Trailster (non-electric)
Origin
Trailster was Bergamont's all-mountain / trail platform during the second half of the 2010s, sitting between the XC-oriented Revox hardtail and the longer-travel Encore enduro bike. The architecture was Bergamont's four-bar 'X-Link' layout with 140-150 mm rear travel paired to a 150-160 mm fork, 27.5-inch wheels at launch (2015) and a 29-inch generation taking over by 2019-2020. The 'Sport' trim was usually the second-from-bottom rung of the lineup — entry-level Shimano SLX/Deore drivetrain, RockShox or Suntour suspension, no carbon parts — positioned as a first 'proper' trail bike at a German mid-market price. The non-electric Trailster line was effectively wound down around 2019-2020 as the market shifted toward e-MTB, and Bergamont consolidated the all-mountain segment into the E-Trailster 130/150 platform with Bosch Performance Line CX. Today the Trailster name survives only in the electric E-Trailster sub-brand.
Specifications
- Frame
- Aluminium AL-6061 hydroformed (6066 alloy on early 2015-16 27.5 models); high-modulus carbon main frame on the top Elite / 10.0 trims (2017-2018)
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Shimano SLX / XT 1x11, later SRAM GX Eagle 1x12; Fox / RockShox suspension front and rear
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc, 4-piston on later builds — Shimano MT520 4-piston (203/180 mm) on 2020 Trailster 8, SRAM Guide RS (200/180 mm) on 2019 Trailster 10, Shimano XT M8000 on carbon 10.0
- Wheels
- Initially 27.5" (2015-2018), 29" on 2019-2020 generation; 30 mm-width rims (Alexrims EXR 30 / Syncros Revelstoke 2.0 / Sun Ringle Duroc), Boost 148x12 mm rear
The verdict
- Lively, playful, 'flickable' handling — easy to throw around and confidence-inspiring on technical trails (MBR, Vital).
- Strong component value for a German mid-market price: quality drivetrain (Shimano XT M8000 / SRAM GX Eagle), 4-piston brakes and a dropper post standard even on mid trims.
- Modern, capable geometry — 65.5° head angle and short stem give an all-mountain bias rather than dated XC numbers.
- Adjustable geometry on later models (flip-chip + headset cup) allows 29" / 27.5+ wheel conversion to tune the ride.
- Reliable dropper performance (Manitou Jack on the carbon 10.0 'performed faultlessly').
- Rear triangle suffers noticeable flex — the rear wheel can push off-line under load (MBR).
- Pivot bolts are prone to loosening and need regular checking / Loctite; frame needs frequent maintenance.
- Bottom bracket (Rotor BB on the 10.0) reported creaking after only a few rides.
- Stock shock tune can feel underwhelming/jittery on steep, rocky terrain on some builds.
- Narrow 27 mm rims on the carbon 10.0 let tires fold at low pressure and needed re-tensioning; discontinued line means spares/pivot hardware are harder to source on the used market.
Who it’s for
Want one?
Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.