We were impressed when Walmart rolled out a carbon fiber bike for under $500 (even if the build quality is a little questionable). But now we’re really impressed, because they’re just revealed a new high-end bike line with models ranging from $2,300 to $6,000, and they’re calling it Viathon. Oh boy.
Thanks to PinkBike for giving the Internet the scoop on the new Viathon line. As of right now, Viathon bikes are only available at the (aptly-named) Viathonbikes.com. At some point in the near future, they’ll be available to purchase through the Wal-Mart website, too.
They’re offering a few different models, but perhaps the most significant is the M.1 – a carbon hardtail mountain bike rocking a 120mm RockShox fork and with a frame weighing a mere 2 pounds (wow). It has an oversize bottom bracket as well as an internal cable routing for both mechanical and electronic drivetrains and can take dropper posts. They even toss in three water bottle mounts.
The M1 starts at $2,400 for a RockShox Reba RL 120mm fork, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM Level TL brakes and a few other goodies. The next step up, the M.1 XO1, has RockShox SID RL 120mm fork, a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain, SRAM Level TLM brakes, and a carbon handlebar. It retails for $3,500.
The top-of-the-line M.1 XX1 comes with all the goodies: RockShox SID RLC 120mm fork, a SRAM XX1 gold Eagle drivetrain, SRAM Level Ultimate brakes, an d K-Force carbon handlebar. It also has Stan’s No Tube Crest CB7 Carbon Pro 29 Wheels – so it’s an all-around lightweight bike that will cost the full $6,000.
Complementing the M.1 is the R.1 – a carbon road bike in the same vein, with the base model going for $2,300 and the prize model R.1 Dura Ace going for a not-shabby $5,850. It comes with Shimano Dura Ace drivetrain and shifters, 35mm Knight carbon wheels and a carbon handlebar.
Finishing up the line is the G.1, a carbon bike designed for riding on gravel. It comes in three models – G.1 105, G.1 Ultegra and G.1 Force, which range from $2,300 to $3,500 for a simple gravel bike with slim, knobby tires and disc brakes.
Will they be any good? If the prices are any indication, then these will be quality bikes – even if it takes some time for enthusiasts to admit as such. It’s certainly a big step up from $400 carbon fiber bikes and $99 junk aluminum ones.
Some people are a bit disappointed that Viathon didn’t take this opportunity to create a really-good entry-level hardtail for around $1000, but who’s to say they can’t do so once these bikes have taken off?
