TEST
GEAR by Kate Scallion
XPREZO Wuuu X.7
andmade in Bromont, Que. by Xprezo, a local manufacturer estab-
Hlished in 2005 that created a name for itself with its downhill bikes,
the Wuuu embraces the strong influence of the famous Bromont trails in its design and handling. Pedal recently had the opportunity to test the Wuuu on some of the best trails in Victoria, B.C. and we discovered why Xprezo is quickly gaining a reputation for its cross-country bikes as well. Blasting through classic Hartland Dump favourites, it became apparent that this bike is right at home on technical trails. The high bottom bracket made technical climbs with roots or logs easy to conquer, as I was able to clear almost everything with ease — even stuff that usually gives me at least a little bit of trouble. The Wuuu was stable on all of the singletrack that I took it through and was well-planted on all terrain. I never felt like I was squirreling all over the place. Heading down some techy singletrack, the Wuuu kept up and kept me smiling. Having raced XC for many years, Iʼm used to piloting bikes with lighter, racier parts, so it was easy to imagine how a few upgrades could make the Wuuu feel even better. While the spec on this bike is solid, Price: $4,299 Weight: 5.5 lbs. (frame w/shock) Components: SRAM X-7, Fox RP23 rear shock, Avid Elixir R brakes
Frame & Fork: 4130 steel and aluminum 6061, RockShox Reba RL Sizes:
Geometry:
Comments:
XS-XL (tested medium)
68.5º head angle/73º seat angle
A bike that will keep you smiling.
www.xprezo.ca 30
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PEDAL June 2011
some lighter wheels would go a long way to making the Wuuu feel like a great XC racing machine. Xprezo has anticipated this, as the Wuuu comes with a choice of four build kits, offering two levels of Shimano and SRAM components. Our test bike was on the second tier of the Wuuu line and specʼd with a SRAM X7 build kit, Shimano MT65 wheelset with Mavic Crossmark 2.1 tires, RockShox Reba RL front shock and Fox RP23 shock in the rear. Aesthetically, this bike also comes together very well. The hand-built steel frame has smooth curves, slick welds and beautifully machined aluminum linkage. The Wuuuʼs distinctive green paint job may be a love-it or leave-it for some. Iʼm a fan, but if bright green isnʼt your colour, Xprezo is ready to answer your call, offering custom paint jobs where you can select the frame colour, the decal colour and the linkage colour. Available in five sizes, the Wuuu would be an excellent choice for anyone whose primary riding style is all about XC. Sizes small to extralarge are designed around a 120mm fork, while the extra-small is apparently designed to be woman-specific and can only accommodate an 80mm fork. I was pretty happy riding on a size medium, but I did find it a bit bigger than other mediums Iʼve ridden. For 2011, Xprezo has made a few slight changes to the Wuuu, one of its most popular bikes. While the 120mm fork option is perhaps the biggest improvement, the Wuuu now also boasts a newly designed headtube with an integrated headset, which means that your riding position stays the same, even with the increase in travel. That also means that if you opt to go for a 100mm fork, the handling or positioning wonʼt be affected. All in all, I thought the Wuuu was a great ride and a lot of fun over all terrain. It had a great feel on rocky, rooty, twisty-turn singletrack, which is all I really want out of a mountain bike anyway. And itʼs Canadian-made, so even better. www.pedalmag.com