Bergamont Encore 9.0 Review
Encore isn’t just the name of Bergamont’s enduro bike – it’s also the closing track on Eminem’s album of the same name. Now it remains to be seen if this turquoise-orange bike shares the same badboy genes and party-starting attitude: “Cause we came here to set this party off, right.” Are we in for a good time?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
At first glance, the Bergamont Encore 9.0 looks more trashy Euro disco than gangster rap, but that bold paint job is so eye-catching that you’re less likely to notice that the Hamburg-based bike brand have opted for a mixed-material frame (aluminium main frame with carbon rocker arm and chainstays). In terms of stiffness, the SUNringlé Charger Expert AL wheels perform with no flaws, even without Boost hubs. However, the narrow rims (just 23 mm) restrict the volume of the MAXXIS HighRoller II tires, reducing comfort, grip and damping. The rest of the spec all gets an approving nod with a decent performance and aesthetic, too.
The Encore channels Eminem with its provocative handling – at first an unassuming, skinny blond kid, but in time you’ll learn he’s a fast-talking, tough lad. With 170 / 165 mm travel, slack angles, and a long reach (size L reach: 465 mm, 65° head angle), the ride is smooth, but it also has a wily, agile side lent by the short 430 mm chainstays. When pushing the bike into corners it’s definitely wise to shift your weight towards the bars. When the terrain gets burly, you can let the brakes off and let the bike follow its course.
The FOX FLOAT X rear shock uses its travel well, and the bike willingly builds up speed as you feed in the gas. Small bump sensitivity is impressive, and the suspension curve excels with great progression. On climbs, the 14.29 kg Encore rides well thanks to its gearing and central riding position. For maximum efficiency, reach for the lever on the rear shock when the gradient gets really steep.
The Bergamont ENCORE 9.0 in detail
Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Performance 170 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT X Performance Elite 165 mm
Brakes Magura MT5
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seatpost Manitou Jack 150 mm
Stem Answer AME 50 mm
Handlebar Answer Pro Taper 780 mm
Tires Maxxis Highroller II
Wheelset Sun Ringle Charger Expert AL
Bergamont haven’t employed the Boost hub standard on the Encore’s FOX 36 fork: instead they’ve gone for a 100×15 mm model. While there are no issues in terms of stiffness, it could be an issue trying to source wheels in the future.
Wide rims have certain benefits: you’re less likely to feel the tires deform on corners and there’s more volume for the tires, which means increased grip and comfort. These are, however, benefits that the narrow SUNringlé Charger Expert AL expect you to live without.
Bergamont have added a carbon rocker arm and chainstays in a bid to reduce weight and increase stiffness. The FOX FLOAT X works nicely with the rear end design.
What’s the use of a geometry-adjusting flip chip if the geometry is already on point? We loved the slacker setup on the Encore and didn’t use the flip chip on the lower rear shock mount once.
The geometry of the Bergamont ENCORE 9.0
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 400 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm | 515 mm |
| Top Tube [A] | 586 mm | 608 mm | 629 mm | 644 mm |
| Head Angle [D] | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° |
| Seat Angle [B] | 75.3 ° | 75.3 ° | 75.3 ° | 75.3 ° |
| Chainstays [C] | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| BB Drop [J] | 14 mm | 14 mm | 14 mm | 14 mm |
| Wheelbase [E] | 1181 mm | 1202 mm | 1223 mm | 1240 mm |
| Reach [G] | 435 mm | 450 mm | 465 mm | 475 mm |
| Stack [H] | 574 mm | 602 mm | 615 mm | 629 mm |
| Wheel Size [F] | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ |
Conclusion
The Encore 9.0 is the best bike we’ve ever tested from Bergamont. The pairing of its long and slack geometry with quality suspension creates an appealing weapon over burly trails. Bergamont haven’t sacrificed agility though, seeing it cut a nimble line over the terrain. The spec works, although that paintjob is questionable.
Strengths
– Balanced geometry
– Powerful brakes
– Potent rear end
Weaknesses
– Absence of some current major standards
– Narrow rims
– OTT on the paintjob
For more info head to: bergamont.com!
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Canyon Strive CF 7.0 Race | Giant Reign 1.5 LTD | Merida ONE-SIXTY 5000 | Propain Tyee CF Free | Radon SWOOP 170 10.0 | Rose UNCLE JIMBO 3 | Specialized Enduro Comp 29 | Trek Remedy 9 Race Shop Limited | VOTEC VE ELITE 2017 | YT CAPRA CF PRO