Devinci minus
Devinci offers a range of fat bikes with two versions, the Minus NX and the Minus DEORE. Both are equipped with 27.5 inch wheels and both are served by Sram Level T 2-piston disc brakes. The main differences are in the transmission, since the Minus NX is equipped with 12-speed Sram NX, while the Minus DEORE is equipped with 10-speed Shimano Deore. Also, the NX benefits from a dropper post and a carbon fork, which reduces the weight a little.
Here are the specifications of both models:
Devinci Minus DEORE:
price: 1500$
- Optimum G04 aluminum frame
- V2 pro 780mm handlebar
- V2 comp seat post 31.6mm
- Sram Level T brakes
- Shimano DEORE M4100 10-speed transmission
- Maxxis colossus tire 27.5 x 4.5 in
- weight 36 lbs
Price: $2020
- Optimum G04 aluminum frame
- Carbon Fork
- V2 pro 780mm handlebar
- TranzX dropper seat post 31.6mm
- Sram Level T brakes
- Sram NX 12-speed transmission
- Maxxis colossus tire 27.5 x 4.5 in
- weight 35.2 lbs
Now I imagine you are wondering how it behaves on the pitch and which variation is best for you?
When pedaling
In terms of pedaling behavior, the Minus NX is more pleasant when going uphill since you have two more speeds. So, we force less and we have more juice left at the top to be strong on our legs during the descent(s). If you already ride a mountain bike, you know how nice having a dropper post is. In fat biking it's the same thing! With the Minus DEORE which is 10 speeds, if you don't like riding initially, you may find your experience a little less pleasant. You will feel that your legs tire more quickly. Also, the fact that it doesn't have a dropper post can be inconvenient when making a track that continually goes up and down. Besides these two disadvantages, he is doing really well. If you are shopping on a more restricted budget the minus DEORE will meet your needs very well, but if you want more comfort take the Minus NX without hesitation!
The tires
For tires, they both come with Maxxis colossus 27.5 x 4.5 inches. Unfortunately, they are not studded and they are not studdable either. However, having ridden them on both snow and ice, they do well. Of course, you have to put the right pressure in the tires depending on the temperature and your weight. On the snow, the tires feel great, we feel that there is good grip and we feel confident. On ice, you have to be more careful, because if our tire pressure is too high we will skid every 10 seconds. With the right pressure and caution, you are able to stay on your two wheels while ensuring you never lock up the brakes. If you have the budget, upgrading your tires to studded ones is a wise choice in my opinion!
The brakes
The 2-piston Sram Level Ts are more than powerful enough for the job they have to do. The fact that you can adjust the reach of the lever is very much appreciated since some people have smaller hands or others prefer to have the contact point near the handle.
Are you still hesitant to know if you will like the Devinci Minus? That’s good, you can rent one for the day and test it on the slopes of Mont-Sainte-Anne!
** If it's your first on a fat bike or at Mont-Sainte-Anne, a really fun trail to do is the Cairn, finishing with the Passe à Boris ;) **
