Alchemy Bicycles has been hard at work ahead of Sea Otter, focusing on new models and upgrades, all of which will help you have more fun on the dirt. The Colorado brand adds the new Rouge carbon gravel bike, the Argos titanium hardtail, and the Arktos full-suspension line adds Alchemy’s new flip chip linkage. You’ll also have a chance to pick from new custom finishes, including light and durable Cerakote finishes.
The Rogue takes things to the next level for Alchemy’s gravel bikes. The new model features a slacker head tube angle, wider tire clearance, and updated geometry, adding more versatility to their lineup. At its heart, the Rogue is an offroad explorer, ready to take on the most demanding gravel rides. The Rogue features Alchemy’s advanced tube-to-tube construction for strength and durability. With clearance for 700x50mm or 650bx2.2″ tires, mounts for various, bags, bottles, and racks, and routing for a dropper seatpost, the Rogue is ready for your next adventure. Another innovation is the use of SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which simplifies repairs with a single derailleur hanger versus the current thousands that are out there now. The Rogue is the first US-made gravel bike to use the UDH.
Available for November delivery, the Rogue is offered as a frame module ($4,299), or a full build with Shimano GRX Di2 ($7,999), SRAM Force AXS ($8,199), Force XPLR ($8,299), or SRAM Red AXS ($9,999). If you aren’t quite happy with those options, Alchemy can do a custom build as well.
On the mountain side, the Argos titanium hardtail adds a mountain goat to Alchemy’s line. Built to climb, the USA blended titanium frame is handcrafted and made to be strong, comfortable, and durable. Each tube, bend, and weld is designed with performance and ride feel in mind. The bends can be seen in the rear triangle design, allowing the brake caliper to be mounted inside for more responsive braking. The design also allows you to mount various bikepacking bags and packs to be used. With internal routing, dropper post compatibility and 12x148mm Boost spacing to handle tires up to 2.5″ wide, the Argos is built to tackle the Rockies and ready to handle your local trail.
Builds for the Argos range from frame only ($3,499), frame with Fox Factory 34 fork ($4,499), to full builds with Shimano XT ($6,799) and XTR ($7,499) to SRAM GX Eagle ($6,299), X01 Eagle ($7,299), and X01 AXS ($8,299), all of which are ready to deliver now. The Argos is also available as a full custom build.
The 2022 Arktos line gets an update to the rear suspension design with the new flip chip modification giving you the option to run your bike in two different configurations. By adjusting to either the high or low position, you can run the Arktos as either a steeper, more maneuverable geometry, or a fast enduro set up. It also allows you to run the bike as either a traditional 29er, or a mullet set up with a 27.5″ rear wheel (high setting only).
The Arktos is available in 120, 135, and 150 models, with more travel with the higher numbers, along with the mullet MX builds. Builds are available from GX Eagle, XT, Xo1 Eagle, ranging from $5,499 to $7,499.
The final update is in the finishing department. Alchemy is well known for their custom, in-house finishes and paint jobs, but they have now expanded to Cerakote colors. Cerakote is a polymer/ceramic coating that is much more durable than traditional paint. A popular firearm finish, Cerakote is making its way into more and more areas, even as a custom finish for sunglasses. At about 1/6th the thickness of standard paint, it is much lighter than traditional paint, along with being scratch and rub resistant, helping keep your new Alchemy looking beautiful for many years to come.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year