At 1740 grams, the frame of the Arc8 Essential is the absolute top value in this test. The carbon bike saves a good 1.2 kilos compared to its competitors with an average frame weight of 2987 grams. This also enables the Swiss company to achieve a comparatively low total weight of 12.51 kilograms. Only the higher-quality Cube weighs significantly less. With its very drivetrain-neutral rear triangle design, the Arc8 is one of the most powerful trail bikes.
Thanks to its weight advantage, the Arc8 dances lively through light terrain and ensures pleasantly lively handling. Small tricks are easy to pull off and bunny hops are a breeze. The riding position is sporty. The 496 millimetre reach positions the rider neatly stretched over the frame triangle.
Fast & safe: The Arc8 Essential SLX on the trail
However, technical climbs are not the Arc8's speciality. Even if the steep seat angle pushes your body weight far over the front wheel, the steering tends to tip over at low speeds due to the extremely flat steering angle. This means you often struggle in key sections. However, once you have picked up speed, the long and flat dimensions of the Essential pay off. Even on high-speed sections, the candidate holds its line securely.
The rear suspension of the Arc8 Essential SLX with the Rockshox Deluxe shock from the mid-priced Select+ series proved to be a limiting factor. Although it reacts sensitively enough to subtle bumps, it cannot fully utilise the potential of the geometry due to its lack of absorption capacity in rough terrain and reaches its limit early on. Another small drawback: the lightweight frame is only available in two sizes.
Conclusion Test Arc8 Essential (2023)
The low weight and progressive geometry of the Arc8 Essential make long tours possible and guarantee fun on tame terrain. The short-travel rear end limits performance on demanding trails. - Max Fuchs, test editor
Technical data and notes Arc8 Essential SLX
Manufacturer information
- Price: 4799 Euro¹
- Available from specialist/mail order retailers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: M,L (tested size 43 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 12.51 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 1740 g
- Weight of wheels: 4818 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox Pike Select Charger Damping
- Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Front / rear suspension travel: 142/118 mm
- Crank: Shimano SLX
- Gear system: Shimano SLX 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano SLX BR-M 7120/7110 / 203 / 180
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Race Face Aeffect / 170 mm / 30.9 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
- Tyres: Wolfpack Trail; TLR ToGuard Compound 29 x 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test rating²: very good - 189.3 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
