Koga was the first manufacturer to transfer the 29er philosophy from the MTB to the trekking/travelling bike. The advantages of smoother running, better rolling characteristics and thicker tyres are not out of place on a bike with this claim: the Worldtraveller copes better with this on difficult routes and with a lot of luggage than with small bikes.
The Vredestein tyres roll easily and grip well, even on loose surfaces, and are not too heavy at around 860 grams. Nevertheless, a test ride on the Koga is characterised above all by its smooth ride: the bike rolls solidly in a straight line and can also be ridden freehand for a few metres for a change. Just right for long distances. The very elaborately built frame feels solid and stiff, the unusual carbon fork can be fitted with a lowrider and helps to reduce steering forces thanks to its low weight. A long rear triangle contributes to a smooth ride, while the low-set top tube ensures comparatively good handling.
However, the very long support struts to the seat tube give away a lot of lateral stiffness: with a test load of 22 kilos (rear only), you feel strong pendulum impulses when changing loads. If you also load an (optional) lowrider at the front, this stabilises the bike again. The high comfort factor of the WT was striking: no significant vibration peaks penetrate to the saddle and handlebars. So you still have reserves even after long day trips. However, the Magura brakes would have given more defined feedback if the booster brackets had been fitted!
Plus:
- Aesthetics: Great! Very practical touring bike with sensible equipment
Minus:
- Brakes slightly doughy;
- Carrier attached with little lateral stiffness;
- only 3 sizes
The history of the model:
The first Worldtraveller was a cross between MTB and trekking bike technology. In 1999, Koga's touring bike still rolled through the country on 26-inch wheels, with a full XT groupset, rear and front carrier and useful accessories such as a pump, water bottles, saddle bag and tools. Buy, mount and go - that was the idea behind it. It still applies today: the biggest change was the conversion to smooth-running 29ers. Suspension, on the other hand, was always left out. The Worldtraveller is a long-distance bike with maximum robust technology.
