Reviews » Bergamont Bicycles - Bergamont bicycles, German engineering, now available in New Zealand

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BERGAMONT STRAITLINE 7.0 DOWNHILL
Bergamont has been building many different kinds of gravity-bikes for several years now. For new input they can then apply to their range of models they can rely on a number of team riders and employees who participate in races. THE BIKE The frame of the “Straitline 7.0” is the same as the one you find on the expensive “Team” model. It is available in two sizes; though it is only the length of the top tube that differs. It has a brake torque support which has the task of isolating the braking forces from the suspension. A Fox “Van R” damper gives the frame a spring deflection of 220 millimetres, at the front end a Rock Shox Boxxer “Race” with a spring deflection of 203 millimetres is at work. The cockpit is a blend of a Syncros “FR31” handlebar, a Truvativ “Hussefelt” stem and a FSA “Orbit Extreme Pro” 1.5 to 1.1/8 reduction headset. Acceleration also happens with the help of Truvativ parts. The chain guide cage is provided by E13 and the gear box comes from the Sram’s “X7” group. For optimal grip Bergamont has mounted Maxxi’s’ “Minion DH” tyres with a soft Slow-Reazy racing compound – that’s how it’s meant to be! The Alex “FR32” rim was pimped with some Bergamont stickers and assembled with hubs from Bergamont’s own brand “Tattoo”. The braking system is a “Juicy3” with big 203 millimetre discs. If it should become necessary, you can also sit comfortably on the SDG “Bel Air ST” saddle fastened on an “I Beam” seat post. The equipment is functional, fits together well optically and with 18.7 kilos the weight is within the norm. HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS Our test bike was a size M. In our experience that is the right size for riders up to 1.8 meters in height. The riders shouldn’t be too heavy either, because the	inbuilt 350 spring is rather soft and you lose part of the spring deflection. The informed retailer should be able to give advice on this issue. With its tidy frame design the whole bike does not only look good, but you can also easily adjust all important parts, e.g. the damper, without having to dismantle it. The cockpit with the combination of Syncros handlebar and Truvativ stem is very rigid and pleasantly live. The chainstay functions very sensitively and responds without much breakaway torque. With its 18.7 kilos the bike is still pleasantly light. It accelerates nicely and is very agile especially around corners. The Rock Shox “Boxxer Race” harmonises well with the Fox “Van R”, when you have adjusted both according to your riding style. With 220 millimetres of spring deflection on the back wheel the Bergamont irons out everything that might come your way. Up in the air the bike behaves neutral. The Avid “Juicy 3” brakes are adequate to take away enough speed before corners or to stop once you have reached the finish. The remaining attachment parts such as the saddle combination by SDG or the E13 chain guard cage round the whole picture and deliver what they promise. Bottom line: A fundamentally sound, unfussy bike with good handling characteristics, a pleasant geometry and beautiful optics. You don’t need anything more. It is quite possible to do top times on this bike without having to substitute even a single part. PROS: Price Handling Characteristics Ready to race straight from the box CONS Damper spring generally very soft

BERGAMONT CONTRAIL 9.0 XC TRAIL
The rider is positioned centrally. The bike is comfortable yet not unathletic; the balance is neutral, the core low. Top notch! Despite its high agility the Contrail still runs calmly. Thanks to 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. 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 breakdown-free delight.	All that remains is to rave about the – for this price range – flash and well-thought-through parts! Bottom line: Be it the geometry, kinematics or the equipment – the Contrail inspires in every respect. It is a feel-good tourer and a trail buster combined into one bike! TEST RESULT: OUTSTANDING TEST WINNER: 03/10

BERGAMONT FASTLANE MGN XC TRAIL
Bergamont’s top model is adorned with Sram’s XX-group – a rare sight on an aluminium bike. For that reason the weight of about 10.6 kilos stays within midrange, but the high weight of the frame leaves little scope for tuning. Big brake discs, classic D-wheels and a high rigidity extend the operating range to top alpine bikers and serious racers. As for the geometry? You’ll love it. And the handling? Agile and playful. Thrust? Top notch thanks to perfect pedalling position and an efficiently firm chainstay. The latter goes	well with the racy SID-XX suspension, yet still offers traction and good shock absorption. That’s the way it’s meant to be! And therefore the MGN demonstrates that aluminium is not a thing of the past not even for racers. Bottom line: The surprise in this test! With its feel-good geometry, first class kinematics and XX-group the Fastlane easily outruns many of the carbon bikes! TEST RESULT: OUTSTANDING

BERGAMONT BIG AIR TEAM FREERIDE
Last year we gave the Bergamont “Big Air” a hard time in our test. The new construction showed weaknesses in the brake torque support (too soft) and in the chainstay function (tough, little comfort). Bergamont took it to heart and reworked the Freerider – successfully. The brake torque support is now made from tougher material and more solid. There is still a little system-related play. This can be felt in a stationary position with the brakes pulled and heard on the downhill; it rattles. Instead of the Fox “DHX 5.0” the chainstay now holds the new “DHX RC2” with a bigger oil volume and a smooth compression stage. Furthermore Bergamont claims to have fine-tuned the kinematics. Did this really happen or is it just due to the damper? By all means the formerly tough chainstay now works sensitively and with good shock absorption. Although the adjustment is still	on the firm side and the “Big Air” requires an experienced rider on exposed tracks, feedback from the ground is always present. The function harmonises with the adjustable “Totem Solo Air”. The geometry matches the set-up: manageable, with a low balance point and running smoothly. The equipment including the “Hammerschmidt” crank set and the harmonious cockpit makes for a Freerider that is successful all round. Bottom line: The firmer set up of the “Big Air” is well suited for operation in bike parks and for tours without steep gradients. Very well-balanced handling. Great equipment!

BERGAMONT CONTRAIL 7.0 XC TRAIL
“Dream bike”, “pure riding pleasure”, “trail bandit”, these are only a few comments from the test protocols. Apart from the paintwork, though, the Contrail looks rather inconspicuous. But she’s a sly old dog: harmonious geometry paired with a central, perfectly balanced seating position. The motto here: take to the saddle, hit the pedal, enjoy. Hardly any other bike in the test flew so nimbly along the test track. The bike is an excellent climber. The chainstay answers to frantic acceleration with a downright stoic calm. Even when climbing out-of-saddle, it is not pumping at all. Downhill, the Contrail impresses with its sensitive response, a good amount of shock absorption and sufficient reserves. Gripping and robust tyres are only one of the well-thought-through features.	Details like continuous cable housing, perfectly tuned brakes and a cockpit like a tailored suit complete the picture. It is only the functional, but not luxurious equipment and some surplus weight that prevent a “superior” rating. The perfect bike for tourers, who are keen to have a blast. + top geometry + handling + versatile, well-balanced + good seating position - hardly any luxury parts Handling and geometry of the Contrail invite to play. The not completely perfect equipment and weight cost the win in this test.

BERGAMONT ENDURO 9.0 ALL MOUNTAIN
To collect points on the downhill Bergamont pulls out all the stops with his Enduro 9.0: “Think big” is the motto of the guys from Hamburg. Take the chassis for example: While the competition uses the light-weight Fox-RP-23 shocks almost across the board, Bergamont are stepping it up a couple of notches using the DHX miracle performer, adjustable into many different positions. For the sake of rigidity they are also not content with using just any old quick release mounts at the back. Instead there we find, same as at the front, the Maxxle floating axle system. No compromise with the tyres either: The Maxxis Ardent are not known for their good rolling resistance, but they offer good downhill-performance. Taking into account these features it is not surprising that the Bergamont rides in the leading field on the downhill. It runs extremely quiet even on the bumpiest track and can be reliably manoeuvred through blocked up rock passages. Nevertheless it is manoeuvrable enough in the single trail, because of the relatively short wheelbase. Its chassis-performance is	especially inspiring – as long as the rider is able to adjust the pretty complicated shocks. The geometry is rather short; the compact seating position provides much security. Which brings us to the topic of uphill performance: It is exactly this short seating position which cost points in the uphill-ranking; there is also the issue of the high rolling resistance of the tyres and the missing mounting option for drink bottle holders. On the plus-side we find the low overall weight, the lowerable fork and the retractable seat post. The latter is regrettably still not standard in this category. + harmonious geometry + good chassis - high rolling resistance - very short seating position a sturdy, firm Enduro with liberal suspension travel, good components and much attention to detail.

BERGAMONT FASTLANE MGN XC/RACE
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. 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 ROAD
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 ROAD
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 XC RACE
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 ROAD
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 ROAD
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. In view of the 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. The seat stays are comparably delicate and ovalised	across beneath the brake. This provides better shock absorption. 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 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 also thanks to the excellent, easily rolling Vittoria tyres. They are the best compromise of lightweight, easy running and durability and noticeably improve the rating of the Bergamont. A strong technical performance

BERGAMONT TATTOO LTD XC SPORT
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.