The New Last Tarvo

The new Tarvo is still the lightest enduro frame in the world and offers even more features in the current state of evolution. Riding fun and performance while maintaining a minimal weight remain the focus of its development. The kinematics are progressive, like every Last, and the design is reduced to the max. In addition to modified layups, the rear triangle has been completely redesigned. By swapping the rocker arm, the new Tarvo can be converted into Last’s all mountain Cinto, but also into the trail bike Asco as well as the down country bike Celos. The fact that this concept works is shown by numerous outstanding test results of the individual models. The Tarvo is handmade in Germany in a limited edition of 100 pieces per year.

GEOMETRY

The new Tarvo allows for the first time to use forks up to 180 mm travel. This allows racers and bike park riders to step up the capabilities of the bike. Due to its balanced ratio of reach to chainstay length, the Tarvo is lively and playful. The flat head angle generates a lot of control and the bike can be steered precisely and directly. Chainstay length and seat angle are optimized for each frame size. The effective seat angle is always given in relation to the assumed seat height. Last takes into account that the rider will also sit higher with increasing frame size. The short seat tubes and the very good retractability of the seat post allow every rider to choose between several sizes – depending on their preference for a longer or shorter bike. To give a starting point for size selection, the sizes are named according to typical rider sizes in centimeters: 165, 175, 185 and 195.

PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Sensitive response and support in mid-travel can only be achieved with a progressive suspension system. The high pro-gression promotes active and nimble riding. The total progression is 37%. Crucial to the ability to use air shocks and coil shocks in the Tarvo is the progression from sag to end of travel, which is 23%. There are different methods for calculating the progression. The brand has changed the calculation method to achieve better comparability. According to the previous calculation method, the progression is 55% and 34%.

SIZE-SPECIFIC ANTI-SQUAT

The anti-squat describes the pedaling efficiency of the bike. Its calculation is based on the kinematics of the bike and the height of the rider’s center of gravity. In order to always achieve the optimum anti-squat, the position of the pivot points is adjusted for each frame size and the expected height of the center of gravity.

ANTI-RISE

The anti-rise value determines how the suspension behaves when braking. A value around 100% has proven to be optimal for Last. The suspension behaves neutrally and the grip on the rear wheel remains high. Braking thus has no disturbing influence on the suspension system. The size-specific optimization of the position of the swingarm pivot point results in practically congruent curves for all four sizes of the Tarvo.

MX OPTION

In the MX version of the Tarvo the advantages of 29 and 27.5 inch wheels are optimally combined. The large front wheel offers the good rollover behavior and by the smaller rear wheel arises more freedom of movement – optimal for smaller riders. Due to the lower rear axle the Tarvo MX is a little easier to manual and more agile when cornering. With the MX rocker, the rear triangle of the Tarvo generates a lush 170 mm of suspension travel. The MX rocker adjusts the bottom bracket height perfectly to the larger suspension travel. Seat angle and steering angle increase nominally by 0.2 degrees. This change is compensated again by the higher sag on the rear wheel when riding. Thus, the advantages can be used perfectly without compromising.

UNIVERSAL DERAILLEUR HANGER

The universal derailleur hanger from Sram is standard on all Last frames. The UDH mount is compatible with all derailleurs across manufacturers and available worldwide. From a technical point of view, remarkable is that the thread for the axle is in the derailleur hanger and can be easily replaced with a new derailleur hanger in case of wear or defect. The newly designed rear triangle of the Tarvo is compatible with direct mount rear derailleurs.

INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING IN HOUSINGS

With the new rear triangle – as on the front triangle – all cables run in laminated tubes. This small detail is one of the most difficult challenges in the manufacture of the new rear triangle. For optimum shifting performance and little movement, the transition of the cables between the frame elements is close to the pivot point

RAW FINISH

The raw finish is the lightest option. Compared to the painted variants, approx. 90 g of weight are saved here. The frame is minimally processed after demolding and protected by a sealant. The UV-stable matrix makes the raw variant insensitive to sunlight. The transitions of the individual prepreg patches in the laminate and the parting edges at the mold parting lines remain visible.

BSA-BOTTOM-BRACKET AND ISCG-ADAPTER

The bottom bracket mount is designed as in all Last frames in the screwed BSA standard. So no press tool is needed and the bottom bracket can be easily serviced. The bottom bracket shell is hermetically sealed, so that no moisture from inside the frame can harm the bottom bracket. Using the optional ISCG adapter plate, chain guides and bash guards can be mounted.

STORAGE COMPARTMENT INCL. BAGS

The entire down tube, from the bottom bracket to the head tube, works as a storage compartment. To be able to use the volume optimally, two matching storage bags are supplied with each frame. For stiffening, these have conveniently integrated zip ties. So cereal bars, tools and spare tube can be easily stowed in the down tube.

STORAGE COMPARTMENT LID AND BOTTLE CAGE

The storage compartment is closed via the magnetic storage compartment lid without the need for any tools. The magnet is so strong that it also holds the weight of large water bottles safely even in rough terrain.

MOUNTING HARDWARE

The required washers for mounting the damper on the trunnion mount are integrated directly into the rocker – so everything is practically in place and can not be lost. The lower mounting hardware is coated in the PVD process and made of titanium.

CHAINSTAY AND SEATSTAY PROTECTORS

For a particularly quiet bike the chain and seat stays are provided with a protection of very soft rubber featuring noise-reducing fins, which effectively reduce chain noises. The right chainstay is wrapped in clear film and thus protected from minor damages.

FLEX PIVOT

The progressive kinematics of the Tarvo are realized with the suspension system based on a flex pivot and a rocker arm. The directional stiffness of the carbon material is used to form an elastic joint. This is lighter and completely free of play, wear and maintenance. This is made possible by the optimal choice of pivot points, so that the flex pivot, despite the large travel, is hardly stressed and thus achieves optimum durability.

INSIDE DISCBRAKE MOUNT

The brake caliper mount is attached to the inside of the chain- stay. This integrates the brake caliper nicely and allows the seat stays to flex unobstructed. The new rear triangle has slightly more curved seat and chainstays to further improve freedom of movement. Brake discs up to 203 mm are possible. Manufacturing advances also make it possible to laminate the threaded inserts directly. The result is a more precise mounting face on the post mount and a higher load capacity.

CARBON-DOWN-TUBE PROTECTION

The in-house laminated down tube protection covers the down tube and the bottom bracket area extensively and protects it very effectively. The protection is glued on to create no weakening at the frame by screw points. For bonding, we use a double-sided adhesive foam film, which also has a shock-absorbing effect.