Endurance test performance: 3,340 km / 41,500 altitude metres
I hate diva-like bikes. Oversensitive carbon fibre bikes that squeak, creak and grunt after every puddle crossing. It really gets on my last nerve. The Flash Alu is pleasingly far removed from being a diva. In my opinion, it has everything that makes a bike worth riding: a lightweight aluminium hardtail frame, 2x10 gearing, stable 26-inch wheels and a fork with a full lockout function that is willing to work. A good value/performance bike for cross-country rushing, sporty travelling and everyday commuting. I have to mention at this point that for me, riding in the rain counts as washing the bike. Get off, let it dry, oil the chain, shake off the mud - it doesn't get more pampering than that.
This makes the Flash's endurance record all the more astonishing. Despite relentless use, there were no failures. The bottom bracket is now running a little rough, but still free of play. The bearings of the rear hub are finished and are begging to be replaced. But that's okay after all these kilometres. The rims have minimal knots. The tyres look slightly treadless. All harmless, normal wear and tear. Otherwise, everything is tip-top. The Lefty fork impressed us with its sensitive response behaviour, high lateral stiffness and willingness to swallow. It showed no signs of fatigue even at the end of the endurance test.
What surprised me a little was that even the pads and discs of the Avid brakes would last quite a while. However, I doubt whether my nerves would be the same: the brakes have been squealing as shrilly as an incoming goods train since day one. A real shame. My nerves react really diva-like to something like that.
ConclusionThe Flash Alu is an uncomplicated base for bikers who like to be in a hurry. It is the perfect combination of racing machine and everyday bike. The equipment is high-quality and robust. It's a shame that the brakes are annoying with their constant squealing.
Functionality *****
Shelf life *****
(max. 6 stars)
Tuning
- 00 km - Bottle cage: The mobile bar from FSA prevents a lack of fluids on longer tours and also looks stylish.
- 1200 km - Twist shifter: In mid-2012, SRAM launched the revival of the good old twist shifters. For me as a Gripshift fan, this could only mean one thing: The X9 triggers of the Flash had to make way for the new X.0 twist shifters. An exchange for reasons of the heart, not a technical necessity.
Wear and tear
- 2100 km - Hub bearing: The rear hub runs extremely rough. One of the bearings shows progressive corrosion. Replace the bearing? I lubricate and ride on.
- 2600 km - Tyres: After several trips to the Alps, the studs are starting to show wear. Should I change them? I prefer to ride them to the wear limit.
- 3300 km - derailleur cables: The rear derailleur and front derailleur are reluctant to respond to shifting commands. The result of dirty cables. Replacement urgently needed.
