Best known for its Truffle-120 and dive into the world of gearbox driven hardtails, Carbon Wasp is expanding its handmade carbon frame offering with the Compound-150 trail bike.

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Based on learnings found when designing the Truffle-120, a cross-country/down-country ripper, the Compound-150 gets a very similar silhouette, but its carbon layup has been tweaked to help the bike cope with the demands expected of a bigger travel trail bike. It's all about simplicity, too, as the bike employs a flex stay to reduce weight and maintenance requirements.

13 Hello.jpg, by Liam Mercer

As expected from the Leeds-based brand, the Compound-150 comes with a hint of customisation and adjustability. The bike offers customers the opportunity to choose from six chainstay lengths, ranging from 435mm up to 460mm in 5mm increments, and users can run either a full 29-inch wheel setup or go mullet with an interchangeable shock mount that's designed to retain the bike's geometry.

Speaking of geometry, it's all modern stuff with small and medium sizes rocking at a 63.8-degree head angle, whereas the large and extra large get an ever so slightly steeper measurement at 63.9-degrees. The seat tube angle hovers around the 77.5-degree mark, depending on the frame size, and a large frame boasts a 480mm reach.

As for the suspension kinematic, Carbon Wasp claims that it's plush and progressive. Ani-squat sits at 108% at sag for stable climbing.

3 Shock Mount.jpg, by Liam Mercer

In terms of frame features, the bike gets all of the modcons, including fully sealed cartridge bearings at each pivot, downtube storage, room for a lengthy dropper post, ISCG mounts, a BSA threaded bottom bracket shell and internal cable routing. There's a UDH hanger and space for up to a 2.6in tyre.

Thanks to heavy investment in new tooling and machinery, Carbon Wasp has managed to shave some time from its manufacturing process, and customers can now expect delivery in around two weeks.

Prices start at £2,600 for a frame only, without a shock. With a shock, the Cane Creek Kitsuma Air, to be precise, expect to spend £3,050, and that'll include a custom single-colour frame wrap.

• carbonwasp.com

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