The racing machine from the Centurion-Vaude team led by Markus Kaufmann and Jochen Käß has been redesigned for the new season: the frame is 200 grams lighter than its predecessor. Anyone who takes a seat on the Centurion does not want to compete on tight, twisty courses - the bike lacks the necessary playfulness for this - no, the Backfire prefers to fight for the best time on high-speed tracks. On the forest track and the long meadow section of our test lap, where smoothness, directional stability and maximum propulsion count, the bike gains seconds on the competition. The low saddle elevation (high stack) also makes long-distance races more bearable. Interesting but restrained: the wheels with carbon hubs and milled rims are both straight and cross-spoked.
Conclusion: Geometry and handling speak for marathons. If you want to compete, the Backfire is the bike for you.
PLUS Lifetime warranty, suitable for long distances, lightweight frame
MINUS Only three frame sizes
The alternative: With 22-speed Shimano XT gears and a weight of 9.8 kilos, the Backfire Carbon 3000.29 is more in the mass-compatible range than the top model Backfire Team. The 3000.29 costs 3799 euros.
Professional conclusion: "Thanks to the high front and the long top tube, the Centurion is stable on fast gravel tracks. The frame design focusses on the essentials. A great bike for marathons and stage races."
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 12/2015 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
