Anyone who calls their bike Trailbanger is sure of themselves, you would think. Otherwise they could have called it Blümchenwiese. First things first: Centurion's new enduro bike IS a trail banger, which is clear from the first time you mount it, the first few metres off-road and, of course, its massive appearance. The bike is as strong as it looks. Heavy duty instead of lightweight construction results in an enormously high frame stiffness (91.8 Nm/degree), but also a chassis weight of 3.5 kilos. The fork is also heavy: 2.5 kilos for the powerful, versatile and adjustable Fox fork. A telescopic seat post, the superior Shimano XT groupset with powerful brakes and rattle-free Shadow Plus rear derailleur, as well as thick tyres round off the bike. The chain guide is missing for perfection, but you can fit it yourself thanks to the ISCG mount.
Even before the test round on Lake Garda, it is clear that you don't need to fear the key sections with the Trailbanger. Rather the way to get there. You just have to take your time uphill, activate the trail mode on the shock and lower the fork on steep ramps. Climbing in and of itself is surprisingly easy: an all-mountain riding position with a steep seat angle packed into plenty of suspension travel. Ten minutes later, you're rumbling into the first rocky section with the saddle lowered. The suspension gives you confidence and, above all, freedom to choose your line. The bike stays cool at high speeds, lands jumps well and the wide handlebars give you control. The design is characterised by plenty of usable suspension travel and a sensitive response. There is no substitute for suspension travel. With a payload of 120 kilos, the bike can also cope with burly riders.
Conclusion: Ideal for Lago tours without fear: The Trailbanger has all the features an enduro bike needs. The geometry is suitable for touring and makes it versatile.
PLUS Versatile adjustable fork, sensitive rear, robust equipment (large brake discs)
MINUS chain guide missing (ISCG mount is present), tight gear ratio (26-36)
The alternative
The Trailbanger 800 costs 2699 euros. For this you get Shimano's SLX groupset, X-Fusion suspension elements and a telescopic dropper post without remote control. According to the manufacturer, it weighs half a kilo more.
