How well can an off-the-peg bike actually fit? And which components inspire - or annoy - in everyday life? To what extent is this perhaps also a matter of type? Our 2009 seasonal test was designed to answer such questions.
In consultation with the manufacturers of these dream bikes, a wide range of bikes were tested: the most affordable model, the Vienna Deluxe from Specialized, is already the top model in the "Women" range. The Focus Maleta with SRAM components throughout represents the mid-range.
It was also interesting to assess the rarely used SRAM components. Lightweight, fully equipped carbon bikes were a trend in 2009, and we tested how they perform in everyday use for a season on two examples. How good is a customised modular bike? With Contoura, the custom range from Hartje, we were able to draw on the full potential of a high-quality crosser.
A low-maintenance Rohloff tourer from the Franconian full-range manufacturer Hercules was also able to prove its suitability for long distances. Stevens ventured into the "high-end" with the current record low weight of 10.6 kilos for the ready-to-ride bike. The Xenith claims to be fully suitable for everyday use. That's what we wanted to see. We were also interested to see whether the sporty and elegant titanium bike from the "steel workers" at the bicycle manufacturer would prove itself in everyday use.
The bikes in the seasonal test:
Circle Symmetry, http://www.circle-cycles.com
Contoura Paquano, http://www.contoura.de
Focus Maltea, http://www.focus-bikes.de
Hercules Excell Pro, http://www.hercules-bikes.de
Red Bull Multitrack 900 Trekking, http://www.rose.de
Specialised Globe Vienna Deluxe, http://www.specialized.com
Stevens Xenith, http://www.stevensbikes.de
VSF Fahrradmanufaktur Ti Light, http://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de
