Centurion Numinis: New race and trail fleet

For 2017, the Centurion team led by former racer and designer Hannes Genze is splitting the Numinis fleet into two variants:

The Numinis Carbon XC is consequently based on a 100-millimetre chassis and is aimed at racers looking for a fully with uncompromising propulsion. The frame of the top Team model is said to weigh 1780 grams (without shock), the complete bike 9.5 kilos. The equipment: Fox suspension, 12-speed Sram Eagle XX1, DT Swiss Spline 1501 wheels and Magura MT8 brakes. Matthias Pfrommer took second place at the Cape Epic 2016 with the prototype.

The Numinis Carbon is Centurion's answer to trail and alpine cross. The steering angle is significantly slacker at 69 degrees (XC version 70.5 degrees) and the travel of 130 millimetres at the front and 120 millimetres at the rear offers more reserves in demanding terrain. The flagship model features a Fox 34 with Boost standard, Srams 12-speed Eagle, XT brakes and a retractable Reverb seatpost. "If someone is looking for a trail bike, I would definitely put a Numinis Carbon from Centurion in their hands," says Hannes Genze.

Both Numinis carbon versions roll on 29-inch wheels. The frames offer space for two bottle cages, rely on flexing seat stays without a joint at the dropout and have an adjustable main bearing. The bearing play is adjusted manually, which should give the rear triangle more stiffness. The rear triangle also dispenses with a bridge between the seat stays. The necessary stiffness is provided by tapered bolts at the connection between the bellcrank and rear triangle. The fork and shock can be adjusted in three stages from the handlebars. All frames are prepared for the use of an electronic Shimano Di2 drivetrain, have a front derailleur mount and come with dropouts in the Boost standard.

The Numinis Carbon comes in two model variants between around 3500 and 5500 euros. The Carbon XC will also be available in two equipment variants, with prices ranging from around 4500 to under 7000 euros. This makes the improved top model cheaper than its predecessor.

First ride report Numinis Carbon 3000

One thing becomes clear right from the first few metres: even in the trail version, the 12.0 kg Numinis can't hide its race genes. The rear suspension is firm and every turn of the cranks is effectively converted into propulsion. On the way to the trailhead, the bike tempts you to accelerate and willingly destroys even steeper metres in altitude. The riding position is central and comfortable - neither a stretching bench nor a squeeze box. In open mode, the shock bobs surprisingly clearly for its firm design. However, the slight bobbing is immediately eliminated by pressing the lever on the handlebars: even at the middle platform setting, the shock remains stable. When fully closed, you get a real hardtail feeling. At the top, all you need to do is press two buttons for the seat post and suspension and the Numinis is in downhill mode. In moderate terrain, it swiftly circles round bends and puts a smile on the rider's face. Very rough and fast terrain, however, can upset the bike - at least it doesn't offer the security of a full-blown trail bike. The firm rear end can't quite keep up with the potent fork and the 69 mm steering angle does provide agility - but not for composure and reserves in rough terrain. The Maxxis Ardent tyres stand out very positively, as they can hardly be pushed to the limit on the terrain for which the Numinis Carbon is built.

Conclusion: A vehicle for sporty bikers who attach great importance to propulsion, but at the same time want to have more fun off-road than with a thoroughbred racing bike.