RC295 is Pace's first carbon bike

The RC295 sits at the sweet spot of 29er enduro bike specification
RC295 is a full carbon debut for one of Britain's most regarded steel frame makers (Image credit: Pace)

Pace cycles have launched their keenly anticipated RC295 dual-suspension enduro bike.

The North Yorkshire domiciled mountain bike brand is best known for its steel hardtails, but this new RC295 is a futureproofed carbon fibre full-suspension bike at a very competitive price.

With a product design target of producing a dual-suspension bike that would be comfortable on trail and park riding terrain, the Pace RC295 was patiently developed and features an array of contemporary design details.

It is also Pace’s first carbon fibre frame and promises to be a rewarding ride for those who enjoy technical riding and steep descents.

Configured to run primarily as a 29er, the Pace RC295 is structured with a carbon-fibre front and rear triangle. Pace’s designers have ensured enough rear triangle tyre clearance to allow for a 27.5+ tyre too, if customers wish to embrace the mullet mountain bike trend with their RC295.

Pace’s suspension system runs 135mm of rear travel and the recommended front suspension fork stroke is 140-150mm. The suspension system’s upper and lower links are aluminium and they separate the front and rear triangles, unlike most conventional dual-suspension bikes, which join the rear end directly to the front triangle via the chainstays.

Pace Cycles R295

(Image credit: Pace Cycles)

Geometry numbers are very much on-trend, with 484mm of reach on size large RC295 frames. All three frame sizes (medium, large and extra-large) have the same 64.5-degree head angle, which should guarantee that riders are always confidently centred on their RC295, no matter how steep the trail becomes.

Aware that its RC295 will be the hardest riding bike in Pace’s portfolio, there are frame and cable protection features. All RC295s have a comprehensive carbon-fibre front triangle frame protector, custom moulded by UK specialist, Rockguardz.

The RC295 has internally routed cables, but they do exit below the bottom bracket, and to prevent damage, Pace has added Armour Tubes in this area.

Pricing for the RC295 frame is very keen, at £1899, which includes a RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock, DTSwiss through axle, Hope seatpost clamp and an additional rear derailleur hanger.

Lance Branquinho
Freelance writer

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.