The Icelandic model greatest identified for gravel and carbon leaf-sprung suspension forks has formally entered the mountain bike world. The all-new Lauf Elja is a rugged-yet-light path machine aimed squarely at velocity and enjoyable.
It additionally has room for as much as 3.0″ tires and ships with all-new Goodyear Peak 2.6″ tires. Plus, the appears to be like alone will spark some conversations on the trailhead. There may be a lot to unpack right here so let’s begin on the high.
Lauf Elja – What’s it?
I’ll be sincere. Once I was invited to Lauf HQ in Iceland, I didn’t anticipate the Elja. We have been solely instructed, “It’s a mountain bike. ” Primarily based on the recognition of short-travel and gravel-capable gentle tails available on the market, I absolutely anticipated to see a Lauf “sprung” short-travel cross-country bike with gravel capabilities.
When the staff unveiled the Elja, I used to be greatly surprised. There’s lots to absorb, not solely in aesthetics but in addition in functionality and suspension design.
To reply the query above, the Lauf Elja is a 120mm (or 130mm, relying on construct) cross-country/down-country mountain bike with numerous functionality and pedaling effectivity. It is available in two distinct construct choices: XC and Path. Each primarily make the most of RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, and all arrive with an AXS Reverb dropper put up and wi-fi shifting (and with none possibility for mechanical shifting).
Blast From the Previous
The Elja body is an old-school silhouette. Many designs, together with classic bikes just like the Cannondale Raven and newer bikes just like the Marin and Polygons with the R3ACT suspension, come to thoughts. That’s the Elja, although. It’s distinctive, multifaceted, and satisfying—however extra later.
It’s somewhat cross-country and somewhat enduro. The one pivot design permits for a fast and progressive cross-country really feel. In the meantime, the tremendous beefy (and we imply beefy) rear triangle delivers environment friendly energy switch and a very good pedaling really feel. Swap out the 120mm SID Final for a 130mm RockShox Pike, and also you get a trail-capable bike with snappy dealing with. Plus, the bigger tire dimension provides further consolation and confidence on the path.
Is {that a} 2.6mm Tire? Sure – and the Lauf Elja will match as much as a 2.8 tire with 10mm of clearance in all instructions (3.0″ tires will match too, however you didn’t hear that from us). Lauf labored with Goodyear to develop a quick rolling 2.6″ cross-country tire that might intensify the aptitude of the Elja. The truth that some cross-country professionals ran 2.5″ tires on the Paris video games makes me really feel that Lauf is headed in the suitable route. Plus, the tire is surprisingly light-weight and really quick (when you spin it on top of things).
Facet notice: The Goodyear Peak 2.6″ tire weight is 824g
Lauf Single Pivot (LSP)
Lauf is ranging from scratch for Elja’s suspension design, with no different fashions from which the corporate can pull. Because of this, they stored it the least difficult with a single-pivot design. Lauf defined their selection of pivot placement: “Most MTB rear suspension designs find their efficient middle of rotation in an identical space.” They didn’t reinvent the wheel or “cross a river for water”, as they put it, however they’ve some neat concepts for making a single pivot more practical.
The LSP suspension boasts a singular Bracing Field design. The field firmly braces the left and proper swing arms collectively behind the seat tube, leading to a laterally stiffer construction than if one would brace the perimeters collectively in entrance of the seat tube.
Greasing the System
Some single-pivot designs expose the rear shock to undesirable lateral masses (in excessive driving situations). That is the place LSP “leaf springs” is available in. The flex-arm design doesn’t present suspension, nevertheless it “greases up the system,” as Lauf states, and prevents the shock from harm. Although it doesn’t actually flex, It takes benefit of the gap from the rear shock to the bracing field within the LSP design. This helps present lateral compliance between the rear wheel and rear shock when wanted.
Is {that a} DUB BB Pivot?
Sure—The principle pivot bearing is a BSA/DUB backside bracket. Lauf selected it for its availability, ease of use, and energy/stiffness. It is smart, particularly in case you’re touring and must service your bearings. Most, if not all, outlets ought to have this and the instruments to put in/take away it.
All different {hardware} on the Elja frameset is titanium (excluding axles), with little Lauf logos laser etched. This can be a beautiful contact and commonplace in all Elja fashions.
What Concerning the Tube Shapes?
The elephant within the room is the tube shaping and chain stay-less body design. The design staff at Lauf regarded to maximise the body’s stiffness, giving it that “stand up and go” feeling. In addition they wished to maximise tire clearance and suspension fluidity. The tip result’s the drastic and considerably natural shaping you see.
The body’s rear is asymmetrical, with some outsized shapes to enhance stiffness whereas sustaining a fairly low weight.
Suspension Spec
Should you have a look at the body intently, you’ll discover there are only some cable ports, and it’s very depending on digital shifting. The identical is claimed with suspension, as the brand new Elja is primarily accessible with RockShox Flight Attendant and SRAM AXS shifting/dropper. The entry-level fashions of the Elja Path (Weekend Warrior Transmission and Race) arrive with a RockShox SIDLuxe Choose+ 2 Place rear shock and RockShox Pike Choice suspension.
No Inner Storage
This distinctive design additionally means Lauf can maintain a max of two (small) water bottles within the entrance triangle. Our take a look at bikes have been arrange with the stubby 450ml (15oz) fidlock bottles. There’s additionally a mount on the underside of the downtube. There is no such thing as a inner storage, which I’m detached to, however Lauf was adamantly in opposition to it.
“Why lower a gap in a superbly crafted carbon body, then add weight and unneeded stress to the downtube? We selected to not craft downtube storage, we select to avoid wasting the burden and body integrity,”
Benedikt Skúlason – Lauf
Lauf Elja Fashions and Specs
The Lauf Elja is obtainable in two fashions: Elja XC and Elja Path. Each fashions include RockShox suspension (Pike or SID Final), SRAM AXS shifting, and AXS Reverb dropper posts.
Most bikes obtain Zipp 1Zero HiTop wheels, starting from HiTop base or S. The entry-level Elja Path Weekend Warrior has DT Swiss M1900 Spline alloy wheels. The Elja XC brakes vary from SRAM Stage Bronze to Stage Final 4-piston.
The Elja ushers in a brand new Lauf carbon flat bar. The brand new ‘Mountain Bar’ is full carbon with a 35mm clamp diameter, +/- 12mm rise, 780mm width, and weighs 200g.
Lauf Elja XC fashions: Elja XC Flight Attendant ($6,990), Elja XC Final Flight Attendant ($8,290* examined) and the XC Final Rift Expertise ($12,790).
Lauf Elja Path fashions: Elja Weekend Warrior Transition ($4,590), Race ($5,890), Race Flight Attendant ($8,290), and Flight Attendant Final ($12,790).
What’s the Rift?
Should you go for the Rift model in both the XC or Path Elja, you’ll get a rolled-out-red-carpet five-day premium MTB stage race in Iceland. This contains you, your favourite driving accomplice, and a roommate through the occasion. The Rift showcases Iceland’s most interesting mountain bike driving and picturesque landscapes.
Lauf Elja Sizing
The brand new Lauf Elja is obtainable in sizes S (5’1″-5’4″), M (5’7″- 5’10”,) L (5’10”-6’2)”, and XL (6’3″-6’6″).
First Impressions
I’ve many ideas concerning the Lauf Elja, and with a full evaluation coming, I made a decision to provide some preliminary ideas on the information piece.
For our demo experience, I opted for the cross-country model in a medium with Goodyear Peak 2.6″ tires. I’m 5″ 11″, and the medium felt proper on the cash. It was sufficiently small to be playful however not too cramped when powering on the flats.
Cross Nation Vibes
We have been handled to a few of Iceland’s most unbelievable (and difficult) trails. For the cross-country a part of our journey, we had our selection of every thing XC, together with fireplace highway climbs main right into a technical single observe, drops, and artifical options – principally an XCO course.
Although unfamiliar with the Elja and its dealing with, I felt at house immediately. The Elja’s dealing with and driving are very similar to a cross-country bike however with extra functionality. I felt myself hammering on the Fireplace Highway filth climb, trying down and forgetting I used to be on a path bike.
Within the twisty-turny bits of the XC trails, the Elja moved nicely. It’s not a brilliant quick bike wheelbase-wise, nevertheless it maneuvers like one. The Flight Attendant helps with the aggressive nature of XC driving, and I’m positive I’d have fewer “stand up and dash” sensations with out the pedal and lockout modes operating almost continuous.
When you get the tires rolling, this bike is quick. Sure, the higher-volume tires are an asset, however they do take some getting used to, or at the very least I did. I got here from my XC bike with 2.30″ tires, and sprinting up small risers felt barely gradual. However they fly if you get them going, say on a rolling move part of path. Plus, the additional confidence enhance of the additional quantity is a pleasant perk.
The body is vast, and I don’t see points with most of it. However if in case you have a slim stance on the bike or your heels level inward, you would possibly run into points with body rub. Regardless of the scale of the body, the bike is light-weight (25.4 lbs with out pedals) and handles like a a lot lighter machine on the climbs.
A Very Succesful 120mm
I used to be very impressed with Elja’s pedal effectivity for the climbing and descending days. Not solely as a result of we climbed some very critical slopes (ski slopes with no carry entry), however I all the time had traction, even within the sandy, gravel bits. The suspension was delicate and never only for the drop-offs or lockouts.
On the larger technical bits (that I’m admittedly not one of the best at), the Elja was like a feather in my pocket. I felt extra assured than I did on my private 120mm path bike and will finesse the bike extra round options.
The suspension was simple to tune to my driving model (20% sag and consulted with the amount chart), and I may get full journey with out overcomplicating the setup. The identical may be mentioned concerning the tire quantity. I used to be driving 17PSI more often than not, which appears almost excellent on my 160-lb body with pack included.
Put on a Pack For Lengthy Days
The one piece that actually left me wanting on the Elja is the water bottle mounts. I can see this bike being an all-day journey beast, and the mounts on the body are simply lower than commonplace. Sure, you’ll be able to match some smaller bottles with a side-loading cage, however these don’t all the time work. Plus there’s a down tube mount, however that bottle is normally coated in mud and gross after an extended day on the paths. That mentioned, I did put on a pack for a lot of the days driving, and the bike’s ethos is extra down-country than anything.
Who’s it for?
If I have been to explain the “Elja rider,” it could be anybody in search of a chameleon of a motorcycle (however not the Santa Cruz Chameleon). It’s a reliable bike in all instructions: up ski slopes, down chunky trails, and off drops. It’s a motorcycle you possibly can tackle a mountain bike journey and simply experience every thing from cross-country races to marathons to bike parks. The bigger tires give the Elja that little further little bit of suspension and confidence to the rider. Contemplating the comparatively low value, The builds are all nicely thought out and ship a heck of lots for manner lower than others out there.
Last Impressions
As of proper now, with many miles on the Elja, I’m a giant fan. There are some shortcomings, however I like the place Lauf goes. This bike would be the do-it-all machine for therefore many riders and introduce them to a brand new world of confidence on technical terrain.
The pricing is superb and can hopefully entice extra riders to this new enterprise by Lauf. The entry level of $4590 for the bottom mannequin Elja Path is downright spectacular and presents tons of worth for a fraction of what others are priced at.
