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Foes Inferno review by Bike Magazine
Foes Racing made their name with high-end, high quality racing bikes. Of course, all of these qualities are conducive to custom price points, but that’s really beside the point. Bike Magazine just published a good review of the Foes Inferno, Foes’ entry into what it calls the “long travel trail bike” category.
The review is decent, highlighting the strengths (and weaknesses) of the frame. Of interest is the fact that the Inferno relies on a floating brake to limit brake jack. While it’s not surprising that a single-pivot bike performs better with a floating brake, it’s a little surprising that a trail bike — a bike that’s not intended for downhill or freeride use — suffers from enough brake jack that the reviewer (Vernon Felton) recommends the add-on to any buyers of the frame.
Aside from the weight of the frame (7.7lbs), I’m a little confused by the Inferno. Does it really need 7.5 inches of travel? Given that it’s not recommended for freeride applications I have to ask, “Why?” And why are the key angles so slack (67.5 degree head angle / 64 degree seat angle)? No wonder the review claims the bike climbs like a pig.
MSRP on the Inferno is about $2000 (usd) with a steel coil and $2200 (usd) with a titanium coil. Add another $180 (usd) for the floating brake kit.
1. Posted by Bike Magazine reviews the Hayes El Camino disc brake » The Biking Hub | 2:55 pm, 6 January 2006
[…] The folks at Bike magazine followed up on their review of the Foes Inferno with a review of the El Camino hydraulic disc brake. From the riders that I’ve spoken with, the review, as brief as it is, hits the mark: the El Caminos are excellent brakes for riders of all stripes — cross country, all mountain, downhill — as long as they can afford the $250 per wheel price tags (MSRP) that go along with them. […]