A frame weight from 950 grams, fully internal cables from the brake line to the shift cable, a modern geometry and a more angular design: the hardtail classic Rebel, the Storck which has been in the programme since 1995, in a completely new guise on the trails. To build on the long tradition of many race victories, carbon specialist Markus Storck has opted for a frame with the highest possible lateral stiffness for the new mountain bike to minimise power loss when pedalling. Nevertheless, the frame should be comfortable to ride. A contradiction? Not necessarily. The cross-oval profiles of the down tube and the seat stays are designed to combine high stiffness in the horizontal direction and thus a lively acceleration with a slight flex in the rear triangle in the vertical direction. In this way, the rear end absorbs the load peaks and does not pass them on to the rider in full force - good for comfort on the long haul. The special feature of Storck's rear triangle is that the rear of the bike should rebound more slowly than it compresses. "No flummery effect", promises Markus Storck, alluding to the noticeable bobbing of flexing seat posts.
110-millimetre fork and a steering angle of 68.5 degrees
And speaking of the seat post: instead of the thin 27.2 mm post that is common on many race hardtails, a 30.9 mm diameter is used. The reason for this: The seat comfort is already created by the rear triangle, and the larger post diameter allows the use of better dropper posts. This has a positive side effect: if the seating comfort is already created by the rear triangle, you also benefit from the light shock absorption when standing downhill. In general, the new Rebel should leave its predecessor far behind, especially downhill. A fork with an increased suspension travel of 110 millimetres is used for this purpose, and the geometry has also been modernised to create more riding stability. With a steering angle that is now 2.5 degrees slacker at 68.5 degrees, you should feel much more comfortable on the bike, even at higher speeds. An extended top tube compensates for the one degree steeper seat angle of now 74 degrees and positions the rider in a sporty, active climbing position on the climbs.
From 3499 euros with carbon wheels from DT Swiss
To ensure that the hardtail still remains manageable, the chainstays have been shortened by five millimetres to 430 millimetres. This gives the Rebel an astonishingly modern look and, on paper at least, is only equalled by rather extreme geometries such as the BMC Twostroke outperforms. However, fans of classic hardtails might find the BMC too long and progressive. The equipment of the Rebel starts with the 9.8-kilogram Pro model, which is available with a slightly heavier frame, carbon wheels, XT drivetrain and brakes as well as a DT Swiss fork for € 3499. A model with a Sram GX-AXS drivetrain for 4099 euros will follow, as will the models with the high-end Platinum frame, which weighs 950 grams or more and will cost 500 euros more.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
