At 14.25 kilos, the Carver Drift 120 is the heaviest bike in the test - 700 grams more than the average. This is mainly due to the fork and wheels. Otherwise, there are many positive things to discover about the Drift from designer Peter Voitl. Not only the harmonious design with consistent colour scheme, but also the equipment and function of the potent all-mountain bike are impressive. With a central riding position and a pleasantly wide, low cockpit with a 75 mm stem, the Carver provides very good control and can be effortlessly meandered over the trails.
The suspension consisting of DT Swiss shock and Manitou Minute fork harmonises very well. The rear suspension offers plenty of travel, but only pumps slightly when pedalling. In direct comparison to the Rock Shox Revelation, the Manitou fork without remote lockout is similarly sensitive, but less well damped. In addition, five bolts have to be loosened to remove the front wheel and the rebound adjustment is too sensitive. The equipment with a complete SLX groupset and large brake discs is above average.
PLUS Good geometry/seat position, solid equipment
MINUS Some pedal kickback, high weight
.
