In terms of looks, the Crossworx Lite 290 would fit just as well in a technology museum as in our dream bike test. The simple round tubes of the main frame and the square profiles on the rear triangle merge into a single unit with perfect welding scales. Add to this the raw aluminium surfaces - you can literally feel the drops of sweat rolling off the welder's forehead behind his mask. But now the aluminium work of art is in our test cellar. Developed, sizzled by hand and assembled in Rudolstadt on the edge of the Thuringian Forest. The feeling alone that the Crossworx Lite 290 still contains genuine workmanship is inspiring.
Crossworx: All mountain bikes made in Germany
We had the same feeling when we saw Crossworx's first work almost two years ago. No wonder: Because the Premiere Enduro Dash and the All Mountain Lite 290 look like two peas in a pod at first glance. However, if you take a closer look, you will realise that the values of the newcomer are designed less for wild enduro rides and more for technical tours on low mountain trails. The Thuringians lay the foundation for this with a supported single-pivot rear triangle. With this design, the developers place the linkage underneath the shock, which enables a low centre of gravity. However, the independent kinematics and the Made in Germany quality seal are not the only characteristics that set the Crossworx apart from the majority of other all-mountain bikes.
The Crossworx Lite 290 has the trump card at the rear: 150 mm travel
The Thuringians take a completely different approach. For example, the 79.5 degree seat angle of the Lite 290 is one of the steepest values we have ever recorded on an all-mountain bike. The fact that the 150 millimetres of travel at the rear trumps the fork is also unusual. Especially as, according to the manufacturer, the rear suspension should only allow 130 millimetres. However, the online configurator allows you to counteract this by specifying a longer model with 150 millimetres of travel instead of the 140 mm fork.
The aluminium frame is slightly overweight
All testers confirmed a certain imbalance between the suspension fork and the rear triangle on our test setup. This is because the single pivot not only offers the fatter crumple zone, it also works extremely sensitively. This guarantees first-class traction. The rear end also digests hard landings without grumbling. The only drawback is that the suspension pumps when pedalling uphill. However, if you switch the platform lever on the shock absorber, things calm down. In view of the high total weight (14.7 kilos without pedals), however, it's better to take it easy on the climbs anyway. For comparison: In our last Test with seven all-mountain bikes between 4800 and 5300 euros the average total weight was only 13.9 kilos. The aluminium frame weighing 4874 grams is responsible for most of the excess weight. Apart from that, the Crossworx Lite 290 scores points on the climbs with its riding characteristics. The extremely steep seat angle places the rider very short and unusually far forward on the bike. Coupled with the sweeping chainstays, the steep head angle and the long stem, the Crossworx climbs even the steepest ramps with confidence. On undulating trails or downhill, the dimensions also put a lot of pressure on the front wheel.
This makes the Crossworx All Mountain MTB extremely precise and easy to manoeuvre through the terrain. On bumpy high-speed trails, the Lite reaches its limits faster than classic all-mountain bikes. Finally, there is praise for the low bottom bracket and the good anti-rise behaviour of the rear triangle. Despite the front-heavy riding position, you always feel secure on the bike on steep descents.
Despite minor weaknesses, Crossworx has succeeded in creating an exciting all-mountain bike with the Lite 290. Unique in its production and refreshingly different on the trail, it's far too good to gather dust in a technology museum.
Conclusion on the Crossworx Lite 290 by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
The Crossworx Lite 290 has the potential to be a dream bike for two target groups: firstly, for bikers who have a soft spot for custom bikes and also value the Made in Germany seal of quality. On the other hand, riders who prioritise performance are also likely to enjoy the successful chassis and lively handling.
Technical data and notes Crossworx Lite 290
Manufacturer information
- Price: 5595 Euro
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL(tested size L, 42 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 14.67 kg
- Frame weight: 3938 g
- Weight of wheels: 4874 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3987 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 57 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL A.30
- Tyres: Onza Ibex TRC 50 29 x 2.40; Onza Ibex RC 50 29 x 2.40
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory Grip2
- Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory
- Front / rear suspension travel: 141 / 150 mm
- Magura brakes: MT5 / 180 / 180 mm
- Gear system:: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
- Ratio / bandwidth:: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Bike Yoke Divine / 185 mm / 30.9 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 22.5 from 25
- Chassis efficiency: 15 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 10 out of 10
- Weight: 3 of 15
- Inertia impellers: 5 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 7 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 29.75 from 35
- Front suspension: 18 out of 20
- Rear suspension: 22.5 out of 25
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 12 of 15
- Tyre grip: 12 out of 15
- Driving stability: 4 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL: 62.5 OUT OF 90
TOTAL DOWNHILL: 108.3 FROM 130
Other: 21.75 out of 30
Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating*: very good 192.5 out of 250 points
This is Crossworx
Kevin Dewinski and Chris Reichling founded Crossworx in 2019. Their goal: to realise the supported single-pivot rear triangle as we know it from our test bike. The pair's first frame was built in a cellar. Since 2021, the bikes have been developed, welded and assembled in their own company building in Thuringia. The four-person team attaches great importance to sustainability during production. Not only are the frames manufactured regionally, but the suppliers also come from the local area.
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
