Chicoutimi-based company Devinci calls its fatbike model a "snow bike": an interesting positioning for a company... that knows snow! We asked Julien Boulais, product manager at Devinci, to tell us about the Minus model, available at Quilicot.
First, can you tell us where the name comes from? "Minus" is a striking contrast to the usual semantic inflation of bikes in this category!
"It's a double entendre. There's a reference to the cold, using the English term 'minus,' which means 'below zero.' But there's also a nod to the fact that many fatbikes have names that refer to something big, immense, 'fat' or 'jumbo.' We found the contrast interesting..."
Oversized tire bikes are known for riding in all four seasons, as well on snow as on sand. The Minus, however, is positioned as a "snow bike." Is this its exclusive use?
"By its design and its components, the Minus was conceived for riding on snow. But it can also go on sand, or on any other soft surfaces. We don't see it as a trail bike, however.
It should also be said that it was natural for us to design a snow bike, given that we are a company based in Saguenay, a very northern region, where there is a lot of snow!"
Can you explain which aspects of the bike are adapted to snow and winter?
"First, the Minus has hydraulic disc brakes that use DOT fluid, which does not freeze in the cold, unlike mineral oil. Then, the oversized tires have lugged treads that have been tested on snow."
The geometry of the bike was also designed with trails in mind: the standover height is very low, because when you go off-trail and find yourself in deep snow, you want it to be easy to get back on the bike.
The bike has a 1x drivetrain [Editor's note: 1 single chainring at the front], which reduces the potential for mechanical problems to manage. Then, with an 11-42 cassette at the rear, it provides the necessary leeway to always be in the right gear."
Sold for around $1,500, the Minus is a truly affordable bike for its category. What is your positioning in this regard?
"It was important for us to offer an accessible fatbike, because very often, it's not our customers' first bike; they already have a road or mountain bike.
So we wanted to offer a simple and inexpensive option for bike enthusiasts who want to stay active in winter; who want to enjoy beautiful outdoor days rather than staying indoors on a trainer."
What are the achievements of the Minus so far? Are there any ambassadors who have adopted it?
"Yes! It can be found on the Traversée du Lac-Saint-Jean by bike. Conditions vary greatly from year to year. When the snow is packed, it's very smooth. But when there's a blizzard and powder, it can be long..."
In 2016, former cyclist David Veilleux, who participated in the Tour de France, completed the crossing on a Minus and finished 5th. And of course, there's Pierre Lavoie, who chose the Minus for the crossing."