Knolly proudly uses the term “freeride” to describe their new Warden 170 MX. A glance at its geometry, travel, and MX wheels makes it clear that this bike is crafted for riders who love going big or tackling the roughest terrain.
The Warden is the third bike Knolly has updated with their Gen 6 frame revisions this year. Smaller riders will be pleased to find that the Warden 170 MX lineup now includes an S1 (XS) frame size. With head tube angles at 62.5° and rear travel increased to 170mm, it’s evident that this bike was designed with freeriding and downhill charging as top priorities.
Knolly Warden 170MX – Frame Features:
Knolly has unveiled the new Warden frame, constructed from 6066 aluminum and featuring 170mm of rear travel. All models come equipped with 170mm forks as standard, but the Warden 170 MX can accommodate longer single-crown forks or dual-crown DH forks for those seeking more front-end travel.
Continuing with Knolly’s Fourby4 suspension linkage, the frame’s kinematics are optimized for downhill riding and maximum traction. All stock models will be sold with an MX wheel setup, though riders have the option to fit a 27.5” front wheel.
Knolly Updates the Warden 170 MX with Gen 6 Frame Enhancements
Knolly has introduced several updates to the Warden 170 MX as part of their Gen 6 frame series. The most noticeable change is the straightened top tube, which has received positive feedback. Another significant but less visible update is the introduction of size-specific chainstay lengths. While the S1 (XS) and S2 (S) frames share the same rear end, each larger size now has its own unique length.
Knolly has also added an accessory mount on the underside of the Warden’s top tube and a water bottle mount on the down tube. The Gen 6 frames offer improved bottle clearance, allowing all sizes except the S1 to fit a full-sized bottle easily. The S1 frame may require a smaller bottle.
Knolly has introduced a significant update to the Warden 170 MX: a one-piece monoblock rocker link. This new link is stiffer than the previous two-piece design, reducing lateral stress on the shock mount. The lower shock mount is now a 30mm mount compatible with roller-bearing shock hardware. Additionally, Knolly has equipped all the Warden’s pivots with Enduro bearings.
The Warden 170 MX also benefits from Knolly’s ‘OSD’ straight seat mast design. This allows S1 frames to accommodate 175mm dropper posts, S2 frames to fit most 200mm+ droppers, and S3-5 sizes to handle most 220mm+ models. The frame accepts 31.6mm diameter posts.
The Warden 170 MX frame is now UDH compatible and features a CNC-machined aluminum hanger. It maintains Knolly’s preferred 157 Trail rear axle spacing, allowing for rear tire clearance up to 2.6 inches.
Additional features include a removable ISCG-05 mount, a 73mm threaded BB shell, and a 180mm brake post mount. The frame also offers internal cable routing and comes equipped with a chainstay protector.
Geometry:
Knolly’s latest release, the Warden 170 MX, offers riders a choice of five frame sizes, ranging from XS to XL. The frame features dual lower shock mount holes, allowing for adjustable geometry positions between neutral and slack. With a head tube angle of either 63.25° or an ultra-slack 62.5°, the Warden leans heavily into the freeride category. Meanwhile, the effective seat tube angles are steep at 77.75° or 77°, emphasizing efficient climbing capabilities.
Knolly has extended the reach measurements significantly, with the S3 frame reaching 482mm and the S4 measuring 508mm, reflecting a trend where medium frames from some brands surpass the lengths of other brands’ larges. This poses a dilemma for riders like myself at 5’10”, debating between an S2 or S3 frame size.
The rear end lengths of the Warden remain within a standard range, balancing maneuverability and stability. Knolly maintains relatively low stack heights across the board, though they increase with each larger frame size.
Model Lineup:
Knolly has unveiled four build kits for their latest model, the Warden 170 MX. These kits focus on robust performance rather than high-end features like wireless drivetrains, carbon wheels, or premium component groups such as XTR or XX1. The lineup maintains a relatively narrow price range, reflecting a practical approach to meeting the demands of aggressive riding styles.
- XT – $5,999
- GX (with Fox Factory fork) – $5,599
- GX (with Fox Performance Series fork) – $5,499
- Deore – $5,199
The new Warden 170 MX will be available in four frame colors: Blueberry, Orange Black Fade, Defender Green or Raw.
To kick off the Warden 170 MX’s release, Knolly is offering a 10% discount to the first 50 customers who purchase one before July 15th. See Knolly’s website or your local Knolly dealer for further details.
