FALCONRY TELEON B+
Goodbye suspension travel! The German forge Falkenjagd sends a completely rigid bike into the duel. The idea behind it: Titanium fans are purists and purists don't like frills - so ditch the suspension fork. Wide plus tyres should provide the necessary off-road capability. In addition, there are in-house Titan parts, enriched with high-quality parts from Tune. The Teleon B+ weighs in at a lively 9.8 kilos. This is noticeable when setting off. The bike is quick and agile through the forest, which is exceptional for a plus bike. This is also thanks to the steep steering angle of a good 72 degrees. But does the off-road capability plan work? At least the Falkenjagd is surprisingly comfortable for a rigid bike. However, as soon as the terrain gets rougher and you start going downhill, the rider starts to feel the hard front end and the steep steering angle - in an unpleasant way. On steep gradients or larger obstacles, the titanium racer provides little security, and an experienced hand is required. The Teleon B+ is of course also available with a suspension fork, which also lowers the steering angle by one degree and increases the off-road capability. This also allows you to use the powerful Trickstuff brakes properly, which seem a little oversized on the rigid bike. A pity: The titanium fork is tapered in the lower section, which should provide more comfort. During hard braking manoeuvres, it starts to vibrate and oscillate - which is tricky on steep sections and when braking into corners. All in all, the bike with a rigid fork has a hard time scoring well in the BIKE points system. In its niche, however, the specialist shines with its attention to detail. The well thought-out frame in particular makes the hearts of titanium fans beat faster.
Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE test editor:
A bike for connoisseurs! The frame and add-on parts are full of details and the concept is very popular with fans of simple titanium romance. On more serious descents, however, the rigid Teleon B+ cannot keep up with modern hardtails, even if it is surprisingly capable off-road for a rigid bike. Our tip: go for a suspension fork.
PILOT LOCUM B+
The Dutch company Pilot have brought a much more downhill-orientated bike to the ring. A potent 120 mm fork and 3.0 tyres, the difference is immediately apparent when you first get on the bike. Even though the acceleration and propulsion are at a good level for a plus-size bike, the Locum B+ is significantly slower than its German rival. As soon as obstacles appear on the trail, the tide turns: unimpressed by roots, stones and steps, the Brummer makes its way and impresses with its smooth ride. However, the wide rollers also bring with them the typical Plus ride feel: somewhat undefined and spongy in corners, the line you're aiming for doesn't always sit. The test crew agreed that with 2.8 or even 2.6 tyres, the Locum would be more accurate. Nevertheless, the Pilot doesn't shy away from challenging trails. The choice of tyres with the higher profile Nobby Nic on the front wheel underlines this ambition and is consistent. With the rather tight 1x gearing, touring bikers are more likely to fear the way to the trail entrance than the descent - at least in the mountains. But back to the actual focus of a titanium bike: the frame. The brake and gear cables do not require any clamps, they disappear wonderfully puristically into the top tube and seat stays, a real feast for the eyes. The carbon wheels from 9th-Wave also give the Locum B+ a touch of glamour, while the highly functional XT equipment somewhat weakens the bling-bling factor. But don't worry: thanks to the modular principle, the equipment can be customised. Quite unique: for an extra 250 euros, Pilot can build the frame to customer specifications and customise the geometry and design.
Stefan Loibl, BIKE test editor:
The Locum B+ is a cool bike beyond the mainstream with a successful concept: thanks to a good fork and telescopic seatpost, you can have real fun off-road. Personally, the 3.0 tyres are too wide for me, making the ride feel imprecise. On the other hand, the propulsion is strong thanks to the lightweight wheels and the geometry is pleasant and balanced.
