The Delirium was first released in 2004, as one of Knolly’s early offerings. Over the years it grew bigger, but this 5th-generation version is the burliest build yet. Well, the build is actually up to you – the Delirium is only being sold as a frameset. We got a look at the new Delirium this week as Knolly had it on display at Crankworx Whistler.
With an MX wheel configuration, 190mm of rear travel and built for a dual crown fork, the Delirium sounds like a downhill bike, but Knolly specifically notes that it is not a DH race machine. The Delirium was made for gnarly fun shuttles, freeriding or bike park laps. But if you really want… the Delirium can run a dropper post!
Knolly Delirium 5th Gen: Frame Features
The 5th generation Delirium frame is made from durable, premium grade 6066 aluminum. Its 190mm of rear travel is controlled by Knolly’s Fourby4 suspension linkage, which was tuned on this bike for downhill performance and maximum traction. Knolly lists the intended fork travel at 190-203mm.
Knolly gave the Delirium their favored 157 Trail rear axle spacing, and the frame can fit up to 2.6” tires. The Delirium also shares some of the same key updates Knolly gave most of their MTBs this year.
The frame features a straightened top tube, and a one-piece Monoblock shock link that’s stiffer than Knolly’s previous two-piece link. Knolly is now using Enduro bearings for all the linkage pivots, and they’ve updated the lower shock mount to a 30mm type that’s compatible with roller-bearing shock hardware.
If you’re weird enough to run a dropper on this bike, the frames will accept long travel posts! Even an S2 can fit most 200mm posts, and larger sizes are good to go for 220mm+. The frame accepts 31.6mm posts.
Here’s where you get some hints that the Delirium is not a dedicated race bike: In addition to a water bottle mount on the down tube, the frame has an accessory mount under the top tube for on-bike tools, etc.
As for fitments, the Delirium runs a 73mm threaded BB shell with a removable ISCG-05 chain guide mount and has a 180mm rear brake post mount. A chainstay protector and lower down tube guard provide protection from frame damage.
The Delirium is UDH compatible, and comes with Knolly’s CNC machined aluminum derailleur hanger. It also offers internal cable routing through the front triangle.
Geometry:
The Delirium will be available in frame sizes S2-S5. Knolly gives the Delirium size-specific chainstays on all frame sizes. Rear end lengths vary from 439mm – 451mm.
As with all Knolly MTBs, you get Slack or Neutral geometry settings via two lower mount positions for the shock. Those options produce some very slack head tube angles of 63° or 62.25°.
Knolly has produced a limited number of the new Deliriums, so if you want one don’t delay! The frame/shock kit (including a Fox DHX2 rear shock) sells for $3199. There are two colorways to choose from: Rising Sun (Pearl White/Boxxer Red) or Rough AF Ano (anodized black/raw).
