SUP is emblazoned in capital letters on the down tube. SUP? This abbreviation does not stand for the new water trend sport stand-up paddling, but for Superior. Many German bikers have never heard of Superior, but that is about to change. The Czechs are growing from year to year (currently 45 importers in 27 countries) and are also making inroads into the German market. Their trademark: affordable carbon bikes with solid equipment. We were also able to see this for ourselves this year. In BIKE 7/2014 we had a Superior model for hardtails around 1500 euros with it. Almost all Superior models are inspired by motorsport. The Czechs get their input from the World Cup team "Betch.nl Superior Brentjens" around the Dutch former champion Bart Brentjens. But Superior is also very involved in racing and supports many smaller teams in the Czech Republic, Poland and Norway. We attended the presentation of the 2015 collection and present the most exciting models here.
XP 979 and XP 969: Carbon fibre for beginners
The XP series comprises three carbon hardtails and is located in the Superior portfolio under the top models of the Team version. However, the carbon fibre bikes are manufactured with the same shapes and geometries as the top models. The only difference is that the carbon fibres used are not high modulus fibres but mid modulus fibres. Although this does cost a little stiffness on the test bench, it is hardly noticeable in practice, as the frames are generally very torsionally stiff and solidly constructed. The XP models are all available in 27.5 inches (frame heights 15 and 17 inches) and 29 inches (17.5, 19 and 21 inches).
The most exciting model is probably the XP 979 CRB, which for 2199 euros comes with a stiff carbon fibre chassis, a Reba fork, a Shimano XTR/XT drivetrain and No Tubes ZTR Rapid wheels. The frame weight is a solid 1250 grams for the matt black frame with the shiny decals. The XP 979 is also impressive in terms of installation standards: tapered head tube, two thru axles, post mount integrated in the frame triangle and press-fit bottom bracket.
For 1899 euros, Superior offers the XP 969 CRB, which is differentiated by its components alone. Gears are shifted on an XT/SLX mix, brakes with groupless Shimano stoppers. Like all models, the XP 969 rolls on minimalist Schwalbe Thunder Burt tyres (performance version).
XF 947: Race-Fully made of aluminium
New for 2015 is the Race Fully from the XF model range. This will also be available in three equipment variants and in two wheel sizes: 27.5 inches with 120 millimetres of travel and 29 inches with a taut 100 millimetres. Like all models, the top model, the XF 947, has Rock Shox suspension elements that are matched to the kinematics.
With Shimano XZ/SLX mix, Reba fork and No Tubes ZTR Rapid wheels, the single-pivot bike comes in at a total weight of 11.8 kilos. Braking is provided by groupless Shimano stoppers. You also get a lot of bike for your money with the aluminium Fully. Superior charges a fair 2299 euros for the Race-Fully.
Fatbike with rigid or suspension fork
The Czechs have also responded to the fat bike wave and have launched a model. The bright orange Fatty will be available in two model variants: one with a rigid fork (FX 920) and one with the new Rock Shox Bluto suspension fork (FX 925). Both models come with 2x10 drivetrains and a mix of XT, SLX and Deore.
The wheels are made in-house and are fitted with 4-inch wide tyres. The aluminium fat bike with the 80-millimetre fork costs €1999, while the rigid fork version costs €1,399.
