Race fullys for around 3500 euros - these are actually the underdogs among mountain bikes. They are disregarded at trade fairs because the spotlight is always on the top models. They are also underrepresented in the BIKE test. This is because we either test cheaper bikes - or the aforementioned flagships of the top class. This is precisely why there are many reasons to put this price category in the spotlight.
It would be presumptuous to describe a bike costing 3,500 euros as a bargain or a price/performance racer. However, a comparison with the absolute top class (test in issue 1/03) reveals some astonishing facts: the average purchase price of the super-professionals is around 5,600 euros. In this test it is 3652 euros, almost 2000 euros less. Do you have to make sacrifices? Hardly. Let's take the weight.
The top models weigh an average of 11.46 kilos, the second tier 11.96 kilos. Sure, half a kilo can mean worlds. But you often get an extra portion of performance in return. Take Specialized, for example: Compared to the top model S-Works FSR XC, the cheaper Marathon version has a better fork on the bike - the Fox Float 80 RLC. Many buyers will also be pleased with the proven Rapidfire shifting system on the cheaper Specialized instead of the new XTR with Dual Control.
Frame and suspension
One of the key questions of this test was: What do the manufacturers have to offer in terms of rear suspension kinematics? First of all: If you want a super stiff hardtail feeling on the climbs, there's no getting round the lockout function, which almost all bikes offer as an option. But combining a lightweight frame with effective yet comfortable suspension is the high art of the designers. And hardly any other bike category offers such different solutions.
Fork selection
At the front, Manitou's Skareb seems to be the manufacturers' new favourite fork. The lightweight air fork is fitted to four bikes. And it basically worked well on all test bikes. What surprised us, however: In terms of damping behaviour, none of them resembled the others - despite using all the adjustment options.
For the equipment
the manufacturers almost always use standard components that are suitable for racing. Shifting is at XT or XTR level, and powerful disc brakes are usually standard.
Conclusion
Despite outliers: In this price category, you get the highest quality for the money. We can unreservedly recommend almost all bikes in this test group for racing.
All bikes in this test
Bianchi CC Lite, Cannondale Scalpel 800, Cube Airwing Blackline, Klein Palomino Race, Merida XC Mission Elite, Rotwild RCC 07, Specialised Epic Marathon, Stevens F9 Team XC, Trek Fuel 98 OCLV, Wheeler Comp 10
