Centurion and Lapierre were the only manufacturers in this test field to deliver a 2017 model. The criticism of the predecessor (BIKE 11/15) has clearly been taken to heart. At the time, the Fox shock without a reservoir was criticised and was promptly replaced with a more suitable Monarch Plus. This actually delivers a solid performance on the trail. The Fox 36 Performance fork works a little more stubbornly than the rear, which has a generous 169 millimetres of travel. The steep seat tube angle helps when climbing, but combined with the slack 64.5 degree head angle, it leaves hardly any room for the top tube. It's a vicious circle: at frame height 48, the Centurion was almost bulky last year, but one size smaller the riding position is very compact. So be careful when choosing your size. Downhill, you have to use the rear wheel to initiate the impulse to change direction due to the rearward position, which the short chainstays invite you to do anyway. If the terrain gets rougher, the chain hits loudly against the barely protected chainstays.
Conclusion: well-equipped enduro bike with a powerful rear triangle. The riding position on the bike takes some getting used to.
The alternative: The No Pogo 2000.27 from Centurion has a much sportier riding position for touring. But it also has less suspension travel.
