Last Glen on test: Glen 2024 - how good is the latest aluminium all-mountain bike from Last?

Just a few years ago, Last only produced bikes with aluminium or steel frames. However, a look at the current product portfolio of the German mail order company from Dortmund shows how the focus has shifted. With the Glen/Coal platform, there is only one last aluminium frame in the range, while the other four models are made of carbon fibre in Germany.

The All Mountain Glen is now getting a comprehensive facelift to bring it closer to the carbon models, not only visually but also in terms of geometry. The new Glen, which can still be converted into an Enduro Coal by swapping the two rocker arms, has done away with the sweep and the large gusset on the top tube and, as with the carbon models, favours a modern, straightforward look.

More reach, smoother running

Last has also worked on the geometry and details. The reach has been extended by around ten millimetres and the seat tube shortened for more freedom of movement. On our test bike in frame size 175, which is aimed at riders around 175 centimetres tall, the reach is now 462 millimetres. In the next size up, this increases by 30 millimetres. At 63.4 degrees - in conjunction with a 160 mm suspension fork - the steering angle has also been flattened. The front centre (distance between bottom bracket and front wheel axle) is therefore longer, which has a positive effect on smoothness, while the rear is on the short side at 428 millimetres despite the 29er rear wheel. As a result, the new Glen is still very manoeuvrable and playful to ride and is effortless on the rear wheel. Even on tight, technical trails, the lightweight all-mountain bike doesn't feel bulky at all and cuts through tight bends with ease. Fans of a 27.5-inch rear wheel also have the option of fitting an MX linkage (approx. 100 euros) to the new Glen for even more freedom of movement on steep terrain.

The kinematics have also been minimally adjusted to take some progression out of the rear triangle. However, the characteristic curve of the rear triangle and the ride feel still confirm a high level of bottom-out protection and reserves - even on bumpy landings. It takes a lot of rattling before the shock releases the full stroke. The Rockshox suspension reacts very well to subtleties, which ensures a high level of traction overall. The Glen also digests rough passages well, even if the rear suspension has significantly less travel than the fork at 142 millimetres.

Top: under 14 kilos with pedals

Uphill, the Glen benefits from its high-end equipment, which comes at a price of around 8700 euros. Thanks to the online configurator, however, the Glen is available at a much lower price of around 4000 euros. Even with pedals, our test bike remains under the 14-kilo mark and responds light-footedly and directly to the rider's impulses. At just 3158 grams, the slim aluminium frame also contributes to this, even if the frame stiffness of 40 N/mm is rather low. The Glen masters even long climbs with ease and cuts an excellent figure even on pedalling-heavy tours.

If the rear suspension pumps too much in open mode, you can switch on the effective platform on the Rockshox shock. However, the small lever could function much more smoothly. When seated, the very steep seat angle of 77.7 degrees is immediately noticeable, pushing the rider far forwards and putting pressure on the front wheel. This makes climbing easier, but also ensures a very short, compact riding position.

Optimising durability was also part of the specifications for the new Glen. In order to precisely monitor the accuracy of fit, all bearing seats in the frame are still milled in Germany. The additional rubber seals fitted to the retaining ring are new and are intended to increase the service life of the stainless steel ball bearings.

Conclusion on the Last Glen in the 2023 test

With a modern look and proven virtues, the new Last Glen presents itself as a playful all-mountain bike with a low weight. The mullet option and suspension travel extensions also make the frame platform very flexible. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager

Technical data and notes on the Last Glen

Manufacturer information

• Price¹: 8672 Euro
• Available by mail order
• Frame material: aluminium
• Frame size: 165, 175, 185, 195(tested in size 175, 39 cm)

Measured values

• Weight without pedals: 13.61 kg
• Frame weight: 3158 g
• Weight of wheels: 4473 g
• Acceleration wheels: 3707 kg x cm²
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Frame rigidity (absolute): 40 N/mm

Equipment

• Wheels: Newmen Advanced SL A.30
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/ Dissector 3C MaxxTerra Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50/2.40
• Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate Charger
• Shock: Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate
• Front / rear suspension travel: 162 / 142 mm
• Brakes: Sram Code ULT / 203/180 mm
• Gears Sram X0 Eagle Transmission 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-52 / 520 %
• Telescopic support / stroke: Vec. Nivo / 180 mm

Valuation

• Driving behaviour uphill: 21.25 out of 25 points
• Chassis efficiency: 15 out of 20 points
• Rolling resistance: 8.5 out of 10 points
• Weight: 7.5 out of 15 points
• Inertia impellers: 5 out of 10 points
• Bottle cage: 3 out of 10 points
• Driving behaviour downhill: 31.5 out of 35 points
• Front suspension: 19 out of 20 points
• Rear suspension: 22.5 out of 25 points
• Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10 points
• Brakes: 12.75 out of 15 points
• Tyre grip: 12 out of 15 points

Driving stability: 3 out of 10 points

TOTAL BERGAUF: 60.25 out of 90 points

TOTAL BERGAB: 110.8 out of 130 points

• Other: 26.5 out of 30

BIKE test rating²: very good - 197.5 out of 250 points

¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.

²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.