What a bike…..
It’ll be hugely missed. A classic all-action 160mm travel bike that does all the right things, a bike at the very heart of enduro. We first rode the Rallon in Finale a few years ago and back then its capability amongst hardcore Italian rock and root became quickly evident. But more than this, not just the amount of travel but the quality of damping and the impeccable geometry that are such an integral part to its performance.
Up front the Bos Deville, without doubt a unique high-level performer, only doing what needs to be done holding the bike and rider central, achieving grip when surrounded in heavy rock traffic. Yes of course the Fox 36 is good too but it doesn’t quite have that pace of damping that the Bos has.
The Rallon is Bos damped on the rear also, and whilst the likes of Canyon and Cannondale have gone to lengths to provide on the hoof adjustable geometry the angles are a shade on the steep side. In comparison the Rallon has a simple flip chip to switch position from low to lower position, yes that bottom bracket is one of the lowest in the business but from it is from this where dream cornering has its origins.
On the subject of componentry its all quality hardware here. Driven off Race Face cranks and then through Shimano’s finest XTR the bike has never missed a beat. Ok so we were not so happy with the Formula brakes but they’ve proved reliable after a squeaky start, we look forward now to the newer versions.
Mavic wheels, oh yes, fast, light and if you break them they can be repaired at minimum cost. The rear tyre that comes as standard has no place in harder territory and so its with this that we apologise to be sending it back with original rubber. It was a weak point remedied quickly.
Some big talk then. However all of this counts for nothing if a bike is not solid and reliable and in this respect it has been a diamond. And the ride – it has pace, is balanced, stable, fun. What a bike.