No matter if you call it a plus-size mountain bike or a semi-fatbike – the new Whaka+ ES’s 2.9" tires offer more comfort, enormous traction and therefore more safety and fun when riding all-mountain style.
That’s what the new model in Electric Red is made for. The wider tires are consistent with the new wide-chassis concept including wider rims and broadened axles – 110mm front and 148mm rear – that provides a signifi cant plus in lateral stiffness.
Like all the other Whaka models the STEVENS Whaka+ ES comes with 140mm of travel at the fork and rear shock. In contrast to the other Whakas this model uses 27.5" wheels only (other Whaka models are available with either 29" or 27.5" wheels, depending on size).
To make room between the chainstays for tires up to 3.1" STEVENS’ engineers have widened the rear triangle. The chainstays now run almost straight from the bottom bracket to the dropouts while the latter are now are an additional 6mm further apart. Despite the wide tires the rear triangle could be kept shorter than with the 29" models. This is made possible by the new Shimano XT Side Swing front derailleur. The shorter wheelbase as well as the steep seat tube and fl at steering angle promote the bike’s nimble handling.
Like the front derailleur the whole drivetrain consists of Shimano XT M8000 components with 2x11 gears. At the front there’s a 26/36 T double chainring, at the rear the 11-speed cassette spreads from 11 to 40 teeth. Shimano XT hydraulic brakes feature Ice tech discs with 203mm front and 180mm rear diameter to provide a lot of power reserve for even the hardest descends.
Of course all further components are fit for all-mountain duty: Supported by the wide tires, fork and rear shock from Fox flatten all kinds of bumps. The hydroformed alloy frame matches the shape of the Whaka series and is made to last. And for long-lasting, noise-free performance all cables are routed internally and are foam-coated to prevent rattling.
Whaka+ ES is available with 27.5" wheels in frame sizes 16, 18, 20 and 22 inch