Text: Jochen Donner, Photos: Daniel Simon
For many bike buyers, the 1000 euro threshold is the limit. Even those who use their bike to a high standard can find a suitable bike around this magic mark. In the entry-level segment of 800 euros, the test bikes remain clearly distinguishable, but none can rise above the others.
Occasional and leisure riders without overly ambitious ambitions will find solid companions here. The bikes are mid-range and relatively solid, but heavy. Things get more interesting for committed cyclists 100 euros higher up: Giant's Ligero with rigid fork can even be labelled "suitable for touring". In the main group of 1000cc bikes, the contenders are on a par in terms of performance. Radon wins on points: its equipment level is outstanding and still unrivalled even one price group higher.
The bikes in the test:
800-euro class:
Gazelle Medeo Plus, http://www.gazelle.nl
Göricke Mega Light 2.0, http://www.goericke-rad.de
Wheeler Allterra 4.5, http://www.wheeler-bikes.de
900-euro class
Giant Ligero RS1, http://www.giant-bicycles.de
Stevens Randonneur Gents, http://www.stevens-bikes.de
1000-euro class:
Bergamont Vitess LTD, http://www.bergamont.de
Cobra CT 5.5, http://www.cobra-bike.de
Radon TCS 9.0 Disc, http://www.radon-bikes.de
Staiger Ohio, http://www.staiger-fahrrad.de
Trenga De SLH 6.0, http://www.trenga.de
The full-length article from issue 2/2010 is available as a free PDF download.
