These spy shots are of Ram Bikes’s all-new 2008 4-5in travel “aggressive XC” chassis. This particular bike has been undergoing testing underneath Ram’s 4X rider Martin Ogden – he’s raced it at the European rounds of the UCI 4X World Cup. There’s no name for it yet, but it’s designed to fill the gap between the 4in travel XC2/XC3 frames and the 6in travel AM frame.

Compared to the XC frames, the new bike has a stronger tubeset, stiffer rear end and lower standover height. It’s designed around a 5in travel fork and will feature sealed cartridge bearings, stainless steel hardware and allow bearing covers (not present on the prototype). As with Ram’s other bikes, this one has a tried-and-tested four-bar rear suspension design.

Complete bike are expected to come in at betweeen £1,300 and £1,800. Keep an eye on www.ram-bikes.co.uk for further details.