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Eminent Cycles Bursts Into the Mountain Bike Market With a Menacing Monster

Everybody loves an e-bike, especially with the monsters that have been popping up lately. But some folks still like to do things the classic way, with their own two legs.
Onset MT Pro 29 12 photos
Photo: Eminent Cycles
Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29Onset MT Pro 29
If you’ve never heard of Eminent Cycles, you are not alone. I had never heard of them either, and you could say it's my job to know these things. Sadly, I'm not much of a drinker, so it’s a bit hard to know all things. But now that we’ve found these hidden gems get ready for a crash course into what they’re all about.

What you see in the cover photo is known as the Onset MT Pro 29. Aside from being the most expensive bike in the team’s lineup ($8,499), it’s also meant to be the most rugged. Just so you understand what we’re talking about, it’s a 29-inch wheel mountain destroyer with a full suspension and top-of-the-line components.

But why should you pay so damn much for a mountain bike that’s not even electric? Have a good look at it, people! Well, look closer, you won’t find a single weld on the frame. Why? Simple, it's made from carbon fiber. Mind you, not just any sort of carbon fiber; the team laid it all together with unidirectional carbon fiber. This sort of carbon layering technique allows the manufacturer to reinforce joints and tubing by offering chosen directional strength, something woven carbon fiber does not allow to happen easily.

Onset MT Pro 29
Photo: Eminent Cycles
Seeing how Eminent also prides itself on growing up on MTBs, you won’t have to worry about the strength of what you’re looking to buy. My only question is, why only a five-year warranty? I guess we’ll find out over the course of the bike's life. One thing the team did take into consideration was down tube protection with an extra carbon fiber shield.

The rear includes an AFS suspension that floats the brake, shock, and long rocker, all held together with a FOX Float X2 Factory with a climb switch and 155 mm (6.1 in) of travel. The front fork is also a FOX 38 Grip 2 Factory with 160 mm (6.3 in) of travel.

Surprisingly enough, Eminent chose to use top-of-the-line drivetrain components on the Pro. Shimano XTR is there to rock the derailleur, shifter, chain, and even cassette. Frankly, I'm glad they chose to go with the well-known Shimano on this one. Just have a look at how it all just fits together, absolutely gorgeous.

Onset MT Pro 29
Photo: Eminent Cycles
Brakes are also covered by Shimano XTRs with 203-mm (8-in) rotor on the front and 180 mm (7.08-in) on the rear. That's more than enough to stop you huge 29ers and give you a bit of control in whipping the rear around if you know how. For wheels, we find Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Carbon rims with a set of Vittoria Mazza 2.6 and 2.4 trail tires.

Now put all that together, and while you sit there staring at this screen, imagine yourself having a seat on this puppy. Go ahead, bounce on it a little bit, feel that FOX suspension. Mess with the seat post a bit while looking for your perfect flexed knee. Yeah, that’s it. Tilt into a turn or two, and hit a drop. Feels nice, right? Now save up till next year to get one because Christmas is over and it isn’t cheap.
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About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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