First (US) Look: All New 2009 Foes RS7 Downhill Race Bike
Bikerumor.com’s got the first official look anywhere in the U.S. of the 2009 Foes RS7 downhill race bike.  Yes, the Germans got to see it first at Eurobike, but they had to settle for seeing the real thing instead of this glorious 72dpi web image (click and it’ll enlarge!).  Anywhoo, read “more” for the specs and some video of this beast.
The RS7 has been in development for two years and is designed to win on technical DH race courses.  Specs are:
- 7″ rear wheel travel
- 2:1 rear leverage ratio
- Exclusive Curnutt XTD air shock with remote air reservoir (coil version available)
- Monocoque top tube and upper swingarm
- 1.5″ headtube
- 12mm rear thru-axle with 150mm spacing
- Optional floating disc brake (eliminates wheel hop)
- 100% made in USA
- Full Complement pivot bearings
- MSRP: $TBD
The 2:1 ratio refers to the chainstay length being twice as long as the vertical part of the swing arm. (EDITOR’S NOTE: In general, the “2:1” with Foes refers to 2″ of wheel travel per 1″ of shock stroke.  However, with this frame, according to Brent in the video below, the measurements mentioned just happen to be 2:1 also) This leverage ratio is designed in tandem with the Curnutt shock to use a long stroke, low pressure design, resulting in smoother action.  Curnutt shocks are manufactured in-house at Foes Racing and are exclusive to the Foes brand.
The video below, via Freecaster.tv, is from the unveiling at Eurobike.  Note that Brent Foes calls this a “short travel” DH bike.  Really?  Seven inches is considered “short travel” these days?  Crazy.
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