Endurance test performance: 3,111 km / 81,282 m elevation gain
Team rider Bobby Root regularly injures himself during his daredevil stunts, but his bikes look like they've just come out of the box after the crashes. I wanted to see the durability of the Beef Cake Freerider for myself. First of all: the bike survived the test distance, which is a minor miracle considering my riding style. However, it would be difficult to sell it on, because in addition to a few paint scratches, the rear triangle was dented in a crash. A carbon frame would probably have broken. The impact was so severe that I broke a rib. Apart from that, the bike is in top condition.
The Fox fork worked perfectly from the first to the last day, although the stanchions suffered a few scratches due to numerous crashes. The same applies to the Fox shock and the DT Swiss wheels. The Shimano XTR drivetrain also performed brilliantly. After contact with a rock, I only had to replace a bent derailleur hanger. Only the chain guide was annoying because it bent at the slightest contact with the ground. At some point I'd had enough and replaced it with a Bionicon chain guide, which completed the rest of the test distance without any problems.
However, there are two things missing from the equipment: a dropper post, which is an absolute must in the Enduro class these days. And Magura's MT-8 brakes initially provided far too little braking power. Changing to more solid discs did provide more braking power and minimised fading. But it is a long way from the braking performance of current top brakes such as an Avid Code. The carbon fibre brake also lacks a pressure point adjustment, which is to be expected in this price range.
ConclusionIf you're looking for a potent enduro bike at a fair price, the Beef Cake is the right choice. It shines on technical and flowing trails, is fun in the bike park and cuts a fine figure on the climbs. Weak points: poor paintwork and the lack of braking power.
Functionality *****
Shelf life *****
(max. 6 stars)
Tuning
- 70 km - Vario seatpost: Hilo 125 from X-Fusion fitted: Lasted 1900 kilometres, then could no longer be lowered and extended.
- 1200 km - Tyres: Changed tyres for the second time: from Continental Mountain King to Specialized Butcher. This tyre then lasted 550 km.
Defects
- 300 km - Crash: Scratched the stanchions of the Fox fork in a crash on the Coast Trail on Lake Garda: perfect function until the end of the test.
- 515 km - Crash: A huge dent in the right seat stay from a crash (broken rib) on the Jochberg trail.
- 1700 km - rear derailleur: On the descent from Tremalzo the rear derailleur bent on a loose stone: then derailleur hanger replaced.
- 1970 km - Brake: Total failure of the front brake in the Paganella bike park: oil loss. This was due to the damage caused by one of the crashes.
