Last Coal MX in the BIKE Test: This aluminium enduro bike from Germany rocks
Jan Timmermann
· 04.10.2025
The Last Coal has a reputation to lose. The long-travel bike from the Dortmund-based manufacturer is considered one of the most versatile enduro bikes on the market - not least because of the experience gained from past BIKE tests. While the aluminium enduro bikes from other German character brands, such as Raaw, Alutech or Nicolai, often struggle with excess weight, Last attaches great importance to good results on the laboratory scales. The Coal MX, which is designed for robust downhill fun, weighs 15.4 kilos - a good figure. When we ordered the test bike with a 170 mm fork, mechanical Sram transmission drivetrain and fat downhill tyres, Last frontman Jochen Forstmann still hesitated: "We could build the Coal a kilo lighter." The manufacturer quotes a decent 3.3 kilos for the test frame in size 185. In the end, we were able to convince the PhD engineer and professor to provide a homogeneous opponent for the first production bike of the new Grin brand. The Last Coal goes into an exciting duel against the underdog. The duel opponent is called Grin One, and here we have tested the opponent.
Details of the Last Coal MX
- Area of application: Enduro
- Suspension travel: 170 / 165 mm
- Wheel size: 29"/27.5" (Mullet)
- Weight: 15.4 kg
- Maximum system weight: 130 kg
- Price: 6199 Euro
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Titanium frame bolts, custom paint possible, tool mount, online configurator, various suspension travel options
Quick-change artist
Last uses the same aluminium frame for All Mountain and Enduro. By means of an alternative rocker link and a different shock stroke, the Coal can be trimmed from 165 to 150 millimetres of rear travel and thus transformed into the Glen model. The conversion between a small 27.5 inch or large 29 inch rear wheel is also possible by swapping the rocker link. Last has not installed a flip chip. In the latest version, a little more travel, a slacker steering angle and optimised kinematics should give the Coal a full dose of downhill performance. At the rear, Last promises plenty of sensitivity and grip for the first range of travel. The middle range is designed to be relatively linear for an active riding experience. The progression increases deep in the suspension travel and aims to offer effective bottom-out protection. As befits an enduro bike, both steel spring and air dampers are compatible with the light alloy chassis.
The wealth of detail on the Last homepage shows just how much expertise the engineers have put into their product. Each frame size comes with individual rear suspension kinematics, which equalise the anti-squat curves between the individual sizes. A slightly higher value should ensure good pedalling efficiency. Last also promises a rear suspension function close to the optimum for very tall and very short riders, regardless of their different centres of gravity. The size-dependent position of the pivot points should also ensure that all frames have an almost identical anti-rise curve in order to guarantee constant behaviour under braking.
Perfectly shaped aluminium frames
Only around 500 frames leave the halls of Last every year. A large proportion of the production of aluminium frames takes place in Taiwan. The tubes are welded, straightened and heat-treated in the Far East. After transport to Germany, the small team in Dortmund not only carries out the final machining of the bearing seats on its own five-axis CNC machine, but also presses the stainless steel bearings from Enduro-Bearings into the rear triangle. This means that final quality assurance remains in-house and tolerances can be kept to a minimum. To simplify the availability of spare parts, Last relies on a standardised bearing size throughout. The fully spherical bearing promises a high load capacity and high radial rigidity. Retaining rings with an additional sealing function should also contribute to durability.
The washers required for attaching the trunnion mount shock absorbers are pressed into the bellcrank to prevent them from being lost. Black-coated titanium hardware saves weight and ensures a high-quality finish. The down tube is protected by a bonded carbon protector, which is laminated on site in Dortmund. The frame can accommodate an ISCG standard chain guide via an adapter plate. The cables run through classic frame inlets into the interior. For improved ease of maintenance, the gear cable runs externally on the rear triangle. A bolted BSA bottom bracket should also please mechanics. A UDH derailleur hanger ensures compatibility with Sram Transmission drivetrains.
Equipment
- Suspension fork / shock: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate / Fox Float X2 Factory
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission 1 x 12
- Gear ratio: 30 x 10-52; 520%
- Brakes / disc size: Sram Maven SLVR / 200/180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke: Bike Yoke Revive / 213 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution A.30 Mullet
- Stem / handlebars: Reverse Black One 35 mm / Base World Cup Race 800 mm
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip Exo+ 29 x 2.50 WT / Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DD 27.5 x 2.40 WT
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight: 15.44 kg (size 185, without pedals)
- Wheel weight: 5102 g (incl. tyres, tubes, tubeless rim tape, milk, valves, brake discs)
- Impeller inertia: 4003 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
How the aluminium enduro bike from Last rides on the trail
When it comes to downhill riding, the rider is well integrated into the frame of the Last Coal. The long fork and the large front wheel easily get obstacles out of the way. The suspension fork top model from Rockshox works great both on single big hits as well as in the fast root field staccato. With 170 millimetres of crumple zone, there are plenty of reserves to keep you going. Initially, the rear suspension is still on the soft side and needed a good amount of air pressure to fulfil our expectations. The unconventional combination of Rockshox fork and Fox shock is not a no-brainer and needs some attention: The high and low-speed rebound can even be adjusted separately on the factory shock. You should expect to do a few test laps to get the best out of the suspension with the right setup.
Despite the increased air pressure in the shock, there is no loss of comfort to be feared in the Last Coal's suspension. The rear end sensitively scans the test track in the Oberammergau bike park, fluttering over the rocks and ready to catch you when you jump off a wooden drop. In direct comparison with its enduro colleague from Grin, the rear suspension lacks that last bit of support to satisfy fast racers who want to make time on every edge of the terrain. On the other hand, the Coal is clearly ahead in terms of sensitivity and swallowing pleasure. Only significantly heavier enduro bikes are even more plush on the course. It should be emphasised once again that we found the equipment of our test Coal to be absolutely suitable for enduro bikes. With a soft rubber compound at the front and double carcass at the rear, the tyre choice is ideal and doesn't lose a single gram.
Versatility is the trump card
Last pairs a long main frame with a compact rear triangle on the Coal. This gives the bike unagitated, smooth handling. Pulling off and surfing are child's play even at low speeds - something that is by no means a matter of course in the current enduro segment! Lightweight wheels ensure that the turning pleasure of the Last is noticeably more pronounced than on the Grin bike. The low top tube and the long Vario stroke in the short seat tube also support the playfulness. There is plenty of freedom of movement in the air space above the frame to initiate radical manoeuvres in demanding terrain. Together with the extremely powerful Sram Maven brakes, this creates safety reserves for steep descents. Meanwhile, the 63 degree steering angle ensures a smooth ride in the valley.
Although the seat angle of the Last is extremely steep at 78 degrees and identical to the Grin One, the riding position on the Dortmunder is slightly more balanced. Thanks to the slightly higher front end and the Fox shock, which sits slightly lower in the stroke, the riding position is less squashed than on the rival. Nevertheless, the front wheel doesn't start to bob until late, even on high-percentage climbs. Only on extremely steep ramps does the slack steering angle tend to tip away. The rear end bobs a lot more under the influence of pedalling than on the Grin, but can be calmed down using the platform lever. On technical climbs, the traction of the plush rear triangle is excellent. The load pulls leisurely but pleasingly towards the summit. Although the rims are fitted with powerful enduro rollers, there is no reason to complain about the propulsion compared to other full-suspension bikes with long travel. All in all, the Coal is also well suited to touring under its own power - in a build with a kilo less on the aluminium ribs anyway.
BIKE rating
Driving behaviour (65%)
- Uphill riding behaviour (8%): 1.75
- Uphill efficiency chassis (10%): 3.00
- Play instinct (7%): 1.50
- Downhill riding behaviour (20%): 2.50
- Downhill suspension (20%): 1.50
- Driving behaviour grade: 2.07
Laboratory (10%)
- Weight (6%): 3.50
- Inertia impellers (4%): 3.50
- Lab grade: 3.50
Equipment (25%)
- Equipment quality (5%): 1.65
- Usability/added value (5%): 3.00
- Transport volume bottle cage (5%): 3.00
- Seatpost retractability (5%): 0.50
- Quality/processing (5%): 1.00
- Equipment grade: 1.83
BIKE overall grade: 2.15
The BIKE grade is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5, analogue to the school grading system. The evaluation took place in the Enduro category.
BIKE conclusion
With uncomplicated handling in all situations and a playful character, the Last Coal won the hearts of our testers. The geometry is spot on and the suspension is creamy. The aluminium enduro bike can also shoot - but not at the brute, uncompromising level of some machines from the racing circuit. On the other hand, the versatility and therefore the touring suitability is high. Test victory! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Pro
- light-footed handling despite aluminium frame and Enduro spec
- sensitive, forgiving chassis
- Frame processing and online configurator
Contra
- Setup not quite easy in the tested configuration; racers might miss some support
Jan Timmermann
Editor
