Pedal Magazine | The 2011 MTB line is the most aggressive that Devinci has ever produced. Devinci’s goal was to develop several new Split Pivot suspension models that would represent its best bikes ever. The end result is the Dixon (145mm travel), the Wilson (216mm) and the Dexter (110mm), all featuring Dave Weagle’s patented Split Pivot suspension design. We decided to take the Dexter RC out to slice up the trails and see just what Split Pivot and Axis technology is all about. Like the Dixon and the Wilson, the Dexter (available in three versions: SL, RC and XP) features Split Pivot suspension, Axis technology and Optimum G4 tubesets.

Split Pivot is a technology developed, patented and custom-tuned by Weagle (Google Dave Weagle). In simple terms, it’s a concentric rear dropout pivot placed in line with the rear wheel axle, and its goal is to maximize bump compliance, traction and pedal efficiency, three things that in the past were more of a “pick one” situation. The dropout pivot and the specific swing arm and linkage pivot location are designed so you will hardly notice the suspension at all. According to Devinci, Axis technology is all the little tweaks and details it puts into its frame design to make its bikes even better and push the Split Pivot technology to its peak performance level: for example, perfect bike balance to maximize handling around the bike’s main-rotation axes; small Axis Intelligent links, specific damper positioning, lightweight alloy pivot shafts and very-low-rolling-resistance ball bearings engineered for a smoother and more stable ride; solid pedaling performance and lateral stiffness through a BB30 bottom bracket, extra-wide main-suspension pivots and thru-axle rear-wheel pivots; minimized wear and maintenance via reduced suspension parts, high-tolerance Max-type ball bearings and internal cable routing through the rear triangle.

Devinci’s Optimum G4 tubesets represent 20 years of aluminum-frame experience and are all hand-welded in Canada. The G4 frames are made of a special blend of 6066-T6 aluminum, state-of-the-art triple butting, high-pressure hydroforming and a tapered CNC-machined headtube. The result, according to Devinci, is a tubeset offering superior durability, incredible stiffness and a strength-to-weight ratio that is above the industry standards. Along with the latest in Devinci technology and Weagle suspension engineering, the Dexter RC also offers some of the latest in parts and accessory bling. SRAM is the main component feature, filling out most of the drivetrain, including a SRAM S1400 2.2 GXP 42/28T double-ring crankset, 12-36 cassette, X.7 shifters and front D, and an X.9 rear D. Crank Brothers Egg Beaters and Avid Elixir 5 180mm hydraulic disc brakes complete the package. The suspension on the Dexter RC is handled by a Fox F-32 RL FIT 100mm (w/lockout) fork and a FOX Float RP2 boost valve rear shock. The wheelset includes Fulcrum Red Metal 3 wheels and Maxxis Larsen TT 26x1.90 UST tires, and the cockpit is done in a Truvativ Stylo Race 31.8mm riser bar, stem and seatpost. Giving you bang for your buck, the Dexter RC should definitely be on the top of your list if you’re in the market for a cross-country or marathon bike. The Dexter is solidly built, super-responsive on the trails and, as promised by Devinci, the suspension is hardly noticeable when you’re sprinting out of the saddle, out of a corner or hammering up a climb.

The suspension provides great traction on the inclines, over roots and up and over steps and logs, whether in the saddle or out. On the cross-country descents, the 110mm of travel handled the tech trails easily and smoothed out all the roots, ruts and rocks we raced over. If you’re into single-day or multi-day cross-country marathon events, multi-lap cross-country races or just want a solid cross-country bike to slice up your local trails, the Dexter RC is a serious consideration.