The aluminium frame with carbon rocker and seat stay only features Sram's affordable GX drivetrain, which is combined with an E13 cassette with 9-44 teeth to increase the gear spread. This is another reason why the lightest bike in this comparison pedals light-footedly up the climbs, although the platform of the Cane Creek shock is a little too slack for our taste. In contrast to a seated ride, it can no longer stabilise the rear end when pedalling out of the saddle. The fork also skilfully goes its own way. The Formula 35 fork can always keep up with the top dogs from Fox or Rock Shox on the descents, but the compression stage makes a smacking noise when compressing. Downhill, the Teibun suits tight corners much better than the high-speed sections of the race track. If you're not chasing the last hundredth, you can use the playful handling for short style interludes. The WTB semi-slick tyre combination in the fast-rolling compound and the narrow rims dampen the downhill fun somewhat.
ConclusionRare add-on parts give the Teibun a special charm. The lightweight bike poaches in the all-mountain range.
The alternative: Alutech's Fanes has the same main frame, but the modified rear triangle offers even more travel.
