​First Look: 2017 Truvativ Descendant Components

Driven by a desire to update the look and feel of the aggressive Truvativ lineup, they presented us with several new products that not only work well together aesthetically, but are equally prepared to tackle some serious terrain. Dollar for dollar, we've always found Truvativ's parts to be a great value here at Vital, and this much needed facelift brings them into a more modern era. They're still made from proven materials with a goal of being reliable when it counts. The compact lineup focuses on the essentials, but also sees the introduction of both downhill and all-mountain/enduro approved versions across the line. There are even some carbon bits mixed in for extra pizzazz.

Truvativ Descendant Cranksets

First up is a fresh group of Descendant cranksets, which includes two all-mountain versions and a beefier variety prepped for downhill use. The all-mountain side is highlighted by a new carbon crankset, which lays claim to being the most affordable in the industry and uses a proprietary construction process. It's direct mount to reduce weight and clean up the look. On the downhill side you're looking at a proven forged aluminum solid core design said to have a higher level of durability than their hollow counterparts, plus you can still mount a bash ring to the 4-bolt spider if needed. All cranks come paired with SRAM's awesome X-SYNC chainrings to prevent unwanted derailments, and are compatible with all 1X drivetrains.

Descendant Crankset Specs

Crank Material: 7000 series forged aluminum, carbon
Crank Length: 170mm, 175mm
BB Compatibility: BB30/PF30-68/73mm, GXP/PF GXP 68/73mm 
BB Spindle Interface: 24mm, 30mm 
Bolt Circle Diameter: Direct mount 
Chainline: 49.0mm, 52.0mm 
Chainring: X-SYNC profile, 32-tooth, 10 or 11-speed compatible, aluminum
Weight: 674g (alloy, 24mm, 32t, 175mm arms), 587g (carbon, 24mm, 32t, 175mm arms)
MSRP: $161-188 US (alloy), $311-340 US (carbon)

Descendant DH Crankset Specs

Crank Material: Aluminum
Crank Length: 165mm, 170mm
BB Compatibility: GXP 83mm/PF GXP 104.5/107mm, PF30 83mm
BB Spindle Interface: 24mm, 30mm
Bolt Circle Diameter: 94 BCD
Chainline: 55.0mm
Chainring: X-SYNC profile, 34-tooth, 10 or 11-speed compatible, aluminum
Weight: 725g (24mm, 34t, 165mm arms)
MSRP: $151-196 US

Truvativ Descendant Handlebars

Truvativ's range of handlebars sees perhaps the most noticeable graphic update, and continues to see influence from Enduro World Champ Jerome Clementz with widths and bends close to his preferences. The all-mountain bars are available in carbon and aluminum varieties. As we continue to see more and more long travel 29ers, two new flat bar options offer a way to keep the front end low and should also suit shorter riders.

Those wanting something wider will be pleased to see an 800mm aluminum downhill version as well. It features a more pronounced 9-degree backsweep for further customization. Watch for new Black Box athlete signature series bars in the future if you prefer a different bend.

Why no 35mm diameter bars? Truvativ says there's a defined amount of flex in the 31.8mm design that they believe is a big benefit to the ride, and they're sticking with it.

Descendant Handlebar Specs

Material: Carbon or Al-7050
Width: 750mm (carbon), 760mm (alloy)
Rise: 0mm, 20mm
Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
Sweep: 5x7 degrees up/back (carbon and alloy)
Weight: TBA
MSRP: $150 US (carbon), $65 US (alloy)

Descendant DH Handlebar Specs

Material: Al-7050
Width: 800mm
Rise: 25mm
Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm
Sweep: 5x9 degrees up/back
Weight: TBA
MSRP: $70 US

Truvativ Descendant Stems

Truvativ has never offered a really sexy stem, and their prior short stem designs were anything but light. The new lineup fills the void and trims some precious grams in the process. Stems are now 3D forged then machined to trim the fat, which gets them down to a competitive weight and adds to the look. The graphics pair well with the Descendant handlebars.

Descendant Stem Specs

Length: 40mm, 50mm, 60mm
Material: 3D forged Al-7075 with CNC machining
Clamps: Four bolt handlebar, two bolt steerer
Clamp diameter: 31.8mm 
Hardware: Steel 
Steerer clamp diameter: 1-1/8 inch 
Stem angle/rise: 0 degrees
Weight: 149 to 168g
MSRP: $65 US

Truvativ Descendant Seatposts

Two new seatposts round out the Descendant collection. The downhill version features a wider adjustment range to better accommodate slack seat tube angles, more robust hardware, and a slightly shorter overall length. Both posts are 3D forged and come in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters.