The MT 929 can somehow do everything, but rather averagely. The 29er hardtail with 140 millimetres of suspension travel is always solidly equipped: a well thought-out mix of XT and SLX adorns the somewhat heavy aluminium frame. All brake and gear cables run neatly along the down tube. Thanks to the double gearing, even steep climbs can be climbed, and the large brake discs also provide reliable deceleration on long descents. However, the 13.3 kg weight and the rather compact riding position limit the bike's uphill qualities and it tends to be a more leisurely ride. The stiff rear triangle transmits impacts directly and unfiltered to the rider on the trail. Over root carpets, the Conway bucks like an untamed Mustang. On descents, the bike often lacks the necessary traction because the rear wheel loses traction. The Conway prefers to cruise over flowing trails rather than rumble through rough descents.
Conclusionsolidly equipped touring bike with balanced but unobtrusive riding characteristics.
PLUS Wide gear range; well thought-out tyre combination; solid brakes with large discs; clean cable routing; balanced handling
MINUS Stiff, somewhat stubborn rear end; neither really strong uphill nor downhill
The alternative: Also for 2499 euros, the MT 927+ with Plus tyres offers a little more comfort and increased grip on climbs. A 1x11 drivetrain is also used here.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
