As with its big brother TR (BIKE 2/16), the Boost rear triangle also enables short chainstays and compact geometry on the AM. Here too, the heels can graze the overhanging seat stays. The stiff frame looks just as stylish, but is heavier than the TR. In terms of equipment, both follow the same concept: finely tuned upper-class suspension components, modern XT gears and grippy tyres. Instead of a telescopic seat post, the manually lowerable Digit model, developed in-house, is fitted in the seat tube. The advantage of the groupless Shimano brakes: there is none of the annoying pressure point shifting of the XT. With the great handling of the TR in mind, we were a little disappointed with the AM. It doesn't climb as nimbly and the downhill handling appeals to experts. The bike needs a rider who knows what they are doing, it wants to be ridden hard. The Occam AM is neither a cruiser nor a comfort swing, but rather an enduro bike.
ConclusionThe Occam AM is a cool, cleverly equipped all-mountain bike for demanding and experienced riders.
The alternative: The Occam AM M30 model is a few hundred grams lighter thanks to its carbon fibre chassis. At a price of 3799 euros, it offers Fox Performance suspension, but only 20 gears. There is no dropper post.
