Test: People in the neighborhood also know how to build mountain bikes. Straight from St. Pauli, the Hanseatic League brought the 29er Contrail Carbon Fully to the Eurobike Media Days. The bike is meant to be a do-anything bike, and we gave it a try.
The Contrail could be a fully touring bike, because with 29 tires and 130 millimeters of travel it fits well into this category. The modern geometry with a 67 degree head angle and 75 degree steep seat angle, the telescopic post, and the fact that it is only suitable for one-by drives suggest it is a real trail robber. With a moderate chainstay length of 438 millimeters and the easy-rolling Maxxis Forekaster tires, it also cuts a fine figure when crossing the Alps. So it could fulfill the promise of a good all-rounder.
We have already tested the aluminum model and take a look at the differences.
The Contrail Carbon is available in two equipment variants, the Elite version for 3.999We tested it for €5, and on top there is the Contrail Carbon Ultra, which has the same frame but even higher quality features and is available for €XNUMX.999 Euro is coming.
The frame of the Contrail Carbon
We had to wait a bit for the Contrail's carbon frame, as it was first announced to us over a year ago. Now he sees the light of day and knows how to please at first sight. The design language of the carbon fiber chassis is pleasing. It also has the option of changing from 29-inch tires to B+ tires if you want, just like its aluminum brother. A second headset shell is included and there is a "flip chip" in the frame, so ground clearance and the geometry of the wheel are maintained with both tire sizes.
A really chic detail is the "stash box" between the bottom bracket and the damper mount. Tools are already integrated in this plastic box. The house key, patches and some cash fit in easily, so you can safely leave your backpack at home on the short after-work lap. A DI2 battery can also be placed under the bottle holder - for all those who want to shift gears electrically.
How does the Contrail Carbon ride?
To get straight to the point: it doesn't drive much differently than the aluminum model, there's no denying that they're siblings. Our tester Flo, who also likes to run marathons, but also doesn't ignore a flowing trail, said he would certainly have a lot of fun with the Contrail on an alpine cross. It rolls confidently on the flat and the bike climbs willingly on the mountain. The seating position is sporty and moderate, so that you can endure it in the saddle for a long time. What many potential buyers should also like are the Ergon grips and saddle. The rear stays steady, so you can easily do without a lockout.
If the trail inclines towards the valley, the rear again reveals tough qualities and the pleasantly rolling tires interlock so well with the ground that you are happy to turn off on single trails that do not belong to the "marble track" category. The fork harmonises quite well with the rear, only the brakes cannot convince heavy riders when they really want to accelerate. All other components fit. The inexpensive Sram Eagle has everything you need with 12 gears and a wide range of gear ratios. Parts from the Syncros brand are installed in the cockpit and the wheels. You don't see the Manitou dropper post very often on bikes, there's really no reason for that, it works perfectly.
