We first learned of the new Foes Racing F275 at Interbike last year and we were happy to see Brent Foes throwing his hat in the 650b ring. Like other American based companies, Foes prefers the 27.5 moniker over the metric 650b term. But whatever you call it, the Foes F275 is definitely true to its roots. The frame features Foes signature monocoque aluminum top tube for maximum stiffness. The down tube is double-butted 6061 hydroformed alloy and the frame features beautiful welds. The suspension design is Foes own Progressive Linkage system that utilizes a 2.3:1 leverage ratio (not the 2:1 ratio of their past Curnutt design). Like the Intense bikes, the Foes F275 has adjustable suspension travel of 5.5 or 6 inches (two shock mount positions).
In this video, Francis tells us where the Foes F275 really excels.
The Foes F275 was the slackest (head angle - measured), lowest (BB height), heaviest and the burliest. Without a doubt, though, the F275 proved itself to be the plushest downhiller of the group. No surprise given Foes background with long travel rigs. The Foes was the most capable bike and also the most confidence inspiring down a rock garden. Point it where you want, drop the the brakes and nail it. If you lean toward the more extreme end of the All Mountain rainbow, the F275 is for you.
However, some of that downhill prowess came at the expense of its climbing ability. For the climbs, you will want to be sure that you use at least the 'Trail' mode of the CTD rear shock as 'Descend' or wide open mode is a bit too active. But given that, we hammered up the climbs with the rest of the group proving this bike's versatility. We didn't have a chance to try it, but our bet is the optional Cane Creek DB Air Shock will help with a better platform for climbing.