Balfa 2Step HD (DH)

FRAME OVERVIEW

Balfa 2Step HD is a 7.1" (180 mm) travel frame dedicated for downhill and freeride use.

It's meant for hammering down the trail, but it's also capable of some uphilling. Features the Balfa 2-Step linkage allowing for good pedalling efficiency as well as plush suspension. As all full suspension Balfas, it has beefy alloy front end and Cr-Mo rear end.

This frame was known as 2Step DH in 2003 but in 2004 the name has been changed after numerous complaints from consumers questioning the DH tag on a "freeride" bike. 2004 has also higher bottom bracket, improved chainline, ability to run more types of shocks and some more little tweaks.

Balfa 2Step HD

GEOMETRY

Balfa 2Step HD geometry
Imperial dimensions (inches) SIZE
Regular Large
A Seat Tube length 18.0 19.5
B Top Tube length 22.3 23.5
C Head Tube Angle 67.5°
D Seat Tube Angle 66°
E Chainstay Length 17.7
F Wheelbase 45.0 46.0
G Bottom Bracket Height 14.2
H Standover Height 28.6 29.2
I Head Tube Height 4.6
J Fork length 20.5

Metric dimensions (mm) SIZE
Regular Large
A Seat Tube length 457 495
B Top Tube length 565 597
C Head Tube Angle 69°
D Seat Tube Angle 65°
E Chainstay Length 451
F Wheelbase 1134 1165
G Bottom Bracket Height 360
H Standover Height 726 741
I Head Tube Height 118
J Fork length 520

TECHNICAL DETAILS

  • Rear wheel travel - 7.1" (180 mm)
  • Rear shock size - 7.875 x 2.25" (200 x 57 mm)
  • Seatpost diameter - 27.2 mm
  • Seatpost collar diameter - 31.8 mm
  • Headset - 1 1/8"
  • Rear axle width: 135 mm
  • BB shell width - 73 mm
  • BB axle length - 113 to 116 mm (depending on chainline)
  • Front derailleur - down swing, top-pull (with 34.9 mm collar)
  • Tyre clearance - 26 x 2.8"
  • Pivot bearings - 6001 RS (eight)

SUSPENSION DESIGN

2Step is suspension design with temporary (moving with compression) pivot point. It is very similar to Maestro, or DW Link. Such design's advantages are good pedalling efficiency (little to none pedal bob) and close to none suspension feedback under braking (brake-jack).


Animations by MMcG25


Balfa 2Step HD suspension layout
Balfa 2Step HD suspension - static
Balfa 2Step HD compressed suspension
Balfa 2Step HD suspension - full compression

Suspension characteristics (red line shows type of suspension rate), axle path (dimensions in milimeters) and chain growth:

Balfa 2Step HD suspension characteristics
Suspension characteristics - raising rate
Balfa 2Step HD axle path
Rear axle path - rearward in first 60 mm
Balfa 2Step HD chain growth
Chain growth - about 16 mm maximum

You can download 2Step HD layout for Linkage2 here (view BB7 suspension design for details and program download).

LOGO AND DECALS

If you need to print a new set of stickers for your Balfa, visit common "Logo and frame decals" section.

PHOTOS

LINKS

For more information about Balfa 2Step HD visit: