Last Tarvo test: Just how much punch does the Last Tarvo ultra-light enduro bike have?

​We’re standing in the woods and my colleague Max grabs the Last Tarvo by the stem and saddle – lifts it slightly and shakes his head in disbelief. “Who’d want an enduro bike this light?” says Max – more of a statement than a question – raising an eyebrow as he speaks.

It’s mad. Around five to ten years ago, lightweight bikes were generally regarded as good bikes. Enduros too. Enduros in particular. Because they were designed to perform well on any terrain. No easy task for the designers – combining lightweight construction with robustness is like dieting whilst eating cream cake. But the name says it all: ENDURANCE! Up, along, down. Then, however, enduro racing became more serious with its inclusion in the UCI World Cup. And more specialised – the racers needed stable, fast machines for the descents. The designers delivered exactly that. And because we amateur cyclists have to – “or are allowed to”, as my colleague Max points out – ride the same bikes as the racers, we’re now cruising through the woods on 17-kilo speed machines too.

Germany’s most successful enduro racer, Christian Textor, summed it up perfectly years ago: “An enduro that’s too light isn’t a good enduro” – a statement that took us test editors by surprise at the time. After all, back then, chunky enduros were still being mercilessly panned in tests. Nowadays, however, even many amateur enduro riders see things the same way as Textor. My mate Alex puts it pragmatically: “I ride my enduro in Finale, or in Latsch, or even in the park – heavier bikes are more stable and faster.” Alex solves the conundrum with that statement. Heavy enduro bikes have hardly any, if any, disadvantages left, because they’re used just like downhill bikes – namely on shuttle rides or on routes with lifts. Uphill? Nobody cares about that anymore.

The Last Tarvo – which, according to the manufacturer, has the world’s lightest production enduro frame – is therefore something of a rarity. An enduro unicorn. That much suspension travel at such a low weight – you won’t find that anywhere else.

Checked out: The Last Tarvo

The familiar look – you really have to look closely to spot any differences from its predecessor. And even then, you won’t see any. Although the frame has become one and a half chocolate bars lighter, you wouldn’t know it to look at it. Evolution rather than revolution. What immediately catches the eye, however, are the high-quality components, foremost among them the Trickstuff Direttissima – braking technology at its finest. The RockShox suspension, featuring the ZEB Ultimate (still the 2025 model here) and the RockShox Vivid Ultimate (also not the latest model), ensures a smooth ride. Those keen to shave off every last gram could squeeze out a further 350 grams or so by fitting a Lyrik Ultimate (160 mm).

One frame, two bikes

Four models continue to share the same frame platform. By swapping the derailleur levers, the Tarvo (ED) can be converted into the All-Mountain Cinto, as well as the trail bike Asco and the down-country bike Celos. All bikes are available as All-29 or Mullet models.

Record weight and more stable

Its predecessor was already billed as the lightest production enduro bike on the market. Now the frame has been made even lighter. A full 150 grams – thanks to new manufacturing techniques developed by All Ahead. Previously, there were different carbon lay-ups; now there is just one, which, despite the weight saving, still carries Category 5 certification (downhill level).

Pedalling hard

The Tarvo offers a wonderfully balanced ride – uphill sections feel pleasantly easy. The handlebars have a subtle rise (40 mm), giving the cockpit a comfortable feel. Now here’s the ‘but’: With the shock’s platform open, the Tarvo wobbles noticeably – even on fairly flat terrain. You might find that annoying if you generally prefer to ride with the compression set open. Others instinctively reach for the platform lever on climbs anyway – which noticeably stabilises the system.

Its light weight really comes into its own on technical climbs. Here, the Tarvo has only one thing in mind – moving forwards.

Let's go, baby!

This lightweight bike accelerates effortlessly on moderate terrain. The short seat tube, combined with the 212 mm Vario seatpost, ensures maximum freedom of movement on steep, technical descents – with endless room to manoeuvre. A snap of the wrist and a bit of weight shifted back, and you’re already surfing on the rear wheel with the Tarvo. The high-quality Direttissima brakes from Trickstuff offer exemplary modulation and impressive stopping power – though you do need to get used to the slightly rough, direct braking feel.

The Tarvo is designed to build up speed and take off from every edge – because it’s got pop in spades. If you’ve ever failed to make it to the landing on another bike, you should give the Tarvo a go. In corners, the bike offers plenty of manoeuvrability, but isn’t exactly a cornering machine. The suspension responds as smooth as butter and provides massive grip on the ground.

​​Would I buy the Tarvo myself? Definitely not – 10,490 euros is an insane amount of money. For half that, you can get a bike that’s just as much fun. Laurin Lehner, BIKE editor

When the terrain becomes rugged and rough, the Tarvo does find its way – but it lacks the solid, planted feel of the familiar 17-kilo enduro bikes. Then the rider has to work harder and stay more active. “That’s what I’m saying,” Max interjects. “I’m happy to accept that,” I retort. I’d rather have to hold on tight in rough, high-speed sections and take a more direct line than compromise on the bike’s range of use.

We tested the bike in its All-29er version – personally, I’d configure it as a 650B version.

Oh yes, and then there’s the price. Prices start at 6,667 euros. For our fully-equipped test bike, you’ll have to fork out a hefty 10,490 euros. “Lightweight construction comes at a price,” says my colleague Max with a mischievous grin. The frame without a shock absorber costs 4,399 euros.

Conclusion

First off, let’s answer the question in the headline: the Tarvo has loads of oomph! Even if you do have to steer its super-light weight a bit more carefully on very rough terrain. In short: with its record-breaking weight, the Last Tarvo has a genuine USP (Unique Selling Point). It accelerates nimbly, is sufficiently manoeuvrable and has plenty in reserve for rough descents. A real ‘aha’ moment – albeit an expensive one (!). However, I find the concept more compelling as a short-travel trail bike. The good news is: it’s available as the Last Cinto.
Laurin Lehner, Editor at BIKE

In a nutshell

• Category: Enduro
• Frame: Carbon
• Size: 175
• Wheel size: 29 inches – Mullet possible
• Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
• Weight: 13.47 kg without pedals
• Price: 10,490 euros (test bike)