2018 UNNO Ever Factory Bike
(discontinued)

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International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Review - UNNO Ever from Vital MTB Test Sessions
Exclusive, sleek, and so damn cool. Learn about the fastest bike in Vital MTB's DH Test Sessions.
Rating:
Vital Review

During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the UNNO Ever went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Ever. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more.

Highlights

  • 27.5-inch wheels
  • Carbon frame with high-gloss, self-healing finish
  • Only 50 bikes produced per year, by hand, in Barcelona
  • 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel
  • Dual-link suspension design
  • Integrated frame protection throughout
  • Internal cable routing with inner guides and rubber port seals
  • Rubber seal on seatpost collar
  • Threaded bottom bracket with ISCG 05 tabs
  • Ultra-clean 12x157mm rear axle
  • Measured Weight: 34.6-pounds (15.7kg, stock tires, without pedals)
  • Size Tested: One size only
  • Model Tested: Factory
  • MSRP: $10,650 USD (9350€)
  • More Info: www.unno.com

Strengths

The UNNO Ever is a unique, beautifully crafted carbon downhill bike from Barcelona. Details abound on this machine, and you'll be noticing new things every time you look at it. It's easy to be speechless when meeting it for the first time and almost feels like it shouldn't be touched. Almost. Once we got past initial pleasantries, picking our collective tongues off the ground, it was go time.

Initial impressions on our test track weren’t exactly mind-blowing, although there also weren't negative thoughts as the bike just went about its business in a very calm and controlled manner, top to bottom. The Ever maintained momentum efficiently through the chunkiest, most god-awful rock gardens we could find and was more than happy to comply with any other feature we flung it into and off of. This bike felt at home on all terrain. Its ability to utilize all terrain well – though not necessarily head and shoulders over other bikes in any one category – isn’t that sexy or exciting when writing a review. Then again, this is what makes the bike so good.

The UNNO Ever is also deceptively quick. Not only does this machine have the sleekest aesthetics, but it is also sleek on track as it subtly moves about technical lines. It has excellent front-end feel and control, and the suspension delivery is also very smooth at most speeds. This translates to an improved ability to pick a line and change direction at a moment's notice, which ultimately means a higher likelihood of faster times on the clock.

Weaknesses

Downhill racing is often referred to as the Formula 1 of cycling. The Ever may be the closest bike to a Formula 1 comparison you can buy, but, like a Formula 1 car, it'll cost you dearly.

When paired with ENVE M30 carbon wheels, the bike becomes a very responsive, yet rigid-feeling ride at race pace. You could argue this is a double-edged sword as there is not a lot of lost energy, making for an incredibly efficient ride. Just be prepared to hold on tight when challenging the clock. We felt on the edge of control when really pushing this bike's boundaries.

The only frame detail we didn't dig? Shock access is poor when adjusting sag. Finally, due to manufacturing costs, there is only one frame size. This limits the number of riders who this bike will work for.

Suggested upgrades for a few hundred dollars: Larger diameter grips and a higher-rise handlebar

Geometry

Suspension Analysis

Using the bike industry's leading linkage analysis software, André Santos was able to determine a close approximation of the Ever's kinematics for the purpose of this review. Though they don't always tell the full story, these charts provide great insight into several key factors that impact how it rides.

André's Observations:

  • The UNNO Ever has a very progressive rear suspension at 67%, therefore the bike will have a bottomless feeling on bigger impacts. Given its high initial leverage rate of 4.0, 30% sag on the shock means a real 35% sag in the rear wheel travel.
  • The Ever has relatively high anti-squat for a 36-tooth chainring (160% on average). This should provide quite stable suspension under heavy pedaling.
  • Relatively high levels of chain growth given its high anti-squat vales.
  • Anti-rise near 90%, meaning that the geometry of the bike is preserved during rear braking.
  • Overall, the UNNO Ever has a very progressive suspension design with high anti-squat levels.

Vital's preferred suspension settings for a 175-pound rider on stock components: 35% sag // HSC 23-clicks from closed (open) // LSC 13-clicks from closed (10 from open)

What's The Bottom Line?

The Ever belongs on the back of the Batmobile, underneath someone with Bruce Wayne’s superhero abilities and pocketbook. UNNO has done an amazing job engineering and manufacturing everything in-house, and it shows when examining the frame's many incredible details. The bike's overall composure and versatility make it shine even brighter, and it will complement a skilled rider very well.

Visit www.unno.com and the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions feature for more details.

Vital MTB Rating


About The Testers

Brian Buell - Age: 31 // Years Riding: 25+ // Height: 6'1" (1.85m) // Weight: 180-pounds (81.6kg)

Brian is kind of like Uncle Rico – even though he has a titanium rod in his tibia and is continuously trying to avoid obtaining a dad bod, he delusionaly daydreams of World Cup racing glory. That thought process transfers to the trail. Whether building trail, coaching on them, or just trying to recapture the glory days between the tape, he’s always in search of the racer line. Known for "Buelling" his bikes, Brian sometimes puts a serious hurt on parts pushing them to their limits. Although the Collegiate National Championship sweater vest jersey is collecting dust somewhere, whenever it’s time to race against the clock or perform for the camera you can bet he’s fully pinned putting it all on the line for you!

Brandon Turman - Age: 32 // Years Riding: 17 // Height: 5'10" (1.78m) // Weight: 175-pounds (79.4kg)

"I like to have fun, pop off the bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when I feel in tune with a bike, and really mash on the pedals and open it up when pointed downhill." Formerly a mechanical engineer and Pro downhill racer, Brandon brings a unique perspective to the testing game as Vital MTB's resident product guy. He has on-trail familiarity with nearly every new innovation in our sport from the past several years and a really good feel for what’s what.


Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Angel Fire Bike Park, Maxxis, and LITPro. Tester gear provided by Troy Lee Designs, Fasthouse, and Five Ten.

Photos by Sean Horton // Videos by Jake VanHeel and Brandon Turman

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Specifications

Product
UNNO Ever Factory Bike
Model Year
2018
Riding Type
Downhill
Freeride / Bike Park
Rider
Unisex
Sizes and Geometry
One size
Wheel Size
27.5" (650b)
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber
Frame Material Details
Full high modulus carbon fiber with integrated guards
Rear Travel
200mm
Rear Shock
FOX Float X2 Factory, 222x70
Fork
FOX Float 40 Factory 27.5", tapered steerer, boost 20x110mm
Fork Travel
200mm
Head Tube Diameter
Tapered, zero stack
Headset
Cane Creek 40 series, TPR-ZS44/28.6/H8|ZS56/40
Handlebar
Renthal Fatbar, carbon, 20mm rise, 800mm width
Stem
Renthal Integra, 45mm length, 0 rise
Grips
Lizard Skins single-sided lock-on Danny MacAskill, jet black with Unno logo
Brakes
SRAM Code RSC, 200mm centerline rotors
Brake Levers
SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain
1x
Shifters
SRAM X01 DH, 7-speed
Front Derailleur
N/A
Rear Derailleur
SRAM X01 DH, 7-speed, medium cage
ISCG Tabs
ISCG 05
Chainguide
e*thirteen LG1r, carbon
Cranks
SRAM X01 DH, 165mm
Chainrings
36 tooth direct mount X-Sync
Bottom Bracket
83mm GXP threaded
Pedals
None included
Chain
SRAM DH-PC XX1, 7-speed, 114 links
Cassette
SRAM X01 DH XG-795, 7-speed, 10-24 tooth
Rims
ENVE M930 27.5" wheelset
Hubs
DT Swiss, boost 20x110mm front, super boost 157mm rear, XD driver body
Spokes
ENVE M930 27.5" wheelset
Tires
Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5" 3C MaxxGrip, DH casing, 27.5"x2.40", wire bead, 60 TPI x2
Saddle
Selle Italia SLR Lite, titanium rails
Seatpost
UNNO carbon
Seatpost Diameter
UNNO custom design
Seatpost Clamp
Integrated
Rear Dropout / Hub Dimensions
12mm x 157mm
Max. Tire Size
27.5" x 2.5"
Bottle Cage Mounts
No
Colors
Carbon
Warranty
5 years for manufacturing defects, 2 years for frame paintwork
Weight
34 lb 11.2 oz (15,740 g)
Miscellaneous
Only 50 frames produced each year and each are individually numbered
Dual-link suspension kinematics
Enduro Max bearings
Internal cable routing with co-molded carbon guiding
Integrated protection for chainstay and downtube
One-piece no bolts dropout system
9,350€
Price
$10,650.00
More Info
What do you think?
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
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