First Look / First Ride: 2016 Devinci Wilson Carbon

Our trip to the Arizona desert with Devinci a few months back wasn’t just for the introduction to their all new Django. They had another bike, a bigger bike, that they wanted us to check out. Development started way back in 2013, based around 26” wheels. But with the push of 27.5 in the downhill segment, a from-the-ground-up approach had to be taken. The first 26" prototypes were scrapped and Devinci began with their 27.5" prototyping. Early signs were promising, with team riders shaving five-seconds off an already-familiar two-minute track. Clearly, 27.5” was the way to go for Devinci and the beginning of the carbon Wilson started to take shape as last year's alloy Wilson 27.5". Featuring an EPS-molded full carbon front triangle and seat stays, the new 2016 Wilson Carbon is lighter, stiffer and a stronger performer than previous models.

Devinci Wilson Carbon Features

Split Pivot Suspension System
Asymmetrical construction
DMC-G Carbon with EPS-molded front triangle and seat stays
Integrated fork bumpers / cable guides
2.5” tire clearance
200mm travel
Carbon skid plate for down tube protection
Grease ports on rockers
Weight: 35lbs (Med frame SL7s build kit)
MSRP: Available in three builds ranging from $4,659 to $7,759 USD

Devinci Wilson Geometry

Devinci Wilson Build Kits

SL7s

Fork - RockShox BoXXer World Cup
Shock - RockShox Vivid R2C
Groupset - SRAM X01 DH
Crankset - SRAM X01 DH 36T
Brakes - SRAM Guide Ultimate
Wheels - Easton Havoc
Tires - Schwalbe Magic Mary 2.35” Vertstar Supergravity
Cassette - SRAM 7S 10-24T
Saddle- Prologo X20 Downhill
Seatpost - V2 Pro
Handlebar - Chromag BZA 35 800mm
MSRP - $7,759

RC10s

Fork - RockShox BoXXer Team
Shock - RockShox Vivid R2C
Groupset - SRAM X9
Crankset - Truvativ Descendant 36T
Brakes - SRAM Guide RS
Rims and Hubs - DT Swiss 533D / DT Swiss 350
Tires - Maxxis Highroller II 2.4” 3C Compound 2-Ply
Cassette - Shimano 10S 11-28T
Saddle - SDG Fly RL
Seatpost - V2 Pro
Handlebar - Truvativ Steve Smith 780mm
MSRP - $5,959

XP10s

Fork - RockShox BoXXer RC
Shock - RockShox Vivid R2C
Groupset - SRAM X7
Crankset - Truvativ Hussefelt 1.0 36T
Brakes - SRAM Guide R
Rims and Hubs - DT Swiss 533D / Formula
Tires - Maxxis Highroller II 2.4” 3C Compound 2-Ply
Cassette - Shimano 10S 11-28T
Saddle - SDG Fly RL
Seatpost - V2 Comp
Handlebar - V2 Pro Riserbar 780mm
MSRP - $4,659

Initial Impressions

We have to admit, carbon looks good on the Wilson. While the overall lines have remained fairly consistent when compared to last year’s Wilson, the updated carbon front triangle just looks like a clean, mean downhilling machine. With proper external cable routing that runs on the underside of the top tube, integrated fork bumpers that double as cable guides and that big, burly signature seat stay, the new Wilson means business. We’ve been putting in laps on Devinci's highest-end build for the Wilson, the SL7S. Highlights of the build-kit include SRAM’s X01 DH drivetrain, a RockShox BoXXer World Cup and Vivid R2C as well as some proper 800mm Chromag BZA 35 bars and Easton Havoc wheels. Our large frame bike weighed in at 36 LBS (16.33 KG) on the dot (tested).

We started with Devinci’s recommended base settings for the fork and shock. Devinci had installed three Bottomless Tokens in the BoXXer World Cup. We set the pressure to put us around 20% sag up front and started with a spring for the rear shock that put us a bit deeper into the bike's sag than we’d typically run, about 35%. To make set up a bit easier, Devinci laser etched a sag meter on the rocker to help you get things dialed in.

After dialing in the bike as best as possible, we set off on the rough ride that is Phoenix’s Geronimo trail. Having previously only ridden this particular trail on 115-160mm bikes, right away we were flying through sections that had kept us on our toes. While that’s expected when comparing a 200mm DH bike to a 160mm trail bike, it was a welcomed feeling. If you’ve not experienced Geronimo, it’s non-stop chunky goodness from top to bottom. Long sections of square-edged hit after square-edged hit was the basic theme. The Wilson let us tackle the tricky terrain confidently. Another thing we noticed right away was that the Wilson is a responsive pedaler. Sprinting and pedaling out of corners, the bike quickly gets up to speed.

While 35% rear sag is a bit more than we’d typically run, especially when Devinci recommends closer to 30%, we found the bike to bottom a bit more frequently than normal. While it did bottom more often, we were actually surprised that it wasn’t ever a harsh bottom and quite honestly, we expected it to occur more than it did. Perhaps a testament to Devinci’s claim of a progressive last 10% of travel. Once we got the bike home and threw a 50-pound heavier spring on it, the semi-frequent bottom outs turned to occasional bottom outs which is more typical of a downhill bike. Sag was reduced to just under 30% with the new spring and we were still able to take full advantage of the available travel. The heavier spring also helped keep the bike stable during heavy cornering situations as it helped reduce wallow a good deal.

Speaking of cornering, we found the Wilson to be excellent. At the claimed 13.7-inch (348mm) bottom bracket height and low center of gravity, we pushed the bike as hard as we could in the turns and never felt like we had to back it off. While that low bottom bracket is great for cornering, we did hit the bash guard a few times in rough, rocky sections of trail. But, that’s what a bash guard’s for, right? Luckily we never had any scary moments or close calls because of the strikes.

We're still putting in the vertical feet aboard the Wilson with an in-depth ride review on the way. Stay tuned.