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Declaration of warReichmann RIP

Laurin Lehner

 · 11.10.2014

Declaration of war: Reichmann RIPPhoto: Lars Scharl
Declaration of war: Reichmann RIP
Matthias Reichmann's life is all about racing. The engineer lives and breathes the sport. Above all, he also races successfully himself. That's why we were particularly curious about his custom bike.
Relationship problems: Celebrity tester Johannes Fischbach did not warm to the Reichmann. The custom bike from Lake Constance gave the racer stress lines on his forehead. "The Reichmann can't keep up in this test field," says Fischbach.Photo: Lars Scharl Relationship problems: Celebrity tester Johannes Fischbach did not warm to the Reichmann. The custom bike from Lake Constance gave the racer stress lines on his forehead. "The Reichmann can't keep up in this test field," says Fischbach.

He produces the "RIP" in small series in Germany. A test according to the motto: a mini-label challenges the top dogs to a fight. That always creates excitement. We secretly hoped that the "RIP" would really thrash the Americans. But unfortunately that didn't happen. Instead, we struggled with the "RIP". During the first test rides, we couldn't get to grips with the set-up (although Reichmann had promised to set it up perfectly for us). Even the Manitou "Dorado" - known for its buttery-soft response behaviour - was a bit of a bitch and passed shocks on to our wrists. We couldn't get used to the handling either. No fun!

A racer "made in Germany": Reichmann produces the "RIP" in small series. Striking: the technical-looking rear triangle with a rear-mounted shock. Great: the lightweight carbon wheels - they reduce the weight to just under 16.3 kilos.Photo: Daniel Simon A racer "made in Germany": Reichmann produces the "RIP" in small series. Striking: the technical-looking rear triangle with a rear-mounted shock. Great: the lightweight carbon wheels - they reduce the weight to just under 16.3 kilos.

After consultation, we changed the set-up, swapped the defective "Dorado" for a "Boxxer Worldcup" and still weren't really happy with the bike. Compared to the competition, the "RIP" can't keep up. The rear suspension doesn't provide enough composure at the rear - despite the long chainstays (448 millimetres). It's difficult to keep momentum in the bike, it feels sluggish in fast corner changes, it stumbles in rock gardens, isn't very playful (for example, it can hardly be pulled into a manual), constantly wants to be ridden extremely actively and also rattles loudly. A racy racer? "Well, I can't cope with it either," Fischbach confirmed our impression. What a pity!


ConclusionThe Reichmann is a very special bike. We couldn't really get used to its geometry, handling and firm suspension. Sorry!

How do you like this article?


StrengthsBrake
Weaknessesstubborn fork, handlebars, special geometry


Johannes Fischbach (26): "The Reichmann didn't suit me. The fork bucked, I couldn't cope with the handling and I even found the handlebars strange. I felt unsafe at speed. Devinci and Specialized are in a different league."


Manufacturer information


Distribution Reichmann Engineering www.reichmann-engineering.de
Material/sizes Aluminium/S,M,L,XL
Price/weight without pedals 6 300 Euro/16.3 kg


Measurement data


Front/rear suspension travel 200 mm/203-218 mm
Rear suspension system Multi-link


Equipment

Refusing to work: Unfortunately, Reichmann sent his bike into the test with a malfunctioning Manitou "Dorado". Our mechanic suspected worn-out bushings. We swapped them for a RockShox "WC".Photo: Daniel Simon Refusing to work: Unfortunately, Reichmann sent his bike into the test with a malfunctioning Manitou "Dorado". Our mechanic suspected worn-out bushings. We swapped them for a RockShox "WC".


Fork/damper Manitou Dorado Pro/Cane Creek Double Barrel
Cranks/gears Reverse Legend/Shimano Saint
Brake system Shimano Saint
Impellers Flowrider Racing carbon wheels, Tune hubs, Schwalbe Muddy Mary Evo DH 2.35 tyres

A matter of taste: The CaneCreek shock is located in a milled rear triangle. The suspension travel can be extended from 203 to 218 millimetres using a flip chip. We rode the 203 mm setting recommended by the manufacturer Reichmann.Photo: Daniel Simon A matter of taste: The CaneCreek shock is located in a milled rear triangle. The suspension travel can be extended from 203 to 218 millimetres using a flip chip. We rode the 203 mm setting recommended by the manufacturer Reichmann. FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression and is not an addition of downhill and bike park points. The rating only refers to the respective test field.Photo: FREERIDE Magazin FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression and is not an addition of downhill and bike park points. The rating only refers to the respective test field.

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Laurin Lehner

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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