DISTANCE: 6,317 km | 81,000 m elevation gain
Times are changing. After spending the last few years travelling exclusively on fullys, this time I wanted a hardtail with uncomplicated equipment. The idea behind it was to spend a lot of time on the trail and less time in the workshop. The liveliness of the beautifully shaped carbon frame characterised the first riding impressions. Every ounce of power was converted into propulsion without loss. However, the handling and configuration of the Roxtar were sometimes special. Unusually short 170 mm carbon cranks and a long stem required a certain amount of familiarisation. The equipment with Sram XO/X9 shifting components, Sram Roam 40 wheels and Sram Guide RS brakes is rock-solid and guaranteed problem-free riding hours. The Schwalbe tyres - Rocket Ron at the front, Racing Ralph at the rear - are the perfect hardtail combination for me, as long as it doesn't get too wet or the terrain too rough.
Unfortunately, I had to carry out a small fork service after the first 1500 kilometres. Due to the bad weather in the winter months, dirt got into the fork, which then only worked reluctantly. In addition, the lockout lever soon jammed. The Roxtar proved to be extremely good-natured off-road. I felt completely at ease on the Bergamont, whether racing, on weekend tours or on the daily commute to work. The comfortable, in-house carbon seatpost played a major part in this. In contrast, Bergamont relies on aluminium for the handlebars - solid, but at a complete price of 2999 euros, a carbon handlebar would have been appropriate. After around 3500 kilometres, a noise became increasingly noticeable on the rear triangle. After a long search, I was able to identify the derailleur hanger, which had come loose, as the culprit. At the end of the test, it was necessary to change the brake fluid, otherwise the Sram Guide RS brakes worked perfectly and with decent braking power.
CONCLUSIONDespite minimal maintenance work, the calculation worked out. Measured against the mileage, the defects and expenses were absolutely limited. I would buy a lighter wheelset for racing.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
DEFECTS | MAINTENANCE
- 1510 km - small fork service: With constant mud and salt bombardment, the winter months took their toll on the SID fork. A service brought improvement.
- 3007 km - new brake pads: At the rear, the pads of the Guide brake were the first to fail and had to be replaced.
- 4054 km - tyres and chain: As the Racing Ralph was increasingly skimping on tread on the rear wheel and the chain was stretching, both parts had to be replaced.
- 5800 km - Brake fluid renewed: As the empty travel was too short, I gave the brake new brake fluid including a bleeder.
TUNING
- 72 km - Handles: Too thin and therefore not comfortable enough: the original grips had to give way to more comfortable ones at an early stage of testing. After all, tester Florian loves long rides. And there are few things more annoying than aching hands.
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Against the clock: At the 12-hour race in Dießen am Ammersee, the Bergamont got a taste of racing in a team of four. On the steep climbs with 140 metres of elevation gain per lap, the desire for lighter wheels arose. But the Roxtar ran defect-free, lap after lap.
THE TESTER
The tester: Florian Carda, BIKE mechanic and endurance tester
Age / height / weight: 35 years / 1.81 m / 68 kg
Driver profile: Cross country, marathon, after-work tours
Favourite areas: Alpine foothills with a focus on the Five Lakes Region
