DEITY CRYPTKEEPER
There’s more to hardtails than their simple exterior alludes, because where they may not be the most complicated pieces of engineering (when compared to a FS bike at least), subtle differences can make a huge difference and there’s no place to hide. Geometry and ride quality are of utmost importance. Furthermore, a hardtail can be designed with an even more specific purpose than its bouncy counterparts.
The Cryptkeeper from Deity is at a different end of hardtail spectrum from Stanton’s offering, and with its low-slung appearance, single-speed only drop-outs, Spanish style (press-fit) BB, and (as Deity put it) design for “real trail riders” that thrive on “big high speed sets”, the bike’s intentions are hardly a secret. This is a full-on dirt-jump frame, and we really appreciate any company brave enough to go out there and create something as specific as this, especially when it is as dialled as the Cryptkeeper. Stable at speed thanks to a low BB height, it really does love big jumps and although its appearance hints at a scaled-up BMX bike, its potential to flourish when the going gets big gives it a purpose above many other imitators.
Oh, and if you doubt the need for such a fine frame when ‘simply’ hitting jumps, then all we can say is you’ve clearly never ridden one like this.
Price: Frame £399.99
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