the claymore
2026 elite full build
Speed Without Sacrifice
Inspired by the medieval Scottish two-handed great sword, known for its strength and symbolism of the rugged Highlands, Deviate’s award-winning Claymore embodies this legacy - crafted to conquer the world's most challenging terrains. Now available in a new range of colours inspired by Scotland’s heritage, this long-travel enduro bike is as striking as it is capable.
Sharing the same carbon chassis, the Claymore Elite combines FOX 38 Performance Elite suspension, Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, and DT Swiss E-1900 wheels with Continental Kryptotal tires for a reliable, high-performance ride at a more approachable price. Available in Morar Blue, In sizes M, L, XL, 29er or MX.
Whether you're descending root-strewn drops or racing between tapes at dizzying speeds, the Claymore excels. Designed to be the ultimate long-travel enduro bike, it offers unparalleled handling, combining speed, precision, and versatility for both racing and trail riding. The Claymore's goal is to dominate enduro stages with winning pedal performance and playful agility for off-tape adventures.
Build Kit
Frame: Claymore Carbon – 29er or Mullet
Fork: FOX 38 Performance Elite GRIP X2 – 180mm
Shock: FOX Float X2 Performance – 165mm
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed
Crankset: Shimano Deore 160mm – 32T
Wheels: DT Swiss E-1900 Spline
Tires: Continental Kryptotal Enduro SuperSoft (F) / Downhill Soft (R) – 2.4"
Brakes: Shimano XT M8200 – 220mm / 200mm
Dropper: SDG Tellis V2
Cockpit: ONEUP Alloy 800mm / 42mm Stem
Saddle: SDG Bel Air V3 Triad
Grips: Peaty’s Monarch Knurl
Headset: Cane Creek 40
tech details
reduced maintenance, simplified serviceability
-
We have created a unique solution to reduce the need to replace bearings regularly - the grease ports.
Grease all major pivot and linkage bearings without the need to do any disassembly. The grease ports are designed to keep as much water and dirt out as possible, whilst keeping the grease in. If any water and dirt does come in, they are designed to force this out through the seals.There are 7 grease ports across the bike: 1 on the idler cover, 1 on the main pivot axle, 5 on the linkage.
-
When it comes to cable management, internal cable routing is great for a sleek looking bike, yet, it does make the cables harder to access when changing parts or carrying out maintenance.
Our solution to this is a cable ‘gutter’ that runs down the underside of the top-tube, designed to keep your cables tucked away yet still easily accessible.
The cable gutter design adds additional strength to the frame whilst also providing additional accessory mount points. -
UDH compatible for easy and accessible derailleur hanger replacements.
-
Bolt check an entire Deviate frame with just 3 Allen Keys, making it easier to look after both on and off the trails.
Durable Design
-
Twin idler bearings provide a stiff and responsive drivetrain whilst also reducing maintenance and bearing wear by lowering the loads on each individual bearing.
-
Improved chain retention on the idler due to the use of an idler cover and narrow-wide tooth profile, significantly reducing the chance of chain drop.
-
A 3-point connection on the idler side cover provides a stiff and responsive system. The cover is connected on three points with 5mm cap head screws (4mm hexes). By supporting the bearings using the 3 legged cage, the idler is in double shear, providing a stiff and responsive system, whilst also helping chain retention. This design lowers drag and delivers a stiffer pedalling response.
-
By connecting the side loads from riding the bike with the BB and back wheel, the rider feels more in control.
A rising spring rate gives the rider a good feel of where they are in the shock stroke, without a harsh bottom out. This in turn gives good pop on the trail as the rider can load up the suspension
proven high-pivot suspension platform
-
The Claymore uses a high, single pivot point in its rear suspension system. This design results in a rearward axle path, allowing the rear wheel to move proportionally rearward upon impact therefore maintaining forward momentum.
In short, it gives speed and confidence over rough terrain, unmatched by bikes with more rear wheel travel.
We have tested the position of the HPP and idler, basing this on numeric modelling and iterative testing to identify the optimum position to balance anti-rise with the benefits of the rearward-axle path. Find out more about our approach to HPP design here. -
Our linkage is meticulously crafted to provide a progressive leverage curve, catering to the needs of aggressive riders whilst offering compatibility with both high volume air shocks and coil shocks.
-
Careful idler placement ensures optimal suspension performance, with a +100% anti-squat curve controlled by the idler position, virtually eliminating pedal kickback and bobbing. This design provides a balanced anti-squat curve, allowing the Highlander II to pedal smoothly through rough terrain whilst maintaining an active suspension.
-
The unique kinematics of the high pivot point design deliver a rearward axle path and high anti-rise, maintaining chassis stability and geometry under heavy braking. This design rewards aggressive riding and gives riders the confidence to tackle lines typically reserved for bikes with more travel.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rear Wheel: 29”, Boost: 148mm * 12mm
Fork Compatibility: 29” 170 or 180mm with 44/42mm offset | Fork crown interference with downtube MUST be checked before fitting forks
Bottom Bracket: 73mm BSA Threaded
Headset: ZS44/28.6 upper and a ZS56/40 lower headset cup
Cranks: Minimum Q-factor of 168mm
Chainline: 52mm or 55mm options available
Chain length: 126 links (widely available, no need to join chains)
Max Chainring Size: 36t
Shock Size: Metric 230*60mm (Some shocks may be incompatible with our frames, please check this with the shock manufacturer and/or ourselves)
Shock Hardware: Front: 40*8mm | Rear: Eyelet bushing
Brake Mount: Post Mount 180mm
Seatpost Compatibility: Internal dropper routing 34.9”
Seat Collar: 38.5mm
Mech hanger: UDH or Deviate Derailleur Hanger (Highlander/Claymore)
Rear Axle non-UDH : M12xP1.75 | 192mm long | Thread length is 26mm (minimum 20mm)
Rear Axle UDH : M12xP1 | 185mm long | Thread length is 14.5mm
Reviews
The Claymore was chosen as Pinkbike’s ‘Enduro Race Bike of Choice 2022’ and in the same year we were nominated for their ‘Best Mountain Bike of 2022’ award.
“This is a bike I genuinely want to race - I thought that from the first ride. I got on and was like “I want to take this to an Enduro race.”
- Alicia Leggett, Pinkbike
We were awarded the 2022 Singletrack World ‘Editor’s Choice’ award for the Claymore alongside an exceptional review.
"I'm lucky enough to get to ride quite a few different bikes throughout the year, and the Claymore is the one I'd happily keep in the shed. While it looks like a long-travel, very race-focused bike on paper, it's more versatile than the numbers on the geo sheet allude to. It climbs well and will get you up anything your legs can manage. It is happy enough to be pedalled and ridden as a trail bike, rather than just enduro-ed steep up, step down. But, open the taps and it does show it's harder hitting DNA. That high pivot suspension isn't just hype. The Claymore hoovers up big hits, small hits, rooty tracks, rocky tracks... basically whatever you point it at. The Claymore's got it all."
— Ross Demain
Read the full review
FAQ
-
We suggest around 30% for most riders, but this will vary depending on terrain and personal preference.
-
No - a standard 126 link chain will work with even a 12 speed Shimano or Sram set-up.
-
ZS44/28.6 upper and a ZS56/40 lower headset cup.
-
Absolutely. We have two lower ISCG-05 tabs which allow the use of a lower guide/bash.
-
The Claymore is not designed to work with 27.5” or 27.5”+ wheels. It is designed for 29” wheels.
-
We suggest a 170-180mm fork with a 44mm offset. A 51mm offset is compatible and will lead to a slightly more lively steering feel. We do not recommend triple clamp or dual crown forks with the Claymore.
-
The Claymore will work with most coil or air shocks on the market - we recommend a mid-mid initial tune. We can’t guarantee that a specific shock will have clearance. The shocks available on our online store are all compatible. Please note that shocks with rear rebound adjustment may be problematic to adjust.
-
Anything from 28t to 36t will work great depending on how steep your hills are!
-
In short, yes.
However, you must make sure that the chainring is clocked around 89 degrees. Some cranks do not allow for this, so please be sure to check with your crank manufacturer first.
-
We’ve designed The Claymore to run 2.6” tyres.
-
In the box along with the frameset we’ll also include a rear axle (with a non-compressible sheath fitted for transit). There will be a mech hanger and idler wheel installed on the frame as well as a seat collar. If you’ve bought a shock from us too, then the shock will be installed.
Click here for more technical FAQ’s