From the one-off anniversary model for Bergamont's 10th anniversary, the Sponsor line developed into an annual new edition from 2003: a well-positioned everyday and leisure bike at an unbeatable price. Mass-produced goods that never fall short of a minimum level of quality. Special items from suppliers and limited quantities due to strict pre-ordering create price advantages that Bergamont passes on directly to the end customer.
The 2017 sponsor features solid mid-range and entry-level technology from Shimano's Acera or Tourney lines. The 3x8 gears work reliably and will continue to do so in the long term with moderate use. The frame benefits from Bergamont's many years of expertise as a sports and touring bike manufacturer. Ovalised tubes, clean workmanship and internally routed cables are a matter of course. The inexpensive but reliable Shimano discs work without any problems. The fashionably lug-mounted carrier can also shoulder a pair of panniers for a weekend tour.
The price is kept low by the cheap fork with steel steerer tube, spring and stanchions, a simple stem clamp, Trelock lights or entry-level Schwalbe tyres. Such components are cheap to buy, but they are always branded goods. They do not deliver the agility of top technology and have a slightly lower stiffness-to-weight ratio. As a result, the Sponsor is more comfortable to steer and ride than decidedly sporty, but is a versatile and reliable companion at a great price.
Plus:
- Lots of added value in the wheel
- Solid function with about 2 kilos extra weight
Minus:
- Sluggish steering and driving behaviour
- Spring flap obstructs pocket hooks
The history of the model:
The phones were ringing off the hook when Bergamont presented itself and its customers with the "Jubilee" birthday model in 2003. The Hamburg-based company converted the strong demand into an annual new edition as a "sponsor" bike: With a limited number of units and just-in-time assembly and delivery, the low-cost model quickly made a lot of friends. The Sponsor continuously benefits from the technology of regular Bergamont bikes and has created its own low-price class.
