Posted on May 10, 2022 by Jessie-May Morgan
Foxfolk, a New Zealand based company specializing in frame protection, has begun shipping its first product; the Dirtskirt frame protector made specifically for 2019-2022 carbon Stumpjumper frames and 2019-2022 carbon Stumpjumper EVO frames. Made to adhere to and flex around the bike’s main pivot region, the Dirtskirt is said to prevent mud and stones getting in that small space, helping to reduce the risk of frame breakages caused by debris accumulation.
The Dirtskirt is an acetate-backed EVA foam frame protector that adheres to the seat tube at the main pivot of the Stumpjumper’s flex-pivot suspension platform. In this position, it is designed to flex throughout the bike’s full range of rear wheel travel, helping to prevent mud and stones from getting stuck in the small space that exists between the rear of the seat tube and the chainstay bridge, where they can become the cause of frame breakages as the the two frame components act like a nutcracker.
Foxfolk founder, Mikkel Johannessen, tells us he tested over 186 prototypes of the Dirtskirt on the trails of Queenstown, New Zealand, before arriving at the product that is available to purchase today. The Dirtskirt uses the highest density of EVA foam available on the market; Mikkel chose it for its high impact resistance as well as its malleability, which is important to allow for the bend required as the rear wheel is pushed through its travel.
The adhesive employed by the Dirtskirt is the 3M VHB adhesive. There are no zip ties or velcro straps involved here, just the adhesive. Mikkel says “During our 18 month R&D of the Dirtskirt, we tested 57 different adhesives to ensure the product can absorb significant shock from suspension movement as well as withstanding any form of debris, mud, water, heat, cold, humidity across vastly different climates across the world. Our final adhesive selection is an ultra premium grade 3m VHB foam tape used in the aviation/automotive industry. We had Pro riders testing the Dirtskirt installed for over 250+ days over two full MTB seasons and the Dirtskirt product never came off. The key to successful installation is also prepping the frame which is why we supply an isopropyl alcohol wipe included in our Dirtksirt packaging”.
At the moment, the Foxfolk Dirtskirt is available only for 2019-2022 carbon Stumpjumper frames and 2019-2022 carbon Stumpjumper EVO frames. The brand say they will consider making a Dirtskirt for the alloy Stumpjumper, and other models and bike brands, if they see sufficient interest from the market.
The Dirtskirt retails at $34.95 USD and is available now, shipping worldwide.
Jessie-May Morgan is the UK & Ireland Tech Editor of Bikerumor. She has been writing about Mountain Bike Riding and Racing, and all the technology that comes along with it for 3 years. Prior to that, she was an Intern at the Mountain Bike Center of Scotland, and a Mountain Bike Coach and Leader in the Tweed Valley, and prior to that, a Biological Research Scientist at the University of Edinburgh. Based in Innerleithen, Scotland, Jessie-May can regularly be seen riding the Tweed Valley’s Enduro and Downhill Tracks, often with a race plate tied to the handlebar.
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Make them for the Alloy Comp
Yes please just picked up a 2022 SJ Evo alloy. Please make available for these.
Nice! But seems like a version you trim to fit could be “mostly” universal and would be a great option to a LOT of bikes. Really they should be doing this and a frame wrap from the factory on every new frame and not leave us to fend for ourselves…
I think this would scratch the non glued part as it will have to slide there with dirt underneath it.
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