Luath

Luath frames use size specific, double butted, heat treated alloy tubing to achieve low frame weights making conquering hills, sprinting for a finish line or just shouldering your Luath as effortless as possible.

We design our unique frame geometry around the largest wheel size possible without compromising fit or handling. Bigger wheels smooth out the surface under tread but also add stability, increasing rider confidence.

Slender, high quality chromoly steel forks smooth out rough terrain for precise control whilst low bottom bracket heights increase rider stability and ensure feet can reach the ground easily.

We design versatility into the Luath opening up every possibility to riders. Luath frames have discreet mounts for our custom racks and mudguards whilst generous frame clearances and cantilever brakes mean muddy cyclo-cross tyres fit fine when the weather gets wet.

The Luath’s wheels use our own alloy Islabikes rims and are built with thin guage spokes for a lighter, smoother ride whilst brass nipples make any tension adjustments easy over time. Alloy hubs minimise weight while tool-free quick release axles make maintenance and transport easy.

Tyres are the vitally important connection between bike and the ground. Kenda Kontender tyres are fast and reliable for general road riding and youth closed circuit racing. Our own Gréim cyclo-cross tyres, designed by multiple national cyclo-cross champion Isla herself, or super tough Schwalbe Marathon touring tyres are available as extras.

We’ve spent years studying junior riders to deliver the best fit for every bike in our range. Islabikes’ custom drop bars come in four widths from 340 to 400mm to sync perfectly with the rider of each Luath model.

The Luath’s handlebars are shaped specifically to mount STI levers higher on the bar’s curve to suit a child’s natural arm and wrist angle. The handlebar shape is also designed for a short reach to the brake levers when riding on the drops, providing a more comfortable, assured riding position.

The narrow Q-factor (the distance between pedals) of Islabikes cranks mean feet are closer together when pedaling. But why is Q-factor important?

With a wide Q-factor a rider with shorter legs will find their legs going out to the side when pedaling at a far greater angle than those of an adult rider with longer legs. This increased angle is uncomfortable and makes pedaling less efficient because part of the pedaling force is going off sideways rather than downwards. Not only that, the sideways forces can make the rider sway as they pedal.  That’s not the only benefit. A low Q-factor means we can lower the bottom bracket allowing riders to easily get their feet down when they want to stop.

A single chainring and double chain guard is a setup Isla herself has been winning championships on for years. It gives totally reliable chain security in every situation and, as it doesn’t require a clutch rear mech, chain drag is reduced for maximum efficiency.

The Luath’s 1×10 setup delivers the optimum junior gear range without any gear overlap, chainring crossover or the extra weight of a front shifter, mech and second chainring. Just simple, sequential gearing.

To achieve the lightest possible shifting action for smaller hands we route the rear mech cable under the bottom bracket as this is the shortest possible path and so offering the least cable drag. It also ensures water can’t run down into the rear mech cable housing in the same way that it does when running via the top tube.

Finally our outer cable sections are cut as short as possible, further reducing resistance in the shift.

Our unique mudguards are available for each size of Luath to protect riders, clothes and the bike itself from the worst of the weather. Chromoplastic guards with stainless steel stays make them super durable. Islabikes’ own lightweight rear racks are designed to fit the Luath perfectly and we can also supply Ortleib’s legendary waterproof panniers. Rechargeable LED lights, propstands plus cyclo-cross and touring tyres are available too.

For those looking for the complete pro look; custom name transfers, colour-matched Islabikes bottles and Islabikes cycling kit in a full range of junior sizes is available.