First Look: 2014 Corsair Imperium DH/FR/Slopestyle Bike 11

Remember when Cam Zink spun 360-degrees off the Oakley Icon Sender and won the 2010 Red Bull Rampage? He was riding a prototype Corsair Dominion frame. Three and a half years later, the bike has been reborn under a new name and will actually go to production this time.

Known as the Imperium, the updated frame carries on the "three bikes in one" design goal, offering 5.7, 7 or 8.4-inches (145, 178.5 or 212.4mm) of travel. By swapping the rear shock and fork and adding the appropriate shock mounts, you can convert the bike from slopestyle to freeride to downhill. Previously known as the UNIT suspension design, the linkage is a variation of what can be found on old Corsair Konig frames.

Additional updates to the Dominion frame include a tapered headtube and 142mm rear axle. Why the 142? Corsair says it's so the bike can be equipped with "a more modern 1X drivetrain."

The bike features an adjustable head angle through the use of a Cane Creek AngleSet and pinch bolts in the headtube. Previously the Dominion was adjustable from 62.5 to 69-degrees, and we expect the Imperium will follow suit. The chainstay length is also adjustable via the sliding dropout system from 16.5 to 17-inches.

In the 8.4-inch travel setting with a 200mm fork and 26-inch wheels, geometry is as follows:

Note that the geometry chart lists specs for the "Corsair Dominion 650B/26 DH." Given the bike's adjustable rear end and head angle, mounting up either wheel size should be doable thanks to the sliding dropouts, but Corsair is currently evaluating the ride qualities and compatibility before they give the final word.

Shock options include those from FOX and Cane Creek. Atomlab "mini build kits" will also be available.

Complete specs and pricing are expected following the Taipei Bike Show this March, and availability is slated for late Spring. Corsair indicated that the previously introduced Toro 4X/Slalom hardtail is also due to finally see production as well. Distribution is being set up right now. There are distributors in several countries and people always have the ability to get a frame direct from Corsair if no distributor exists in their country.

Keep an eye on www.corsairbikes.com and the Corsair Facebook page for more details. In the meantime, take a look at the ride that Cam Zink piloted to stardom back in 2010: