Vario, established in the French Alps since the early 90's is primarily known as a constructor of Freeride and Down Hill mountain bikes.
However, a closer look at Vario's history will show a healthy interest in Trials, with one of the best known and most distinctive trials bikes, Vario's legendary Tibo frame, being part of our back-catalogue.
For 2005, Vario are delighted to announce the release of the natural successor to the Tibo, another bike designed with the help of another uncannily talented rider called Tibo.
French rider Tibo Veuillet, recently described as the "Cedric Gracia of Trails" is well known for his showmanship and joie de vivre.
Tibo started working with Vario's engineers over two years ago on the new trials platform, now known as the Styx.
His combination of showman riding style, and competitive abilities (resulting in 5th at World Cup and 12th place at the World Championships in 2004), make him an ideal development athlete.
From Tibo, we were keen to discover what tomorrows trails platform would look like, and we then set about integrating these elements into the Styx.
For the newer generation of rider, looking for a longer reach on the bike, we have made the Styx available in two lengths, 1045 and 1075 MM.
The bottom bracket is a one piece CNC'ed marvel, designed around a 100mm shell width, which offers maximum rigidity and stability.
But the most distinctive and talked about feature, is undoubtedly the "monkey grip" arrangement of tube that make up the "top tube" on the Styx.
This has led to a frame that is both sensibly light, strong and described by Tibo as "springy yet controlled – the frame offers a very confident feeling"
From the first series of prototypes, as seen at The Cycle Show in London last September, came a raft of changes, both to improve the ride characteristics, and to ensure maximum strength.
The process continued through the winter, ultimately resulting in a production frame that Tibo Veuillet and Vario are happy to put our names to.
Information-
Wheelbase: 1045 & 1075 mm
Chainstay Length: 385 mm
Head Angle: 72°
BB Position: +30 mm
Frame Weight (L): 1.950 kg