When we asked Conway for a bestseller model, the company from Lower Saxony sent us the RLC FS 7.9. The fully with 100 millimetres of travel and a carbon frame is said to have a particularly good price-performance ratio and is selling well. In the BIKE test, we get to the bottom of the reason for the high sales figures. Is it down to the unusual frame details or the somewhat unconventional configuration? We find out what bikers can expect from the Conway RLC FS 7.9 for 4699.95 euros.
The Conway RLC FS 7.9 on test: how the carbon fibre bike rides
According to Conway, the RLC FS was developed under the Influences of the hardtail RLC and the Enduro machine WME. This balancing act seems great and is noticeable. A sporty, tight suspension travel, the 68.8 degree steep steering angle and narrow tyres speak the unmistakable language of a race bike. A rigid seat post and the top-of-the-range Sram XX1 Eagle mechanical drivetrain save weight. However, the classic four-bar linkage without flexing seat stays is neither remarkably light nor stiff.
Both a chain guide and quick-release axles at the front and rear are practical for everyday use. To our surprise, we even found a mount for a side stand. The balanced riding position is immediately pleasing. The Conway also climbs steep ramps quickly. The 443 millimetre chainstays counteract the rising front wheel. There is only a slight bobbing from the suspension, which can also be switched off using a remote.
The Conway RLC FS 7.9: An old-school touring MTB
On fast descents, the long wheelbase keeps the RLC FS well on track. The suspension is more good-natured and comfortable than racy and firm. The Conway is less fond of technical challenges and tight bends. It then feels bulky and doesn't feel very secure even with the saddle pushed in due to the long seat tube. The 100 millimetre stem also generates indirect handling. We are constantly receiving messages from BIKE readers who feel that they are not being picked up by the ongoing trend towards ever more specialised, downhill-heavy bikes across all disciplines. They will like the classic virtues of the RLC FS. So it's no wonder that the bike is selling like hotcakes.
Technical data and notes on the Conway RLC FS 7.9
Manufacturer information
- Category: Cross Country / Marathon
- Price¹: 4699,95 Euro
- Available from: Specialist retailers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
Measured values
- Suspension travel: 108 mm (front) / 106 mm (rear)
- Weight without pedals: 12.14 kg
- Frame weight: 2325 g
- Weight of wheels: 4345 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3308.84 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 740 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 37 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax SL
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray / Racing Ralph Evo SuperRace Addix Speed TLE 29 x 2.25
- Fork: Rockshox Sid Select+
- Shock: Rockshox Sid Luxe Select+
- Brakes: Sram Level TL 180/160 mm
- Gear system: Sram XX1 Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Seatpost / Ø: Conway AL / 27.2 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 25.5 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 21.25 out of 25
- Rolling resistance: 12.75 out of 15
- Weight: 12.5 from 25
- Inertia impellers: 9 out of 15
- Bottle cage: 9.5 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 19.5 from 30
- Rear suspension: 11.25 out of 15
- Front suspension: 8.5 out of 10
- Saddle retractability: 7 out of 10
- Brakes: 6.5 out of 10
- Tyre grip: 10.5 out of 15
- Driving stability: 1 out of 10
TOTAL MOUNT: 90.5 from 120
TOTAL RECOVERY: 64.25 from 100
- Other: 19.25 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test judgement²Good - 174 out of 250 points
Conclusion on the test of the Conway RLC FS 7.9
Compared to other current race bikes, the Conway seems a little out of date and inconsistently designed. But this is precisely why it could find fans. On tours in easy terrain, the propulsion of the carbon full-suspension bike continues to inspire. - Tobias Knetsch, BIKE tester
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.). The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
