You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm on cycle 4 or 5 of should I replace my Aether 9 with a highlander (MK1). I've come across one at a good price, I've a better shock that'll fit but it's an XL and I'm only just into the XL height range (even though an XL is shorter reach than my L aether). All the reviews I've read sound like they are good at things I like so should I take a punt and try one.
Yes.
I was afraid those would be the responses. Though I know it's not the bikes main focus I'm particularly intrigued by the reviews around just how well they climb.
How often are you finding the bearings need a grease up (I'd be getting the grease gun as well).
I had a Highlander for awhile and have had a Claymore for a couple of years now.
I’ve never greased a bearing yet despite Alps trips and living in muddy Scotland and all is still working great. I probably should get on that….
I have cleaned and greased the idler wheel a couple of times but that’s dead easy. I do also remove and clean/grease the seat post periodically as I find them a bit prone to trapping water in the seat tube and prematurely corroding the post
They are great at climbing, and descending. Fantastic bikes! I am contemplating a switch back to a Highlander 2. If they made an even shorter down country/trail model I would buy one in a heartbeat.
That sounds very promising and good to know to keep an eye on the seat post. The H2 is out of budget so would definitely be a MK1.
Never got on with mine. Terrible climber. Mate also got one and thought the same.
Sorry to buck the trend, I desperately wanted to love it but just didn't get on. Superb company to deal with though.
I’d say climbing is something it does, rather than excels at. Much like me really.
I think mine climbs well compared to what I’m used to, so I’m happy enough. It is v2 though which I believe is better than the first.
It’s better than my Aether 7 and my Rise (apart from the lack of motor!)
Mate in our club has one. He loves it. But he does say its way harder on the climbs than his previous enduro rig.
I had one, very briefly. Mk1 with 140mm link but at 187cm I felt the XL was too small for me. I should caveat that as I'm a freak who likes long bikes (Geometron 535mm reach, etc) so most normal bikes feel short to me. Overall though I bloody loved how it rode. Climbing: maybe not the most efficient but it generates huge grip/traction, so I'd say it's 'good' at climbing. Descending it felt very natural despite feeling too short in reach. The rear end really works well.
Mrs a11's had a mk1 Highlander too for a couple of years and it works very well for her.
@nixie, I assume you've seen the last of the mk1 Highlander frames direct from Deviate for £999 in L or XL, with choice of link and colour? Add a 210x55 shock and easily under £1500 all in.
Edit: scratch that, those were showing in stock but when I refreshed they're not! Only ones left are the 'limited edition' ones with silver decals in 140mm XL variety, £999: https://store.deviatecycles.com/products/limited-edition-highlander-i-non-udh-copy-1?variant=54855260209526
I have a mk1 150 travel version. I love it. I’ve never ridden a bike before or since owning this that carries so much speed through rough ground. Mines built with an Ohlins ttx22 coil shock & now has Cane creek helm coil forks. I’ve never noticed any issues with climbing and I’ve not had a problem with the idler. This is it dressed up for the 2023 Megavalanche. I hated the Fox 36 forks so got rid but otherwise it’s still the same. One thing worth noting, it does feel slightly short when compared to some other brands. I don’t mind this and I feel very centred on it.
That looks rather nice @mildred.
Thanks all, all good info. I've taken the plunge and ordered one (@a11y thanks for the links, that limited edition one was the frame I was looking at), the final nail in the decision was discovering it needs the same size headset, seat clamp and shock bushings as the aether. I have a CC DB inline coil which I think should go nicely. Looking at the TF spring calculator the spring rate should be the same between the two frames as well. Size wise its not dissimilar to my large Aether 9 al, very very close in fact being just a few mm shorter, I think that will be almost unnoticeable given the other differences. I'll be running it with a set of Manitou Mezzers which have the same colour scheme as the frame (black with silver decals).
I have a 150mm mk1
Epic bike, you won't regret it.
I run a cane creek coil and 160mm lyrik ultimates
I went from a M/L AM9 to a Large highlander and am at home on it.
As above it doesn't climb as well as the AM9. Its also not particularly light weight.
The bearings are all VERY well protected by extra lip seals. I pumped some grease in the grease ports but I don't think it was needed tbh.
You need good brakes as these carry so much speed through the rough!
That’s going to look mint, nixie!
Nice one @nixie, that's a hell of a deal. Apologies if I sped things along by sharing the link here, it was only afterwards I thought maybe I shouldn't've done that in case someone else swooped in...
Superb choice on shock and fork too. I used a CC IL coil on my previous Geometron after recommendation from a friend who had one on his Highlander 1. And I've now got Mezzer Pros on two bikes now, such a nice fork.
My short-lived XL Highlander 140:
I’m also looking at the Highlander frame, but the mk2.
I do enjoy a bit of climbing. The reviews I’ve read all seem to say it’s good (although not amongst best in class), certainly no climb switch required?
What else is out there that’s a better overall?
I am a bit fixated on a Vivid Air shock given the superb reviews.
Ps I’m also coming from an AM9!
Well the frame arrived today and it's really nice in the flesh. Unfortunately the invisiframe fitting standard doesn't look so good, loads of little bits and some big bits of dirt trapped under the film give it a rather spotty appearance, not great on a Matt black frame. Looks like the he frame was not cleaned before applying. Frustrating as I could easily of done a better job but choose to have them do it on the poor assumption that they'd be better at doing a neat job. I really wanted to get building tonight but now am thinking of holding off till I can speak to them about the finish.
E.g. like this (yes I know I should/could just ignore it but this sort of thing bugs me)
Nah, that's a crap finish, I wouldn't be happy either
That's not even the worst bit sadly. Other areas have way more dirt trapped while most of those are bubbles.
That’s doesn’t look great to be honest
is that the proper invisiframe fitted by them?
Anyone got recommendations for some tape otherwise as I might have one incoming and I’d rather do a diy job without the full invisi kit. Any old Amazon tape kits anyone used?
This stuff seems decent enough price Vs quality wise when I fitted some last year
Yeah that's a proper kit professionally fitted by them I've DIY fitted a proper kit way better than this in the past but wanted to avoid the time and ride instead.
My xc race bike has a kit I custom made by hand from a sheet of film. That looks better than this though the film is not quite the same quality. Key bit is working out where you need darts in the film to go around corners or sight bends. Wet fit is easier to get a good finish.
That is just a poor job, how could they be happy to send it out like that?
Edit: If included on a cheap frame sold as cosmetically imperfect I'd just replace once damaged but if the kit was a full price add on I'd be very disappointed
Im watching another Highlander thread again making my head wobble weather I should have bought one already . My five minutes around the field at the Ard rock didnt give me enough to punt £2.5 k on a frame and wrap . Im gutted I dint rip Allys hand off when that one sold .....
Hi Nixie
That is certainly not our normal level of QC and our sincere apologies you've had this issue.
We will be giving you a call to arrange options to sort this out for you!
Any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Deviate Team.
Love to see this sort of CS!
Me too. I've spoken with them now and it's all sorted. Issues happen but it's how they are dealt with that counts and their response was absolutely spot on. Thank you @deviatecycles and Colin that I spoke with. Apologies from me as well about posting about it before speaking to you. With hindsight don't know why I did other than being disappointed last night.
I've now test fitted the shock to check and boy does it look mean. Can't wait to get it built up and out riding.
Looking forward to a ride report!! Keep us posted with pictures too!
Superb company to deal with .
No ride report as of yet but as of yesterday I've finished the build up and I'm very happy with how it has come together. A quick spin around the lawn and down the garden steps felt really nice. I can't wait for an opportunity to try it out properly. Spec Manitou Mezzer @ 150mm, CCDB inline coil (black edition), 165mm eewings with oneup switch ring. XT 12 speed drive chain, DT 240 EXP hubs on XM481 rims, Hope tech 4 e4, one up 210mm dropper, One up bar and DMR stem. Results in a reassuringly sturdy 15.5Kg weight (with the heavier tyres and inserts).
* Yes paving is a mess, I should really shorten that rear brake hose and those grips are pretty much done.
That's a gorgeous build! I got my Highlander 2 back in September and it hasn't missed a beat. Definitely helps that I got my suspension professionally set up for my weight and style at Sprung (seriously I cannot advise getting a proper suspension set up enough, it is game changing).
The bike is still so quiet as long as I keep it nice and clean and on top of general maintenance. It feels great to ride, and the sizing is perfect. Gives me a lot of confidence to push in corners and go faster than I usually would. I can't wait for spring and summer.
It will be my maiden trip up to Golfie in April too, the bike is going to get a good workout there I'm sure!
...and the front hose!
Yeah that as well. Brakes should probably have a bleed soon so will do both then.
Nice build, I spy orange nipples 😀
Oh yes, courtesy of the superstar wheel parts bin out that made them super cheap 😊. So cheap I bought a load and a load of black for other bikes.
Yes @nixie that looks lovely!
I bagged the last (I think) of the clearance frames from Xmas and after trying the cheap marzocchi bomber air shock from Merlin, which didn’t fit, got an ohlins used from Deviate, and swapped everything over from an occam, and picked it up from the LbS today.
Very modest build but im happy to upgrade what I want whenever. So mine has very basic deore chain set for example, but decent parts where needed like the shock, lyrik ultimates and DT Swiss rear wheel. I’m very happy with it.
Hoping to get it out Sunday, pending illness recovery..
I’ll try and figure out how to post up a picture
Such a lovely looking frame
Looks great @suspendedanimation, hope you enjoy the first ride 👍.
First ride reviews ?
Still haven't been out on mine 😭. Life and weather getting in the way.
Same, picked up norovirus and have spent a week recovering. Sunday hopefully
If it's a MK1 150 frame I think the fork should be longer, 160 at least. I run mine at 170.
It's a 140 frame. Forks are currently at 150 but being manitous it's easy to change that. Going to ride as they are for the minute as they are setup sweetly but might change to 160 for a trial when I next drop the lowers.
It was a short baptism, biblical rain here. But for the short 12 miles, initial impressions are very favourable. Tracks brilliantly and all I’ve done on the ohlins for now is put it in the middle settings for both. Very pleased
