The level B hardtail is used as the cross-country team's working tool. Kross was the only participant in this test to send us a carbon frame. Although the chic carbon fibre weave sets the best mark on the scales, the meagre equipment destroys this advantage. The bike is one of the heaviest. Downhill, the tough TK30 fork, the steering angle of 71 degrees, which is too steep, and the poorly damping tyres create a kind of built-in speed limit. You need a firm hand on the handlebars to manoeuvre quickly and safely through root passages. The 5.3-kilo (!) wheels demand track sprinter qualities when setting off.
ConclusionFrame top, equipment flop - the Kross Level B9 proves that tyres, fork and equipment count more in this class than a great carbon chassis alone.
PLUS Lightweight carbon frame
MINUS Only three frame sizes, low equipment level, cheap tyres with little damping, high total weight
The alternative: You can do better at Kross. The Level B10 still has a carbon frame, but also a decent suspension fork, tyres, wheels and gears. It costs 2100 euros.
