Last year we wrote about the potential for bike frames to be constructed from a lightweight metal known as Super Magnesium commercialized by a company called Allite. Today, a new bike brand called VAAST Bikes is launching with a full line of bikes made from the material.
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The first mountain two bike models from VAAST are both hardtails known as M/1. An “XC” version of the M/1 features 29er wheels and 120mm of front suspension travel, while the M/1 “Trail” has 27.5-inch wheels and a 130mm suspension fork.
Both M/1 bike builds appear to be solid, offering a mix of 12-speed Shimano SLX and XT components, a RockShox Judy fork, and a KS Lev Si dropper post. However, the standout feature for both bikes is the Allite Super Magnesium frame.
As a refresher, Allite Super Magnesium is said to be lighter than steel, titanium, and aluminum for bicycle frame building. (Only carbon fiber is lighter.) The material is stronger than titanium, provides better shock absorption than aluminum, and is 100% recyclable.
However, one of the downsides to magnesium is that it’s very susceptible to corrosion, so VAAST says both the inside and outside of the tubing receive a corrosion-proof coating.
Exact geometry specs are not available, but VAAST offers clues saying the geometry is “long and slack” and the design’s “more upright riding position suits the rider who isn’t hell-bent on a podium finish.” Judging by the photos, our guess is the bike isn’t uptight and racy, but it’s also not super slacked for pure descending performance.
The VAAST brand is owned by United Wheels Limited, which owns other bike brands including Niner and Huffy. United Wheels and Allite are owned by the same parent company.
M/1 models are priced at $1,999 for the 29er and $2,199 for the 27.5 trail bike. More information at vaastbikes.com.
