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Rarely has a test field been as expensive as this one. We travelled to the Bikepark Bischofsmais with a total value of 74024 euros in the bus boot. Also in the test team: the reigning German Enduro champion Christian Textor. Here are some important questions and answers:
1. why do we test such expensive bikes?
Due to empty stocks on the part of the manufacturers, we are limited when compiling the test fields. Top models are often more readily available. Nevertheless, such high-end tests should remain the exception. Because we know that too: Only a few people can and want to spend so much money on a bike.
2. do the judgements also apply to the cheaper models of the bikes?
No. Although good bikes ride well even with cheaper attachments and suspension elements, the weight almost always increases. For enduro bikes, which already weigh over 14.5 kilos in the top configuration, this is often decisive.
3. enduro bikes - what really counts?
Anyone observing the trend (suspension travel and geo) knows that most of these enduro bikes are designed for racing. Downhill performance is what counts (approx. 70 %), but all-round capabilities are also important. We penalise bikes that are cumbersome to pedal uphill and barely get up to speed on undulating trails. We say: In this price category, enduro bikes should not weigh more than 15 kilos (without pedals). Four test bikes do not manage this.
4. is durability also taken into account in a test?
No. Almost all test bikes rolled into the test cellar in new condition. The test period is limited to approx. 4 days of use per bike. There are some susceptibilities in terms of maintenance and durability that can be identified during the test, but it's impossible to say for sure. Example: Our colleague Max was so convinced by the handling miracle Scor that he took it with him on holiday to Madeira for three weeks. After using it, the bearing bushes of the rear shock mount were worn out, among other things. Not cool.
You can download the comparison test of the ten high-end enduro bikes from FREERIDE 1/2022 as a PDF below the article.
The test costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in FREERIDE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.
We tested these 10 high-end enduro bikes:
- GT Force CF Pro LE
- Cavenz VHP 16
- Rocky Mountain Altitude CF 70
- Salsa Cassidy
- Scor 4060 LT
- Simplon Rapcorn XC12
- Specialised S-Works Enduro
- YT Capra 29 Core 4
- Cannondale Jekyll 1 (reference bike, tested in FREERIDE 4/2021)
- Canyon Torque CF 9 29
Downloads:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
