Carver Evolution 120 (8.6 kilos | 1,099 euros)
Former Votec developer Peter Voitl has put a sporty stamp on the product range of Carver, the own brand of the bicycle XXL Group. The "Evolution 120" is no exception: the riding position is race-like, the handling is agile and direct. A difference to significantly more expensive racers is hardly noticeable while riding. Lovers of a sporty pace should therefore feel at home on the affordable Carver. Shimano's complete "Ultegra" groupset plays a significant part in this; it is well above average in this price range and leaves hardly any racing wishes unfulfilled. Even if the weld seams look a little rustic here and there: The pleasingly painted aluminium frame delivers unhesitating measurements and the workmanship is fine for the price range. The paintwork, on the other hand, could be more resistant: white paint chips came off the dropout as soon as the rear wheel was removed, and our laboratory measurements confirmed the initial impression. The simple "Aksium" wheels from Mavic and the aluminium add-on parts are heavy, but functional and solid.
The tight budget is only noticeable in minor details: We didn't like the "Ultra Race" tyres from Continental, which picked up small stones while riding, and the moderately finished saddle on the test bike. On the other hand, the gel pads under the handlebar tape, which are easy on the joints, and the additionally sealed gear cables are useful details. Carver offers a ten-year warranty on the frame, but unfortunately this does not apply to the fork. On the other hand, there is a 50 per cent discount on a new purchase for the first three years, even in the event of self-inflicted frame damage.
Complete bike price: 1,099 euros
Reference/Info: www.carver.dePhone 0941/3788147; www.fahrrad-xxl.de
Frame sizes*: 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73.5/73.0°
Seat/top/head tube: 530/555/150 mm plus 8 mm headset cap Wheelbase/caster: 990/56 mm
Stack/reach**: 558/390 mm
STR***: 1.43
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Carver RC Carbon
Steering bearing: FSA integrated, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/tyres: Mavic Aksium Race/ Continental Ultra Race tyres
Handlebar/stem: Carver
Saddle/post: Carver
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Frame/fork/headset bearing weight: 1,530/586/58 g
Standardised weight frame set****: 2,221 g: 4.3 Steering head stiffness: 89 Nm/°: 2.0
Lateral stiffness fork: 49 N/mm: 1.7
Bottom bracket stiffness: 54 N/mm: 2.0
Comfort frame: 246 N/mm: 2.0
Comfort fork: 94 N/mm: 4.7
Dynamics Proloque RS Race (9.1 kilos | 999 euros)
The "Proloque RS" from Zweirad Stadler's Dynamics brand bears a clear signature. The geometry of the racer is designed with a long head tube for an upright riding position, making it equally interesting for beginners and long-distance cyclists. The stiffness values of the anodised aluminium frame are very good. The bike's equipment has been chosen with care: Long-throw, powerful Shimano brakes allow for voluminous tyres or mudguards and, thanks to the standard threaded eyelets on the rear triangle, a pannier rack can even be fitted. With a triple crankset and the 11-28 tooth sprocket set fitted, you also get what is probably the most mountain-ready gear ratio currently available. The short stem and compact handlebars round off the consistent design.
The 25 millimetre wide Michelin tyres also fit in well with the concept, but they squeak irritatingly when cornering quickly. The bearings of the simple Shimano "WH-R 500" wheels also made noise. However, experience has shown that the robust round wheels are quiet when greased and are good for many carefree kilometres. The new Ultegra components were combined with the levers of the old Shimano 105. With the market launch of the new 105 groupset, the equipment will probably change soon, and the total weight should then be slightly below the nine-kilo mark. The bike is also optionally available with straight handlebars at the same price, and other equipment features can also be customised.
Price complete bike: 999 Euro
Reference/Info: www.dynamics.de; www.zweirad-stadler.dePhone 0753/83000
Frame sizes*: 47, 50, 53, 56, 59 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73.0/73.5°
Seat/top/head tube: 530/585/200 mm; plus 15 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster: 1,010/56 mm
Stack/reach**: 611/398 mm
STR***: 1.54
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Dynamics Carbon
Steering bearing: integrated, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes: Shimano BR-R 660
Gear system: Shimano 105/Ultegra
Bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra (triple)
Wheels/tyres: Shimano WH-R 500/Michelin Speedium 2
Handlebar/stem: UNO
Saddle/post: UNO/Selle Italia X2
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Frame/fork/headset bearing weight: 1,704/550/77 g
Standardised weight frame set****: 2,304 g: 4.7
Steering head stiffness: 101 Nm/°: 1.0
Lateral stiffness fork: 39 N/mm: 3.3
Bottom bracket stiffness: 57 N/mm: 1.7
Comfort frame: 276 N/mm: 2.3
Comfort fork: 79 N/mm: 3.0
