As with many race bikes, the shock is positioned parallel under the top tube, which creates space for two water bottles. A narrow handlebar and slim tyres complete the equipment, true to the company motto: Machines made for racing.
Classic instead of modern: A look at the geometry we measured attests to the Kenta 00's classic virtues. With a steering angle of 69 degrees and the short 100 mm Rockshox SID-SL fork, the Spaniard is on the playful side. The wheelbase also measures a short 1159 millimetres. In comparison: Racefullys such as the Megamo Track Race have a steering angle that is a good 2.5 degrees slacker and noticeably smoother. Nevertheless, the MMR rides harmoniously and predictably. Even in technical passages, the rather high front end ensures control.
A look at the geometry table provides the explanation: despite the short fork, the Kenta has the highest stack. Uphill, the Spaniard impresses with a neutral riding position that is by no means overstretched or too sporty. Even with the shock open, the rear end remains pleasantly composed. The platform is only required for hard sprints. Nominally, the MMR rolls on 2.3 tyres. However, as the Mavic Crossmax aluminium wheels only have narrow 25 mm rims, the Hutchinson tyres are very narrow and require a high air pressure, otherwise the tyre becomes unstable too quickly in corners.
Equipment
- Fork / shock: Rockshox SID Ultimate SL / SID Lux
- Gears / range: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission / 520 %
- Brakes: Shimano XT / 180/160 mm
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax 29 CL Tyres: Hutchinson Kraken Racing Lab TLR 29 x 2.3 tyres
- Seatpost / Stroke: Rockshox Reverb / 125 mm
- Max. System weight: 120 kg
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: none
From the test lab
- Total weight: 11.43 kg without pedals
- Frame weight: 2125 g without shock absorber
- Weight of wheels: 3996 g
- Impeller inertia: 2987 kg x cm²
Equipment with little glamour: At just over 6000 euros, the MMR is rather inexpensive in racefully circles. However, the Ritchey aluminium handlebars and stem as well as the aluminium wheels and the hydraulically actuated Rockshox Reverb don't really shine. At least MMR doesn't compromise on long-lasting riding fun with the Shimano XT brakes and the Sram Eagle Transmission X0. On the suspension side, the Spaniards rely on the lightest components from Rockshox.
The suspension elements respond finely and provide good traction. However, due to the short stroke and progressive characteristics, the MMR reaches its limit sooner in rough sections than bikes with more travel reserves. At 11.43 kilos, the MMR is no lightweight. The long seat tube restricts the ability to lower the saddle. An incorrect headset bearing initially caused play until the right replacement provided a remedy.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
With its agile handling, the MMR Kenta 00 delivers classic marathon virtues with a rather average spec. Compared to the modern competition, however, the geometry, short suspension travel and narrow tyres and rims no longer seem quite up to date.
