Mariposa - butterfly - may sound a bit cheesy for a women's series, but the bike has something of a summer bird about it, at least the Sauvage 150 we tested: beautiful to look at, light-footed on the trail and somehow fascinating.

According to Konrad Hari - Product Manager Bixs at Intercycle - the bike developed in collaboration with Swiss engineer Gian Malär has the following advantages:

• High-quality carbon frame for 27.5-inch wheels
• Women-specific add-on parts and design
• 12-speed Shimano Deore XT groupset with its 4-piston brakes
• Fox 36 Float Performance suspension fork with 150 millimeter stroke

Equipment

The bike's equipment is rock solid and not a sham. Apart from Shimano's new 12-speed Deore XT groupset, a potent Fox suspension system is used. Only the Schwalbe Rocket Ron tire at the rear is a little undersized for such a trail bike. A tire with more tread - like the Nobby Nic at the front - would be desirable here. A side saddle from Ergon and their grips with "wings" for ergonomic biking are part of the equipment.

Processing & details

Bixs as a brand is not yet very well known, and wrongly so. The handling is impressive and the beautiful finish and unique color scheme of the frame are impressive. The paintwork looks high quality and the interplay between glossy and matt is an eye-catcher. "Little things" such as screws and cable routing are solved with attention to detail.

In the plane

Thanks to the upright riding position, the Sauvage pedals unobtrusively yet efficiently and provides plenty of propulsion. The handling can be described as agile to playful. The rear end provides plenty of traction and goes over obstacles with ease.

Up the mountain

The front tends to climb. It needs a little pressure towards the front wheel or a low-mounted cockpit. Then the bike climbs uphill without effort or resistance on rough trails.

Downhill

The Bixs sticks to the ground both up and down. The suspension remains constant in the mid-travel range and has a high end progression without any disadvantages - but with the advantage that you rarely hit the ground with the cranks. The Sauvage can be ridden over the roughest trails with agility and yet smoothly.

Conclusion

The Swiss Bixs offers a lot of bike for the money, paired with great workmanship. The handling "floats" on top and knows how to inspire.

Recommendation

In short, the Bixs Sauvage 150 Mariposa is a potent trail bike for fast women. Or those who want to become one.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor
www.bixs.com

Test report published in issue 01/2020 of Ride Magazine