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Deviant Bikes - High-Pivot Revolution from Scotland
Deviating from the norm – that's the motto of the Scottish high-end bike manufacturer "Deviate". Founded in 2016 by two friends, Chris Deverson and Ben Jones, they truly live up to their name. Their unique high-pivot mountain bikes, featuring the characteristic pulley system on the frame, make them something special and clearly set them apart from the crowd of "usual suspects".
Born in the Highlands, built for the toughest trails and equipped with a rear suspension design that delivers maximum performance even under the most adverse conditions – these are the mountain bikes from Deviate.
With their high-pivot rear suspension, they offer a truly unique riding experience – but above all, they feel like they have significantly more travel. Deviate is the insider tip in our shop for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Deviate - High-Pivot Bikes that push the boundaries
Better than a Scottish lord's souped-up Land Rover off-road: Deviate mountain bikes are designed for truly nasty terrain. The secret lies in the special rear suspension design , which is both very active and wonderfully compliant with bumps.
All Deviate models – from the Highlander and Highlander 150 trail bikes to the Claymore enduro bike – impress with their unique rear triangle design and generous fork compatibility.
High-pivot suspension: More control, more flow, more fun
The unique feature of the high-pivot rear suspension is based on a cleverly positioned pivot point above the chainring. This creates a rearward axle path, which, simply put, lengthens the bike under load. The ingenious part: To prevent the pedal kickback caused by this lengthening, a pulley is used above the chainring.
In short: The rear wheel moves backward, thus adapting better to the direction of the steering input. This allows the suspension to react faster and the shock absorber to work more effectively.
On conventional bikes with a lower pivot point, the rear wheel moves more vertically. This causes the impact force to push you backward. You effectively lose speed, and the momentum while trail riding is constantly interrupted.
Unlike high-pivot bikes, where the suspension doesn't get caught on sharp impacts as easily, this offers you consistently better performance on rough trails.
The King of Anti-Rise for every trail and bike park
Whether in the Deviate Claymore, the Deviate Highlander, or the new Highlander II: depending on the pivot position, more anti-rise can be set. This means that the bike remains stable even under braking and the front end doesn't dive into the fork's travel. Thanks to the high-pivot rear suspension, the bike remains stable even under hard braking, and the rear end and tires don't lift off the ground.
The ingenious part: The Scots at Deviate have managed to make the suspension on the shock absorber extremely smooth. The rearward axle travel, together with the anti-rise, also helps to keep the wheelbase constant – which makes you faster downhill.
After extensive test rides, we believe that the guys and gals at Deviate have found the perfect balance here. The best part: the bikes work perfectly right out of the box, so time-consuming optimization isn't necessary.
Deviate Bikes Features
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Idler technology: Less chain reaction - more propulsion
You probably know it from Trek enduro bikes: The idler pulley on the Deviate mountain bikes ensures significantly more consistent chain tension and effectively prevents annoying pedal kickback. The 18-tooth idler pulley runs on two sealed bearings that can be easily serviced via a grease nipple.
An integrated guide above the bottom bracket prevents the chain from derailing. Incidentally, the Deviate Claymore only requires a standard 126-link chain.
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Perfect geometry - Stay stable, even when things get rough.
In most suspension designs, the chainstay "extends" to a greater or lesser extent as the suspension travels through its stroke. When pedaling, this exerts a force on the chain, which pulls on the chainring. This feels to the rider as if the pedals are "kickbacking" beneath them. Conversely, the suspension stiffens when you pedal hard.
On uneven terrain, pedal kickback can quickly lead to an undesirable riding experience. Therefore, Deviate designed its suspension platform to virtually eliminate this problem. The result is stable yet active suspension when needed.
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Deviate Grease Port: Longer run times, less maintenance
The Deviate Grease Port System is the solution for minimizing the need for regular bearing replacements. The system protects bearings and significantly extends their service life through regular re-greasing. Furthermore, the bearings are sealed to prevent water and dirt ingress and grease leakage.
In total there are seven Grease Ports on the bike : one on the idler wheel cover, one on the main pivot point and five on the linkage.
An overview of the Deviate mountain bikes
Deviate Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
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Deviate Claymore: The enduro bike for the toughest lines
Built for bike parks and summits: The Deviate Claymore is Scotland's answer to radical enduro trails and speed. Awarded "Enduro Race Bike of Choice 2022" by MTB experts Pinkbike, the Claymore loves wild rides and the rockiest terrain.
With 170 mm of front travel (compatible with forks up to 180 mm), it's ready for the most demanding trails imaginable. The high-quality full-carbon frame signals a thirst for speed from the very first moment.
With 165 mm of rear travel and 40x8 mm shock hardware, you can also ride the Claymore with a coil spring. Deviate themselves recommend the Swedish Öhlins suspension forks and shocks for the frame kit.
Another highlight of the geometry is the 64.3° head angle. Combined with the touring-friendly, effective 78° seat angle, the Claymore performs surprisingly well uphill.
The Claymore MX is an even more playful version of the popular Claymore model. A 29" front wheel and a 27.5" rear wheel ensure even bigger endorphin rushes.
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Deviate Highlander II: The trail bike for bike parks and everything else
Electrify the trail: With the Highlander II, the Scots have further improved their successful model. 145 mm of travel, full UDH compatibility, and absolutely tour-ready. With a 65-degree head angle and a 160 mm fork (fork compatibility: 29” 160 mm, 44/42 mm offset), the new Deviate Highlander II is perfect for fast rides on challenging, steep trails and for anyone who wants to earn their way to the top.
The geometry won us over immediately. The Highlander II rides very playfully and scores points with the downhill prowess of its predecessor, the Highlander 150, which was praised by leading bike magazines, but it's even more versatile. It practically begs you to have some fun all the time. The optimal reach ensures comfortable climbing and plenty of room when dismounting. Thanks to the generous standover height, even the longest dropper post will fit.
The best part: You can buy the Highlander from us as a frame kit or as a fully built and perfectly customized bike. For the suspension hardware, Deviate recommends Öhlins suspension systems.
Deviate E-Bikes
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Deviate Kurgan: Your e-MTB for steep trails
True greatness is revealed in performance: And Deviate promises a lot with the new Kurgan! The first Deviate e-mountain bike will electrify the trails. Available from summer 2025, the new Kurgan brings the award-winning suspension and exceptional handling of the Claymore models to the e-MTB world.
The Kurgan is fully geared towards downhill skiing and driving fun:
- Mixed wheel setup, high-quality carbon frame, 180 mm fork and 165 mm high-pivot suspension for superior performance and fun.
- Bosch Gen 5 Performance Line CX motor and 800 Wh battery system for a powerful and smooth ride
- Space for a water bottle and a range extender
- Integrated grease nipples
- Easily accessible battery system
- Adjustable reach
Frequently Asked Questions about Deviant Bikes
What makes Deviate Bikes stand out?
What makes Deviate Bikes stand out?
The well-designed and superbly functioning rear suspension with pulley, the high-quality workmanship, and the versatility of the Deviate Highlander, Highlander II, and Claymore models. Moreover, these mountain bikes from the friendly Scots are true rarities that you won't find at every ice cream parlor.
Which model suits me best?
Which model suits me best?
Trail bike fans will love the Highlander. It's an ideal all-rounder. Ambitious enduro riders will be even happier with the Deviate Claymore.
What does "high-pivot bikes" mean?
What does "high-pivot bikes" mean?
High-pivot bikes have a higher pivot point (above the chainring), which results in a rearward axle path and provides better suspension performance and stability when braking.
Does 2-Cycle offer leasing and financing options?
Does 2-Cycle offer leasing and financing options?
Yes, we want nothing to stand between you and your dream bike. That's why we offer all common financing and leasing options, including JobRad and other models.
