alchemy Arktos29 User manual
Arktos29 // Owner’s Manual
Welcome to the ride of your life.
At Alchemy Bicycles, we design, engineer, and hand-build the finest bicycle frames available. Priding ourselves on
commitment and quality, every Alchemy frame is fabricated by elite craftsmen, each dedicated to the time-consuming
and demanding process of creating bicycles individually suited to their riders. Alchemy blends cutting-edge technol-
ogy and processes with old-world attention to detail and hands-on expertise. Every frame is purpose-built for perfor-
mance and longevity, providing even the most discerning riders with the ride of their life. We are grateful to have you
on our team.
The Arktos
The Arktos is a one-of-a-kind, do-it-all 6-inch travel full-sus-
pension bike designed to climb and descend with the same
aplomb. The Arktos features the patented dual-linkage plat-
form called the Sine Suspension, which has been exclusively
been licensed to Alchemy by famed designer David Earle. The
carbon chassis on the Arktos tube shapes and “Developed in
Denver” layup provides torsional stiffness far superior to the
current crop of trail bikes on the market.
Safety
Correct inspection and maintenance of your bicycle is essential to your safety. Inspect your bicycle frequently and follow
the maintenance schedules in this manual. If your inspection discovers any issue, do not ride the bicycle until you have
corrected the issue. If you do not have the skills or tools for the required repair or corrective work, take your bicycle to
your retailer for repair. If you feel uncomfortable inspecting and maintaining your bicycle, take the bicycle to your retailer
for service.
Bicycles are not designed to withstand every situation. In a crash or impact, it is not uncommon for the bicycle to have
damage and for you to fall. If you fall, your bicycle cannot prevent injury. Cars have bumpers, seat belts, air bags, and
crumple zones. Bicycles do not, so even a small crash at slow speed can cause injury or death. At relatively slow speeds,
a bicycle can tip over sideways or pitch you over the front wheel. Higher speeds and larger impacts will only be worse.
Although bicycles are built for extreme riding, they are not indestructible. This type of riding is extremely hazardous and
puts unpredictable forces on a bicycle that may overload the frame, fork, or parts. If you choose to ride in rugged terrain,
you should take appropriate safety precautions such as more frequent bicycle inspections and replacement of equipment.
You should also wear comprehensive safety equipment such as a full-face helmet, pads, and body armor.
See below for bike inspection and maintenance tips.
1
FRAME FEATURES
• Wheel Size: 29 Inch
• Max Tire Clearance: 2.5 Inch
• Spacing Boost+ 12X157mm
• Travel: 140mm / 5.5 inch
• Shock: Fox Float DPX2
• Fork: 150-160mm compatibility, 180mm max
• Bottom Bracket: 73mm threaded, ISCG05 under BB mount
• Seat Post: 31.6mm with internal dropper routing
• Headset: IS42 Upper – IS52 Lower for tapered steerer
• Drive Train: 1x Only
• Shock Size: 200X56mm / 7.875X2.25”
• Hardware: 8mmX22mm
• Chainring Clearance: 38t (need 3mm offset ring for SRAM Eagle)
• Bearings: Enduro BB 3930 LLU and BB MR 21531 LLU MAX
• Brake Mount: Post mount 74mm for 160mm rotor standard
• Frame Weight: 6.2lbs / 2800g
2
GEOMETRY
GEOMETRY
Size S M L XL
Seat tube length 410 450 483 518
Effective top tube 580 610 630 665
Head tube length 100 110 125 140
Head tube angle 66 66 66 66
Frame stack 620 630 644 658
Frame reach 418 444 452 483
Seat tube angle 74.5 74.5 74.5 74.5
Chain stay length 438.5 438.5 438.5 438.5
Bottom bracket drop 34 34 34 34
Bottom bracket height 343343343343
Wheelbase 1167 1185 1211 1248 *44mm offset fork
3
SINE SUSPENSION
The Arktos features Alchemy’s patented dual-linkage platform called the Sine Suspension. The
name Sine derives from the way the shock rate, when graphed, resembles a sine wave: It’s re-
gressive through the first part of the travel to absorb small bumps and provide climbing traction,
progressive mid-stoke to avoid wallowing on big hits, then slightly regressive in the last 15 per-
cent of the stroke to enable the bike to use all 6 inches of travel. Sine is also designed to min-
imize chain growth when the bike is moving, which improves pedaling efficiency and keeps the
suspension active under braking. The Sine suspension system is optimized at 30% overall sag.
Setting Sag
Sag is the amount of travel the shock compresses under normal rider weight. We recommend
that you set the sag on at 30%, but personal preference and riding conditions are also factors
influencing the amount of sag needed.
To check sag:
1) Get all of your gear on, so you start with an accurate rider weight.
2) With someone holding the bike, stand up on the pedals and get in your normal riding
position on the bike.
3) Bounce up and down on the bike, compressing the rear end of the bike and the shock, and
when you are steady again, have someone push the travel ring up the shock against the
wiper seal.
4) Dismount the bike gently (so you don’t move the travel ring).
5) The amount of stanchion shown between the wiper and travel ring is your sag. 30% sag
would show 21mm of exposed stanchion between the wiper and travel ring.
4
DROPPER POST
The Arktos is designed to utilize a “stealth” or internally-routed dropper post. The cable housing is intended
to route from the remote handlebar lever, enter the down tube just behind the head tube, and follow the down
tube and go directly up into the seat tube.
Some tips for installation:
1) It is best to route the housing before you install the bottom bracket as this makes it easier to route the
cable up into the seat tube.
2) Follow the minimum insertion line of the seatpost to ensure proper height of the post.
3) After you attach the cable and are inserting the post into the frame, make sure you pull on the housing
(up near the head tube) so you do not bind the housing down in the frame.
Dropper Post Installation
5
MAINTENANCE
How frequently you service your bicycle depends on how much you ride and the kind of weather condi-
tions you ride in. Obviously, riding 100% in muddy and wet conditions will mean your Arktos will require
far more maintenance than an Arktos that sees normally see dry riding conditions. But, assuming the
machine is in good working order and that you ride sensibly (i.e. don’t abuse your bike) and not in nasty
weather a lot you can use the following guidelines to keep your Arktos in tip-top shape.
Every Ride Monthly 6 Months Yearly
<> 500 miles <> 2,500 miles <> 6,000 miles
Check Tire Pressure and add air if needed.
Check the tire tread for wear and
embedded debris that could cause a flat.
Check that the wheel axles are tight and
that the wheels are secure.
Spin wheels looking for wobbles, which
indicate you should have your wheel trued.
Squeeze brakes to confirm function and
check to see that the brake pads are in
good condition.
Compress and rebound thesuspension to
check that it's working properly.
Check chain & add lube if it looks dry.
Make sure your tools and pack are in good
shape and ready to use.
Clean the bike and inspect the frame and
components for signs of wear such as
cracks.
Wipe the chain and relube.
Check the wheels for loose spokes by
squeezing the spokes together by hand.
Test bolts tightness of crankarms, pedals,
chainring bolts, seat bolt, seatpost bolt,
stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all
accessory mounting bolts/screws. Make
sure to follow manufacturer's torque
specs.
Lube the brake, derailleur and
clipless-pedal pivot points
Lube the cables to prevent binding and
check the cables for fraying and rusting
and replace if necessary
Check clipless pedals and cleats for loose
screws/bolts
Check suspension to make sure there isn't
unnecessary stiction in system.
Suspension that is "notchy" feeling when
compressed will need service by the
suspension manufacturer.
Clean, inspect the frame and fork for any
cracks or damage.
Check and replace tires if needed.
Check the bearing bind in the hubs, bottom
bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul
as needed.
Check all cables and housings for fraying,
breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if
necessary.
Check for worn brake pads and replace if
needed; also replace worn handlebar tape
or grips.
Check for chain, cassette cog and
chainring wear and replace worn parts as
required.
Check for chain, cassette cog and
chainring wear and replace worn parts as
required.
Check suspension to make sure there isn't
unnecessary stiction in system.
Suspension that is "notchy" feeling when
compressed will need service by the
suspension manufacturer.
Check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom
bracket, headset and pedals: adjust and/or
overhaul as needed.
Check all cables and housings for fraying,
breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if
necessary.
Remove swingarm pivot bolts and by hand
check bearings to make sure they are
spinning with no friction and replace if
needed.
Clean and check wheels carefully for signs
of cracks or broken spokes.
Check the bearing bind in the hubs, bottom
bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul
as needed.
Overhaul the pedals to check the bearings
and add fresh grease.
Replace brake pads and drivetrain
including chain, cassette and front
chainring.
Check suspension to make sure there isn't
unnecessary stiction in system.
Suspension that is "notchy" feeling when
compressed will need service by the
suspension manufacturer.
6
Bike Care
Using solvents or harsh abrasives to clean your carbon bike could damage the finish or even com-
promise its structural integrity. To care for your Arktos, simply wash with warm sudsy water, using
a soft cloth, sponge or soft bristle brush to clean off heavier buildup. Rinse thoroughly (if you use
a hose, don’t direct high-pressure spray at your bike). Dry with a soft towel and apply a coating of
wax or other surface protectant, followed by a gentle buffing. Be careful not to get any overspray
on the brake surfaces.
Now that the frame is clean, it’s a good time to check your frame thoroughly for any signs of
carbon damage that may impact the frame’s integrity. If you suspect your frame may have damage
affecting the structural integrity, take your bike to a bike shop or call Alchemy immediately.
Checklist
• Make sure all frame surfaces in contact with cables are protected. Cable housing rubbing
on carbon can wear over time.
• Make sure brake levers, handle bar ends and the fork crown do not contact the frame at
full rotation.
• Never clamp any part of a carbon frame in a bike stand or car-rack.
• Never tighten a seat post clamp without a post in the frame.
• Always inspect your frame if you experience any chain suck.
• Always inspect your frame in full after a crash to be sure there is no damage. Look for
cracks, dents or loose fibers. Any direct impact to the frame can cause serious structural
damage.
MAINTENANCE
7
Warranty
At Alchemy Bicycles, we stand behind our products 100%. We guarantee that your frame will be
free of defects in craftsmanship for as long as you own it. Purchase must be made through an
authorized Alchemy Dealer. Purchasing an Alchemy frame from third party internet sites (such as
eBay) voids our warranty, no matter what the listing says. To validate your warranty, please com-
plete and return the registration card.
Crash Replacement
We understand that accidents happen. If you crash and break your Alchemy, no matter where you
purchased your frame, simply contact us directly about your problem and receive 40% off MSRP on
a replacement frame.
OUR PROMISE
8
7700 Cherry Creek South Dr., Suite 101, Denver, CO 80231
720-535-4444 • alchemy.bike
Like no other.
Table of contents
