With the Drag Shift, the Bulgarian brand Drag Bicycles presents a downhill-heavy trail hardtail on high-quality tyres. No other hardtail in the test of entry-level bikes up to € 1799 has a 140 millimetre suspension fork, such a slack steering angle of 64 degrees and therefore a particularly generous wheelbase. The reach is also modern and is combined with a harmoniously short stem. Despite the high front (long head tube), the riding position is pleasantly sporty. The Shift MTB climbs quite well.
Compared to the sportiest hardtails with a much steeper steering angle and shorter wheelbase, the Drag Shift reacts somewhat sluggishly and sedately. On fast and steep passages, however, the smoothness and riding safety are impressive. The equipment is at a good level. With the Sram SX drivetrain, however, you have to accept a low gear range of only 454 per cent and a spongy shifting feel.
In our overview article Hardtails from 1199 to 1799 euros: 9 sporty entry-level hardtails in the test you will find all the bikes tested.
Conclusion on the Drag Bicycles Shift 7.1 SX-12 by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
With its progressive geometry and 140-millimetre fork, the Shift is aimed at trail enthusiasts who want to let it rip, especially downhill. The weight is just above average.
Technical data and notes Drag Shift 7.1 SX-12
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1599 Euro¹
- Available from mail order/specialist retailers
- Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S / M / L (tested in size L, 46 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals / frame: 13.77 kg / 2382 g
- Weight of wheels: 5128 g
- Frame stiffness (absolute / STW): 62 N/mm; 26 N/mm/kg
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox 35 Gold
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Cranks / gears: Sram SX / SX
- Gear ratio, range / handlebar width: 1 x 12, 454 % / 780 mm
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano 501 / 180 / 180 mm
- Seatpost / seat comfort: Kindshock E 20i / 5.6 mm
- Wheels / tyres: Novatec hubs; Ride Rival rims / Schwalbe Hans Dampf Evo Soft 29 x 2.35
BIKE test rating²: good - 157.6 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
