New Partner: Deviate Cycles — Made for Mountains, Born in Scotland

Tucked away in the small hamlet of Kinbuck in Stirlingshire, you’ll find the home of Deviate Cycles, Scotland’s only mountain bike manufacturer. It’s a location steeped in history. Kinbuck was the site of the Jacobite army’s retreat after the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715, and today it quietly houses one of the most forward-thinking bike brands in the UK.

The Highlander II in its natural habitat, the Mountains of Scotland

It makes perfect sense that Deviate would become a natural partner for us. With both companies sharing strong roots in guiding and riding here in Scotland, our connection is built on more than business. It’s a shared passion for adventure and a deep appreciation for the landscapes we ride in. Supporting local companies is something we care deeply about, and collaborating with another Scottish brand feels genuinely meaningful.

A bike thats practically made for us, it even comes with its own Alba flag!

Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with Deviate to host demo days for riders across the region. These events give potential customers the chance to test their full lineup, including the agile Highlander II, the burly Claymore, and their new e-bike, the Kurgan. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. These demo days often run alongside our efforts with the Lochaber Trail Association, reinforcing the value of community engagement. Our local trail network is vital to what we do, and Deviate’s support helped us achieve some very valued work.

One of the things we truly respect about Deviate is their commitment to bike sustainability. Their bikes are designed to last. When the bearings eventually wear out, they’re covered under warranty, giving riders peace of mind and reducing waste. It’s this kind of long-term thinking that makes Deviate stand out.

Holding up a prototype titanium frame with the high pivot idler

From a performance perspective, their bikes are just as impressive. The twin idler bearing system creates a drivetrain that’s both stiff and responsive. By lowering the load on each bearing, maintenance is reduced and performance is kept consistent over time. It’s this smart engineering that translates directly into better riding.

Then there’s the high pivot suspension system featured on the Highlander II. Using a high, single pivot point, the rear wheel moves in a rearward arc when it hits obstacles. This helps maintain momentum, providing a smoother, faster ride over rough terrain. Once you’ve experienced the difference, it’s hard to ride anything else.

My own bike is a Deviate, proudly finished with a Scottish flag on the frame. These bikes feel like they belong in the Scottish mountains because that’s exactly what they were built for. You can also find us listed as ambassadors on the Deviate Cycles website, which is something we’re proud of.

This partnership isn’t just about great bikes. It reflects shared values, a commitment to our community, and a belief in building something lasting. Deviate continues to innovate, offering exciting new designs and test bikes that keep things fresh and forward-thinking.

Loving the mountains touch on the frame racks in the workshop in Kinbuck, all Munroes and great rides!

As someone once said, “Don’t deviate if there’s nothing new to sell.” Thankfully, Deviate always brings something new to the table. If you haven’t tried one of their bikes yet, we’d love to see you at one of our upcoming events. Come by, have a chat, take a bike for a spin, and experience the difference for yourself.