Heller Bikes launches the Shagamaw
Originally posted on February 26, 2016 at 19:48 pmUpdated March 1 with information from the bike’s official launch at Frostbike 2016.
Heller Bikes, the carbon-only mountain bike brand from Quality Bicycle Products (also the parent of Surly and Salsa, among others), announced its presence at Interbike in 2015 when it dropped a fat bike on us. Heller has now added to its quiver by releasing the “Shagamaw” into the wild: a 27plus/29er carbon hardtail that can take up to a 130 mm fork. With Boost spacing, the bike can also accept 29-inch wheels with tires up to 2.5 inches wide. Frame details include internal cable routing, room for a dropper post and Shimano Di2 compatibility.
A Shagamaw is half grizzly bear, half moose. Heller Brand Manager Bobby Dahlberg said to expect more mythical creatures coming soon from the brand. The idea behind Heller is to give local bike shops a way to diversify their options and better relate to their local markets. Dahlberg said that Hellers—hung with good forks and basic components—are great out of the box but worthy of future upgrades, when and if you can swing it.
The top-end build (white frame) includes a RockShox Yari 130 mm fork, SRAM GX1 rear derailleur, TRP Slate 4 brakes, Trans-X dropper post, Formula hubs, WTB Scraper tubeless-ready rims and WTB Bridger 27.5 x 3.0 tubeless ready tires. All of that rings in at 29 pounds and a price of $2,600.
The entry-level build (blue frame) features Manitou’s new Machete 130 mm fork and a Deore rear derailleur paired with a Microshift 10 speed cassette. Bits and pieces are from FSA and Kalloy. Brakes and levers are Tektro M285 hydraulic discs. Rims are tubeless-ready WTB Scrapers with Formula hubs and WTB Bridger 27.5 x 3.0 wire bead tires. A complete bike weighs 30 pounds and retails for $2,000.
The Shagamaw should be available at your local bike shop in late April. You may also order just the frame in black. More info: hellerbikes.com
