At just $1,599.95, the Airborne Pathogen is one of a few 8-inch travel downhill frames that rings up for less than $2,000. The 7,000 series hydroformed and double-butted aluminum frame comes with a headset, a highly adjustable X-Fusion Vector Coil HLR shock, and three shock springs to help you dial in your ride.
Specs and Highlights:
- 8-inches (203mm) of rear travel
- Modified single pivot suspension
- 26-inch wheels
- Tapered headtube
- Replaceable 12x150mm dropouts
- 83mm BSA style bottom bracket with ISCG05 tabs
- IS rear brake mount
- Standard size sealed bearings with dust caps
- Internal cable routing for the rear derailleur through chainstay
- 240x76mm shock with 22.2x8mm bushings
- Available in “Warning Yellow” or “Black Plague” colors
- Claimed weight for a Medium frameset excluding shock: 9.5-pounds (4.3kg)
- Measured weight for a Large frameset with shock and axle: 12.4-pounds (5.6kg)
- Price: $1,599.95
Geometry:
How are they able to bring the Pathogen to market at a price that’s $1,000 to $2,000 less than most frames in this category? Airborne says it’s simple:
"We’re a small group of guys who love to ride just as much as you. Airborne’s mission is to build bikes that are easier to afford without sacrificing quality. We sell direct to the consumer and don’t have the additional mark-up built in for distributors and/or shops. We also operate very lean and don’t make a large margin on what we sell." - Jeremy Mudd and Trevor Gay, Airborne Bikes
More info: www.airbornebicycles.com
