After the new aluminium frame for the Contrail last year, Bergamont has now also relaunched the carbon version of its trail bike with 130 mm travel. At the Eurobike Media Days in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, we were able to ride the new Contrail Carbon Elite with 29-inch wheels for the first time - and were impressed. The carbon chassis with its angular tube shapes has a unique look and Bergamont has integrated a "stash box" in the bottom bracket. This tool box - similar to the S.W.A.T. kits from Specialized - offers space for a spare tube, and a Syncros mini-tool is always on board as standard. The plastic box can be opened using two tabs and nothing rattled during our test rides.
Flip chip as with the Alu-Contrail
The new Contrail Carbon comes with 29-inch wheels as standard. However, a flip chip in the lower shock mount in conjunction with the supplied headset cap allows an unrestricted change from 29 to 27.5 inches. There will be two models of the Carbon-Contrail: the top model Ultra for 6000 euros and the Elite for 4000 euros, which we tested. Both bikes can only be ridden with single drivetrains. In addition, both new Bergamont Contrail models are equipped with Boost axles and are prepared for a Shimano Di2. In terms of geometry, Bergamont has stuck to the modern angles and dimensions of the aluminium version. At 67 degrees, the head angle is half a degree slacker, while the seat angle is just as steep at 75 degrees. Overall, the Contrail Carbon offers a comfortable riding position that is appropriate for a modern trail bike. Only the bottom bracket seemed a little low to us during the test rides on the Frommes trail, resulting in several pedal bumps.
According to our measurements, the Contrail Carbon Elite weighs 12.9 kg without pedals (size L) and is priced at 4000 euros. For this you get a Fox 32 Performance fork, a Fox Float Performance shock and a Sram GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain. The Sram Level TL brakes could be a little more powerful, the shock has a little less end progression. The €6000 Ultra version is said to be 400 grams lighter and comes with higher quality components throughout.
