MGN - "More is not possible! At Hamburg-based Bergamont, this abbreviation stands for the finest equipment and the best components from the world of racing - without having to squint at the small change. With the 29er hardtail "Revox", the Northerners are pushing it up to 5000 euros. The sensible alternative from the hardtail camp for 3300 euros, the Revox Team, proved itself in the BIKE test of race hardtails in issue 12/2012.
For the 2013 model year, Bergamont has gone one better and presented the "Fastlane", an agile 100-millimetre race bike with a carbon fibre frame, a few days ago in Mallorca. It weighs a good 1950 grams without shock and is based on the same geometry concept as the Revox: a low bottom bracket and a short head tube ensure a very comfortable, low riding position between the large wheels. The shortest possible chainstays (440 mm) and a 69.5 mm steering angle result in agile handling that is not lacking in composure on fast descents.
As the first carbon frame in Bergamont's history, the Fastlane chassis reflects the current status quo in frame construction: X12 thru-axle at the rear, a post mount at the rear that is moved forward into the frame triangle, butted head tube, direct mount front derailleur and a cable entry for a Stealth dropper post under the bottom bracket. The frame can also be fitted with a 120 millimetre fork.
Three models at a reasonable price
For the 2013 season Bergamont three models at the Fastlane on: The Fastlane 9.3 with XT drivetrain, Rock Shox Monarch shock, Fox 32 CTD fork and Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres for 3200 euros. Above this is the Team Edition with complete Rock Shox suspension (SID and Monarch), a double drivetrain consisting of SRAM X9 and X.0 and Reynolds aluminium wheels for 3800 euros.
As is typical for Bergamont, the model range limits the MGN equipment: double XX gears, the Factory suspension series from Fox with Kashima coating, Syntace carbon components, Racing Ralph tyres from Schwalbe and Reynolds aluminium wheels. The MGN model of the Fastlane costs a whopping 5000 euros.
