DMR Bolt Slopestyle Prototype - Eurobike 2010

by Mike Levy
Sep 3, 2010 at 15:35

DMR was proudly showing off their latest fun machine, the prototype Bolt full suspension slopestyle bike. The interesting steel frame has 125 mm of travel and pivots concentrically around the bottom bracket for easy single speed use. Inside you can read the details, view the photos, and watch a movie explaining what the Bolt is all about!

Read on...

DMR Bolt Prototype


Watch the video to learn about DMR's prototype Bolt!

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I love prototype bikes, especially when they are this fresh! Pictured here is prototype numuro uno of DMR's Bolt short travel slopestyle and general fun machine. DMR has long been known for their hardtails and you can certainly see the simple lines of those rigid frames carry over onto the new Bolt. Just as found on some of DMR's other frames, the Bolt is built using steel tubing, in this case it is heat treated 4130 chromoly. The goal was to make a bike with the same attitude as their hardtails, but with 125 mm of rear wheel travel to be a bit more forgiving. The result is a bike that looks like its going to be as fun as a barrel of monkeys.
I love prototype bikes, especially when they are this fresh! Pictured here is prototype numuro uno of DMR's Bolt short travel slopestyle and general fun machine. DMR has long been known for their hardtails and you can certainly see the simple lines of those rigid frames carry over onto the new Bolt. Just as found on some of DMR's other frames, the Bolt is built using steel tubing, in this case it is heat treated 4130 chromoly. The goal was to make a bike with the same attitude as their hardtails, but with 125 mm of rear wheel travel to be a bit more forgiving. The result is a bike that looks like its going to be as fun as a barrel of monkeys.

There were a number of requirements that DMR wanted to meet when penning the Bolt. Among them, it had to have enough travel and be forgiving enough to want to ride over a hardtail on some terrain, it had to be stiff enough to not feel like a wet noodle when pushing hard, short chainstays were obviously wanted, as well as to have it be easily convertible to singlespeed if so desired. It looks as if all those boxes have been ticked off. The swingarm pivots concentrically around the bottom bracket shell which means that chain tension will not change as the bike goes through it's travel. All you have to do is install DMR's 'Swopout' horizontal dropouts and shorten your chain in order to convert to singlespeed. The small link just above the shock does not alter the shock rate at all, but serves to keep the bike as stiff as possible.
There were a number of requirements that DMR wanted to meet when penning the Bolt. Among them, it had to have enough travel and be forgiving enough to want to ride over a hardtail on some terrain, it had to be stiff enough to not feel like a wet noodle when pushing hard, short chainstays were obviously wanted, as well as to have it be easily convertible to singlespeed if so desired. It looks as if all those boxes have been ticked off. The swingarm pivots concentrically around the bottom bracket shell which means that chain tension will not change as the bike goes through it's travel. All you have to do is install DMR's 'Swopout' horizontal dropouts and shorten your chain in order to convert to singlespeed. The small link just above the shock does not alter the shock rate at all, but serves to keep the bike as stiff as possible.

The concentric bottom bracket is the key to being able to run a single speed setup on a full suspension bike without resorting to using a spring loaded chain tension device. Because the swingarm pivots directly off the bottom bracket shell the distance from it and the rear axle remains constant as the bike goes through it's travel. No funky bolt-on chain tension bits are required. If you want to run gears you'll need to use some sort of chain guide up front which can be mounted on the Bolt's ISCG05 tabs. Have they thought of everything?
The concentric bottom bracket is the key to being able to run a single speed setup on a full suspension bike without resorting to using a spring loaded chain tension device. Because the swingarm pivots directly off the bottom bracket shell the distance from it and the rear axle remains constant as the bike goes through it's travel. No funky bolt-on chain tension bits are required. If you want to run gears you'll need to use some sort of chain guide up front which can be mounted on the Bolt's ISCG05 tabs. Have they thought of everything?

DMR says that you'll be best off using a 120 - 150 mm travel fork to match up with the 125 mm found out back. The Bolt will be available in either metallic black with anodized orange link, dropouts, and BB pivot parts or aqua with green anodized bits. If you like to do your own thing when it comes to stickers you'll be stoked to know that the stock decals are removable and the Bolt will come with an extra sticker sheet if you want to get all custom on it.
DMR says that you'll be best off using a 120 - 150 mm travel fork to match up with the 125 mm found out back. The Bolt will be available in either metallic black with anodized orange link, dropouts, and BB pivot parts or aqua with green anodized bits. If you like to do your own thing when it comes to stickers you'll be stoked to know that the stock decals are removable and the Bolt will come with an extra sticker sheet if you want to get all custom on it.

This is DMR's simple and effective 'Swopout' adaptable dropout system. Two bolts hold on each of the Bolt's aluminum dropouts and make for a simple job if you want to switch from a vertical geared setup to a horizontal single speed system. Availability should be around December or January with a projected retail price of $1300 - $1400 USD for the frame and rear shock.
This is DMR's simple and effective 'Swopout' adaptable dropout system. Two bolts hold on each of the Bolt's aluminum dropouts and make for a simple job if you want to switch from a vertical geared setup to a horizontal single speed system. Availability should be around December or January with a projected retail price of $1300 - $1400 USD for the frame and rear shock.

With a heat treated steel frame, a single speed compatible concentric BB pivot, and 125 mm of travel, the Bolt could be anything from a full suspension dirt jump bike to a bike park trail slayer. Versatility at its best? Lets hear what you think of the Bolt below!

Visit the DMR website to see their entire lineup of frames and accessories.

Stay tuned for more Eurobike coverage!
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94 Comments

  • + 5
flag GSuperstar (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:23)
 I have to kinda agree with the above. When you have such stunning bikes being produced by nearly every manufacturer, you can't really afford to come out with a slightly odd/cheap looking design. No doubt it'll work flawlessly, but looks play a big part in the mtb world.
  • + 2
flag teamn2 (Sep 3, 2010 at 22:52)
 not for every body some people that ride slope style type stuff want a bike that wont blow up after you overrotate a 360 a little bit thats why this fame is meant to take a ton of pressure for those kinds of tricks and what not not every one out there can afford to look fancy, some can just afford something that will last what they put it through...
  • + 4
flag eastofski (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:04)
 I think the point was to make it look as clean and simple as possible so as not to stray away from their usual DJ hardtail looks. Sure, they could've gone out and designed another hydroformed-aluminium-tubed chunky full susser, but it wouldn't really stand out, would it? I say well done to them for making a full sus look that clean
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag sortafast (Sep 3, 2010 at 21:53)
 I don't know what the idiots are talking about when they say its ugly and total crap. Its a basic concentric BB frame that was built to be like a hard tail, but with a little squish. I think it looks sweet. Yeah, its not some hydroformed monocoque frame with 2miles of welding on it, but really if looks are the name of the game go buy a $50 mongoose at Walmart or Canadian Tire or whatever. And its a STEEL frame which that in and of itself is awesome. Steel rocks, and in an FS frame it is epic.

Only thing I would add would be some sort of internal/integrated or tapered head tube. If I had the $$$ I would buy one with out a second thought (assuming the geometry is good and they make a XXL).
  • - 1
flag codyboy1996 (Sep 4, 2010 at 0:26)
 does have an integrated head tube..
  • + 1
flag sortafast (Sep 6, 2010 at 7:42)
 you're right. I thought I saw a line where the HT met a cup, but i guess it was just paint and the lighting.
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag mr-smashy (Sep 3, 2010 at 19:27)
 Note the prototype thing in the title?

Entirely possible that they will refine things with it before it's set for release for sale.
  • + 3
flag teamn2 (Sep 3, 2010 at 22:54)
 finally some one says it!
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag connor-H (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:13)
 Slopestyle is such a trend right now.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag kraut (Sep 4, 2010 at 14:31)
 i really like all the DMR stuff, but in this case: strange pricing - (even for BLK market´s killswitch)
you know YT industries slopestyle model named -play- ? costs under thousand euro, for the complete bike.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag harryt (Feb 4, 2011 at 6:13)
 Some advice ?, right now i have a giant stp, single speed with fox 36 talas at 130mm. I love it i can do whatever i want i race hardtail DH and 4x on it. Once you go singlespeed there is no going back. So now i am going to Whistler for 6 months and want to get a new frame to take there. I thought this would be a good pic as it looks sweet and i love DMR. I just want a bike that will ride like my stp hardtail but be a bit softer in the back for some of the dh runs and trails.

Comment/advice cheers
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hampsteadbandit (Sep 4, 2010 at 5:43)
 name a slopestyle frame that has some special suspension design and takes thousands of dollars for research. exactly none. most slope bikes either have a concentric bb with alot of metal around the bb like you just said or have 4 bar system. both of them work differently but generally perform the same task equally.

here ya go!

BANSHEE RAMPANT

been available for over 3 years - runs 100mm virtual pivot suspension system so pedals quick, does not require crazy high shock pressure to stop bottom out on jumps, and has active braking on the bumps - 7005 hydroformed tubeset with cold forged / cold formed components - frame is just 7lb including Fox RP2 air shock

tough as hell, rides sick, had mine 2 years and totally love it...

if you don't believe me? check out Mike Montgomery and Alan Hepburn - both on Rampants
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag CoN-AiR15 (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:08)
 nicely done to the guys at DMR! looks snappy
  • + 1
flag YukonFXrider (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:13)
 such a sweet bike--i stoked to get one now.
  • + 10
flag samjoss (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:17)
 its just the name of our currency its not really that funny tbh :L
  • + 8
flag newworlddisorder (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:36)
 personally i would rather trek released their session ss
  • - 20
flag teamn2 (Sep 3, 2010 at 21:13) (Below Threshold) show comment
 ya but in canada most of us use pounds and grams to measure wieght so when he says 900 pounds it almost sounds like he is saying thats how much it wieghs
  • + 16
flag ledzeppie (Sep 3, 2010 at 23:46)
 No that's just you.
  • - 1
flag teamn2 (Sep 4, 2010 at 0:31)
 alright if thats what you think...
  • + 0
flag Lenny-Twenny (Sep 4, 2010 at 2:25)
 I was at a race in July where one of the guys from DMR was riding a more freeeride version of this with probably about 160ml travel. The frame and suspension design were very similar..
This is looking sick tho!! Big Grin
  • + 1
flag ste3le (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:17)
 Yeah I have a picture of it in one of my albums, It's crap quality I took it with my phone out of a magazine.
  • + 1
flag Colin994 (Sep 4, 2010 at 9:47)
 that thing looks so ill
  • + 2
flag iamsharpy (Sep 4, 2010 at 10:18)
 lenny-twenny - that bike you saw at a race is probably the same one, they haven't been developing any other full sussers, only this one.

Basically it is a Trailstar that has been chopped up a bit and given a concentric bottom bracket, the swing link from a Foes and an air shock. I've had a ride on it around some local singletrack and I can confirm that it is very stiff. I've not ridden it enough to give a good review, but it was very promising.
  • + 1
flag Lenny-Twenny (Sep 4, 2010 at 12:24)
 Right, ok .. It was being ridden by Duncan Ferris and at the time it was still just a raw frame. I spoke to him briefly about it but as it was a proto he didnt want to say whether they would be coming into production or not etc . The only difference I think I can recall by looking at this is the headtube but I may be wrong.

This is looking the business tho, Cant wait to see some of the pros tearing up slopestyle on one of these!! Wink
  • + 4
flag samjoss (Sep 5, 2010 at 4:16)
 i do understand the measurement of pounds and grams because we use it aswell all im saying is its not really a noteworthy comment, like i wouldnt be laughing because some australian said dollars because thats also the name for canadian and american currency :L
  • - 1
flag teamn2 (Sep 5, 2010 at 12:13)
 ok well now you just killed it so whatever
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag minisam1275 (Sep 5, 2010 at 2:12)
 this bike is fit ! Razz i think that i am going to start saving now ! Smile it is very similar to my trailstar but with the back end chopped up a bit and a shock in there ! i want one so bad !
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Joebohobo (Sep 4, 2010 at 1:47)
 love it, i love all the 120/140mm slopestyle bikes cus its like you can use them anywhere, slopestyle park, dj's, xc, light dh you can use it for like everything !
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag ctd07 (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:17)
 The rear triangle and suspension system is dangerously close to being a Foes... can't be a bad thing!
  • + 4
flag seraph (Sep 4, 2010 at 1:45)
 Last time I checked, Foes never used a concentric BB.
  • + 1
flag ctd07 (Sep 4, 2010 at 18:27)
 lol, i mean the linkage and rear triangle construction
  • + 1
flag seraph (Sep 4, 2010 at 18:53)
 If anything, the rear triangle looks more like that of a Blur. The bar on the side that goes next to the seat tube and up to the swing link reminds me of the top of the VPP linkage a lot, although the VPP swing arm is asymmetrical obviously.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cyfa89 (Mar 30, 2011 at 4:24)
 not too bad, what rims are they?
im sure it will ride well, i love my kona cowan for street
although these sorts if bikes are aimed at slopestyle, they fit the street criteria perfectly
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag hardcoredivision (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:20)
 I'm with MedellinColombiaDH.... What a Ugly/Cheap Looking bike...Another peace of trash!!
Thats good for making money...In Taiwan for sure they can find some one that does better looking frames at the same price!!!
That chain stays are monster ugly looking the BB its another ugly/big/
horrendous peace of metal...

I don't wanna be mean...its just my opinion!!

I think they could do better!
  • + 1
flag MedellinColombiaDH (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:28)
 Yeh dude! n even if it is a slopestyle bike u can still ride with STYLE
  • + 4
flag connor-morris (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:55)
 i see your guys' point and you guys are right in some respects but... you arent seeing the point of the design. name a slopestyle frame that has some special suspension design and takes thousands of dollars for research. exactly none. most slope bikes either have a concentric bb with alot of metal around the bb like you just said or have 4 bar system. both of them work differently but generally perform the same task equally. just like he said in the video the suspension design is meant to take side loads. it doesn't have to look perfect if it does what its designed to do. personally i agree they could have thought up a better looking bike. but i think they're design will do what its meant for.

just my opinion
  • + 8
flag nojzilla (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:30)
 a lot of people, me included. actualy prefer the look of a clean simple double triangle cromo desighn over a massivly over enginered,hydroformed crazy desighned oversized (and usualy overpriced) frame.like they said DMR have taken proven cromo hartail heritage over to the full suss world
  • + 2
flag evomtb (Sep 4, 2010 at 6:00)
 props ^^^^ what I wanted to say but better :cheers:
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Maksimbike (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:09)
 Looks a bit funny in the rear triangle... but good for DMR for makin a slope bike!!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag thetake401 (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:40)
 to be honest, i like the idea behind the bike, it looks half decent too, but the way it's been built, and the attention to detail isn't great, to say the least. if you're set on a singlespeed SS bike, get a killswitch.
  • + 1
flag teamn2 (Sep 3, 2010 at 22:53)
 what abotu a kona bass they are great bikes
  • + 1
flag teamn2 (Sep 3, 2010 at 22:55)
 and a dobermann le pink?
  • + 4
flag slamman (Sep 3, 2010 at 23:34)
 a DARTMOOR Shine!!!!
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/4824264/
JUST>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Stunning and the 2011 version>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>is even better. pure sex on a stick.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Bulls-On-Parade (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:54)
 hurray for DMR doing slopestyle
  • + 1
flag Joebohobo (Sep 4, 2010 at 1:47)
 good call Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag RMFwannabe (Sep 3, 2010 at 19:54)
 That video made me like the bike so much more than before!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sylwhistler (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:48)
 I'm 1.88m and used to ride L DH bikes, the L version of the Sx fits me perfectly.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag matt-bird (Sep 3, 2010 at 23:00)
 whats that deraliur looks pimp
  • + 2
flag mikelevy Mod Plus (Sep 4, 2010 at 2:48)
 MicroShift
  • + 1
flag cyfa89 (Mar 30, 2011 at 4:21)
 whats with all the old brands making a comeback?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag traildigger94 (Sep 3, 2010 at 21:02)
 weight ???? anyone have any clue beause it lks very light
  • + 1
flag cyfa89 (Mar 30, 2011 at 4:20)
 its not going to be light as ali, but we know this
i reckon though, it will be a good weight as stronger material = narrower tubing
maybe a similar weight would be possible comparatively
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ker1 (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:25)
 I have a DMR Trailstar and a DMR Sidekick. This is the next bike for my DMR family.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag DIRTY-DH-DJ (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:24)
 I know what my next frame is Smile
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag PhoS (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:08)
 steel is real
  • + 2
flag nojzilla (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:31)
 damn sraight it is! Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nesquick (Sep 4, 2010 at 10:32)
 it could be goog little brother to my sidekick! but isnt the chainstay to long?
  • + 1
flag nesquick (Sep 4, 2010 at 10:32)
 it could be gooD :-)
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag wes101 (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:32)
 i love dmr id get it if i did slopestyle
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag reecewallace Plus (Sep 3, 2010 at 19:18)
 wow im really impressed that is a sick chromo fully. pretty neat about the bb too, similar to a chameleon
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Muttley (Sep 4, 2010 at 2:57)
 I heard it rides pretty damn nice.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag DhhSimRiderr (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:12)
 DMR FOR LIFEE!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dhrider101 (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:18)
 thats a super cool rig
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sylwhistler (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:20)
 Compare with a Commencal Absolut SX...
  • + 1
flag nojzilla (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:33)
 the commencal sx looks way too short to me
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag brodha (Sep 7, 2010 at 7:50)
 It looks like the BB is taken from the Cannondale Chase Softail !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag superstar92 (Oct 9, 2010 at 23:46)
 (^o^)I want one........................................
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dirtbagbiker (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:25)
 now thats a nice bike.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag nick-dales (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:01)
 The look of the linkage just ruins that bike, everything else looks sick, but i'm not a fan of that linkage
  • + 1
flag cyfa89 (Mar 30, 2011 at 4:21)
 what if it was ano to match?
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag DIRTY-DH-DJ (Oct 22, 2010 at 4:41)
 im liking the dartmoor shine over that.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag RMFwannabe (Sep 3, 2010 at 19:44)
 Except for the X-fusion, its pretty pimp-shit!
  • + 3
flag Philbike (Sep 3, 2010 at 20:19)
 Is X-Fusion is that bad?
  • + 1
flag RMFwannabe (Sep 4, 2010 at 7:20)
 Well I know I wouldn't trust it as much as a Fox, Rockshox, Marzocchi, Manitou or Boss, I likke my Fox and Marzocchi, they are proven.
  • + 1
flag Philbike (Sep 11, 2010 at 9:19)
 Ok Thanks Smile
  • + 1
flag RMFwannabe (Sep 11, 2010 at 17:02)
 your welcome, my Marzocchi 55R bombers are great!
  • + 1
flag Philbike (Sep 11, 2010 at 17:24)
 I Will Get A Marzocchi Evo Titanium 2011, Did you hear about those, I know there Soooo lite, I Think Its even better than the Boxxer World Cup, thats why ill change my fork....
  • + 1
flag cyfa89 (Mar 30, 2011 at 4:22)
 x fusion is great
great value and great products
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag loaded (Sep 3, 2010 at 19:38)
 Clean and simple, nice
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag Deeds (Sep 3, 2010 at 18:06)
 i would like to see some horizontail (i know i spelled that wrong but you can still understand what i'm saying) dropouts
  • + 3
flag the-biking-whyking (Sep 3, 2010 at 22:00)
 read again... 2nd pic, and last pic both talk about the "swopout" dropouts that are interchangeable between vert and horizontal... why nobody else uses it? beyond me...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TheLongMan (Sep 4, 2010 at 2:29)
 very interesting!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag slamman (Sep 3, 2010 at 23:30)
 Just buy a DARTMOOR shine, loads lighter and all together better.
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag elbry (Sep 3, 2010 at 23:45)
 looks a bit cheap and dated looking?
  • + 1
flag MedellinColombiaDH (Sep 4, 2010 at 9:09)
 U said it!
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag MedellinColombiaDH (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:10)
 I dont wanna sound mean, but thats a shity frame design, take the risk to push the limits of frames designs!
  • + 4
flag ctd07 (Sep 3, 2010 at 17:21)
 you don't need anything fancy for slopestyle, all its gotta do is compress every now and again under a really big impact.. it does mean they generally ride crap for anything other than big jumps and park riding though... :-(
  • - 2
flag IH4LIFE (Sep 3, 2010 at 21:32)
 MedellinColombiaDH i feeling ya its boring and almosts reminds me of a walmart bike
  • + 3
flag teamn2 (Sep 3, 2010 at 22:47)
 but that is what the people that buy these frames are wanting out of them anyways so what the hell
  • + 6
flag eastofski (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:09)
 Show me a walmart bike with skinny steel tubing and an airshock then....

and how is it boring? It's one of only a few steel full sussers so looks completely different

Plus since they're british, it would be tesco. Thankfully, our supermarkets don't sell bikes...
  • + 3
flag ste3le (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:18)
 My local Tesco does Frown
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag bigal243 (Sep 4, 2010 at 1:37)
 Commencal Absolut SS anyone?
  • + 3
flag seraph (Sep 4, 2010 at 1:47)
 Not really.
  • + 2
flag harry-h (Sep 4, 2010 at 3:14)
 Just because it uses a bb pivot and the shock is in roughly the same place? I have to say Commencal didn't do that first!
[Reply]

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