The Bergamont Contrail 5.0 already received a critical look from our reader testers during the pre-test set-up: the dropper seatpost, one of the main features of a trail bike, is missing. The bike owes its passable climbing characteristics to the modern frame with a successful riding position. However, the forward momentum is slowed down by the 3366 gram frame, which increases the overall weight. When things get steep, at least the small chainring of the Deore drivetrain provides the right climbing gear. Despite the measured 136 mm travel at the rear, the suspension is not convincing. The problem is that the shock is braced in the non-flat mount. This increases the friction, which costs sensitivity when responding, but brings calm to the rear suspension on climbs. When the trail slopes downhill, the bikes with the dropper post initially ride away. But then the Bergamont Contrail thanks to its pleasing geometry and secure handling. Only the Schwalbe tyres in the cheapest compound are considered a no-go by our reader testers - even in this price range.
Test summary of the Bergamont Contrail 5.0:
Successful geometry, but the high overall weight and weak equipment slow down the riding fun.
BERGAMONT CONTRAIL 5.0 29" - model year 2018
Price 1,899 Euro
Available in specialised shops
Material / Sizes Aluminium/ S / M / L / XL (48.8 cm)
Weight without pedals 14.35 kg
Front/rear suspension travel 137/136 mm
Fork / damper Rockshox Recon RL / Manitou Radium EXP
Cranks / gears Shimano Deore / Shim. Deore
Gear ratio / handlebar width 36/26; 11-42/ 750 mm
Brake system / Disc front / rear Shimano M315 / 180 mm / 180 mm
Seat post Bergamont Pro Race
Impellers Bergam. hubs; Sun Ringlé / Helix TR27 rims; Schwalbe /Tough Tom Active 29 x 2.25 tyres
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 454 / 627 mm / -36 mm
BIKE judgement SATISFACTORY¹
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and coordination.
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