Centurion Numinis Ultimate 2.29

Christoph Listmann

 · 18.06.2013

Centurion Numinis Ultimate 2.29Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Centurion Numinis Ultimate 2.29
The Centurion Numinis is a solid long-distance and touring bike with a good price-performance ratio. Also recommended for tall and heavy riders. Just short of very good.

The price is hot: for 2299 euros, Centurion delivers a clean performance. The beautifully crafted, hydroformed aluminium frame is sufficiently stiff and lighter than average. Centurion complements the finely responsive suspension with a 120 mm fork. "Feel-good riding position", says Stefan, "good-natured bike", is Bernd's verdict. Due to the high front end, the Numinis rears up earlier on steep ramps than its competitors, which can be remedied by turning the stem or flattening the handlebars. However, downhill control suffers as a result. While all riders give the bike good marks for relaxed touring use, the picture changes on the downhill: "Handling not confident" (Stefan), "surprisingly little directional stability" (Bernd). With a high stem it fits again - you have to decide.

Criticism: The gear cable routed in the top tube scrapes against the frame during compression.


ConclusionSolid long-distance/touring bike with a good price/performance ratio. Also recommended for tall & heavy riders. Just short of very good.


PLUS Frame up to 61 cm, high-quality equipment (XT groupset), favourable price
MINUS Narrow, high handlebars, poor cable routing, weak brakes, no thru axles


The alternative
The Carbon Ultimate 3.29 is not a real, obvious alternative to the Numinis 2.29 - it costs 4399 euros. With its carbon frame and 1.5kg weight saving, it is more of a completely different bike.

  Fox forks: Once again, the Evolution models functioned differently. The revised Evo cartridges are now almost blocked in Climb mode.Photo: Georg Grieshaber Fox forks: Once again, the Evolution models functioned differently. The revised Evo cartridges are now almost blocked in Climb mode.  The long suspension travel brings advantages when things get really bumpy. The fork utilises 111 of the 120 mm on the trail, while the rear releases the entire suspension travel.Photo: BIKE Magazin The long suspension travel brings advantages when things get really bumpy. The fork utilises 111 of the 120 mm on the trail, while the rear releases the entire suspension travel.
How do you like this article?
bike/M3999375Photo: BIKE Magazin

Downloads:

Most read in category Bikes