Long, flat and low is the current trend in the enduro segment. The reach is getting longer, the steering angle is tending towards downhill and the bottom bracket is dropping. All of this is often combined with the shortest possible chainstays. In this respect, the new Trailbanger is completely up to date. On the test bike with a medium frame height, the reach is already a generous 448 millimetres, combined with a 65.5 degree steering angle and a 336 millimetre low bottom bracket, garnished with short 425 mm chainstays. Centurion squeezes this data into a four-bar bike with a tidy look and a solid, albeit rather heavy frame (3559 grams including shock). And how does the bike ride? The long wheelbase makes for a smooth ride.
It's a bike that you'd rather hold on to in a bumpy ride instead of prancing around the trail to avoid problem areas. Changing direction therefore requires physical effort. The Trailbanger is not playful and agile. Despite its short chainstays, the bike feels a little unwieldy on twisty sections. With 170 millimetres of travel, the Centurion is nominally well equipped. However, we would have expected more in terms of travel. In direct comparison to a RockShox Pike, the performance version of the Fox 36 couldn't quite keep up. The rear suspension is also rather firm and is not as plush on fast hits as we are used to from other 170 suspension systems, which could also be due to the "normal" Fox Float shock without a reservoir. Only the more expensive Trailbanger Team model comes with a more potent shock. Uphill, the drive-neutral rear triangle is impressive, remaining extremely stable even when pedalling and providing good propulsion. This means that even long tours are no problem. Details such as its own chain guide are pleasing, even if the Centurion rattled very loudly on descents. An ISCG mount is also available. Otherwise, the solid equipment leaves nothing to be desired.
ConclusionThe new Trailbanger EXC is more of a solid workhorse than a playful fun bike. Despite the long suspension travel, the suspension is rather stiff and could be more lively. Tip: If in doubt, go for the smaller frame size; the bike is long.
PLUS solid, rigid frame, smooth running
MINUS less playful, firm chassis
Manufacturer information
Distribution Merida & Centurion Germany GmbH, www.centurion.de
Material/sizen Aluminium/43,48,53
Price/weight without pedals 3 999 Euro/13.8 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 170 mm/170 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Equipment
Fork/damper Fox 36 Float/Fox Float DPS
Cranks/gears SRAM GX 1400 Boost/SRAM X1
Brake system SRAM Guide R
Impellers Alexrims Volar 2.7 rims, SRAM MTH hubs, Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo Trail Star 2.35 tyres
