The Berlin bike brand 8bar (read and spoken in German) is now also recognised nationwide: Starting out with the fixie, the capital's bike freaks have developed the entire range of bike types that are currently also increasingly in demand among young people: purist mountain bikes, touring bikes and gravel bikes, mostly with steel frames and always with a "twist", something unusual and completely unique. This makes the brand interesting for individualists for whom cycling is a passion and lifestyle.
The name of the Prenzlberg model may sound a little bumpy and trendy, but the bike itself spoils you with a skilfully coordinated riding position: sporty riders immediately feel at home on the slim steel tubes of classic design, with a clear saddle rise and moderate top tube length. A good overview in city traffic is still effortless, as is efficient pedalling. The cockpit and bottom bracket always feel stiff and secure, even when pedalling hard.
Hidden inconspicuously in the bottom bracket is an eccentric that regulates the tension of the Gates belt. A low-maintenance Shimano hub gear (optionally with eight or eleven gears) transmits the pedalling power. Experience has shown that Shimano hubs are durable and comfortable to ride on a daily basis, even for sporty bikers. However, the strongest argument in their favour is always their low maintenance requirements - especially in combination with a belt drive.
Understatement included
The wide, densely knobbled Schwalbe tyres roll with incomparable smoothness when the air pressure is properly adjusted. They dampen bumps and kill the unpleasant vibrations caused by neglected inner-city cycle paths almost everywhere. A pair of simple but effective hydraulic discs from Shimano and self-supporting aluminium mudguards round off the package. The mudguards are rattle-free and long enough to reliably protect your feet, legs and back from the wet. However, the stays and clamping elements are routed close to the tyre, which means they drag slightly.
The bike is particularly interesting due to the many options when choosing the equipment: Wheelset, tyre model, size and volume, handlebars, spacer height, saddle, lighting system, mudguard set, front and/or rear luggage rack, even the type and material of the fork - almost all components can be selected and fitted. In this way, the Prenzlberg can be perfectly customised to its users, piece by piece. What never costs extra is its elegant understatement.
Test summary of the 8bar PRENZLBERG
8bar shows what a contemporary steel frame looks like today. The concept, ergonomics, equipment and versatility have been a success. An attractive aesthetic is on top.
The price of the bike is 2,129 euros.
