This is the new Dialled Bikes Kobe Ti XC. At this point you're probably thinking, "Dialled Bikes? Who?". Well, Dialled is another of the microbrands that keep cropping up all over the place, started by riders who can't quite find the bike they want so design their own. While some people may disparage Far Eastern manufacture (for no very good reason that we can establish), without big frame factories in far off lands brands like Dialled, Cotic and On-One just wouldn't exist. Greater choice of reasonably priced frames? Sounds good to us.

But we digress. The Kobe is designed for the "all-day trail rider who likes to take the interesting route down the mountain." We're talking a sort of burly take of cross-country, really, without veering into complete freeride silliness. To this end, the Kobe features a 3Al-2.5V titanium frame, with a 38.1mm (1.5in) top tube and a 42mm (1.65in) down tube for plenty of stiffness without too much heft. The front end is designed for 100-130mm travel forks and is beefed up with various gussets.

The curved top tube is a distinctive feature, although reminiscent of the not-often-seen Surly Instigator and Litespeed Kitsuma. The frame has quite a high front end, so the top tube dip is there for a little bit more standover height. And of course to look a bit different.

We should be picking up a Kobe test bike later on, so look for a full review in a couple of weeks. Production frames will be available in September. Dialled's target price is £699.

Dialled will also be offering this chromoly jump frame for those of a more airborne persuasion. It can be built up with gears or as a singlespeed as you prefer. Looks pretty meaty...

If you fancy a go on either of these bikes, Dialled is running test days on various weekends and locations. Drop them a line at dialledbikes@btopenworld.com to find out more.