Lightest Ever Enduro Frame? | Introducing the Last Tarvo 1

The TARVO sets new standards: while super sturdy, it‘s also the lightest Enduro there is. An uncompromising design made from the best materials, it delivers yet unparalleled performance!

• Frame weight: 2,08 kg
• 160 mm suspension travel
• 29-inch wheels (or 27.5/29 "MX" option)
• Integrated storage space
• Bike park approved – 5 year warranty
• Developed and made in Germany

“On the trail, the TARVO is absolutely thrilling: You feel the feedback of the progression and instantly the bike is pushing you into the next berm. It‘s direct, precise and damn fast.“ - Jochen Forstmann | LAST

FUNCTIONAL LIGHTWEIGHT – THE TARVO’S CONCEPT

With our bikes, performance and riding fun are the top priority. In addition to their weight, the geometry and the suspension system form the basis for every bike. Our vision was not only to make the TARVO the lightest Enduro, but first of all to design a fast and easy to control bike. We didn‘t just build our tested frame concept out of carbon, we completely redesigned everything.

We use the advantages of the material in a way that you can really feel: The TARVO is sturdy but still lighter then anything that we have built before. The frame weighs almost a kilogram less than our already light aluminium frames. The kinematics are very progressive, just like with our other bikes. This is achieved with a suspension system based on a flex pivot and a rocker arm. The directional stiffness of the carbon is used to form an elastic joint which is lighter, free of play and requires no maintenance.

The TARVO is manufactured in a high-quality autoclave process as a monocoque without glue joints. The result is a highly functional frame that is extremely light, yet low-maintenance and extremely sturdy.

PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The TARVO provides a very progressive suspension system with a minimum of rocker arms and bearings. For the first time, a bike with 160 mm suspension travel is designed as a flex pivot and achieves a progression of 55 percent. More significant than the overall progression is the progression from the sag point to the end of the travel, which is 34 percent. This is made possible by the optimal choice of pivot points, so that the flex pivot is hardly stressed and an optimal durability is achieved. The progressive kinematics allow the use of both air and coil shocks.

SIZE-SPECIFIC ANTI-SQUAT

Pedalling efficiency is generated to a large extent by a well-fitting anti-squat value. The value depends on the kinematics of the bike and the height of the rider’s centre of gravity. To always achieve the optimum anti-squat, we adjust the position of the pivot points for each frame size and the expected height of the centre of gravity. The blue graphs show the anti-squat values for the four frame sizes depending on the rear cog (x-axis). For comparison, the grey curves show the values for a non optimized system. It is easily recognizable that the blue lines are closer to each other, especially for low gears.

ANTI-RISE

The anti rise value determines how the suspension behaves during braking. A value around 100 % is considered the optimum, since the suspension behaves neutrally at this figure. This means that the application of the brake has no disturbing influence on the suspension system. The size specific optimization results in four almost identical blue curves, that appear as one thick blue curve in the diagram.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION - THE BASIC CONDITIONS

The TARVO is more than just light: it meets strength requirements that far exceed the norms. For two decades now, we have been working together with EFBE Prüftechnik, where the TARVO underwent the most demanding load tests. The result of these tests and practical trials is the approval of the bike for use according to the highest category (5) of ASTM F2043-13, making the TARVO a tested and safe lightweight construction according to the latest standards. The frame is laminated by the carbon-construction experts at All Ahead in Würzburg. We are so convinced of the quality and the result that the TARVO carries a 5 year warranty.

ROBUST LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION

We rely on full complement stainless steel bearings from Enduro bearings in the dimension 28x15x7 at all highly stressed bearing points. Likewise, the screw connections of the main pivot and rocker arm pivot are still in size M14 and the threaded inserts are made of sturdy titanium. The laminate structure with reinforcement layers for extreme loads and the selection of fibres with high elasticity take into account the demanding use in the Enduro sector.

MONOCOQUE FRAME

The front and rear of the frame are each produced as a whole in one mould. Due to the monocoque design, it features a consistent laminate structure without any weak points. Heavy joints where material is doubled up are completely eliminated.

AUTOCLAVE PROCESS

In addition to the quality of fiber and matrix, the manufacturing quality is decisive for the lightweight construction potential. Only if the prepreg layers are optimally pressed together, a load-bearing structure can be created. This requires craftsmanship and care as well as the masterful control of the manufacturing process itself. In the autoclave process, the material undergoes strong compression due to the applied pressure. At the same time, a vacuum is created in the laminate to remove residual air. Careful process control using measurement data allows the quality of each individual component to be verified. The high processing quality makes it possible to reduce the amount of material to the required minimum.

PREPREG MATERIALS

Prepregs are used for the TARVO. Prepregs are carbon fibre mats pre-impregnated with resin. The fibres of different stiffness are produced in Japan. Further processing to prepreg is done in Italy. 90 degree and unidirectional layers are used. The frames are not sanded after the process due to the high manufacturing quality. The visible layer of UD material is thus fully retained and is effective for load bearing.

GEOMETRY

Based on a 29 inch Rock Shox Lyrik with 170 mm travel and 42 mm offset. For the fun of downhill riding, the TARVO is designed with a flat steering angle of 64 degrees. The balanced ratio of reach to chainstay length ensures a lively and playful character. The short seat tubes and the full retractability of the seat post allow every rider to choose between several sizes - depending on their preference for a longer or shorter bike. To give a starting point for the size selection, we name the sizes according to the typical rider sizes: 165, 175, 185 and 195.

FRAME SIZE GEOMETRY OPTIMIZATION

For the TARVO we adjust the chainstay length, seat angle and bottom bracket height to suit each frame size perfectly. Size 165 has a bottom bracket that is 5 mm lower, as we recommend shorter 170 mm cranks for shorter riders. The chain stay length of size 165 is 430 mm and increases continuously up to 444 mm for size 195. For the larger sizes we designed the seat tube a little steeper to get more pressure on the front wheel. Size 175 and 185 are already available for order, size 165 and 195 will be available in August.

MX OPTION

The TARVO with the MX option uses a 27.5 inch rear wheel, combining the advantages of 29 inch and 27.5 inch in one bike. The large front wheel has good rollover characteristics and the smaller rear wheel offers more freedom of movement and greater rigidity. The seat can be lowered without the tire touching it at full compression. This allows smaller riders to use seatposts with more travel. The TARVO MX has 170 mm rear travel. The MX rocker arm adjusts the bottom bracket drop perfectly for the increased rear travel. Seat angle and head angle increase nominally by 0,2°. This change will be equalized under riding conditions because of the increased sag that comes with the MX´s 170 mm rear travel. This allows to have the benefits without compromises.

STORAGE COMPARTMENT

Accessible through a lid, the down tube provides storage space for a pump, spares, tools, and granola bars. It‘s best used with the compatible bags that are sold separately.

BOTTLE CAGE

The bottle cage mount is integrated into the lid of the storage compartment for frames that feature storage.

COLOR OPTIONS AND CUSTOM COLORS

In addition to the raw version - the lightest one without varnish, which is possible thanks to a UV-stable matrix - we also offer the frame with a varnished finish. The frames are painted in blue matte metallic, including black lettering under the clear lacquer. The frames are painted at 70ID from Hagen, Germany, so that we can also fulfill color requests for the TARVO.

INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING IN HOUSINGS

The ducts for the Bowden cables are laminated directly into the down tube and stiffen it additionally. This effectively prevents rattling and makes the installation more comfortable. A cable management system is integrated in the rear end, which ensures good cable routing without visible intergradation from the front to the rear end.

INSIDE DISCBRAKE MOUNT

To give the seat stay an unobstructed flex and a clean design, the disc brake is attached to the inside of the chain stay. The PM180 mount uses inserted barrel nuts which can be easily replaced if the threads are damaged.

UNIVERSAL DERAILLEUR HANGER

The TARVO uses the Universal Derailleur Hanger by Sram which allows the installation of a normal rear derailleur - no matter which manufacturer. This is a great advantage since not only we use it – many bicycle shops will also stock this derailleur hanger, so it is always readily available – no matter where you are. From a technical point of view it is opportune that the thread for the axle is placed inside the derailleur hanger and in case of wear or defect can simply be replaced by a new derailleur hanger.

ISCG MOUNT AND BSA BOTTOM BRACKET

If required, an ISCG mount can be rigged on the bottom bracket to attach chain guides or bash guards. The adapter is clamped to the bottom bracket as soon as it is screwed into the BSA thread.

MOUNTING HARDWARE

When disassembling the shock absorber, the rocker arm holds the washers of the trunnion mount so that they cannot get lost. The lower mounting hardware is made of titanium and coated using PVD.

RESPONSIBILTY AND ECOLOGY

In choosing our partners and suppliers, we attach great importance to good conditions, both in terms of the environment and conditions for employees. That’s why we prefer suppliers from free democratic countries. For the TARVO, this means: the carbon fibres come from Japan. The processing into preimpregnated fibres is done in Italy. The frame is laminated in Würzburg at All Ahead in compliance with environmental standards. The colored frames are painted in Hagen, Germany. Finally, all frames are assembled, tested and, if desired, assembled into complete bikes in Dortmund.

WARRANTY AND CRASH REPLACEMENT

The five-year warranty of the TARVO frame applies not only to the first owner, but also to subsequent owners. In addition, the Crash Replacement Program provides additional protection for the first 3 years.

SPARE PARTS SUPPLY AND REPAIRS

Contrary to popular belief, carbon frames are reparable as long as the damage isn‘t to heavy. In addition, the availability of spare parts such as the front and rear end is also ensured in the long term, as these can be easily reproduced with the existing moulds even years later.

RECYCLING GUARANTEE

Typically, our bikes are ridden for a long time and then passed into the hands of a new owner. We guarantee the proper recycling for all frames returned to us. For example, the carbon fibres can be recovered in a pyrolysis process and reused for reinforced thermoplastic parts.

FRAMESETS AND COMPLETE BIKES

Each TARVO frame is assembled in our Dortmund based manufactory according to the choice of our customers. The frame sets can be equipped with Fox Factory Series DHX2 coil shock or Float X2 air shock. The Rock Shox Superdeluxe Ultimate RCT is offered in the coil and air version as well. All shocks feature a platform mode that can be activated via a lever that is easy to reach. All complete bikes will be configured in dialogue with the customer and fitted to his needs in the best possible way. This includes components and color choice. Complete builds start at 5799 € and can get as light as 12,4 kg.

We offer international shipping options, but we encourage customers to pick up their bike in Dortmund. The bike will be set up and we offer a guided first ride that allows us to fine tune your settings. Details about our test sessions and rides can be found at www.last-bikes.com.

The TARVO can be ordered right now and first deliveries will be in June.

Frame sizes 165 and 195 become available in August.

Pricing:

• TARVO frameset in raw without shock: 3599 €
• TARVO frameset in raw including Fox Float X2 Factory Series: 4158 €
• TARVO frameset in raw including Fox DHX2 Factory Series: 4288 €
• TARVO frameset in raw including Rock Shox Superdeluxe Ultimate RCT: 4038 €
• TARVO frameset in raw including Rock Shox Superdeluxe Coil Ultimate RCT: 4048 €

Upgrades:

• Storage compartment: 199 €
• Matte blue metallic paint: 399 €
• Custom color: 799 €

For more information, head on over to www.last-bikes.com.