the highlander II
2026 Elite full build
Dialled for Adventure
Same carbon frame. Same high-pivot feel. Same confidence on the descents. The Highlander II Elite delivers big capability without the flagship price. Spec’d with the FOX 36 Performance Elite fork, Shimano Deore 12-speed, and a DT Swiss M-1900 Spline wheelset, this is a dependable trail setup designed to go far and go hard.
We remain committed to delivering unmatched reliability, reinforcing our dedication with a Lifetime Frame Warranty and Crash Replacement Programme. The Highlander II is ready for any trail, any time.
Build Kit
Frame: Highlander II Carbon – 29er
Fork: FOX 36 Performance Elite GRIP X2 – 160mm
Shock: FOX Float X2 Performance – 145mm rear
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed
Crankset: Shimano Deore 165mm – 32T
Wheels: DT Swiss M-1900 Spline
Tires: Continental Kryptotal Enduro SuperSoft (F) / Enduro Soft (R) – 2.4"
Brakes: Shimano XT M8200 – 200mm / 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
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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. Wiper seals and o-rings hermetically seal the bearings, stopping water and dirt coming in and grease from leaking out.
The system is designed to protect the bearings and regular greasing through the ports ensures extremely long bearing life.There are 7 grease ports across the bike: 1 on the idler cover, 1 on the main pivot axle, 5 on the linkage.
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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.
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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
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Twin idler bearings provide a stiff and responsive drivetrain whilst also reducing maintenance and bearing wear by lowering the loads on each individual bearing.
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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.
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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.
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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
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The Highlander II 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.
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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.
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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” 160mm 44/42mm offset
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 link chain suitable for 32T chainring and 52T Cassette
Max Chainring Size: 36t
Shock Size: Metric 210*55mm (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: M12xP1.75 | 192mm long | Thread length is 26mm (minimum 20mm)
Rear Axle UDH : M12xP1 | 185mm long | Thread length is 14.5mm
Reviews
“If Deviate didn't make the Claymore, they'd be perfectly entitled to call the Highlander their trail and enduro bike. The high pivot causes the wheelbase to grow when you push into a corner and the bike stays low and level when hard on the brakes, which makes it feel even more stable and surefooted than the geometry numbers would suggest.”
— Seb Stott
Top 5 trail bike of 2023. “This is a trail bike for those who like to push the limits on rougher terrain. It’s full 29er, full carbon, and it comes with fully sealed bearings and interestingly, grease ports too, so it should be faff free maintenance”
— Anna Cipullo/Owen Coutts
Click here for more technical based FAQ’s
FAQ
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We suggest around 30% for most riders, but this will vary depending on terrain and personal preference.
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No - a standard 126 link chain will work with even a 12 speed Shimano or Sram set-up.
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ZS44/28.6 upper and a ZS56/40 lower headset cup.
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Absolutely. We have two lower ISCG-05 tabs which allow the use of a lower guide/bash.
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The Highlander II is not designed to work with 27.5” or 27.5”+ wheels. It is designed for 29” wheels.
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We suggest a 160mm fork with a 44mm offset. A 51mm offset is compatible and will lead to a slightly more lively steering feel.
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The Highlander II will work with most 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.
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Anything from 28t to 36t will work great depending on how steep your hills are!
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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.
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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.