The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Athos was reported as a human-powered, four-wheel off-road cycle built by Contes Engineering—not a motorized ATV. Period coverage described BMX, downhill/trail, and cross-country versions, but does not establish whether the vehicle is still made or available today.
What is the Athos extreme quad-cycle?
Athos was a pedal-powered quad-cycle: a rider pedaled a bicycle-style drivetrain to move a four-wheel vehicle designed for off-road riding. GearJunkie reported in 2011 that power went to both rear wheels through a differential. The concept combined four wheels and suspension with riding styles associated with BMX, motocross, downhill, and mountain biking. New Atlas’s 2012 report attributed the design to Contes Engineering.
It is best understood as a specialized pedal quad rather than a bicycle with training wheels or a motorized all-terrain vehicle. Its four-wheel stance was a defining feature, but the available reports do not provide enough dimensions or controlled riding tests to quantify how it handled against a conventional bike.
What configurations and specifications were reported?
New Atlas’s May 2012 account listed three configurations. The specifications below are historical descriptions from that article, not a verified current product catalog.
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| Configuration | Reported wheels and gearing | Reported suspension and brakes |
|---|---|---|
| Freestyle/BMX | 20-inch BMX wheels; single speed | Independent suspension at all four wheels; front and rear disc brakes |
| Downhill/Trail | 26-inch mountain-bike wheels; 11 speeds | Independent suspension at all four wheels; front and rear disc brakes |
| Cross Country | 26-inch mountain-bike wheels; 11 speeds | Independent suspension at all four wheels; front and rear disc brakes |
New Atlas reported up to 10 inches (25 cm) of suspension travel and said options included 29-inch wheels, extra gears, air suspension, and LED lighting. These were options mentioned in the 2012 report; it does not establish which combinations were offered, produced, or remain obtainable.
Earlier coverage gave a different travel figure. GearJunkie’s September 2011 report described more than 8 inches of travel, disc brakes on all four wheels, and a weight range of 48 to 56 pounds. The difference between that travel description and New Atlas’s later “up to 10 inches” should be treated as a difference between reports, not reconciled into one definitive specification.
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What was the custom fat-tire Athos?
A 2013 Bikerumor report documented a particular custom fat-bike-wheel build, rather than a standard model specification. It described 56 custom-fabricated parts and 60 off-the-shelf parts, an eight-speed Shimano Alfine drivetrain, and a frame reported to weigh 11 pounds. The completed vehicle was reported at 80 pounds.
That specific build was reported to cost $9,200 and to take about one and a half months to produce after ordering. Those figures apply to the custom build described in 2013; they do not establish a standard Athos price, current pricing, or present-day production lead time.
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How would an Athos differ from a BMX or mountain bike?
The basic difference is its four-wheel chassis. A BMX or mountain bike leans as it turns; New Atlas observed that the Athos’s wheels did not tilt and that its wide track could make its turning radius less nimble than a bicycle’s. That is a reported design observation, not a measured comparison from a controlled test.
- Stability and maneuvering: Four wheels create a wider stance, while the reports’ observation about non-tilting wheels points to a different turning behavior from a bicycle. Exact track width, steering geometry, and turning radius were not provided.
- Suspension: The Athos was described with independent suspension at all four wheels, unlike the two-wheel suspension layouts typical of mountain bikes. The reports do not provide a comparable suspension test.
- Weight and practicality: GearJunkie’s 2011 range of 48–56 pounds and Bikerumor’s 2013 custom build at 80 pounds illustrate that reported weights varied by build. A four-wheel vehicle also raises transport and storage questions that the articles do not resolve.
- Use and components: The listed versions targeted BMX, downhill/trail, and cross-country riding, with different wheel sizes and gearing. The sources do not provide enough performance data to establish how it would compare on a particular trail or track.
Can you buy an Athos today?
The available reports do not establish current availability, current company status, or whether Contes Engineering still makes or supports the Athos. GearJunkie reported in 2011 that BMX, downhill, and cross-country models were planned for spring 2012, with pricing expected later. In May 2012, New Atlas said its check found no price or availability listed on the company website. The 2013 custom-build article documents one priced vehicle, not an active sales channel.
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There is also no established information here about warranty, service, replacement parts, or compatibility with modern components. If you encounter an Athos offered for sale, verify its condition, exact model and build, ownership documentation, and access to service or parts directly with the seller; do not assume the historical specifications describe that particular vehicle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Will a modern 26-inch tire fit an Athos?
New Atlas’s report supports only that the Downhill/Trail and Cross Country versions were described with 26-inch mountain-bike wheels. It does not state tire width, rim dimensions, clearance, or other fitment details. A “26-inch” label alone is not enough to confirm compatibility, so check the wheel and tire markings and measure clearance on the specific vehicle before buying parts.
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- Attention : The Pedals' Size is 3.9"*2.7"*1.2", the Diameter of the Mounting Shaft is 14mm. the main body is made of Plastic and the shaft core is made of carbon steel, which makes the pedals lightweight, wearable and durable.
- designed:the pedals are designed with Protruding nails, which can play a non-slip effect, which is designed to increase the grip for anti-slip and labor-saving; there are reflective strips beside the pedals, which can make your riding at night safer.
- standard: The caliber of the pedal shaft is the international standard, and each pair of pedals is marked with left and right.Rolling by ball.
- important part：High-carbon steel bearing, The bearing is made of high-strength carbon steel, which is stronger. The inner part of the bearing is moved by the ball and has a longer service life.
- benefit：the pedals can be easily folded, convenient for storage and use, Perfectly fit for folding bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes, etc.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
