Review | The Flyer Goroc 8.70 27.5″ Hardtail
It’s always hard to start anything, and usually you’ll begin by doing something wrong. True? Think again. With the world of e-bikes FLYER might have extensive experience, but it was only this year that they made their first tentative steps into E-MTBs. With the launch of three bikes, they immediately showed us the falsity in the statement. As issue #04 saw them scoop top honours with their enduro-specific fully Uproc6, making it our definite ‘one to buy’, we were naturally on the edge of our saddles when it came to their new hardtail, the Goroc 8.70. Could it match the Uproc6?
Aside from the red sticker, the Goroc 8.70 looks pretty much identical to both of its full suspension brothers. However, the spec is where it differs, as the Goroc 8.70 takes more affordable – yet perfectly functioning – components. The 27.5″ DT Swiss M1700 Spline-2 wheelset is joined by RockShox Reba RL forks with 120mm travel at the front, and spurned on by a 10x XT Shimano shifting system. And the vital parts haven’t seen any corners cut either, with Shimano XT brakes offering almost unrivalled performance and a 200mm disc at the front. Moreover, the super grippy Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres reliably keep the 19.3kg bike on track.
First impressions don’t give rise to any complaints and the saddle and grips from Ergon are more than satisfying. At 720mm, the bars are wide enough for a hardtail, but a slight upward curve would be better. Despite the flat bars and the negatively positioned stem, the riding position is still nice and neutral, although for a comfier ride, you might prefer to turn the stem around.
Not just a cleverly cohesive spec, the riding characteristics have been equally well thought-out, making the Goroc nimble but never twitchy, stable but never lumbering. As the ground gets a little bumpier, the RockShox Reba RL do a sterling job. Never mind fire roads and gravel tracks, the FLYER Goroc is a bundle of fun to ride – of course, a prerequisite is a flowing trail without too many roots and rocks. After all, E-MTB hardtails have one major disadvantage: the rear wheel is subjected to a huge amount of weight and low tyre pressure can only do so much to combat this rigidity. Naturally, the Goroc’s lack of a dropper post is a significant absence here. Compared to a full-suspension E-MTB, you’d rather not be off-road without a dropper post on a hardtail. But for a slightly higher price, the Goroc can be purchased with a dropper post that will certainly defuse the rigidity a little.
Specifications
- Fork: RockShox Reba, 120mm Federweg
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT 10-fach
- Motor: Bosch Performance Cruise
- Weight: 19,34 kg
- Price: from € 2,670.00
Conclusion
Just one thing remains to be said: perfect, mark two! FLYER have proven that the Uproc6 was no fluke – and this hardtail shows they know exactly what they’re doing. For 4,399€, it isn’t the cheapest bike around, but it’s efficient and brilliantly well specced. The Goroc 8.70 has a very pleasant riding position, stable and neutral behavior and can shift itself along the odd trail or two very nicely! The only one real cause for complaint, namely the not-so-comfy bars, is an issue that can easily and affordably be solved.
Words: Andreas Maschke Pictures: Klaus Kneist
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