Three laps, three bikes, three riders: the Erzgebirge Bike Marathon is considered to be particularly merciless when it comes to maltreating people and material. We travelled to Seiffen for Germany's oldest MTB marathon and hired two EBM warhorses as testers. The test bikes: three reasonably priced hardtails from Decathlon, Canyon and Specialized. From the Rockrider from discounter Decathlon for 899, to the Canyon Exceed CF 5 for 1799 euros, to the Specialized Chisel Comp for 1999 euros.
In order to find the best possible compromise, the product managers take different approaches: the Canyon Exceed 5, for example, boasts a perfectly shaped carbon frame. This is unusual for a 1799 euro bike and forces you to make compromises in terms of the equipment. The frame of the Specialized Chisel is made of aluminium. This is cheaper than carbon, but is hardly noticeable on the scales. "Smart Weld" is the name of the process in which hydroformed tubes are first inserted into each other and then welded together. This increases stability at critical points and enables the use of thin-walled aluminium tubes. The drivetrain and fork are of a higher quality than the Canyon. However, the Specialized costs 200 euros more. The Rockrider makes do with a rather simply manufactured aluminium frame. This leaves room for functional equipment despite the competitive price. At 12.6 kilos, the weight is only just under 500 grams more than the two more sophisticated test candidates. Three exciting concepts. But which one proves itself under hardcore conditions?
You can download the entire article with the detailed test results, laboratory values and riding impressions from BIKE 10/2021 as a PDF below the article.
The test report costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.
Here's a photo gallery of the test and below we present the three test bikes in more detail.
Rockrider XC 100: Discount hardtail on test
The Rockrider XC 100 from discounter Decathlon is a serious hardtail. The frame is made of classic round aluminium tubes held together by rough weld seams. However, the geometry and composition of the parts reveal that the bike was created by a MTB-savvy product manager.
Canyon Exceed CF 5: Carbon frame for 1799 euros
BIKE: Why do you use a carbon frame in this price category and not an aluminium one?
Julian Biefang (Canyon): An aluminium version would mean an enormous additional development effort. An adapted design, a different manufacturer, new moulds for the tubes, etc. Carbon production, on the other hand, can be carried out by the same manufacturer, with the same moulds, test gauges and test benches as for high-end bikes. In addition, carbon is almost exclusively in demand in the XC sector. The carbon frame, for example, also provides an excellent basis for further updates.
What are the special features of the CF structure?
In order to achieve the low price, standard fibres are mainly used for the CF layup. Instead of the expensive, high-strength and high-stiffness fibres, a few more layers have to be used in order to achieve similar properties. This means: higher wall thicknesses, higher weight, but still similar stiffness values. And otherwise no compromises. The shape and all features are identical across the different layups.
What is the main difference between the fibres used in the CF frame and the expensive fibres?
The different properties of carbon fibres can be controlled using various manufacturing parameters. The atomic structure of the fibres - and therefore their strength and stiffness - can be influenced primarily by stretching during the carbonisation process of the organic starting material (pyrolysis). To produce high-performance fibres, the process is significantly more complex and therefore more expensive.
How many individual parts or mats does a frame consist of and which properties are optimised by the fibre placement?
Several hundred blanks per frame. More for the cheaper layups than for the more expensive ones, as these require more layers. The properties of the frame are determined on the one hand by the fibre type, but above all by the orientation of the fibres. For the most material-efficient use, the fibres should run along the load directions as far as possible. For example, if the main load case is torsion, then at a 45-degree angle to the tube. In the case of tensile, compressive or bending loads, the fibres are positioned parallel to the pipe axis.
Who do you see as the main target group for the Exceed CF 5?
The price-conscious racer who doesn't want to compromise on the basics and wants to keep all options open. The bike is also a good basis for junior racers.
Specialized Chisel: Aluminium in top form
The manufacturing process is called "Smart Weld". The specially hydroformed pipes with spigots are first inserted into each other and then welded. This means that extremely thin-walled pipes can be used, as the critical points are relieved. Chris D'Aluisio is the clever mind behind the "Smart Weld" process. Originally, he and his team of developers were looking for a cosmetic solution for the production of aluminium frames. The manufacturing process was developed to create very smooth, seamless-looking welding zones. When these first new frames were put through their paces on a test stand, they clearly surpassed all the previously established test criteria for aluminium frames. The new frames are said to have lasted two to three times longer in durability tests. Since then, Specialized has been using this method to manufacture its high-quality aluminium frames - both for racing bikes and mountain bikes. The first Chisel was launched in 2017 presented.
