A simple bike with solid no-nonsense components, problem-free riding characteristics, roadworthy equipment and a comfortable riding position for less than 700 euros - Excelsior's Stahlross offers just that. The programme of this specialist retail brand mainly includes simple, retro-oriented and affordable bikes with and without an "E". The bike technology is also orientated towards what was current 20 or more years ago. The frame and fork of the trekking model are made of robust but heavy and low-quality steel. Oval and teardrop-shaped tube cross-sections, a fork with a wide pre-bend, angled dropouts, bolted solid axles and the simple, tried and tested seven-speed gear hub are further ingredients. And, as was once the case with Henry Ford's Tin Lizzy, it is available in any colour you want, as long as it is black.
What makes the Excelsior Trekking stand out from the crowd is the handlebars, which are cranked upwards and backwards: they straighten the back, bring the shoulders, arms and hands into a comfortable position and give the cyclist a good overview of the traffic. The long wheelbase and upright riding position also encourage a gliding, relaxed riding style. This is also supported by the high total weight of almost 18 kilos and the heavy wheels (2467 grams at the front, 3775 grams at the rear). The low-maintenance, durable Nexus gear hub changes its seven gears reliably, but, in contrast to the Nexus 8, with a little more latency: you have to take your weight off the pedal for the gear change to take place - which is not a problem as long as you consciously refrain from using a sporty gear. The gear range of 244 per cent between the lowest and highest gear is sufficient on flat terrain, but makes longer uphill rides a little tiring.
Slow down a bit!
The steel chainring is pressed together with the crank: If it is worn, both cranks have to be replaced. The brakes here are also V-brakes, which have little deceleration in wet conditions. On the Excelsior Trekking, however, they are smooth-running and so well adjusted that there is nothing to criticise. The rear wheel can also be decelerated with a coaster brake. This is sufficient for gentle braking, but the V-brakes are much more effective and practical.
The combination of centre stand and coaster brake can also cause the bike to lock when manoeuvring backwards if the left crank presses against the parking support. The cranks cannot be turned backwards either. This makes it difficult to find the right crank position for starting off. The pannier rack is welded from thin aluminium struts and offers too little lateral stiffness for luggage weighing over six kilos. However, it can easily carry a compact pannier with office utensils or a small shopping basket. The 40-millimetre tyres are unbranded. They run quietly and smoothly on firm ground. You should avoid rough terrain with the Excelsior Trekking anyway: Neither the tyres, gears and brakes nor the riding position and handling are designed for this.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Robust design and quiet riding behaviour; lighting system with front and rear parking lights
- Minus: Luggage rack with little lateral stiffness; coaster brake impairs manoeuvring and starting; narrow gear range
The most important details of the Excelsior Trekking
- Price: 669,95 Euro
- Frame sizes: Gentlemen: 52, 57 cm; ladies: 46, 51 cm
- Test bike weight: 17.6 kg
- Permissible total weight: 120 kg
- Frame: Steel, welded
- Fork: Steel, welded, V-brakes
- Circuit: Shimano Nexus 7, twist grip
- Translation: 36/18 t., 7 gears, 244%
- Brakes: Artec V-Brakes, coaster brake
- Tyres: NN 40-622
- Lighting system: Contec LED, Shimano DH-C300 hub dynamo
- MYBIKE grade: 3.5
Conclusion on the Excelsior Trekking
Even though it is called "trekking", the Excelsior is more of a pleasant city and short-distance bike for cyclists who are travelling leisurely and relaxed on flat terrain. Ease of use, simple, robust technology and a favourable price make the bike attractive as an affordable everyday bike with retro touches, despite its minor flaws.
