2022 Devinci Spartan Carbon GX Bike

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Devinci's new Spartan High Pivot (HP) launched the day our Test Sessions began. Devinci's enduro racers have been using the Spartan platform to take on the Enduro World Series for some time. It was with their feedback that the Spartan moved to a high pivot bike, still utilizing the Split Pivot design. The main focus with the Spartan HP was to make a bike that was more comfortable at speed and could still move about the mountain efficiently.

Highlights

• Full carbon frame
• 29-inch wheels only
• 170mm (6.6-inches) or 180mm (7-inches) LTD model front travel
• 160mm (6.3-inches) rear travel
• Split Pivot, High Pivot (HP) suspension system
• Threaded bottom bracket with 2-bolt ISCG tabs
• Partially guided internal cable routing
• Geo-adjust flip chip
• Coil shock compatible
• SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger
• Polyurethane protection for chainstay, seatstay, bb/downtube, and shuttle zone
• Size-specific chainstays
• Super Boost 157 with 12mm through axle
• Weight - 35-pounds (15.8kg) (size medium, no pedals)
• MSRP - $6,149 (as tested)

Overview

Devinci's new Spartan High Pivot (HP) launched the day our Test Sessions began. Devinci's enduro racers have been using the Spartan platform to take on the Enduro World Series for some time. It was with their feedback that the Spartan moved to a high pivot bike, still utilizing the Split Pivot design. The main focus with the Spartan HP was to make a bike that was more comfortable at speed and could still move about the mountain efficiently.

It is strange times when a 64.5-degree head angle is among the steepest in a bike review, but Devinci didn't need the Spartan HP to be incredibly slack. Its 465mm reach was the second-longest in our test as was the 1242mm wheelbase (at sag). Because it is a high-pivot design, the Spartan HP's numbers will grow as it moves through its travel. In the case of the chainstay, 425mm on the chart equates to about 435mm at sag. In brief, it is hard to summarize a bike like the Spartan on paper. This is a bike that needs to be put to dirt to analyze.

Our test bike was the GX 12S build. As the name implies, the Spartan uses a full SRAM GX Eagle build with SRAM Code R brakes and 200mm rotors. In stock form, our bike has a FOX X2 Performance Elite rear shock and FOX Performance 38 fork. At Devinci's request, a Grip 2 damper was installed to help level the playing field for the Spartan HP. Since every other bike in the test was on higher-end suspension, we obliged in order to get a more equal feel for the Spartan's handling in the rough stuff. More than drivetrains and dropper posts, it is the suspension that alters a bike's ride qualities. No matter what suspension damper was in our test bike, there was no avoiding the 35-pound test weight.

Costing far less but affecting on-trail manners just as much, tires should never be overlooked. Devinci outfits every Spartan HP with Maxxis DoubleDown Maxx Grip tires front and rear. Even that beefy rubber could not save the Race Face AR30 rear rim from acquiring a large dent. In truth, this happened before official testing had begun and we were oblivious until we did our glamour shots.

Rider Setup

Our testing team fussed with their settings during testing. The numbers below represent where they settled in the end.Compression clicks all started at the factory recommended settings and moved on from there. For simplicity sake, here are the highlight numbers that each tester used.

On the Trail

If there was one bike that stood above all the others in the test when it came to confidently performing downhill, it was the Spartan HP. No matter how steep, nasty or technical, the Spartan HP delivered in spades. When speeds picked up and it was time to mow down anything between the rider and the fastest line, the Spartan stood tall as the most capable machine. There is no doubt the Spartan HP is a bigger bike but riders will never want for traction or unflappable confidence.

Getting along with the Spartan HP was a fast, easy affair. It did not take our testers very long to get a read on how the Spartan HP handled and what to expect of it. Our initial impressions of the Spartan being planted and stable were only cemented over time as our confidence level grew and we picked up speed. Once fully settled in on the bike, testers were able to starting bringing out more of its personality and making larger lines and jumps happen.

Devinci did not build the perfect bike or a quiver killer by most measures. The Spartan's heavier weight means that riders will need to put more input to make the bike move accordingly. Riders looking to have a party on the trail with bonus hits and side jibs will be working overtime to make it happen. Among our testers, the Spartan HP had a somewhat dead feeling. This may be great for smashing but that's about it. This is a bike with a planted feel and it takes a proper lip to get it skyward.

It is true, the Spartan HP is a very efficient pedaler, which is a good thing since that's the flipside to this high-pivot idler thing. Despite being rather girthy, our testers put the Spartan above other bikes in the test for climbing manners. Certainly, the bike is heavy and that does not help matters, nor do the super sticky, heavy tires. Taking all fo that into account and we'll call the Spartan a capable climber with an asterisks. The Spartan HP is not a bike for your all-day adventures and backcountry explorations. Without a shuttle, our testers would not have wanted to get the Spartan to the top of our test trail, which, ironically, was where it really shone brightest.

None of our testers noticed or had anything to say when it came to the idler and perceived drag. For our part, when we were riding the Spartan HP, we were completely oblivious to the high-pivot idler wizardry going on. When it comes to new tech like this, sometimes the best compliment that can be paid is that it was never noticed.

Laying the Spartan HP into corners is utterly delightful. For our testers, it was a matter of leaning the bike over and letting it handle what came its way. If we were to take one of our test bikes racing in some serious terrain, it would most likely be the Spartan HP. The overall composure and ability to carry speed everywhere make it a confident ally in the war against the clock.

Build Kit

As with all of our bikes in this test, we had some time to get the Spartan HP on the trails prior to our Test Session. Taking a brand new bike into a test opens itself to more bugs than not. Despite being properly bedded and then bled, the SRAM Code R brakes have entirely too much lever throw and end in a spongy feel. Well before we upgraded the suspension damper, we would encourage riders to get some Code RSC levers for the Spartan HP. Good brakes inspire confidence, which results in speed and more fun. Strictly from a performance standpoint, this was our only gripe with Devinci's build.

We've already mentioned the MaxxGrip Double Down tires. On a bike like the Spartan HP, a tire of this caliber should always be present and used. They may be heavy and roll slow but all of that is mitigated once you get this bike into the terrain for which it was designed. This setup worked amazing and complimented the Spartan HP.

The SDG Tellis dropper seems to be the new go-to for bike spec. We aren't mad about that. Of all the various bikes that have come through our testing facilities, they've all worked just fine. The trouble is that brands are only speccing the 150mm drop on mediums (and sometimes more) which is a darn shame. There's plenty of insertion on bikes these days to accommodate the longer post. Nobody on a bike like this has ever complained about too much seat post drop. Meanwhile, we'll keep calling out when it's too little.

Test Session Take

Not to paint ourselves into a corner with the Spartan HP, we'll concede that riders can pedal it all about the mountain. Surly there are big rides out there that warrant the sort of no-nonsense performance of this bike. Of the six bikes in our test, the Devinci was not the worst to climb and that is saying something. However, riders will really need to evaluate how much bike they want to lug about in the name of unbridled downhill performance. If your enduro races have the demanding terrain, here you go. If big moves and brutal lines are your calling, here you go.One of our testers had the Spartan HP as number two on their list of bikes to take home. We were that in love with it.

Head here to catch the full 2021 Enduro Test Session Feature

Learn more about the Devinci Spartan HP head to Devinci.com