Spot Rollik 557

Spot Rollik 557

Size Tested: Medium

Geometry: (Here)

Build Overview:

• Drivetrain: SRAM GX
• Fork: Rockshox Pike RCT3
• Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Kashima

Wheels: 27.5”

Travel: 140 mm rear/ 150 mm front

Blister’s Measured Weight: 28.6 lbs. (12.97 kg) without pedals

Reviewer: 5’10”, 143 lbs.

Test Location: Moab, UT

MSRP: $5,699

Note

We swung through Outerbike in Moab a few weeks ago to hang out, ride some bikes, and partake in the good times that happen when bike people gather together in the desert.

If you don’t already know about Outerbike, you should; it’s a great opportunity to demo new bikes on some great trails. There are three Outerbike events throughout the year — Moab in the spring; Crested Butte in the summer; and Moab again in the fall. Each event lasts 3-4 days, and you can get more information at outerbike.com.

So we had three days to ride some of this year’s new bikes on a smattering of Moab’s best trails. And while it was a great opportunity to learn a good bit about a number of new bikes (including the one reviewed here), we only rode these bikes for a few hours each, so keep in mind that this isn’t our regular, full-scale review.

Intro

Spot is a small Colorado brand that has long been known for its belt drive-equipped hardtails. Last year, they surprised everyone by releasing the Rollik 557 – a sleek looking 140 mm-travel carbon trail bike. Not only was this bike totally different from anything the brand had produced in the past, Spot also opted to incorporate a unique proprietary suspension linkage that partially relies on a carbon leaf spring dubbed the Living Link.

It’s also worth noting that Spot had just announced the Mayhem, which a 29/27.5+ version of the Rollik 557. We didn’t get a chance to spend any time on it, but Spot says it should start shipping sometime in late April.

Of any of the bikes I rode at Outerbike, the Rollik 557 was the bike that I most wish I could have spent more time on, as its unique design and versatility made it hard to fully get a handle on over the course of just one ride. That being said, here’s my experience on the Spot Rollik 557…

The Build

The build I rode at Outerbike wasn’t quite the same as any of the builds offered on Spot’s website, but it was most similar to Spot’s $5,699 3-star build. This build comes with a Fox 34 Performance fork, Fox DPS Float rear shock, SRAM Guide RS brakes, and SRAM GX 1×11 drivetrain. My build was equipped with a Rockshox Pike RCT3 in place of the Fox 34, as well as beefier tires and different cockpit bits.

Spot also specs a Stan’s Arch MK3 wheelset, although Spot also offers ENVE and DT Swiss upgrades. I personally would have preferred the slightly stronger (and heavier) Stan’s Flow MK3 as the standard wheelset, but riders that spend less time around sharp rocks might be happier with the lighter wheels.

For the money, other brands will definitely get you a higher end spec. That said, it’s hard finding much fault in the parts that were chosen, and there’s always a premium expected when buying from a small brand like Spot.

Fit and Geometry

The size Medium Rollik 557 felt comfortable right away. At 5’10”, the Rollik 557’s 435 mm reach is right in my sweet spot. This worked well in combination with the bike’s steep 76-degree seat tube angle, which kept me over the front end during seated climbs.

The Rollik 557’s frame makes room for a lot of seatpost. As a pretty long-legged person, I had to pull the spec’d 125 mm post all the way out to its minimum insertion line to get a decent saddle height. Provided the seat tube could accommodate it, I could have probably squeezed in a 170 mm post instead.

The 67° head angle is slightly on the conservative side compared to some bikes spec’d with a 150 mm fork. However, it adds to the bike’s already climbing-oriented geometry, and I never worried about the front wheel wandering at any point.
NEXT: Suspension, The Ride, Etc.