Test Ride: For 2017, Centurion has completely redesigned the Numinis, now offering a Race platform and a Trail platform. Both bikes come on 29″ wheels. The race version of the Numini has to make do with 100 mm front and rear, while the trail version is equipped with 130 mm and 120 mm respectively. We were able to do a short lap with the trail version at the Eurobike and were impressed by the well-balanced bike with interesting features.
The carbon frame is new to the Numinis. The damper moves upwards horizontally under the top tube and the pivot point on the rear triangle is replaced by filigree, flexing carbon struts. The clear advantage of this is a significant weight saving and frame weights of well under two kilograms. The steering angle of the Numinis Trail is significantly flatter than that of the Race version, at 69 degrees (70,5° for the Numinis Race). For a trail bike, however, 69,5° is still quite steep - this helps the rider on the climbs, but could limit it a bit on the technical descents. A very successful feature of the visually successful mountain bike is that there is space for two bottle holders in the frame triangle thanks to the new damper linkage. This is particularly beneficial for touring riders.
The Numini's shifter cables are internally routed, with the brake line being external for better serviceability. The frame also offers the option of mounting a front derailleur - this also increases the suitability for touring. The Numinis Carbon 3000 we tested is equipped with a solid Fox chassis with 130 mm at the front and 120 mm at the rear, which can be controlled in three positions simultaneously on the test bike via a remote. It is shifted with a 1×11 Sram XO and braked with proven Shimano XT brakes. The wheels come with the M1900 from DT Swiss. As is typical for a bike in this class, a lowerable Rock Shox Reverb is also installed, the cables of which are discreetly routed in the frame. All in all, a harmonious equipment for a trail bike and also in combination with the light frame results in a very decent total weight of about 12 kg.
On the first few meters on the bike, you can immediately feel the race genes of the Numinis Race, also on the Numinis Trail. The rear end is rather tight and ensures good propulsion. With the chassis locked, the light and stiff frame gives you an almost hardtail feeling and you can easily conquer long, steep climbs. The seating position with a long top tube and short stem is rather sporty but very comfortable. You don't sit too stretched out, but you don't sit too comfortably either. The front of the bike is also nice and low and the front wheel only climbs late, even on steeper ramps. The downhill performance of the Centurion Numinis is also impeccable – although one or the other could wish for a slightly slacker steering angle on steeper sections. However, the bike is very agile due to the somewhat steeper steering angle and reacts quickly to the rider's influences. The chassis also copes well with fast rock traps.
Conclusion: We liked the Centurion Numinis Trail as a very balanced bike that many different types of riders can be happy with. On the one hand, its climbing properties make it perfect as a touring bike with reserves for downhill riding. On the other hand, it can also convince as a trail bike. Great bike!