Pure Cycling Nerve AL 8.0: Off through the middle!

With the Nerve AL 8.0, the Koblenz-based manufacturer is launching its first 27.5-inch full-size bike this year. 27.5 inch bikes are a compromise on the objections to Twenty-Niner. They want to combine the maneuverability of 26 inches with the strengths of 29 inches. Surprisingly, despite larger wheels, the Nerve 8.0 is as agile on trails as before and has even become lighter. The Nerve AL 8.0 (2014) in the field test.

Henning Heilmann

The most successful model series of the mountain bike product range of Pure Cycling - the Swiss label of the German brand Canyon - is the Nerve. And this has been consistently further developed for 2014. Completely redesigned, the aluminum touring-fully Nerve AL 8.0 with 27.5 inch wheels and 120 millimeters of suspension travel goes into the new season.

Many manufacturers such as Simplon, Focus or Stevens have already virtually discontinued the production of 26 inch mountain bikes. 27.5 inches and 29 inches are the alternatives for almost all new products - only for juniors 26 inch bikes are still available here and there. Pure Cycling offers 26 inches only with the carbon fully Nerve CF. Many will therefore make friends with the new 27.5 inch size in the next few years, if they do not want to switch to a 29er. What are the strengths of the new 27.5-inch Nerve AL? Is the new frame size the golden mean?

Weight reduced
One of the first arguments against 29er bikes is still the weight. With 12.3 kilos total weight, the new 27.5 inch Nerve 8.0 is also about 600 grams lighter than the 29er Nerve 8.9. Not only that: Despite the larger wheels compared to the 26er Vorgänge model, the development department of the manufacturer has managed to reduce the total weight of the wheel by 800 grams.

The pleasant to control handlebar from Iridium weighs only 265 grams despite its 680 mm. Also in other individual parts was paid close attention to the weight. The wheels are still 300 grams lighter than the 29er model.

High quality processed
Already at first glance inspires the Nerve 8.0 the futuristic shape with curved top and down tube. Particularly frequent users among mountain bikers will be pleased that all shift cables are internally routed on the Nerve 8.0. A centered, pedal-efficient position is easily adjustable on the adjustable Selle Italia saddle. After slight adjustments, the bike is well controllable and balanced.

Three times ten
The Shimano XT 3×10 gearing with 40-30-22 teeth proves to be an ideal combination of easy uphill and fast downhill gears. On the 40er sprocket you can often add a tooth downhill, while the 22er still has a gear ready on steep trails, which is easy enough. The 29er models of the Nerve had previously 2×10 drive, but now also 3×10 installed.

Optimal suspension
Fox's suspension fork and shock (120 millimeters of travel each) use the flexible CTD suspension technology. CTD stands for "Climb, Trail, Descent" - so there are three different settings available for suspension fork and leg for climbs, trails and descents. These different modes optimally adapt the suspension to the respective riding situation. When climbing, the "Climb" mode ensures that every pedal stroke is directly transmitted to the rear wheels, while the "Trail" mode allows the Nerve AL 8.0 to easily skip over small depressions and compressions, and the "Descent" mode ensures that the bike is optimally sprung on fast descents. The only drawback remains when the nimble descent is immediately followed by a trail and a climb, here a handlebar control unit would be desirable.

First practical test
Our ride with the Nerve 8.0 held extreme climbs on gravel roads as well as descents on asphalt and sloping trails ready. The Nerve showed itself during the ride as versatile and agile, convinces in the rough with comfortable suspension and on asphalt and sloping paths with great running speed. The Avid Elixir 5 180/180 brakes allow perfect control in every situation. On very steep gravel climbs, however, it is difficult to avoid that at some point the tires spin, here 29er tires offer a little more traction on the same track and the climb is easier to manage. Who, on the other hand, maneuverability and weight reduction highest priority, decided so far for 26 inches, and will now choose the 27.5 inch touring bike Nerve 8.0.

Conclusion
The 27.5 inch touring bike Nerve 8.0 convinces with a unique price-performance ratio and a weight reduced again compared to the predecessor. It is particularly suitable for extended trail adventures, but also touring riders get their money's worth. Through the direct sales model Pure Cycling offers prices that you look for in vain at bicycle dealers, especially in Switzerland. The bikes are excellently pre-assembled, with a little Ge-schick the bike is built on a bike assembly stand in ten minutes.

However, at the same price as the 27.5-inch Nerve 8.0, the 29er Nerve 8.9 is also available. So the question remains: 27.5er or 29er? If the bike is preferably used in trail use, I tend to the 27.5er, as an all-terrain bike thanks to the slightly better climbing properties to the 29er. Both are an excellent choice, who prioritizes weight savings will be happy with the Nerve 8.0.