Balfa 2Step HD (DH)

FRAME OVERVIEW

Balfa 2Step HD is a 7.1" (180 mm) travel frame dedicated for downhill and freeride use.

It's meant for hammering down the trail, but it's also capable of some uphilling. Features the Balfa 2-Step linkage allowing for good pedalling efficiency as well as plush suspension. As all full suspension Balfas, it has beefy alloy front end and Cr-Mo rear end.

This frame was known as 2Step DH in 2003 but in 2004 the name has been changed after numerous complaints from consumers questioning the DH tag on a "freeride" bike. 2004 has also higher bottom bracket, improved chainline, ability to run more types of shocks and some more little tweaks.

GEOMETRY

Imperial dimensions (inches)		SIZE
Imperial dimensions (inches)		Regular	Large
A	Seat Tube length	18.0	19.5
B	Top Tube length	22.3	23.5
C	Head Tube Angle	67.5°
D	Seat Tube Angle	66°
E	Chainstay Length	17.7
F	Wheelbase	45.0	46.0
G	Bottom Bracket Height	14.2
H	Standover Height	28.6	29.2
I	Head Tube Height	4.6
J	Fork length	20.5

Metric dimensions (mm)		SIZE
Metric dimensions (mm)		Regular	Large
A	Seat Tube length	457	495
B	Top Tube length	565	597
C	Head Tube Angle	69°
D	Seat Tube Angle	65°
E	Chainstay Length	451
F	Wheelbase	1134	1165
G	Bottom Bracket Height	360
H	Standover Height	726	741
I	Head Tube Height	118
J	Fork length	520

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Rear wheel travel - 7.1" (180 mm)
Rear shock size - 7.875 x 2.25" (200 x 57 mm)
Seatpost diameter - 27.2 mm
Seatpost collar diameter - 31.8 mm
Headset - 1 1/8"
Rear axle width: 135 mm
BB shell width - 73 mm
BB axle length - 113 to 116 mm (depending on chainline)
Front derailleur - down swing, top-pull (with 34.9 mm collar)
Tyre clearance - 26 x 2.8"
Pivot bearings - 6001 RS (eight)

SUSPENSION DESIGN

2Step is suspension design with temporary (moving with compression) pivot point. It is very similar to Maestro, or DW Link. Such design's advantages are good pedalling efficiency (little to none pedal bob) and close to none suspension feedback under braking (brake-jack).

Animations by MMcG25