Karl Platt has already pulled on the winner's jersey nine times at the Cape Epic, successfully piloting his Wild Edge to the finish line in various stages of evolution. This year too, "Mister Cape Epic" scored points in the Masters class together with the Swede Kalle Friberg. His winning bike is the latest version of the Bulls Wild Edge. In our race shootout, the top dog in the team version for 6999 euros has to prove himself against two up-and-coming underdogs from Spain. The Megamo Track Race for 7399 euros and the MMR Kenta 00 for 6075 euros are two powerful opponents on the starting line.
How much suspension travel makes sense?
As with the long-travel fullys in the model range, the new Wild Edge has also been completely redesigned. The shock is now positioned low in the frame and is supplied with shocks via a single-pivot rear triangle with a compact swingarm. There have also been changes to the suspension travel. The new Wild Edge has been bored out to 120 millimetres, in line with the current trend in the cross-country and marathon camp. The Megamo Track is also equipped with 120 millimetres at the front and rear. Just like the torsionally stiff Rockshox SID on the Bulls, the Fox 34 SL also has thick stanchions to provide sufficient precision on rough descents.
In comparison, the MMR Kenta 00 looks a little outdated. With only 100 millimetres of travel at the front and the thinner stanchions of the SID SL, the MMR looks like a classic race bike from days gone by. Nevertheless, the rear suspension offers 110 millimetres of travel, albeit with a strongly progressive progression. After just a few laps on our test track in the Palatinate, it becomes clear that the difference in suspension travel and stiffness on the fork cannot be argued away, even with a rider weight of around 70 kilograms.
Can it be too sporty?
There are also huge differences within the test group in terms of riding position. Platt's winning bike is by far the sportiest: the longest reach and slackest seat angle. In addition, a very low handlebar/stem unit puts a lot of weight on your hands and gives you a very stretched position overall. Ideal for ducking away on flat sections and stepping up the pace. On technical and steep descents, however, this position is not ideal. In comparison, the MMR offers an almost relaxed riding position. Less length and a higher front end improve comfort and control. The Megamo is positioned in the golden mean and offers the most balanced riding position. Bulls and Megamo rely on a one-piece carbon cockpit.
The handlebar and stem unit can only be adjusted in height using the spacers. Fine-tuning by turning the handlebars as with the MMR is no longer possible. The backsweep and rise of the handlebars are therefore set and should definitely be tried out on a test ride before buying. In the practical test, we also noticed the extremely high flex of the Megamo cockpit, which does not convey much precision and safety. The frames of all candidates offer space for two water bottles. An additional storage compartment in the down tube for spare equipment is not included in the specifications of any of the race bikes tested. But that would only increase the frame weight unnecessarily anyway. At 2015 grams without shock, Megamo offers the lightest chassis. In comparison, Bulls - although the Cape Epic winner has the best overall weight - weighs the most at 2239 grams.
Practice & Laboratory
This time we found an ideal testing ground for our shootout in the Palatinate. Sandy and mostly dry. In addition to measuring the wheel inertia, the programme in the laboratory also includes determining the individual weights and frame stiffness.
The combination of lightweight Schwalbe tyres and DT carbon wheels give the Bulls the best acceleration. The wide Pirelli tyres on the Megamo provide excellent grip and comfort, but are a little slower to get going.
Frame rigidity
Our in-house stiffness test rig displays the exact frame stiffness divided into main frame and rear triangle. This provides important data on the handling behaviour of a bike. Megamo and MMR are on the soft side when it comes to the main frame. Here the Bulls offers greater steering precision. The reverse is true for the rear triangle. The single-pivot rear end of the Bulls flexes the most at the sides, which in combination with the stiff front end results in a pleasant ride feel.
The versatile Megamo Track can prevail against the somewhat dusty MMR Kenta and the long-distance specialist Bulls Wild Edge and takes the clear test victory.
