Review: Breezer Repack
All mountain/enduro bike with 160mm of travel via a unique mid-chainstay pivot (click to enlarge).
The Lowdown: Breezer Repack Team
Breezer is a mountain bike company started by pioneer Joe Breeze and the bike is named for the famous Repack Race held at the dawn of mountain biking. This Repack is an all mountain bike with 160mm of travel rolling on 27.5″ wheels. The suspension design features Breezer’s own proprietary system called MLink. We go a bit deeper into the background of this bike in our First Look article here.
The MLink suspension platform has proven so popular, that Fuji (sister company to Breezer in the Advanced Sports Inc. family) has recently released their 2016 models using the same design. We had the pleasure of riding the Repack (in Team trim) for a long term test and found it to be capable, fun and different.
| Intended Use: all mountain trail | Wheel Size: 27.5-inches |
| Travel: 160mm front and rear | Wheelset: Shimano XT hubs/WTB rims |
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Suspension: Fox 34 Float CTD fork, FOX Float CTD rear shock |
Frame Material: hydroformed custom-butted 6066 aluminum |
| Drivetrain: Shimano XT 2×10 | MSRP: $4,699 |
| Weight: 31.41 pounds (size MD, no pedals) |
Rating:  4 Chilis-out-of-5 |
In the same league: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 650b, Santa Cruz Bronson C, Trek Slash 8, Giant Reign 27.5 2
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The suspension – a closer look
The MLink system is the star of the show and how it works is very unique. Unlike any other design, it features a mid-chainstay pivot that actually rotates up, when activated. To help illustrate exactly how the suspension compresses, we have this short video showing the rear end moving while detached from the shock entirely.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=X692PuignJs
Designed to be efficient and nimble, there’s no doubt that the solid climbing prowess of the Repack comes from the suspension design. The design works so well that it really helps hide the not-so-light weight of the bike. But perhaps the most noticeable aspect of the MLink was how good the small bump compliance is. It’s even noticeable at low speed which pays dividends if your long, extended climbs tend to be less than smooth fire roads.
Full Review: Breezer Repack
During our long term test, we had the chance to ride the Repack on a variety of trails and conditions (with the exception of rain and mud, which were nonexistent during this past Norcal summer). As previously stated, the climbing efficiency of the Repack is rock solid. It works best for the seated climber, but when you have to stand and hammer through those tricky, uphill chutes it holds its line well.
We ran about 25% sag in our size medium with a rider weight of 155 pounds. This seemed to be the sweet spot, as when we ran more sag, the climbing efficiency would suffer and we would gain little on the plushness side. When we ran 20% or less, we weren’t getting to full travel often enough. The small bump compliance of the MLink is one of the best we have ridden and this is a feeling that can be felt on both climbs and descents. This sensitivity keeps the rider fresher longer and allows the rider to sit down more often.
Skegg’s Point in the Bay Area was one of our testing grounds for the Breezer Repack (click to enlarge).
With a 73 degree seat angle and a 68 degree head angle, the Repack’s geometry is a bit steeper than the current trend towards longer and slacker. This keeps the front end nimble for easy to moderate downhills, but serious drop-ins may have the rider wishing for something a bit more slack. For the majority of trail/all mountain riders out there, this won’t be an issue. However, if you enjoy strapping on your full face and signing up for your local enduro, this might not be the best fit.
We were hoping that the amazing small bump compliance would transfer over to the mid-stroke and big hit ability of the Repack, but this wasn’t so. The rear end soaked up small to mid size hits okay, but bigger hits or drops didn’t provide the amount of cush we crave. This isn’t to say that the Repack was bad, but for a bike with 160mm of travel, we never quite find the single, golden set-up that allowed us to push in all areas (climbing, cornering, descending). On the plus side, the front end handling was nimble and the 27.5″ wheels were definitely more confidence inspiring, especially if you are a rider upgrading from 26″ wheels.
Continue to page 2 for more on the Breezer Repack and full photo gallery »
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