Test: The Storck brand is mainly associated with light carbon bolides with a corresponding price tag. With the Zero2Seven and the Zero2Nine, the brand from Idstein now has a 27,5" or 29" aluminum hardtail for the smaller budget in its portfolio. The light aluminum frame comes with an equipment variant that costs €1.799. For the test, we were out and about with the 27,5" version in size large in the Bavarian Forest and in Brixental in Tyrol and were able to get a very good impression of the bike.
Storck Zero2Seven G1: The frame
From a visual point of view, the Storck frame is definitely a highlight: the smooth weld seams and the shape of the frame tubes in combination with the high-quality white paint and the discreet frame inscription give the frame a high-quality look. In this niche dominated by carbon frames, the Storck frame is once again a good example that you can also build beautiful and light frames (from 1500g) with aluminum. You don't miss modern standards either: the frame comes with a tapered head tube, 160 mm post mount brake mount and 142×12 mm thru axle. The cables are laid continuously on the outside of the frame. This is not the best solution in terms of looks, but there is no rattling and maintenance is also made easier. The frame construction was designed in such a way that the frame offers sufficient rigidity in appropriate places such as the bottom bracket, but comfort is not neglected either, for example through flexing seat stays.
Storck Zero2Seven G1: Geometry
Basically, the geometries of the 27,5" version and the 29" version were designed together, so the 27,5" bike is aimed at smaller riders (150 cm-182 cm) and the 29" bike at taller riders (from 173 cm). . Due to the overlap, Storck offers bikers between 173 cm and 182 cm the opportunity to choose between the two wheel sizes, depending on their preference. Three sizes (S,M,L) are offered for each wheel size. All in all, a very coherent and logical sizing concept where you will certainly find a suitable bike. The 27,5" version in size Large was tested. A closer look at the geometry data reveals that the bike has a steeply sloping top tube – this is also referred to as sloping. This means that the seat tube is very short compared to the top tube length. This means there is plenty of legroom, but riders with long legs have to use rather long seat posts. The Storck frame has a fairly long reach for its class - this means that shorter stems can be installed, which improve handling. Agility could suffer minimally as a result, but the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Purists and bikers who are used to classic race geometries will have to get used to it first. The steering angle (70,5°) and seat angle (73°), on the other hand, are typical for this class. The steep steering angle in particular helps when climbing – but if there are very steep descents in between, the feeling of overturning could arise.
Storck Zero2Seven G1: Features
The equipment of the Storck Zero2Seven G1 does not have to hide from the top dogs in this price range. Solid and high-quality parts are used throughout. For gears and brakes, a 2×10 XT circuit from Shimano is used. A double drive may seem a bit old-fashioned with the current development, but thanks to the two chainrings you have a wide range for almost every application. When it comes to the wheels, no experiments are carried out and the tried-and-tested DT Swiss 1700 wheels are used. The equipment package is supplemented with a Fox F32 fork with 100 mm travel. Handlebars, stem and seat post were labeled by Storck themselves and also make a very solid impression. Rocket Rons from Schwalbe with a width of 2,25" provide the necessary grip. With this equipment package, the Storck hardtail weighs 11,31 kg, which is already very decent, but with simple tuning measures you can still get a few grams out of it for comparatively little money.
Storck Zero2Seven G1: On the trail
With the Storck Hardtail we were out and about in Brixental/Tyrol and in the Bavarian Forest. Thanks to the compact seating position, you quickly feel comfortable on the bike, even though the test bike had a somewhat long stem, which we found to be the case. On the first few meters you can immediately feel the advantages of the 27,5" wheels. On the one hand, this makes the bike very manoeuvrable and you also get going noticeably faster. As big fans of 29" wheels (at least with bikes like this) we were surprised how much fun a "classic" 27,5" hardtail can be. However, long, steep climbs in Brixental weren't much fun for us. With the smallest possible translation of 28 teeth at the front and 36 teeth at the back of the cassette, the Zero2Seven has a rather longer translation. This doesn't bother fit racers, but touring riders will probably struggle with it in the long run.
Otherwise, the Storck moves perfectly uphill and the front wheel hardly lifts even on the steepest passages. The frame feels very stiff and every watt is converted into propulsion.
However, rigidity alone does not make a bike fast, so comfort is also important with hardtails - after all, the hard rear wants to be cushioned a little. Storck relies on slightly flexing seat stays and together with a far extended seat post, this results in a comfortable rear triangle that absorbs fine impacts and thus protects the driver. Storck has achieved a successful combination of rigidity and comfort here. The fork is also part of the comfort. The F32 with 100 mm of travel from Fox impresses as always and also handles heavy hits without complaint. The fork masters fields of stones and roots without a murmur and has good suspension travel. However, the lockout lever with the three different setting options was less convincing: we had to repeatedly tighten the cable so that the detent worked properly.
Due to its agility and the 2.25" wide tires, the Zero2Seven was also a lot of fun on the downhill. It can be easily maneuvered through tight corners and is by no means overwhelmed even in rougher terrain. The cockpit also makes a good impression on the trail. XT brake and shifter are mounted with a clamp and ensure a tidy cockpit. The XT brakes can be easily operated with one finger as usual and offer enough stability with 180 mm discs at the front and 160 mm at the rear. The only thing we didn't warm up to was the Storck grips, because they were quite uncomfortable on longer rides.
Storck Zero2Seven G1: Conclusion
Storck did a really good job on their entry-level hardtail, the Zero2Seven G1. For €1799 you get a well-equipped, lightweight hardtail with a high-quality frame. The coherent size policy with 27,5" and 29" wheels actually makes it possible for everyone to find the right bike for their preferences. Regardless of whether you are a touring biker or a racer who is at the beginning of his marathon or cross-country career - the entry-level Storck is definitely a good choice.
