Tech

On Test: Silverback Signo Tecnica 279

· By BikeHubCoreAdmin · 28 comments

Born out of a desire to explore, the Silverback Signo Tecnica combines the roll over traits and bigger contact patch of a 29″ front wheel with the quicker accelerating, more agile 27.5″ sized rear wheel. By doing this Silverback believe that they have combined the best of both worlds into one chassis giving the rider an advantage on the trail.

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The Tecnica sits at the top of a three bike model and if there’s any doubt about it’s intended purpose one only needs to look at the spec sheet. Featuring a 1×10 drivetrain, 130mm RockShox Revelation fork, wide handlebar, short stem and Arch EX wheels with 2.3 Maxxis Minion DHR II rubber fitted – this bike is meant to be fast and fun on single track.

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What the spec sheet is missing at first glance is a dropper seatpost, but I do understand that base price can shoot up quickly with a couple of seemingly small changes. As an alternative a QR clamp would have been nice.

We will be riding the Signo Tecnica on several of Cape Town’s trails to bring you an in-depth review.

RRP: R19,999

From the Manufacturer:

The Signo Tecnica is a groundbreaking new platform that pushes the boundaries of modern trail riding. The key feature of the mountain bike model is the 279 Dynamic Efficiency Technology. The 279 concept incorporates the advantages of both 27.5” and 29” wheels into one platform; this is done by using the larger 29” wheel on the front and the midsized 27.5” wheel on rear the. The result is a uniquely new ride feel that fits perfectly into the aggressive trail-riding category.

Comments

NicoBoshoff

Apr 23, 2015, 4:33 AM

So now that wheelsizes are no longer en vogue, we'll just annoy all the OCD sufferers out there...

Iwan Kemp

Apr 23, 2015, 5:14 AM

... all the OCD sufferers out there...

You called?

shaper

Apr 23, 2015, 5:24 AM

OCD and for those N+1 must haves.....

Burner

Apr 23, 2015, 6:27 AM

say what we want, we all want to try it out

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

Apr 23, 2015, 6:32 AM

So now that wheelsizes are no longer en vogue, we'll just annoy all the OCD sufferers out there...

Can you imagine what would happen if they want a wheelset upgrade, and they want to build their own wheels, or spec the spokes? 

Ryanpmb

Apr 23, 2015, 6:38 AM

Silverback believe they've combined the best of both worlds - much like Trek thought they had done years back... Old news this mix wheel thing... Although 27.5/29 could be a more appropriate mix than 26/29. Would like a ride.

 

I'm impressed with the long(ish) travel and trail attitude HT. Nice one Silverback.

droenn

Apr 23, 2015, 6:56 AM

I can't currently deal with a 2.4 front and 2.2 rear on a 29er. This would have me rocking in the corner...

GoLefty!!

Apr 23, 2015, 7:09 AM

Why don't they just admit 29 is for size large and everyone else should ride 27.5

MintSauce

Apr 23, 2015, 7:17 AM

Great bike. Rode the prototype several times. Compared to their 29ers (FS, HT and carbon HT) this one just plays a bit more. Lovely.

 

Extremely tempted by the steel version: http://www.silverbacklab.com/bike/mountain/silverback-segma-279/

IH8MUD

Apr 23, 2015, 8:15 AM

This is like a Land-Rover Hardtop. 

You   have neither the benefits of the Pickup nor the  Station Wagon. 

Just a compromise that does not do anything particularly good. 

Patensie

Apr 23, 2015, 8:41 AM

Liteville has been doing this for a while now:

XS:24® & 26 (f)

S: 26 & 26

M: 26 & 650b

etc.

Calling it "Scaled sizing" http://www.liteville.de/t/25_579.html

Headshot

Apr 23, 2015, 8:55 AM

And the price? Reviews without RRP's are well, lacking essential info.

Mongoose!

Apr 23, 2015, 10:55 AM

When will something road bike related be tested? It is all mtb mtb mtb... here on the the(mtb)hubsa.co.za....lol

Nick

Apr 23, 2015, 11:02 AM

When will something road bike related be tested? It is all mtb mtb mtb... here on the the(mtb)hubsa.co.za....lol

 

Hi Mongoose!

 

We're well aware of the MTB bias and we're hoping to feature (more) road content in the future.

Steven Knoetze (sk27)

Apr 23, 2015, 11:06 AM

Is this UCI accepted?

I know it isn't intended for winning any races but if you podiumed a XC race on this would it be accepted?

Ryanpmb

Apr 23, 2015, 11:09 AM

Is this UCI accepted?

I know it isn't intended for winning any races but if you podiumed a XC race on this would it be accepted?

 

I don't think it's intended to feature much at XC races.

 

Interesting question if related to an Enduro race though?...

nonky

Apr 23, 2015, 12:18 PM

is the date stamp 22 days' late?

Guest

Apr 23, 2015, 1:20 PM

Many an idea have been implemented before 

Guest

Apr 23, 2015, 1:30 PM

such as the Ventana El Chucho

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xov6Wp8GUL0/UEiz-zHs8GI/AAAAAAAADp8/eHyighL20eo/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG

DR ◣◢

Apr 23, 2015, 1:58 PM

I still think the frame will snap because the 29" front wheel rolls faster than the 27.5" rear. 

 

Won't work!

Burner

Apr 23, 2015, 2:24 PM

I still think the frame will snap because the 29" front wheel rolls faster than the 27.5" rear. 

 

Won't work!

:huh: LOL

iamgigglz

Apr 23, 2015, 6:55 PM

Motorbikes, especially off-roaders, have had this configuration since the 60s. I reckon the days of equal sized wheels are numbered.

The_black_stig

Apr 23, 2015, 7:48 PM

Body-weight will be shifted more to the back with the smaller rear wheel-size...

something that a 29" frame-owner can experiment on.

Gerlach

Apr 24, 2015, 6:02 AM

I still think the frame will snap because the 29" front wheel rolls faster than the 27.5" rear. 

 

Won't work!

WHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHHAAHAHAHHAAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I guess some of you guys are a bit out dated of things, or started cycling yesterday.  This sort of setup were running in the 90's when they tested this sort of setup's. The SantaCruz Super 8 came out with 24inch rear wheel and a 26inch front wheel and took some World cups with it, and there were some more bike brands that jump on that train. 

 

The Advantage over a small back wheel is, that it will accelerate faster then a bigger wheel, so lest pedal work to get it up and going. One problem that will maybe pop up is, is that the bike side of the bike will be more bumpy over rock sections "or maybe not".

 

I own a SantaCrus super 8 with this sort of wheel setup, and it works and the bike is till in one peace ;)

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