DISTANCE DURATION TEST: 5628 km | 35689 m altitude difference
I'll start the story from the back. The moment when the enduro finally won me over happened on a mountain, and it was uphill. On a 25 per cent monster called the Esterbergalm. A fearful opponent that I had never been able to conquer in the saddle. The bike was always rearing up, or I was helplessly squirming around in the lowest gear until I lost my balance. The Conway, on the other hand, stoically stayed on track. A little pressure on the handlebars and the front wheel was glued to the ground. There was also none of that nervous left-right fidgeting of the front wheel. An aha moment. What I had previously seen as a disadvantage - the long wheelbase and the low agility of an enduro bike - turned into an advantage with every kilometre of the test. And the generous suspension travel? In view of the 160 millimetres, I was sceptical as to whether the rocking would spoil my mood in the long run.
After all, I've only ever travelled with a 140 mm chassis (with 26 inch wheels). But nothing like this. Okay, the bobbing of the rear suspension when pedalling may not be everyone's cup of tea. But with a meticulous adjustment of the shock, you can keep the bobbing in check. And when seated, the rear suspension works very efficiently.
The performance of the Rock Shox Pike is also impressive. So much for the "normal" riding mode on tour. Going downhill, the WME 1027 quickly won my heart. The enduro bike sits firmly on the trail and the control is phenomenal. I've never experienced that before. I can't say how much of this is down to the 27.5-inch wheels. But the overall package of geometry and suspension is just right. On the other hand, I was annoyed by the Reverb dropper post. I wouldn't want to do without one, but I wouldn't have expected that after just one season. And the weight? Acceptable. Of course there are lighter bikes. But at around 14 kilos, the Conway weighs no more than my normal touring bike - but with significantly more riding fun!
CONCLUSIONS: An enduro bike is certainly not an option for every touring rider. For me, however, the reliable Conway landed a surprise coup. Enduro bikes only ride well downhill. They also go fast uphill.
DEFECTS / MAINTENANCE
- 3584 KM: Disc brakes bled - After many long descents, the pressure points of the Sram Guide RS brakes have moved. Bleeding them helped.
- 4362 KM: Rock Shox Reverb slumps - The Tele support suddenly gives way by around 10 to 15 millimetres when you sit on it. A service provided a remedy.
TUNING
- 60 km: Adjustment of seating position and ergonomics 40 mm stem swapped for a 60 mm stem. I also fitted 175 mm cranks instead of 170 mm and a Fizik Aliante saddle.
- 240 km: Rear suspension travel adjusted - A chip in the upper shock mount allows the suspension travel to be reduced from 170 to 160 millimetres.
Relationship highlights
Bike instead of kite: I discovered such great trails in Sardinia this year that I found it hard to get on my bike. The eternally long trail to Cala Sisine Bay was great, as was the challenging descent through the wild Gorropu Gorge. But the WME was also to blame for my desire to ride, as it really lured me into the saddle.
What the readers say
"I am very satisfied! I've had the bike for a year now. Apart from a break in the clamping lever on the
the front thru axle, there have been no defects." Steff Ruckabärle, Facebook
"Hammer bike. Really fun. Unfortunately, two of my colleagues had a defective chainstay (crash/rockfall). Rides really great." Alex Bathke, Facebook
THE TESTER
Matthias Rotter, BIKE travel author
56 years / 1.86 m / 81 kg
Driver profile: All-mountain/touring riders, from after-work laps to multi-day stage rides
Favourite areas: Chiemgau Alps, Harz Mountains, Valle Maira, Val di Susa (both Piedmont)
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 1/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
