Field Test: 6 Down Country Bikes vs. Proficiency Test


Field Test: 6 Down Country Bikes vs. Proficiency Test
6 bikes down country vs aptitude test
Mike Levy’s words. Photography by Tom Richards
Look, I know most of us are here for the good stuff, no matter what kind of fun single descent that might be, not some boring gravel road climb that’s too steep, too loose, and definitely too long. But the truth is that most of us have to go up a mountain, hopefully on a trail rather than a road, and while many riders are happy to get to the top, others would like to get there soon. This is where bikes like our short travel rigs can make the difference between “never again!” and “Let’s do something else.”
the first Allies BC40 – 2:34
2nd BMC Fourstroke LT – 2:35
3rd Ibis Exe – 2:35 (tied with BMC for second)
the fourth Lapierre XRM – 2:37
Fifth RSD Wildcat – 2:42
VI Pursuing Evil – 2:44
But while all six will be very good at climbs, some are as good or more than others, which is why I made my way up another terrible ascent while running the stopwatch. At the end of the day, the 120mm Allied BC40 was the fastest over the same distance and the same wattage put on the pedals as the others, with new BMC and Ibis tie-ins for runner-up. One second behind.
#Field #Test #Country #Bikes #Proficiency #Test