The Delta 7 Sports Arantix hardtail mountain bike uses IsoTruss carbon fibre and Kevlar spiderweb-like, open-lattice seat tube, downtube and top tube. IsoTruss technology merges two ideas. First, a framework design is used to attach tubes to resemble a traditional aluminum-tubed mountainbike frame. This feat can be difficult to achieve with titanium, steel, or aluminum. The second trick is to choose the right material. The Delta 7 Sports engineers were able to create the tubes’ truss architecture by using a combination of carbon fibers and Kevlar.
You can test it: It must be flexible. Right? Wrong. It isn’t an issue. Although it’s difficult to measure this from the saddle the Arantix is the most responsive hardtail that we have ever seen. This bike is like a spaceship and the IsoTruss team should show NASA their designs. The rear triangle and bottom bracket were not affected by the massive gears, and even spinning extremely small gears did not result in any frame bounce or flex.
Stoked:A great riding hardtail
Bummed:
A new company is experiencing growth pains
Very expensive
Bottom line: The price of the Delta 7 Sports Arantix has dropped significantly since we tested it. Two frames failed at the 2008 Interbike Demo Day were also reported by them. They used a different bonding agent than what was on our test bike. Delta 7 Sports claims the problem has been solved and offers a lifetime warranty for any failures like this. This would be more comforting coming from a company that has a proven track record. It is still unknown how long Delta 7 Sports will last since they are a relatively young bicycle company.
(Full spec. (See below photo)
DELTA 7 SPORTS RANTIX
Price range
U.S.A. Country of origin
Weight102 kg
Websitewww.delta7sports.com
Frame tested43 cm
Bottom bracket height30 cm
Chainstay length 43 cm
Top tube length: 58 cm
Head angle71
Seat angle73
Standover height77 cm
Wheelbase107 cm
Front Suspension Travel (front) 10 cm
Suspension travel (rear) None
Frame materialCarbon fiber/Kevlar
ForkFox F100 RLC
ShockNone
RimsFSAXC-300 Disc
TiresKenda Karma DTC (5 cm)
HubFSA XC300 SL
BrakesAvid Juicy Ultimate
Brake leversAvid Juicy ultimate
CranksetFSA K-Force Light
ShiftersSRAM X.O Trigger
Front derailleurShimano XTR
Rear derailleurSRAM X.O
ChainringsFSA (44/32/22)
CassetteSRAM P-990 (11-34)
PedalsCrankbrothers 4-Ti egg beaters
Mountain Bike Action – Full Test October 2009
