Berria Mako LTD3: Spanish temperament & hidden shock - new race fully on test

Oops, no shock absorber? Yes, it does: the Berria Mako hides its shock absorber deep in the frame under a cover. According to competitor Scott, the integration patent of their visually strikingly similar bikes is not infringed. It is clear at first glance that the Spanish designers have gone all out on the Berria Fully: asymmetric carbon rims, the voluminous cockpit unit and the integrated seat clamp create a unique look. The carbon seatpost is also an in-house development and its flex construction is designed to pamper the rider with a high level of comfort. Unfortunately, we were unable to recognise this advantage on a full-suspension bike during the test.

Other details also appear to have been subordinated to the design premise. Without an external SAG indicator, the shock cover has to be loosened with three hard-to-reach screws to check the setup. In the belly of the Mako, the rebound adjustment is almost impossible to reach with your fingers. Unfortunately, the workmanship around the opening is not quite clean and one of the excessively long screw plugs hits the upper shock mount. The screw of the lower mount, on the other hand, can only be reached by removing the crank.

The Berria Mako race bike in a practical test: Full speed ahead

In Spain, people seem to favour particularly sporty bikes and unconventional design approaches. Berria brought back the softtail concept last yearand leaves no sporty detail out, even on the Race Fully. The extremely low cockpit height of the Berria Mako certainly puts a lot of pressure on the front wheel in the riding position. A rising front on steep climbs? No way, despite the short chainstays! The Vittoria tyres provide plenty of traction and support the Berria's climbing skills. If you have a problem with high saddle rake, you will find it difficult to warm up to the bike. Crouched low, the Mako moves forward extremely quickly on flat terrain. Cut-outs on the handlebars encourage you to adopt an aero position. The kilometres fly by in no time on this easy-rolling bike.

At 68 degrees, the real seat tube angle of the Berria Mako LTD.3 is rather slack and the pedalling position is less efficient on the climbs. This combination meant that we had to move the saddle far forward, which increased the feeling of pressure on the control centre. When seated, the suspension remote can remain untouched thanks to convincing drive neutrality. However, the switchable platform is welcome when pedalling due to the slightly bobbing rear end.

Old school, reinterpreted: The Berria Mako LTD.3 on the trail

By today's standards, the steering angle of the Mako is quite steep. This gives the bike very direct handling. On flat terrain and gentle descents, this is definitely fun. However, as soon as the descent gets steeper, the fixed, barely retractable seat post and the low front end take their toll. On steep descents and technical challenges, the Berria is definitely not for XC beginners. The rider is way out in front and should know exactly what they are doing, as the limits are reached early on.

The suspension does its job unobtrusively on the trail. However, the rear suspension reacts a little too slowly to rough edges. Due to the front-heavy riding position, there is little load on the rear and the invisible shock only really comes to life when more reserves are required. Although the suspension defuses root landings and conceals the odd riding error, it is less plush than other modern race fullys despite the extra travel.

Speaking of which: In the Olympic year 2024 many manufacturers will be presenting new, exciting cross-country bikes. These include, for example the Specialised S-Works Epic 2024 with the electronic Flight Attendant landing gear or the Liv Pique Advanced 29probably the hottest racehorse for female mountain bikers. Compared to the extremely strong and progressive competition, the Berria Mako takes on a more conservative role. Unfortunately, the weight of the Spanish carbon frame is not competitive:

• Arc8 Evolve FS (size L): 1536 g
• Trek Supercaliber (size L): 1672 g
• Canyon Lux CFR (size L): 1675 g
• Specialised S-Works Epic 8 FACT 12M (size L): 1682 g
• Scott Spark RC World Cup (size L): 1780 g
• Pivot Mach 4 SL (size M): 1845 g
• Specialised Epic EVO 8 FACT 11M (size L): 1872 g
• Simplon Cirex 120 (size L): 1880 g
• MMR Kenta SXC (size L): 2125 g
• Canyon Lux Trail (size L): 2137 g
• BH Lynx Race LT (size L): 2351 g
• Berria Mako LTD.3 (size M): 2474 g

Details of the Berria Mako LTD3

• Front suspension travel: 110 mm
• Rear suspension travel: 113 mm
• Frame material: Carbon
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Price: 7999 Euro
• Available from: Specialist retailers

The option from Spain is always exciting. I am sure that the Berria Mako LTD.3 will find its fans. The frame details are not quite on a par with the established competition, but the riding characteristics are definitely fun on rather flat courses. Downhill there are much stronger race bikes. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor

Equipment

• Fork: Fox Float 34 Factory SC
• Shock: Rockshox SIDLuxe Ultimate
• Gear system: Sram XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission, 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-52 / 520%
• Brakes: Sram Level Stealth Ultimate, 180 / 160 mm
• dropper post / stroke: Fox Transfer SL / 150 mm
• Wheels: Fulcrum Red Zone Carbon
• Tyres: Vittoria Barzo XC, 29 x 2.25"

Measured values

• Total weight: 11.41 kg (without pedals)
• Frame weight: 2474 g (without shock absorber)
• Fork weight: 1541 g
• Weight damper: 333 g
• Weight of wheels: 4136 g
• Impeller inertia: 3138 kg x cm²

Conclusion from BIKE test editor Max Fuchs

The unusual Berria Mako shines with classic race bike virtues. The Spaniard is perfect for eating up kilometres. On descents, the extremely sporty position and the somewhat lifeless suspension make it less secure. Weak details spoil the overall impression of the designer bike.

Pro

• Very sporty riding position
• good for stretching
• Exciting, exotic look

Contra

• Poor accessibility of the damper
• real flat seat angle
• front-heavy handling limits downhill sovereignty