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.




The Foes F275 did not have as strong a parts spec as most of the other bikes in our comparison. The Hayes brakes don't quite stack up to the Shimano XT (or SLX) brakes on the other bikes. Also, compared to the Schwalbe's, the Kenda Nevegals were not our favorite. The Crank Brothers Kronolog dropper post also had a bit of play in it. However, the F275 is available as a frame or a complete bike, so you might want to consider going with the frame purchase and spec'ing the bike to your personal tastes particularly if you have your own favorites already in mind.

With a real world weight of 31.76, the Foes F275 was the heaviest bike in our comparison.



The Foes F275 comes in 3 sizes (SM, MD, LG) and an amazing 24 awesome colors ($200 up-charge for custom colors). The frame MSRP is $2399 (FOX Float CTD adjustable Kashima shock - MSRP $2399) or $2649 (Cane Creek Double Barrel AIR shock).

Strengths:
  • Plush on the downhills
  • The lowest and the slackest
  • Laterally stiff
  • Unbellievable welds and construction
  • Made in the USA
Weaknesses:
  • Weight
  • Not as efficient at climbing as some of the other bikes tested
Conclusion:
The Foes F275 is an American-made, super beefy aluminum frame with nice quality welds. This wheel size has really injected a shot of adrenalin into this company as it complements what they've been doing all along perfectly. Now they have a bike that is truly All Mountain. It descends, carves and flies through the air with confidence with its supple suspension. It feels planted and secure with the bigger wheel and capable suspension. Foes made this one slack and low and you will appreciate that as you carve through obstacle-strewn runs and wonder when you learned to ride so well.

For more information: www.foesracing.com



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