Description
Features
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Progressive Suspension Design
A refined leverage curve delivers plush small bump sensitivity while maintaining mid-stroke support and bottom-out resistance. Whether you’re charging through rock gardens or sending big lines, the suspension stays composed.
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Flip Chip Versatility
Easily switch between a mullet or full 29” setup using the adjustable flip chip. Fine-tune your ride to match your style, whether you want the agility of a mixed-wheel setup or the all-out speed of full 29″
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Easy Maintenance
Standard-size sealed bearings make servicing hassle-free, ensuring your frame stays smooth and reliable for seasons of hard riding. Less time wrenching, more time shredding.
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Dialed Enduro Geometry
A slack head angle for stability at speed, a steep seat tube for efficient climbing, and a moderately low bottom bracket for a planted yet responsive feel. The Shale is built to balance confidence and agility.
Specifications
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| Frame | Alloy 29” Boost, 160mm travel, UDH hanger, Internal Cable Routing, Compatible Fork: 170mm 44mm offset |
| Wheel size | 29” or Mullet |
| Rear Shock | Rockshox Super Deluxe Select+ 205 x 62.5mm |
| Headset | FSA No.57 |
| Seat Post Clamp | Outer 36.1mm |
| Rear Thru Axle | Outer Stealth |
| Frame Warranty | 5 Years |
| Weight | 4.5 kg (size Medium Including Shock, please allow for some deviation) |
Geometry
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29″ Front and Rear – 170mm Fork, Flip Chip in the Low Position
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (Effective) | 380 | 420 | 450 | 460 |
| Head Angle (Low) | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Chainstay Length | 448 | 448 | 448 | 448 |
| BB Drop | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| BB Height | 353 | 353 | 353 | 353 |
| Head Tube Length | 95 | 100 | 110 | 130 |
| Fork Length (AC) | 587 | 587 | 587 | 587 |
| Fork Offset | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Wheelbase | 1221 | 1253 | 1282 | 1311 |
| Stack | 616 | 620 | 629 | 647 |
| Reach | 430 | 460 | 485 | 505 |
Mullet (27.5″ Rear) – 170mm Fork, Flip Chip in the High Position
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (Effective) | 380 | 420 | 450 | 460 |
| Head Angle (High) | 62.8° | 62.8° | 62.8° | 62.8° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 76.3° | 76.3° | 76.3° | 76.3° |
| Chainstay Length | 448 | 448 | 448 | 448 |
| BB Drop (Low) | 14.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| BB Height | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Head Tube Length | 95 | 100 | 110 | 130 |
| Fork Length (AC) | 587 | 587 | 587 | 587 |
| Fork Offset | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Wheelbase | 1221 | 1253 | 1282 | 1311 |
| Stack | 616 | 620 | 629 | 647 |
| Reach | 430 | 460 | 485 | 505 |
Size Chart
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Bike Size
Please note, our size chart is a recommendation and will not work for every size rider. When selecting the ideal bike size, especially if you find yourself on the edge of the recommended height range for two sizes, it’s highly recommended to test ride both options or consult a bike fit expert for their opinion. Another method of finding the right fit is to compare the geometry of your current bike, or one you are comfortable on, and compare it to our geometry numbers.
Bike Handling
If you are in between sizes then you should consider the bike handling characteristics that appeal to you. Larger bikes tend to feel more stable and planted and require more body language to manoeuvre. The longer wheelbase will also help with very steep scenarios. Smaller bikes will feel more agile and are generally more manoeuvrable through tighter trails. The shorter wheelbase will feel less stable at high speed and on very steep trails.
Unique Body Dimensions
As we know, we are not all made the same. You may want to take into account your unique body dimensions, as longer legs and a shorter torso may steer you toward a smaller size, while a more extended torso and arms might lead you to opt for a larger frame.
| Frame Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider Height (cm) | 150-163 | 163-173 | 173-183 | 183-193 |
Francois Esterhuizen –
The Shale is Outer Cycle’s first dedicated enduro frameset and it’s got one job: handle big mountain terrain with speed, precision, and confidence.
Borrowing the proven suspension platform from their Link E-bike and adding a new dose of aggression, Outer Cycles has created a platform that caters to gravity-focused riders who still want to climb without complaint. After spending time with the details, the message is clear: this frame was built by riders who know what they want to feel on trail.
Design Philosophy: Aggression Meets Adaptability
The Shale’s concept centres around creating a pure enduro rig with all the comfort and capability of its e-bike cousin — minus the motor and with a touch more trail spice.
To get there, Outer Cycles reworked the rocker linkage to shave weight while maintaining torsional stiffness, crucial for a platform without a bridged seat stay. The result is a sleek, contoured rocker that looks and feels premium, even before hitting the dirt.
One of the most compelling design elements is the flip chip. Originally added to allow for geometry tweaks, it’s now been refined to act as a wheel size adjuster — meaning riders can run either a full 29” setup or opt for a mullet configuration (29” front / 27.5” rear) without throwing off the bike’s geo.
Suspension Feel and Trail Intent
The Shale runs a progressive leverage curve, which brings three big benefits:
Small bump sensitivity for traction and comfort
Mid-stroke support to maintain speed through compressions
Big-hit control for full-send moments
Paired with 160mm of rear travel and a 170mm fork, this puts the Shale firmly in the “point it down and go” category but with geometry that won’t punish you on the pedal up.
Geometry & Sizing
The numbers tell the story of a bike built for high-speed confidence:
Key geo traits include:
→ Long reach and low stack progression across sizes
→ Slack 63.5° head angle for descending confidence
→ Steep 77° seat tube angle for climbing efficiency
→ Consistent 448mm chainstays for balanced handling
→ Flip chip tuning for wheel size conversion, not just geo
This layout keeps the Shale composed at pace but not sluggish in tighter tech, a good blend for riders who want capability without compromise.
Key Specs at a Glance
Frame Travel: 160mm (rear)
Fork Compatibility: 170mm, 44mm offset
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ (205 x 62.5mm)
Wheel Size: 29” or Mullet (Flip Chip adjustability)
Frame Material: Aluminium alloy
Cable Routing: Internal
Rear Axle: Outer Stealth
Seatpost Clamp: Outer 36.1mm
UDH Compatible: Yes
Weight: 4.5kg (Size Medium incl. shock)
Warranty: 5 years
Pricing & Value
That price puts it in a very competitive spot for South African riders building up a premium enduro machine without going full carbon or compromising on ride quality.
Final Thoughts
Outer Cycles has stepped confidently into the enduro space with a frame that speaks the right language: stability, progression, versatility.
The Shale isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, it’s made for riders who push hard, ride fast, and want a frame that can grow with their setup. With the ability to switch between mullet and full 29”, and geometry that feels dialled for aggressive riding, it’s an exciting option for South African riders chasing big terrain and bigger days out.