From their first attempts at welding in their own basement to becoming an established manufacturer in the gravity sector in just three years - that sums up the success story of Crossworx founders Chris Reichling and Kevin Dewinski. But how were the newcomers from Thuringia able to establish themselves so quickly on the highly competitive market? If you take a closer look at our Dash 290, the answer is easy: our test bike is bursting with customised solutions.
Fact check: Crossworx Dash 290
- Price: 7199 Euro
- Range of use: All Mountain / Enduro
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 155 mm rear / 160 mm front
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 15.7 kg in size L
- Wheel weight: 5153 g
- Warranty: 2 years
- Special features: Made in Germany, equipment freely selectable in the online configurator, extreme geometry approach, supported single-link rear triangle
More than German craftsmanship
This starts with the supported single-pivot rear triangle. The developers positioned the linkage below the shock, which enables a very low centre of gravity. However, the independent kinematics are not the only feature that sets the Crossworx Dash apart from the majority of other mountain bikes. The "Made in Germany" seal of quality is also something that only a few manufacturers can attach to their lapel. The team also attaches great importance to sustainability during production. Not only are the aluminium tubes sizzled together in Rudolstadt, but the milled parts also come from the region.
The same applies to the suppliers: here too, short supply chains are the top priority. Magura, Newmen, Bike Yoke - a glance at the equipment list shows that most of the Dash's components come from German companies. But that's not all. A trained eye will recognise the extraordinary geometry of the Dash 290 from the very first glance: the seat angle of just under 79 degrees is one of the steepest values we have ever recorded in our laboratory. At a time when long and slack geometries dominate the market, the comparatively steep steering angle also stands out.
Crossworx Dash 290 Custom: Equipment / Geometry
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory
- DamperFox Float X Factory
- CircuitSram XX Transmission
- Translation / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- BrakesMagura MT7 Pro 203/203 mm
- Telesupport/liftBike Yoke Divine/180 mm
- ImpellersNewmen Beskar 30
- TyresMaxxis Assegai/Dissector 3C Maxxterra Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50/2.40
Enduro-Light is the motto
Crossworx advertises the Dash 290 as an enduro bike. However, the 36 mm Fox suspension fork with 160 mm travel, the Float-X shock and the lightweight Maxxis tyre combination speak more of an all-mountain bike. How come? Every customer can decide for themselves whether they want to specify the Dash as an All Mountain or an Enduro. The online configurator makes it possible. And for this dream bike test, we were given the light version. Fortunately, because the somewhat tamer equipment emphasises the lively character of the bike.
Crossworx lays the foundation for the successful handling with the geometry. The combination of a high front end, low bottom bracket and short reach results in a very low and central centre of gravity - the perfect starting point for riding the bike from the hips. The rather steep steering angle does the rest and transforms every twitch of the handlebars into precise changes of direction on the trail.
Surprisingly, the high anti-rise values of the rear triangle mean that the rear end pulls into the suspension travel under braking instead of rebounding. This means that the geometry is maintained even when decelerating, making the Dash easy to handle even on steep trails. With a sure hand on the steering, the Crossworx carves downhill as if on slalom skis. The suspension does a great job here: super traction, good traction and a good amount of support towards the end of the travel. The noise level on the Dash also earns a lot of praise. No matter how hard the bumps hit, the bike doesn't make a sound.
Apart from that, the Crossworx also scores on the climbs. The extremely steep seat angle places the rider very short and unusually far forward on the bike. Coupled with the long chainstays and steep head angle, it climbs even technical trails with confidence. On flat terrain, however, the dimensions put a lot of pressure on the palms. Not for long pedalling sections. The heavy overall weight also makes long tours less appealing.
Ride behaviour & stiffness at a glance
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
The Crossworx Dash 290 may not be one of the fastest enduro bikes in this light spec, but it is one of the most fun. The unusual geometry approach and the successful chassis transform every trail into a playground. The workmanship is also impressive across the board.
Max Fuchs
Editor
