With only a couple of days before the biggest slopestyle event of the year, Mitch and I thought it would be a good time to show off his new production models of the Morpheus Skyla and Loki.
Morpheus is a 3 year old company from the Bronx, NYC. Their goal was to create a company with the highest level of technology and customization in the industry. The frames are welded in Taiwan then shipped back to New York where they are anodized and assembled in the U.S.A.
www.morpheususa.com The Skyla and Loki are new for 2011. Mitch's Skyla is his slopestyle bike. The Loki is designed for freeriding. A dirt jump prototype was just released not long ago and a DH prototype is set to be launched in the near future. Here are photos and info on Mitch's new toys.
A couple quick questions on the Morpheus bikes...
How many prototypes did you have before the actual production models? Mitch : 'I have had 4 of each of the models. The first one I got, looked great but there were issues with the geometry and strength. The second one I got the Geometry was nearly perfect. There were about 35 minor changes made to each of the bikes from the last prototype I had before they went to production, Remember a change could be as simple as a change in font size or moving a cable routing mount.'
How much does your skyla weight? Mitch: 'My slope style Skyla is 25.25 lbs without pedals, 26 lbs even with them on. Really light. Makes the transition between my hard tail and slope bike that much easier. The Race Face SixC cranks save a bunch of weight and are extremely stiff.'
How much does new dirt jumper frame weight? Mitch: 'The new dirt jump frame is under 5 lbs. My personal bike is 23.6 lbs with pedals. It could easily be lighter but then you are sacrificing strength and I beat on my hard tail.'
It says on the Morpheus web page that u guys were given bonuses if you wrecked a prototype. true? Mitch: 'It is indeed true, I broke a few prototypes, sometimes on the first ride of a model, all my input helped to make the bike that much better and with the production models we have not had a single issue or warranty claim. Mike the owner has made me several bets about thing breaking and I've won them all. The biggest pay out for me was on the 3rd generation rocker links. The first were junk, I bent the second version first ride, the third version were taken back to the drawing board. They were made out of 7075 rather than 6061, which is 35% stronger, and substantial bigger. They tested them to something ridiculous like 11g's of force and they held up. Mike was sure that they wouldn't break or bend. They lasted a lot longer than the older ones and I didn't have an issue with them till crankworx last year, where they started to bend and rub the frame. He wrote me a check that night.'
You told me about a new DH prototype, any info you can tell us? Mitch: 'I cant say much, but it is a full adjustable race frame. Travel adjustable between 180mm and 225mm, BB is adjustable between13.5-14.5, head tube between 66.5-62 with angle set and adjustable geo. All adjustments will feature a tool free system the rider can change on the fly on the trail, Under 9 pounds with Fox RC4. There was a picture floating around on the internet a few weeks ago.
I'd like to thank all the people who have helped me; my parents, girl friend, and friends. I would not be where I am with out them.
Big thanks to my sponsors; Morpheus Cycles, RaceFace, Fox Racing Shox, Industry Nine Componentry, Adidas Eye Wear, Maxxis, Formula Brakes, 5 Ten, Leatt, for their continued support!'
Mitch's 2011 Loki
SPECS :
LOKIFrame: 2011 Morpheus Loki size M
Shock: Custom Tunned Fox Racing Shox RC4 With 450lbs spring
Fork: Fox Racing Shox 36 160 Van RC2 w/ Kashima
Wheels: Industry Nine Enduro
Tires: Maxxis 2.35 2 ply High Rollers
Cranks: Race Face Atlas FR
Bottom Bracket: Race Face Team Race
Bar: Race Face Atlas FR 29.5"
Stem: Race Face Atlas AM 50mm
Brakes: Formula 2013 R1 200mm and 180mm rotors
Seat: WTB Ti Devo
Seat Post: Race Face Evolve
Grips: Race Face Sniper Lock On
Shifter: Sram X.0
Derailleur: Sram X.0 Short Cage
Cassette: Sram PG970 Road 11-26
Chain: PC991XS
All logos are left raw aluminum done through a custom process.
Mitch's 2011 Skyla
SPECS:
SKYLAFrame: 2011 Morpheus Skyla size Regular
Shock: Custom Tunned Fox Racing Shox RP23
Fork: Fox Racing Shox 831 at 100mm with Kashima
Wheels: Industry Nine Enduro
Tires: Maxxis 2.35 Larson TT, 60a compound wire bead rear, folding bead front
Cranks: RaceFace Carbon Sixc 170mm
Bottom Bracket: Race Face Team XC
Bar: RaceFace Atlas FR 29.5"
Stem: RaceFace Respond 45mm
Brakes: Formula R1 160mm rotors
Seat Post:RaceFace evolve
Grips: RaceFace Sniper Lock On
Shifter: N/A
Derailleur: N/A
Cassette: 14 tooth
Chain: Sram PC991XS
With a Cane Creek Angleset the Skyla's head tube angle is adjustable from 65.5 to 68.5 degrees.
An absolute rock solid custom tensioner.
Square top tubes and slightly brushed aluminum.
A past prototype of the Loki that is now an all mountain build. Yes, Mitch got paid for getting a dent in the top of the top tube from heavy landings over time.
Mitch on the trail featured in 'Brighter' on a later prototype.
How much travel does the Skyla have?????
How much travel does the Loki have?????