The Shale is Outer Cycles‘ 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
The Shale frameset comes in at R30,000 (including the rear shock).
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.
Looking for more first look reviews? Explore our bike reviews here.
