The first product test of 2025 for mtbworkshop.com is from the MTB product innovation company foxfolk™. We received the V2 version of their very popular Dirtskirt™ product, designed to protect the vulnerable lower linkage of full suspension bikes with the following suspension platforms: SINGLE PIVOT, HORST LINK, or DELTA.
The list of compatible frames at brand level is significant:
Trek, Merida, Specialized, Transition, Evil, Intense, Orbea, Zerode, Norco, Devinci, Giant, Liv, Forbidden, YT, Deviate, Canyon, Marin, Scott, Polygon, Kona, Lapierre, Cannondale, Focus, Commencal, GT, Nukeproof, Whyte, Cube, Salsa, Rocky Mountain, Propain, Haibike, Santa Cruz, Raaw, Fezzari, ARI, Allied, Knolly.
FOXFOLK™ HISTORY
We asked the Foxfolk™ team to summarise their story and explain how the Dirtskirt™ product was born. Foxfolk™ was founded in early 2020 during the first Covid lockdowns. This was the perfect time to develop a new MTB product while the world stopped. In March 2022, we launched our world-first patented lower linkage frame protection product named Dirtskirt™.
DIRTSKIRT™ V1
After launching in early 2022, Dirtkirt™ V1 was an instant hit with customers around the world. In the first 9 months of launching foxfolk™ we were able to sell our V1 product to customers in more than 81 countries, which was amazing!
FROM V1 to V2
The lessons learned from V1 customers and prospective customers have been incredible. We realised that bike frames damaged or cracked by debris/rocks entering the lower linkage were not an issue exclusive to Specialized bike owners. We were receiving multiple emails daily from MTB’ers all over the world riding different brands of bikes and reporting the same problems! After studying the legal wording of new bike warranties, we learned that any instance of damage or cracked frames (which were the result of debris/rocks entering the lower linkage) were NOT covered under any new bike warranty from any bike brand worldwide! Once bike owners understood this insight, the product sold itself: the cost of a Dirtskirt™ compared to the cost of a replacement frame is a no-brainer!
Our next challenge was how to design a product with “symmetrical universal fit”, especially when the lower linkage of bicycle frames is totally different between bike brands, frame models, and even different between alloy and carbon of the same frame model! To add further complexity to R&D, most bicycle frames are also asymmetrical at the lower link, making our R&D task even more daunting!
Ultimately, after studying and scanning more than 671 different bike frames from over 50 different bike brands (including model years for the last 8+ years), as well as clever use of AI, we finally came up with an algorithm which would dimensionally average the data acquired, to give us the parameters to design the world’s first patented universal fit bottom link frame protection product: Dirtskirt™ V2 was born!
UNBOXING BY MTBWORKSHOP
The product arrives in fully recycled cardboard packaging. Stickers bearing the brand logo, 3M VHB adhesive pad, and an alcohol wipe for cleaning the frame in the fixing area are all included.
INSTALLATION
Nothing could be easier, following the instructions in the video below, after careful cleaning and testing the positioning with the method suggested in the video you can’t make a mistake.
The 3M adhesive is a guarantee because the fixing is strong and there is no risk of losing the component while using the mountain bike. 100% Ziptie free!!
FIELD TEST
As you can see from the photos, the amount of dirt and debris that the frame can accumulate in the lower linkage of the frame is very high. Thanks to Dirtskirt™ V2 installed, this has certainly protected everything from stones of any size and significant dirt that, in the long run, could damage the frame. If any large debris got trapped in the frame gap, it could even crack the frame.
Super satisfied and also with regards to cleanliness. Once dry, mud and debris tend to come off easily from the Dirtyskirt because the material does not allow the dirt itself to adhere or remain attached.
CONCLUSION
An excellent product created by mountain bike enthusiasts who offer simple solutions to important problems that could cause irreparable damage to our frames or bikes. Smart and safe installation, lightning-fast shipping, and top-quality materials. Test passed with flying colours and product endorsed. A must-have!
IMAGES AND VIDEOS PROPERTY OF FOXFOLK AND MTBWORKSHOP
