14.5 kilos live weight, 170 millimetres at the front combined with 158 at the rear and a short stem with 780 mm handlebars - these key data quickly outline the area of application: The four-link is recommended for rough terrain. For those who like it lighter, the Cagua Lector with carbon main frame is one kilo lighter, but also 1500 euros more expensive. The frame of our test bike weighed 3655 grams with shock. However, thanks to the geometry with a steep 73.9 seat angle, the aluminium version also climbs very well. Turning the Talas knob on the Fox fork becomes a rare exercise. At 67 degrees, the head angle is too steep for a bike in this travel class - the Cagua therefore lacks composure on steep and fast sections. Since the bottom bracket is also rather high, you don't feel perfectly integrated into the bike, but rather sit more on the bike than in it.
Downhill, the rear suspension also absorbs big hits and utilises the travel very easily. The rear suspension doesn't quite keep up with fast hits. The reason: the over-damped rebound of the Monarch Plus shock. This shortcoming should be a thing of the past in the series with the new setup.
Conclusion: The high bottom bracket and steep head angle set limits to the Cagua despite its ample travel. More can be expected from the rear triangle in series production. The good spec and stiff frame save the "very good" rating for the time being.
