The Review | CENTURION Trailbanger 2016
CENTURION recently presented the Trailbanger in its all-new-for-2016 incarnation. After several weeks of riding it, our test rider Pirmin can disclose whether the revised model has the skills to place itself firmly at the forefront of the enduro stage.
My main objective for the season is to spend as much time physically riding as possible. Racing, weekends away with friends or just short rides after work, I want to make sure I have a good time. This is why I’m super stoked to be able to ride the CENTURION Trailbanger. The geometry stats all look great at first glance, more than quick enough to win the odd Strava battle or two against friends. But I also need the bike to be tough enough to get through a four-week riding trip in the Alps too.
Spec
As this is still a pre-series bike, the spec of our test bike doesn’t quite match the series build, but the difference in components on our Trailbanger is only minimal. At 178cm tall, I went for the medium-size frame, and swapped the cockpit for a shorter and higher version. Now I’ve got an Answer AME 50mm stem and the Answer ProTAPER Carbon SL Series bars, shortened to 760mm.
For the drivetrain CENTURION settled on the 1×1 components from SRAM, and added their own chainguide to keep the chain securely in place.
CENTURION’s own design, the chainguide, can be used with 26 – 32 tooth chainrings. I mainly use a 32-tooth model, but if I’m going on a long ride with tough climbs then I’ll switch for a 30.
When it comes to braking, CENTURION went for the tried and testing, going for Avid Guide RS with 200/180mm disc brakes. The ZTR Flow EX rims together with the Maxxis Highroller II tyres are a devilishly good combination. And the conversion to tubeless is easily done with a track pump. Despite taking some hard hits, the rims are still intact and smooth – respect!
The Suspension
The FOX 36 forks for 2016 feature the brand new FIT 4 cartridge and the tool-less quick-release axle. On long climbs you can activate platform damping, although I rarely use this as I discovered the Open setting gets me up nicely up the climbs. At their newest, the forks were incredibly sensitive and the breakaway torque was barely felt. Unfortunately the performance has deteriorated, which is a sign that they’re clamoring for their first service. During the service I’ll fine-tune the set-up and experiment with spacers to reduce the size of the air chamber.
The rear shock is as responsive as it was on the very first day, and offers a plush 165mm of travel. Unlike the forks, I regularly reach for the shock’s platform damping on unforgiving climbs. This is also where I’d like to play around with spacers to hopefully improve the performance even more and suit it better to my riding style.
Climbs
The CENTURION has the ability and prowess to climb effectively and willingly. In the ‘firm’ setting the FOX rear shock manages to bypass any twitchiness and noticeably reduces SAG. On tight corners the slack 65.5° head angle can lead to a loss of traction – but this was a very rare occurrence. On the whole the Trailbanger is a super comfortable ride with a position that boasts more stability than aero aggression.
Downhills
With its relatively long and low geometry, the Trailbanger is made for caning it along the trails. Calm and collected even at high speeds, this whippet is brilliantly agile and it’s only on super tight corners that you’ll need to exert your superiority over the bike. Whether you’re riding in steep mountains or on a swooping flow trail, the handling is precise and composed.
The fork and rear shock are insistent in their reliability, giving travel as soon as it’s needed on uneven trails. The bike never felt out of control, and the rear kept tight on burms and when accelerating out of the saddle. The feedback was always appreciated, further improving the agile handling and supporting the plush end progression. Even when the big hits came in quick succession the suspension did a commendable job.
Conclusion
I’d been looking for a modern enduro bike that wouldn’t constrict where I could ride and the CENTURION Trailbanger has more than fulfilled my expectations. It climbs well, descends like a pro and I love the little details like the integrated chainguide. In short, it’s a winning concept that now needs to prove that it can survive the coming weeks and months. I’ll keep you posted.
For more information visit: centurion.de
Words: Pirmin Fischer Photos: Christoph Bayer
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