New features in the Last range that mainly involve the enduro and all mountain carbon models, respectively the Tarvo and the Cinto. In the test of the Asco, in which on the Italian pages I presented all the construction details of the very light frame of the German brand. One of the points I stressed several times in the test is the incredible strength-to-weight ratio of the frame. Strengthened by this feature and thanks to numerous tests both on the bench and on the trail, Last has chosen to adopt the same rear end for the new Tarvo and Cinto as well.
The front triangle was already identical for all models, it being understood that for the Tarvo it is only possible to opt for the more robust superduty layup version and not for the featherweight layup. In any case, the superduty layup frame stops the scales at just 2.1kg, more than interesting even compared to the 1.8kg of the featherweight version.
Using the same front triangle and the same rear end, differentiated only according to size, what distinguishes the various models in the Last range? Simply the rocker link and shock length/travel. In this way, anyone with a Last frame from the carbon line can change the model if they wish by simply replacing the connecting rod with the specific one for the desired model, as well as a few other bike components. Last therefore defines its frames as “variable platforms”.
Last indicates that the Tarvo as the lightest enduro frame in circulation. I don’t know if it’s exactly the lightest, but it’s certainly one of the lightest ever. For its lightest trim level, Last claims a weight of just 12.4kg, but there is a good margin for even lighter trim levels.
The suspension system therefore remains the Flex Pivot that I tested on the Asco. The rear travel is 160mm and can be combined with 170 or 180mm travel forks. There’s also an MX option, with a 27.5″ rear wheel, offering 170mm of travel.
The Tarvo, as well as all the Last frames in the superduty version, offers a storage compartment in the down tube. The closure is magnetic, solid enough to support the weight of the full bottle even on the roughest trails. Inside there are bags that help stow small items. The details are completed by the titanium screws, the carbon protection for the down tube and the rubber protection on the drive-side chainstays, the removable ISCG support and the UDH dropout.
All frames are handcrafted in Germany, come with a 6-year warranty, and pass the parameters for the ASTM 5 gravity category. The base price of a frame with a raw finish (visible carbon, unpainted), without shock absorber, is 4,399 euros and a maximum of 100 pieces are available per year.
