With Iron Horse’s license of Dave Weagle’s famed DW-Link suspension design coming to an end at the end of this year, rumors have been flying as to who will pick up the torch and run with it. Aside from Iron Horse, no other manufacturer was producing the full gamut of bikes (from XC to DH) utilizing the DW-Link.
Rumors have been flying around the Internet since Spring and at least one answer to the mystery has come forth. Turner Bikes has adopted the DW-Link suspension design whole-heartedly for their entire 2009 product lineup. Some saw it coming, but to many, this comes as a surprise from a company that seemed completely content with their TNT (rocker-arm) suspension design.
At Interbike 2008, Dave Turner and crew will unveil the entire 2009 bike lineup, which will include all the usual suspects:
2009 Turner Flux
Turner’s efficient 4-inch travel XC bike utilizing an optimized suspension design to provide the most efficiency available.
2009 Turner Sultan
This could possibly be the new ruler of the 29er world. Look out Ellsworth Evolve, Niner RIP 9 and Pivot Mach 429… this just might be the most efficient 29er trailbike on the market for 2009.
2009 Turner 5.Spot
The classic Turner 5.Spot continues to lead the charge in the all-mountain category with 140mm of DW-Link goodness.
2009 Turner RFX
The RFX is the original long-travel do-it-all-machine. From my original Turner RFX in 2002 to this day, the Turner RFX is the model of efficiency when it comes to long-travel bikes. With 170mm of travel, the RFX has the squish for sure.
2009 Turner DHR
The new DHR continues it’s low-slung lines and will likely rule the DH scene just as the Iron Horse Sunday has under the helm of Sam Hill.
The plot definitely thickens going into Interbike and makes things even more interesting as I’m going to be scrambling to get onboard these at the Outdoor Demo. Wish me luck!
More Info: Visit www.TurnerBikes.com
A Seattle native, Jason developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded
Dave seems to be really excited about the new line. I will be talking with him sometime later this week about it, but from what I can tell so far…the bikes should do very well.
From what I understand so far…the RFX is not completed yet so grab a Spot or Sultan and rip it at the dirt demo. A lot of people are going to be wondering how these ride in comparison with the TNT’s and other DW bikes.
Cool… chat it up with DT, he’s a great guy!
I’m anxious to ride the 5.Spot and the Sultan for sure. Last year’s Sultan was good, but not on par with some of the best 29er trailbikes. Bummer about the RFX not being ready for the demo, but sometimes that’s the way things go.
Honestly, I absolutely LOVED the Iron Horse 6Point6 that I tested earlier this season. That was one of the best overall long-travel trailbikes I’ve ridden. The DW-Link suspension design is money and I’m sure that DT and DW will put a little something extra into the fabled RFX.