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Lee Cougan Crossfire 428 Team - Marathon bike test 2022

Max Fuchs

 · 22.07.2022

Lee Cougan Crossfire 428 Team - Marathon bike test 2022Photo: Max Fuchs
Lee Cougan Crossfire 428 Team
Light, sporty and damn fast - with the new Crossfire, Lee Cougan from Illinois is launching an offensive on the German cross-country market. In Germany, the mountain bikes from the subsidiary of racing bike specialist Basso are still a rarity. But now Lee Cougan has set up a new location in Nuremberg - the perfect opportunity for the Americans to prove themselves in BIKE's laboratory and practical test.

On our test benches, the Lee Cougan Crossfire only achieved a low frame stiffness. In practice, this also makes the bike feel spongy under heavy loads, for example on berms. The total weight of 11.3 kilos is also only good. The lightweight frame weighing just 2153 grams with the high-quality components may raise hopes of a top score on the scales, but with the heavy wheels the Crossfire cannot fully realise its potential.

Praise gives's for the sensitive rear suspension: both under chain tension and downhill, the rear end smoothes out even the finest bumps. To ensure that the suspension is free from the influence of the drivetrain, you can use the platform function via the lever on the handlebars. The riding position is very sporty, even in size M, thanks to the low front end with negative stem and long top tube. Long-distance enthusiasts will love this riding position. Compared to modern race bikes, however, the Lee Cougan Crossfire loses some of its poise on the downhill. The slack seat angle places the rider far to the rear. In combination with the short chainstays, the pressure on the front wheel and control on the climbs are lost.

The cable integration in the stem looks stylish, but unfortunately the cables are very difficult to run due to the kink at the frame entrance.Photo: Max FuchsThe cable integration in the stem looks stylish, but unfortunately the cables are very difficult to run due to the kink at the frame entrance.The seat stays are so wide that our tester was constantly grazing the frame with large shoes.Photo: Max FuchsThe seat stays are so wide that our tester was constantly grazing the frame with large shoes.

Conclusion on the Lee Cougan Crossfire 428 Team:

Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor: The riding position is reminiscent of the parent generation of modern race bikes. If you like to collect kilometres under power and avoid technical trails, the Crossfire is a good choice. Demanding descents are not in its specification.

Max Fuchs, BIKE test editorPhoto: Max FuchsMax Fuchs, BIKE test editor

You can download the complete test with all riding impressions and ratings from BIKE 7/2022 as a PDF below the article.

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Technical data Lee Cougan Crossfire 428 Team

General

Measured values

  • Weight: 11.3 kg

Equipment

  • Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1501 Spline
  • Tyres: Continental Cross King / Pure Grip Shield Wall TR 29 x 2.30
  • Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory SC Remote
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory
  • Brakes: Magura MT8 SL / 160 / 160 mm
  • Gear system: Sram XX1 Eagle AXS 1 x 12
  • Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-52 / 520 %
  • Telescopic seatpost: Kind Shock Rage i / 125 mm
Geometry dataPhoto: BIKE TestabteilungGeometry dataCharacteristicPhoto: BIKE TestabteilungCharacteristicThe characteristic curve: the fork and shock work very linearly and provide generous suspension travel.Photo: BIKE TestabteilungThe characteristic curve: the fork and shock work very linearly and provide generous suspension travel.

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Test marathon bikes 2022: Lee Cougan Crossfire 428 Team

Max Fuchs

Max Fuchs

Editor

Max Fuchs hat seine ersten Mountainbike-Kilometer bereits mit drei Jahren gesammelt. Zunächst Hobby-Rennfahrer und Worldcup-Fotograf im Cross-Country-Zirkus, jetzt Testredakteur und Fotograf bei BIKE. Sein Herz schlägt für Enduros und abfahrtsstarke Trailbikes – gern auch mit Motor. Bei der Streckenwahl gilt: je steiler und technischer, desto besser.

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