The mini excavator is to blame for everything. The hairpin bends in the "Schnecke", the steep drop at the "Stollen" and the long forest traverse - none of these would exist without the excavator and several sets of garden tools. In our search for the ideal test route for the group of carbon hardtails from € 1999 upwards, we were initially at a loss: the Busatte circuit on Lake Garda - too difficult for hardtails. The Isar trail circuit - difficult to compare directly. We found the right location deep in the Palatinate Forest, in Bundenthal, Dahner Felsenland. The RSC Bundenthal club has used its hard work, sweat and heavy equipment to legally create a permanent cross-country race track in the sandy forest soil, which is perfect for this test. After all, where better to compare race bikes in this class than on their traditional terrain?
SIX RACE BIKES FROM 1999 EURO
Full professionals ride the luxury bikes, but who is going to pay for them? We have therefore brought six attractive hardtails with carbon frames to the starting line, which qualify as perfect racers for privateers thanks to their weight, equipment and price. Bulls, Canyon, Cube, Hai, Radon and Scott are all active in racing, supporting professional teams or club teams. So they should all know which character traits are required for the hunt for seconds - and three test riders with racing experience get to the bottom of this.
