The first glance is a mixture of positive surprise and questioning. Visually, the frame shape, the slider system and the arrangement of the shock make the bike stand out from the crowd. However, the tube diameters are more like those of earlier cross-country bikes, that's how slim they are. However, the knock test on the down tube reveals that these are not thin walls. The frame is trimmed for robustness.

A cursory glance over the bike of the "Extra Coil XT" model is pleasing. The equipment with Shimano's Xt drivetrain, EX-1700 Spline wheels from DT Swiss and the Fox Factory suspension is extremely high-quality and sensible, with a good balance between performance and durability. The weight feels lower than other rough enduro bikes, despite the steel shock. Due to personal preferences for twentyniners, however, the MX wheel setup triggers mixed feelings. MX stands for motocross, where small wheels are used at the rear and large wheels at the front. It is a more accurate term for mixed wheel sizes than mullet.

Good climbing qualities

What wants to go down must first go up. But in fact, the must is more of a must, as the Extra 2.0 pedals surprisingly well despite the small rear wheel and steel shock. This is partly due to the 78 degree seat angle, but also the high anti-squat. The new Extra remains relatively bob-free when pedaling out of the saddle.

It is quite possible that the bike will pedal even better in touring trim as a pure twentyniner. It also performs well on steeper trails uphill, but this is where the 29-inch enthusiast misses the larger rear wheel.

Flexible and playful

The smaller rear wheel does have its uses, however, for quick direction changes, winding passages or when you want to live out your playfulness. But one thing at a time. Despite its long wheelbase (1273 millimetres for size M), the Extra 2.0 is very agile around corners, which is why a little restraint is required at the beginning to avoid over-revving. After an acclimatization phase, the curves are controlled precisely, and the slim frame is also very stiff.

As promised, the suspension responds finely. The Extra also absorbs harder impacts with ease. If the rear wheel constantly hits harder impacts, such as over root carpets, the rear end falters a little, which may also be due to the personal shock tuning.

During the test ride in the bike park, any doubts about the tuning disappear abruptly, because the suspension has no trouble with braking holes, even when braking hard. The acclimatization phase in the bike park is also short. The bike sits well on the trail, it feels well-balanced and jumps are practically instantaneous. And if you leave the brakes open properly, the Extra also provides an extra dose of safety, despite its maneuverability in tight corners.

Conclusion

On the first few rides, Arc8's new Extra was already pretty convincing and, above all, fun, even if there were still a few uncertainties when it came to setting up the rear suspension. As far as wheel sizes are concerned, my personal preference remains with the Twentyniner. And as agile as the new Extra is, you can assume that the bike is still playful enough as a complete Twentyniner. Even if the complete Enduro bikes come with the wheel mix, if you ask your specialist dealer, you should not be denied the desire for a full Twentyniner in Enduro trim.

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