Instead of sitting between the large wheels, you sit high up on the Backfire. The relaxed position with the high front invites you to take a leisurely tour rather than ploughing through the terrain in a sporty manner. The 125 millimetre long head tube and a tapered end spacer prevent pressure from reaching the front wheel. We were particularly challenged by the tough DT fork: too soft in the first third, too progressive in the last. This means that you effectively only use one centre section of the travel. The spec could be more balanced: The weak Shimano stoppers are set against a complete XT groupset. Our preference: a flawless SLX. Touring plus: thread for mudguard or pannier rack!
PLUS XT equipment, mudguard and pannier rack possible
MINUS Front too high, weak fork, weak brakes
Tuning tip Large rear disc, shorter stem, spacer upwards
ConclusionComfort tourer or travelling companion for mileage guzzlers
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