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The Unno Dash Race 2023 in the BIKE test
A wicked look, an exclusive image - there are few bikes in the world that are as revered as those of the Unno brand. Behind the extraordinary designs is a team of designers based in Barcelona, led by Cesar Rojo. The industrial designer is not only an expert in extravagant aesthetics, but as a former downhill world champion in the Masters class, he also knows a thing or two about fast bikes. In addition to numerous bike manufacturers, Porsche and KTM-Motorrad have also relied on Rojo's development expertise.
In 2019, when we opened the Test of the predecessor model of the Unno Dash we compared it to a modern art sculpture because of its sharp frame. In the meantime, the design was imitated by numerous competitors, whereupon Rojo created a completely new design language in order to maintain his brand's unique selling point.
It took four years and three generations of prototypes before the new Dash was ready for series production. As production had previously been carried out exclusively in-house, mountain bikes had previously been an economic non-starter for Rojo with limited opportunities for growth.
The latest Unno generation is still being developed in Barcelona, but the frames made of Japanese Toray carbon are now produced by a partner in the Far East according to Rojo's specifications. Some of the material tests have also been outsourced. The result: the frame price for the All Mountain Dash has fallen from 5000 to 3995 euros.
Proud price: 8395 euros
With the Dash Race, we are testing the currently most affordable complete bike from Unno. At 8395 euros, the word "cheap" seems rather relative. However, compared to some of this year's new launches, the good equipment package and the still high level of exclusivity, the sum is somewhat relativised.
System integration - capitalised
No matter where you ride the Dash, it inevitably attracts attention. Thanks to the high degree of system integration, the bike looks as if it has been cast from a single mould. The seat clamp is integrated into the long seat dome and the cables run through the headset into the frame. The stem and handlebars form a single carbon unit. A storage compartment with a matching inner bag is integrated into the down tube, and there is a discreet chain guide on the frame.
However, the spectacular design also has some peculiarities for mechanics. For example, the bottom bracket is bolted inside the swingarm pivot point. A special tool is required to lock the counter-rotating parts. Two wedge bolts with limited torque release clamp the one-piece cockpit to the steerer tube. Despite correct assembly, we were able to twist the clamp under full load. During our test, the Unno also lost two small parts: Firstly, the cover of the storage compartment, which is attached via a sliding mechanism, was lost, and secondly, the glued down tube protector came loose on the very first ride.
On the trail: how the Unno Dash Race rides
But enough of the details: how does the designer bike ride? Despite the 40 millimetre short stub stem, you don't sit too upright on the Dash. The geometry places the rider on the bike in a neutral and balanced position. The combination of the 77.5 degree seat angle and the short and wide centre of gravity puts a lot of pressure on the front wheel. Control is maintained for a long time, even on steep ramps. When pedalling out of the saddle, the rear suspension pumps noticeably. Reaching for the platform lever of the shock can stabilise the rear end. However, this is only free when the bottle cage remains empty. Speaking of which: despite the proximity of the top tube to the down tube, a large 600 millilitre water bottle also fits in the frame triangle.
Thanks to the special E-Thirteen cassette with 9-50 teeth, the drivetrain of the Unno has a wide gear ratio. A smaller chainring is recommended for tours with a lot of climbing. In series, 34 teeth bite into the chain. Despite the short suspension travel, the futuristic Fully is a little slow to get going. The main reason for this is the high weight, which simply makes the Dash feel like a very heavy bike.
The Unno Dash likes it steep - in any direction
On the descent, you can tell that Unno boss Rojo is a fan of the combination of a long main frame and short stem. In joint projects with Mondraker, the Spaniard was an early proponent of this geometry approach, which can be found on almost all downhill bikes today. The Dash shoots through the terrain calmly and serenely, even at high speeds.
However, the geometry with its 478 millimetre reach and 64.5 degree head angle is only partly responsible for the fact that the bike sits so firmly and securely on the trail downhill. The extremely responsive rear suspension is what gives the Dash its confidence on rough terrain. Even the sensitive Fox 36 with Grip 2 cartridge has a hard time keeping up. Although there is only 135 millimetres of travel, the rear end provides noticeably high reserves. At the same time, the progressive rear triangle, which is also approved for coil shocks, offers good support.
Despite its smooth ride and lively rear end, the Dash steers precisely even on tight trails. You can push over crests and pull the bike over jumps with pleasant feedback. However, due to the long chainstays of 445 millimetres, it shows less playfulness compared to other bikes in this suspension travel class.
The hour of the extraordinary Dash strikes on steep descents. The steeper the gradient, the more pleasing the riding experience. The air space above the extremely low-set top tube leaves plenty of room for levelling out at all times.
The fact that the bike starts so low underneath you takes some time to get used to. But then the easy handling is a delight. In tricky sections, shifting your weight is pleasingly easy. Even in the direct fall line, riders stand confidently above and far back on the bike. Feelings of rolling over? Not a chance!
With their four pistons, the Formula Cura brakes bite powerfully. Even with little load on the rear wheel, the braking traction remains high. The sensitive rear suspension is also responsible for this.
At 40 newtons per millimetre, the central stiffness of the new carbon frame from the Far East is significantly lower than its predecessor's value of 61 newtons per millimetre, but still fully in the green zone. The flat down tube forms a remarkable resonance body. This means that even the smallest rattle causes a stir - and not just the unusual look and image of the Unno.
Conclusion on the Unno Dash Race 2023 test
"Steep is cool" is the motto of the Unno Dash. The steeper the gradient, the better the unconventional frame concept works. The Spaniard also climbs steep ramps willingly. On flat trails, the All Mountain is too sluggish. Then it's better to shift down a gear and enjoy the great looks. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Technical data and notes Unno Dash Race
Manufacturer information
- Price¹: 8395 Euro
- Available by mail order
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S1, S2, S3 (tested in size S2, 46 cm)
Measured values
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/135 mm
- Weight without pedals: 14.47 kg
- Frame weight: 2820 g
- Weight of wheels: 5366 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 4359 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 40 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis E 29
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai/DHR II 29 x 2.60/29 x 2.40 tyres
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory Fit Grip 2
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/135 mm
- Brakes: Formula Cura 4 / 203/180 mm
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle AXS 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 9-50 / 556 %
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Fox Transfer Factory / 150 mm / 31.6 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 22.5 from 25
- Chassis efficiency: 15 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 8.5 out of 10
- Weight: 4.5 out of 15
- Inertia impellers: 4 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 7 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 33.25 from 35
- Front suspension: 20 out of 20
- Rear suspension: 22.5 out of 25
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 12 of 15
- Tyre grip: 13.5 out of 15
- Driving stability: 3 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL: 61.5 OUT OF 90
TOTAL DOWNHILL: 114.3 FROM 130
- Other: 24.5 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test rating²: very good - 200.3 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.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
