Pro Bike Check: Theo Galy's SUNN Kern LT 29 Prototype

The SUNN Kern LT is the flagship in SUNN’s enduro line-up and has represented the French cult brand at the Enduro World Series for several years. At the penultimate 2018 EWS appointment in Ainsa team rider Theo Galy rolled up on a brand new prototype — the latest incarnation of SUNN’s Kern LT. The new version features twenty-nine inch wheels, an all-new carbon frame to replace the previous aluminium version and a very futuristic look — the most striking upgrades on the new Kern. In Finale Ligure we had the chance to take a closer look at SUNN’s new Enduro rig.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 1 810x540 — The stealth-bomber look with a partially-hidden shock is the true eye catcher of the new carbon frame. The new and very extravagant-looking version of the Kern will go on sale in March 2019.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 34 810x540 — A broken hand forced Theo Galy to sit out most of the Enduro World Series and the French enduro pro was only able to join his fellow racers on the penultimate appointment of the 2018 EWS season. That’s why he was more than pleased with his 15th place in the Finale Ligure race. As opposed to his team mate Kevin Miguel, Theo rode the SUNN LT 29 Prototype both in Ainsa and at the last race in Italy. His “ready to race” bike weighs 15,65 kg including pedals, multi-tool etc.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 3 810x540 — Even without the “PROTOTYPE” decal on the seat-stay the new SUNN LT 29 stands out from the crowd — the frame is rather extravagant-looking. The SRAM Eagle 10-50-tooth cassette offers an enormous gear-range — it certainly managed to impress us in our endurance test.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 23 810x540 — The new SUNN with its striking headtube in the stealth bomber look

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 6 810x540 — The 175 mm FSA SL-K cranks with FSA 34 t chainring

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 5 810x540 — The FAST SUSPENSION Holy Grail-shock hides inside the frame, offers 150 mm of travel and is equipped with a 477 spring. In order to accommodate the shock inside the Horst-Link construction the engineers had to keep the seat tube short.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 10 810x540 — The triangular plastic shields under the seat stays SUNN are meant to protect the shock and linkage from mud and grit

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 7 810x540 — Of course a French bike asks for French pedals. Theo uses a pair of LOOK’s X-Track pedals.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 30 810x540 — Theo runs a 750 mm FSA Grid handlebar with 20 mm rise mounted on a 35 mm FSA Grid- stem. He also carries a OneUp Components multitool with CO2 cartridge in the headset.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 19 810x540 — Theo stores a tubeless repair kit and other bits in a Zefal saddle bag under the DDK Kallum-saddle

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 20 810x540 — Both the front- and rear-wheel come with FSA Afterburner WideR 148 rims with 30 mm inner-width and Hutchinson Toro RR tires. Theo rode the EWS finale with 20 psi in the front wheel and 23 psi in the rear. He also used two Huck Norris protectors in the rear wheel to protect it from punctures whilst the front wheel only had one wheel insert.

EWS Finale Ligure 2018 SUNN Prototype 26 810x540 — Theo brakes on a pair of Formula Cura brakes with 203 mm brake-rotors front and rear. Here you’ll find out how the Formula Cura brakes performed in our big brake comparison test. Theo rides a 160 mm Formula Selva fork which he set up with 56 psi for the Finale Ligure race.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: Manne Schmitt

Pro Bike Check: Theo Galy’s SUNN Kern LT 29 Prototype

About the author

Manne Schmitt

You may also like

About the author

Manne Schmitt