Riding Ben Macdui: The Birthplace of Deviate Cycles

There are few places in the UK that test both rider and machine like Ben Macdui. Towering at 1,309m, it’s not just the second-highest mountain in Britain—it’s a proving ground for those who seek adventure beyond the beaten track. The trails here aren’t for the faint-hearted. Long, brutal climbs lead into rough, unpredictable descents littered with rock gardens, water bars, and fast, flowing singletrack that rewards confidence and precision. It was in this environment—harsh, unforgiving, and incredibly rewarding—that the idea for Deviate Cycles was born.

Years ago, Ben Jones and Chris Deverson were guiding a group of experienced riders through this rugged landscape, only to find their bikes weren’t up to the challenge. Too much maintenance, too many compromises, and too many rides cut short by mechanical failures. Again and again, the group asked, 'When will you make a frame we can buy?'. It was in that moment that Ben and Chris began to seriously wonder—could they turn their ideas into a business?

Deviate Cycles wasn’t conceptualised in a boardroom. It was forged out of necessity—out of long days in the saddle, navigating some of the most demanding terrain Scotland has to offer. The high-pivot suspension system that has become our signature wasn’t just a design choice; it was the answer to a problem we had experienced firsthand. We needed a bike that could take the hits, maintain momentum over rough terrain, and climb with efficiency. It had to be built for real-world conditions—the kind that Ben Macdui dishes out in spades.