance without compromising strength. The frames are EPS molded and EN tested.
Want more? Ask us about our Super Light frame.
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Our XC FS is equipped with Rockshox SID SL Ultimate Race Day Forks with the Boost hub spacing.
No one can argue Rockshox place in the XC world over the years with the SID model. It offers elite level performance and is a lightweight race fork.
Beautifully integrated 1 1/8th to 1 1/2th headset ensures perfect handling.
The rear shock is Rockshox Sidluxe Ultimate.
Both front and rear suspension offer 3 position lock out and Twistloc remote lock out on certain models.
Components.
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Performance and reliability is assured with the Shimano 1x12 groupset options, the range topping XC FS has Shimanos XTR 9100 series groupset. The XC FS groupsets can be customised to suit your requirements including gear ratios and crank lengths. We include a left hand dropper post lever if you choose the dropper post option.
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All XC FS models are fitted with Shimano XTR bottom brackets for silky smooth running and prolonged service.
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Braking is performed via Shimano brake levers and come standard with 2 pot callipers with the option for 4 pot for more extreme use. All models feature XTR M9100 centre lock rotors with the option of sizes. Shimano adapters are used to adapt sizes.
Contact Points.
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The points of contact on your bike are are exceptionally important, which is why we have explored a number of options before settling on the superb Pro Koryak XC handlebars and stem. Pro offer a number of sizes for us to customise your XC FS. Hands to bar comfort is achieved with the Pro Race Lock grips which are availible in 30 or 32mm. Twistloc grips are fitted with remote lock out models of the XC FS. We’ve included nice details like the Pro bar end plugs. The Pro carbon top cap finishes the cockpit off nicely.
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We’ve chosen the Pro Stealth saddle which is available in 2 sizes and has proven to be an extremely comfortable saddle. We can measure you up for this on our dedicated tool before you place your order if you wish. The Pro Koryak alloy post offers superb adjustment and comfort. This can be upgraded to carbon and our range topping models feature a Koryak dropper post. There is an option to fit a dropper post on any model and the frame has integrated internal routing for this.
Wheels & Tyres.
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When it came to wheels we wanted to up our game over the original XC and lower the weight in this area. We turned to HUNT, our wheel supplier and have specified the Race XC wheels across the range of models. The range topping model features the superb Proven Race XC Carbon wheels. With silky smooth bearings with optional upgrades and a 6 pawl Shimano Microspline hub body offering 72t engagement these really are quite special. High engagement count is essential for instantaneous acceleration on tight and twisty terrain.
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We’ve wrapped our wheels in the race proven Vittoria Mezcal III 29x2.25” tyres running a tubeless setup. We use orange seal tyre sealant to offer you peace of mind. We also have other tyre options available as well as tyre liners.
Attention to Detail.
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All of our bikes feature stainless steel allen key bolts and washers with the length matched to the application area on the bike. We’ve also weighed them and they’re 1g lighter for a bolt and washer over the originally supplied part from the factory. We also use additional stainless steel locking washers in key areas to prevent accessories shaking loose.
Our XC FS features the Pro Performance Seat Clamp.
We became a little obsessed with the rubber plugs for blanking the unused holes in the frame left over from using a 1x groupset and source our own for a far superior fit.
All of our bikes are fitted with Bike Shield at the time of manufacture to protect the paint from chips and scratches in certain areas. This is on the underside of the downtube, top of the chainstay and small patches over the disc brake calliper mounts.
| Forwards XC - Specification | |||
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| Component | Shimano SLX 1x12-speed | Shimano XT 1x12-speed | Shimano XTR 1x12-speed |
| Frame | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process Boost | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process Boost | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process Boost |
| Custom Paint Colour | Yes (K7, 215) | Yes (K7, 215) | Yes (K7, 215) |
| Custom Graphics Colour | Yes (K7, 215) | Yes (K7, 215) | Yes (K7, 215) |
| Forks | Rockshox SID SL Ultimate Race Day, Boost 15x110, 100mm, 44 Offset, Debonair, 3 Position Lock Out | Rockshox SID SL Ultimate Race Day, Boost 15x110, 100mm, 44 Offset, Debonair, 3 Position Remote Lock Out | Rockshox SID SL Ultimate Race Day, Boost 15x110, 100mm, 44 Offset, Debonair, 3 Position Remote Lock Out |
| Fork Options | SID blue or black | SID blue or black | SID blue or black |
| Rear Shock | Rockshox Sidluxe Ultimate 3 Position, 100mm | Rockshox Sidluxe Ultimate 3 Position, 100mm, Remote Lock Out | Rockshox Sidluxe Ultimate 3 Position, 100mm, Remote Lock Out |
| Remote Lock Out | NA | Rockshox Twistloc, 3 Position | Rockshox Twistloc, 3 Position |
| Headset | 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” | 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” | 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” |
| Headset Spacers | UD carbon | UD carbon | UD carbon |
| Steerer bung | Compressor | Compressor | Compressor |
| Bottom Bracket | BB-M980 XTR, English Thread, 73 mm | BB-M980 XTR, English Thread, 73 mm | BB-M980 XTR, English Thread, 73 mm |
| Lever Assembly Left | BL-M7100 SLX | BL-M8100 Deore XT | BL-M9100 Deore XTR |
| Lever Assembly Right | BL-M7100 SLX | BL-M8100 Deore XT | BL-M9100 Deore XTR |
| Shifter | SL-M7100 SLX, 12-spd | SL-M8100 Deore XT, 12-spd | SL-M9100 Deore XTR, 12-spd |
| Shifter Options | Band on or I-Spec EV | Band on or I-Spec EV | Band on or I-Spec EV |
| Rear Derailleur | RD-M7100 SLX 12-speed, Shadow+ SGS | RD-M8100 XT 12-speed, Shadow+ SGS single | RD-M9100 XTR 12-speed, Shadow+ SGS single |
| Chainset | FC-M7100 SLX, 12-speed, 52 mm chainline | FC-M8100 XT, 12-speed, 52mm chainline | FC-M9100 XTR, 12-speed, 52mm chainline |
| Chainring Options | 30/32/34T | 28/30/32/34/36T | 30/32/34/36/38T |
| Crank Length Options | 165/170/175mm | 165/170/175mm | 165/170/175mm |
| Cassette | CS-M7100 SLX 12-speed | CS-M8100 XT 12-speed | CS-M9100 XTR 12-speed |
| Ratios | 10-45/10-51T | 10-45/10-51T | 10-45/10-51T |
| Chain | CN-M7100 SLX, 12-speed, 126L | CN-M8100 XT HG+, 12-speed, 126L | CN-M9100 XTR HG+, 12-speed, 126L |
| Cables | Shimano | Shimano | Shimano |
| Brake Callipers | BR-M7100 SLX Post Mount | BR-M8100 XT Post Mount | BR-M9100 XTR Post Mount |
| Brake Options | 4 Pot Upgrade | 4 Pot Upgrade | 4 Pot Upgrade |
| Rotors | SM-RT70 Ice Tech Centre-Lock | XT RT-MT800 | XTR RT-MT900 |
| Rotor Sizes | 160/180mm | 160/180mm | 160/180mm |
| Handlebars | Koryak Handlebar, Alloy, Lowrise, 31.8mm, 800mm x 8mm | Koryak Handlebar, Carbon, 31.8mm | Koryak Handlebar, Carbon, 31.8mm |
| Handlebar Options | 740mm x 5mm or 800mm x 20mm | 740mm x 5mm or 800mm x 20mm | |
| Stem | Koryak Stem, Alloy, Di2 | Koryak Stem, Alloy, Di2 | Koryak Stem, Alloy, Di2 |
| Stem Options | 35/40/50/60mm | 35/40/50/60mm | 35/40/50/60mm |
| Seatpost | Koryak Seatpost, Alloy, 30.9mm x 400mm | Koryak Dropper Seatpost, 30.9mm, Internal with Pro dropper lever | Koryak Dropper Seatpost, 30.9mm, Internal with Pro dropper lever |
| Seatpost Options | In-line/Offset | 120/150/170mm Drop | 120/150/170mm Drop |
| Seatpost Clamp | Performance Seatpost Clamp, 34.9mm, Black | Performance Seatpost Clamp, 34.9mm, Black | Performance Seatpost Clamp, 34.9mm, Black |
| Saddle | Pro Stealth Performance or Ergon | Pro Stealth Performance or Ergon | Pro Stealth Performance or Ergon |
| Saddle Sizes | 142/152mm | 142/152mm | 142/152mm |
| Wheels | Hunt Race XC Wide MTB 29 Alloy, 1517g | Hunt Race XC Wide MTB 29 Alloy, 1517g | Hunt Proven Carbon Race XC 29, 1469g |
| Wheel Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sealant | Orange Seal 100ml x2 | Orange Seal 100ml x2 | Orange Seal 100ml x2 |
| Tyre | Vittoria Mezcal III 29X2.25 XC Blk Anthracite G2.0 Black Tyre | Vittoria Mezcal III 29X2.25 XC Blk Anthracite G2.0 Black Tyre | Vittoria Mezcal III 29X2.25 XC Blk Anthracite G2.0 Black Tyre |
| Tyre Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Axle Front | Boost/Maxle | Boost/Maxle | Boost/Maxle |
| Axle Rear | Boost | Boost | Boost |
| Grips | Pro Race Lock On Grips | Rockshox Twistloc | Rockshox Twistloc |
| Grip Options | 30/32mm | NA | NA |
| Hardware | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers |
| Anti Rattle | Capgo 1m | Capgo 1m | Capgo 1m |
| Forwards XC FS - Geometry | ||||||||||||
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| Size | Size mm | SC | O | HS | HC | F | WB | FC | RC | G | Reach | Stack |
| S | 410 | 77.6 | 573 | 95 | 67 | 506 | 1158 | 724 | 438 | 45 | 445 | 581 |
| M | 440 | 77.5 | 606 | 105 | 67 | 506 | 1193 | 759 | 438 | 45 | 475 | 590 |
| L | 470 | 77.4 | 635 | 120 | 67 | 506 | 1223 | 789 | 438 | 45 | 500 | 604 |
| XL | 500 | 77.2 | 661 | 140 | 67 | 506 | 1251 | 816 | 438 | 45 | 520 | 623 |
