Built around an innovative suspension and drivetrain layout, RMU’s first mountain bike aims to blend downhill capability with a more lively, efficient ride feel.
A New Direction for RMU
Known for its premium skis, mountain packs and equipment, RMU has officially stepped into the mountain bike space with the launch of the NIGHTTRAIN. RMU developed this enduro bike in collaboration with legendary suspension designer Dave Weagle.
NIGHTTRAIN is a full-alloy long-travel (170mm) platform designed to challenge the idea that big enduro bikes have to feel heavy or sluggish on the trail. Instead, RMU focused on creating a bike that maintains downhill confidence while staying efficient.
“Our brand has always been rooted in mountain culture, from skiing to creating our mountain culture community hubs, and bikes are a natural extension of that,” said Mike Waesche, CEO at RMU. “This is just the beginning and you’ll see more bikes coming, including e-bikes, as we continue to push into new categories and build the products we’re excited to ride ourselves.”
NIGHTTRAIN is a long-travel platform designed to challenge the idea that big enduro bikes have to feel heavy or sluggish on the trail.
Orion Suspension & Dual Idler Design
At the heart of the NIGHTTRAIN is a new mid-pivot version of Weagle’s six-bar Orion Dynamics suspension platform, paired with his patented dual idler drivetrain system. The layout takes cues from high-pivot bikes but aims to avoid some of the drawbacks typically associated with them (e.g., excessive pedal feedback and drag).
The flex-stay Orion system combines traction and bump compliance with better efficiency for climbing and braking. According to RMU, the goal was to create a bike that remains composed in rough terrain without losing responsiveness or momentum.
“Orion started out as a linkage suspension solution for motocross bikes, which by nature need to be supple and controlled on power,” said Dave Weagle. “Years later, I adapted Orion in a four-bar layout to mountain bikes that could benefit from that supple ride, geared towards long-distance days in the saddle. The next generation of Orion debuting with RMU is different. The system has been completely reconfigured to provide support and suspension control similar to what I would design for a World Cup DH race bike. The result is a suspension feel completely unlike any of the past Orion layouts. It’s supple on the small bumps, but when you get into berms and want to pop features on the trail, there’s support to work with, and as soon as you get into the bigger square-edged hits, that support gives way to big bump compliance. The harder you push it, the more it rewards you.”
“The harder you push it, the more it rewards you…”
Big Travel with a More Playful Feel
The NIGHTTRAIN is tailored for steep descents, technical terrain and bike park riding. A 65mm stroke driving the full 170mm front and rear travel is intended to create a supportive mid-stroke feel, helping riders generate speed through terrain while maintaining enough pop to stay active on the trail.
“It was the natural progression for us as a brand to bring mountain bikes to reality, and Dave helped us get there,” said Robby Burleson, marketing director at RMU. “We wanted to bring our ski DNA into biking and focus on a more playful, responsive feel rather than the typical big-bike stereotype. Everyone at RMU is rooted in skiing and biking, and we aim to create products we actually want to ride.”
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