ARC8 Evolve FS Review

The ARC8 Evolve FS combines 120 mm of travel and a dropper post with an impressively low weight of 10.0 kg. The sleek carbon frame even breaks the 1600-gram mark. How does a young Swiss company achieve what even the biggest manufacturers can’t?

You can safely call the ARC8 the punk rocker among race bikes. While some manufacturers approach established standards with kid gloves, ARC8 doesn’t care about anything that could be considered technically normal.

The geometry of the ARC8 race fully is extravagant, the frame is outrageously light, and instead of a linkage, there is a unique slider construction. The big question is: Does so much boldness in being different actually make a bike better?

The argument that resonates the most with the ARC8 Evolve FS is its weight. With just 10 kilos in frame size L without pedals, it’s the lightest race bike we’ve ever had on the scales.

For comparison: Specialized’s S-Works Epic 8 weighs 10.4 kg despite a horrendous price of 14,500 €. The race hardtail Rose PDQ also managed 10 kg flat without pedals with 120 mm travel and a dropper post (but no rear shock).

And even the table with the weights of the hottest race bikes reveals: 10 kg is an outstanding value for a full-suspension bike with 120 mm travel and a dropper post. The ARC8 is the benchmark in terms of weight for all race bikes.

Of course, ARC8 has pulled out all the stops to achieve the phenomenal overall weight. The installed Wolfpack tires are among the lightest on the market. Shimano’s 1×12 XTR drivetrain saves a solid 150 – 200 grams compared to Sram’s transmission drivetrain.

The installed Newmen carbon wheelset weighs only 1362 grams. Including tires, cassette, and brake rotors, the rotating mass is 3570 grams. This makes the entire wheelset extremely light. Only the one on the Specialized Epic World Cup was lighter.

But the main ingredient for this extremely lightweight bike is, of course, the frame. With a verified weight of 1558 grams, the Swiss are claiming the lightweight crown here. The frame of the Specialized Epic World Cup was only 2 grams heavier, but it also offers only a modest 75 mm of rear travel.

The Specialized Epic with 120 mm of travel weighs in at 1683 grams, over 100 grams more. Here, the Swiss are showcasing their expertise.

The advantage of the slider construction on the rear triangle lies mainly in its low weight. Compared to a conventional linkage equipped with at least 4 industrial bearings and often massive bolts, the difference here is 50-100 grams. A significant value in the lightweight construction segment.

But in the past, slider constructions have always had a hard time in the MTB business. Even Yeti’s current Switch Infinity Link, which also represents a slider construction, suffers from a high susceptibility to defects and wear.

The problem that arises with both Yeti and ARC8 rear suspension: The slider works over a very small operational range for long stretches. If you neglect maintenance and ride a lot in dirty conditions, wear around the sag area is relatively high.

We had no problems during the test, but it might be different in long-term use. The good thing: The delicate slider cylinders are mounted with only four bottle cage screws and can be quickly removed for thorough cleaning and maintenance if they wear out.

On the trails, the rear suspension surprises with an amazingly responsive performance. The Gleiter rear end does not noticeably increase the shock’s breakaway torque or at least not perceptibly. Even small roots or bumps are absorbed by the bike without burdening the rider.

Under chain pull, the rear end stiffens up a bit, so it stays remarkably stable even out of the saddle. This is a trait that racers particularly appreciate. For those who prefer a completely firm setup, the rear suspension can also be fully locked out via remote. Here, the ARC8 consistently shows its sporty nature.

When it gets serious on the trail, it’s quickly apparent that 10 mm less travel at the rear compared to the front is available. Additionally, the last third of the travel feels somewhat stubborn.

With large hits or deep compressions, other rear ends in the race bike class show a bit more composure. In extreme shock compressions, the pressure on the slider construction increases, which is generated by the flexible seat stays. This is also noticeable on the terrain.

The ARC8 Evolve FS combines extreme geometry measurements. An extremely long reach of 495 mm in size L paired with a 65-degree slack head angle – these are dimensions you’d expect to find on an all-mountain bike. When climbing slowly or navigating tight switchbacks at low speed, it can be disconcerting as the steering almost tends to tip over.

Despite the super long reach, the riding position is surprisingly upright. The extremely short 30 mm stem completely compensates for the long main frame. With the steep 76-degree seat angle, you sit relatively short on the bike. It almost feels like your shoulders are hanging over the stem.

Even though the stem makes the handling on the terrain very direct at high speed, we would have preferred a slightly longer stem to pedal more efficiently and sit in a more elongated position. A change that a small company like ARC8 can certainly implement to customer specifications.

The ARC8 Evolve FS really comes into its own on really fast trail sections. When the trail allows you to take your fingers off the brake lever, the ARC8 Evolve is in its element. Even at high speeds, you stand securely behind the cockpit and stay in control.