Riff (27.5″ Trail Hardtail) [RETIRED]

[There is an updated version to this model.] The Riff is our hardtail frame for 27.5"/650b wheels. Geometry is ideal for single track, flowy trails and bikepacking. Tough IRD Broski Sliding Dropouts allow you to go single-speed or geared or even run hub gears. While the industry is telling everyone to get "Boost", the Riff lets you run old 142mm thru-axle (or even 135mm QR with a different insert). Another retro feature: you can use a front derailleur if you want.

Its most unusual option: The Riff is offered in a belt-drive ready version.

- Tange Prestige heat-treated butted CrMo steel; butted CrMo rear end

- Geometry is optimized for 100mm travel 27.5" forks and will handle 120mm forks great too

- Standard or Belt-Drive compatible versions available (split for installing belt is on the seatstay.)

- IRD Broski Sliding Dropouts allows geared and single-speed builds with easy wheel removal

– In 2022 these come set for 142 x 12mm Thru-Axle hubs. (Can be converted to 135mm spacing for traditional QR hubs with IRD aftermarket inserts)

- ISO disc brake tabs

- Internal routing on seat tube for dropper post - Front derailleur compatible (top pull) - Rear rack and fender eyelets

- CNC-machined 44mm headtube: Will take 1-1/8" fork steerers with a ZeroStack 44 headset or tapered fork steerers with a ZS44 upper assembly and external cup (EC44) lower assembly

- 31.6mm post size/34.9mm frt. der. size/34.9mm seat collar, 73mm bottom bracket (English threads); 400mm+ post recommended

- Recommended tire size: 27.5 x 1.95" - 2.8”

- Color: Pelham Blue

- Wt: 5.35 lbs. (Belt-Drive compatible versions weigh slightly more)

- Sizes: XS(38cm), SM(41cm), MD(44cm), LG(47cm)

purchase!

Riff (27.5″ Trail Hardtail) [RETIRED]

  • Gates Carbon Belt Drive Suggestions

    Rohloff Hub:
    46t front x20t rear x 113 belt - 437.7mm chainstay setting

    Single Speed:
    46t front x28t rear x118 belt - 444.5mm chainstay setting

  • Component Fit Information:


    Bottom bracket shell: 73mm wide with English threading
    Headset type: Will take forks with 1-1/8" steerers with a ZeroStack 44 headset or tapered steerers with a ZS44 upper assembly and external cup (EC44) lower assembly
    Seatpost size: 31.6mm OD x 400+mm length Includes internal routing port at seat tube for dropper seatposts
    Seat collar size: 34.9mm
    Front derailleur clamp diameter: 34.9mm
    Front derailleur type: Low clamp, top-pull
    Hub fit: Standard dropouts fit 142x12mm thru-axle . (There are IRD Broski aftermarket inserts to convert to 135mm QR hubs)
    Chainstay adjustment range: 427 - 445mm (ideal to keep dropout in the center or front of the slot)
    Max. weight including rider and cargo: 270 lbs.

  • Who would you recommend trying 650b/27.5" mountain bikes? [The 650b wheel size (27.5") is an established tire size, but is relatively new to the MTB market. It is sits almost in the middle between the traditional 26" and the newer 29" tires.]

    This is a tough thing to give an explanation to especially to someone who has only ridden 26" wheeled mountain bikes. To these folks there isn't anything deficient with 26" wheels at all. That's how the collective mountain bike community felt before the 29er came along and we had something different to compare it to.

    And for the last few years, we've had folks that swear that the 29" wheel is the best MTB invention since the suspension. And others who've tried it and hate it. And we have some that own both types of bikes. It is from this paradigm, we make the statement that one tire size does not ideally suit every rider.

    We feel the 650b to be the "happy medium" between 26" and 29".
    Who do we think should try 650b?
    1) Those who feel 29ers were a little to unwieldy and slow to accelerate.
    2) Those who liked the 29ers rolling advantage, but didn't want to give up the steering quickness of a 26" bike.
    3) Those who want big wheel benefits, but find most 29er frames are a little too big for them.
    4) Those who find 29er wheels a little heavy. 650b will be noticeably lighter.
    5) At one time we would've recommended that if you are 6' 2" and over you are better off with a 29er, but we know of a couple of folks who are over 6' 2" and prefer 650b over 29ers (at least with full suspension bikes). And we also know women under 5' 5" who love their 29ers. Really it boils down to ride style and personal preference.

Riff (27.5″ Trail Hardtail) [RETIRED]

  • Testimonial Title

    “follow up soma riff frame (27.5). i'm 5'10' 150 pounds and ordered size small. i just built this frame w/ 2x10 xt groupset / manitou markour shock / niner rdo carbon seat post. it is basic, light (24pds) and a blast to ride. the reach is comfortable (not too long) and the wheel size makes bike feel fast but maneuverable.. the rdo niner seat post has 6mm rear shock absorb so takes some rattle off your rear. soma riff = great frame... suggestion - if between sizes order smaller size.”

    Robin, Performance Bicycle,