Bergamont Fastlane MGN

The name Fastlane suggests more than the modest appearance of this aluminium racer lets on. On top of the well-designed cockpit and the well-balanced geometry, as Karl Platt remarked in the test protocol, the Bergamont also has a sensitive chainstay with efficiently working 405 millimetres of spring deflection. Nonetheless, the chainstay remains astonishingly calm even without pedal platform and also has excellent traction on technical ascents. Downhill, safe handling and a safe chassis made both professional racing cyclists achieve fast times, although the fork works a bit firmer than the rear does. Moreover, the traction stage of the damper could work a bit faster for light-weight riders. With its 10.9 kilos including pedals the Fastlane is one of the heavier bikes in the test (heaviest frame with 2575 grams without damper), but the handling characteristics are all the more convincing and bring the bike forward to second place in the practice test. Also positive: With a price tag of EUR 4499 despite its luxury equipment the Fastlane is the most inexpensive bike in its group of bikes tested.

Bottom line: Bergamont builds a racer with excellent riding characteristics, a well-designed chassis and a wide application of the wheels. The chassis is quite heavy, though.

Bergamont Dolce 6.0

The Bergamont Racer impresses through its neatly processed aluminium frame with golden applications on the black anodised coating. At first we also assumed the fork to be aluminium, but, indeed, it is a carbon fork, whereby the coating exactly matches the surface of the anodised frame and blends in perfectly with the overall picture. Bergamont is only one of a few manufacturers who mount the triple-version of the new “Ultegra”, which functions very well and offers a wide gear range. The new “Aksium” wheels are well-engineered and seem of a much higher quality than their predecessors. The durable add-on parts and the comfortable saddle of the “Tattoo” brand complete the package. Excellent rigidity values make this a suitable bike also for riders who are on the heavy side.

Well-balanced frame set in a successful look, a high riding stability and optimal equipment

Bergamont Dolce MGN

With a weight of only 6.7 kilos the black and gold “Dolce MGN” is living up to expectations and its rigidity values do not disappoint either. A slightly softer suspension in the saddle would be desirable. Otherwise the bike leaves little to be desired. The equipment comes from a modular programme that Bergamont only offers for this model. SRAM’s light “Red”-group convinces in combination with the tried and tested “Ksyrium SL”-wheels. The brakes have bite and are easy to handle, yet they let off a slight squeak. Unusual are the 53/36 cogs on the chainwheel – a compromise out of standard and compact drive. The Fizik-“Arione”-saddle with carbon braces and the leather-look bar tape round of the high-quality impression. In practice, we liked the agile steering and the high steering precision at high speed.

Individually painted, a carbon frame that is well-made technically, high-quality equipment

Bergamont Fastlane 9.0

Already in the February Edition of the German BIKE magazine the top-model of the Fastlane line of bikes had received top marks. And the Fastlane 9.0, at half the price, also came out one of the best Marathon Fully in this test. Although its opulent weight of 12.65 kg makes for a significantly more sluggish ride, its frame is identical to that of the top-model with a well-balanced geometry and a chainstay that is sensitive yet nicely shock-absorbent. Thanks to its steep 73º seat angle the Bergamont climbs even the steepest ramp with decent pressure on the front wheel. Downhill the Fox-chassis works actively and the result is a picture of harmony. This bike has the heaviest wheels in the test, which provides a good area to try and reduce its weight.

Apart from its high weight the Fastlane 9.0 convinces as a genuine marathon-racer.

Bergamont Dolce Team

The previous year Bergamont earned a recommendation for its Dolce. Unchanged in its technical aspects the frame enters the current season. With the lightest fork in the competition and the frame only weighing just over a kilo the set weighs in at below 1500 grams. Only the low comfort level due to the alloy seatpost cost it a few points. The smoothly running Dolce team is in the leading group of the long distance bikes in this test. Credit to the light Force group of bikes it has the lowest overall weight in the test: a mere 6.8 kg.

The great running smoothness, drive and weight of the Bergamont are inspiring. Only the comfort could be improved. Road Bike test result: very good.

Bergamont Dolce 5.0

Visually the Dolce takes a backseat, but its technology leads the way. As the lightest bike with the lightest wheels and perfectly balanced tyres the Dolce is a good bike for beginners. Ergonomic handlebar, Jagwire cables, Ritchey adjustment knobs next to the twist shifter and rubber coating next to the head tube are practical details.

Exemplary: the best seat post in the test has two easy-to-reach mounting screws – easy to adjust. The design reminds strongly of Syntace. The shape of the saddle is similar to the Fizik Arione.The frame is rigid, seems very solid. Some of the adhesive foil seems shabby or carelessly applied. The paintwork at the dropouts comes off easily. The welding at the handlebar tube seems uneven. In view of the very generous 5-year warranty on the triple butted frame and the fork, this seems to be only an optical problem. On the upside: The colour scheme is well-matched.The down tube is ovalised across and up respectively in a load-capable way in relation to the bottom bracket and the head tube. The seat stays are comparably delicate and ovalised across beneath the brake. This provides better shock absorption than thick round pipes would. The triple crank together with the derailleur and the chain has more weight than a compact crank. Most bikers prefer the double optic, anyway. The wheel rims run smoothly without lateral or radial run-out. The spokes on the back wheel could be tighter. Shimano builds an asymmetric rim. The spokes on the left and on the right are at the same angle in relation to the hub. In symmetric rims the spokes on the spindle side are arranged more steeply than the ones on the other side. This arrangement allows for a sturdier back wheel. The 105 brakes grip aggressively on the Shimano rims. A slight bucking of the brakes, probably due to a not completely smooth joint section, is a nuisance.

The bike handles evenly, the sitting position is comfortable. This relatively lightweight bike accelerates more briskly than its competitors. This is also thanks to the excellent, easily rolling Vittoria tyres (folding, 245 g). They are the best compromise of lightweight, easy running and durability in this test and noticeably improve the rating of the Bergamont. Light, comfortable, functional. A strong technical performance. The flaws are merely of an optical nature. The design is a question of taste.

Bergamont Tattoo LTD

With its remarkably extensive XT-equipment, a superior Reba SL fork and proper brakes the Tattoo LTD scores high on features. These features also contribute to the attractive overall weight of 11.75 kg including pedals. Due to the size of the test frame the sitting position is on the long side but not excessively sporty. On the steep passages the slippery saddle poses a problem, as it is hard to find hold on it. Downhill, however, the pleasant cockpit with the wide handlebar scores in combination with its unflustered and calm handling. A handlebar-lockout for a quick blocking of the fork is missing.

Relaxed cruiser with great features and a competitive weight.

Bergamont Contrail 9.0 wins the 120mm class

“These guys from Hamburg just have an eye for geometry. Also the Contrail  fits like a tailored suit: The position is central in regards to the wheel. It is comfortable but still sporty. The balance is neutral, the core low. Top notch! No wonder that the firm 9.0 happily zooms along the trail – and despite its agility it still runs calmly. There is no need for calm, of course, as soon as it goes uphill. With ideally positioned pedals and a low front there is proper oomph on the pedals and handlebar.

Furthermore, the multi-pivot suspension stabilises the bike going uphill. It is hardly teetering at all, only a slight loss of traction when going over tree roots. Overall, this Hamburg express  has maximum grip, fork and chainstay are sensitive as well as nicely shock-absorbent. The Syntace cockpit is control to perfection and the tyres with side protection are a puncture-free delight. All that remains is to rave about the flash, well-thought-through no-stress parts!”