Conway RLC FS 6.9 Review

A German wholesaler once founded one bicycle brand after another; in the 1990s, a label named Conway was also created, which initially focused primarily on city and trekking biking, but soon dedicated itself to mountain biking in its most athletic form - one recalls Verena "Reni" Krenslehner-Schmid.
Two decades after its foundation, the label belonging to Hermann Hartje KG surprised with a fine enduro. And since then, there has been a gap between the 100-mm race machines and the 150-, initially even 160/170-mm full-suspension bikes.
The Lower Saxons fill it with a trick: They pump up their full-suspension endorphin junkie RLC FS in the 6.9 equipment variant with a 120-mm fork to elevate it to down-country level.

Of course, this is a somewhat abbreviated and exaggerated representation. But basically, it's true: Where other manufacturers squeeze in two, three specific platforms in between, Conway is content with clever model maintenance of the two cornerstones, to cover as many needs as possible.

So far, so good. But Downcountry, what is that actually? Being the nitpicker that I am, when this new fashion term emerged, I tended to claim that it referred to a briefly forgotten category of bike; to that kind of mountain bikes which ten years ago were still classified under All Mountain, but in the course of the collective upgrading of all-rounders to downhill increasingly potent near-enduros, they somehow got run over by manufacturers - and with them the associated clientele.
So, sporty full-suspension bikes with about 120, 130 mm of travel, with which pretty much everything is possible (and fun) that the average consumer finds in front of his doorstep and can easily integrate into his neatly bourgeois everyday life between work, family, and other obligations. Seen in this light, Downcountry is exactly my thing.

Meanwhile, the genus term, which was never clearly defined, has spread widely, describing, depending on the origin and orientation of a brand, slightly trimmed-down versions of fun machines for rough terrain as well as slightly beefed-up racing steeds with a bit more potential for the descent.

The Conway positions itself very clearly in the second half of this scale of ambiguity. It shines with a successful base, original ideas, and fair pricing - but also irritates with one or two missteps or omissions regarding the equipment. But let's take it one step at a time...

And how do these numbers and facts actually feel in practice? How does Conway's Downcountry behave off-road, what is its program on the trail?
I'm not revealing any secrets when I basically attribute a high willingness to perform to the "upgraded" race fully with an overall pleasantly balanced riding behavior. Having been on the market since 2021, it has already passed through many testers' hands and legs, and its traction and propulsion strength has rarely gone unnoticed.

Indeed, these two characteristics were the ones that convinced me the most. Stiff and with a suspension that I, once (plus point: uncomplicatedly) adjusted, didn't even want to lock out during out-of-the-saddle pedaling, although it would have been easy for me thanks to the well-operable handlebar lever, making quick distance covering, committed powering up, or snappy starts a real pleasure.

The bike earned even more merits when climbing over roots and rocks. Here, the rear suspension tenderly adapts to each obstacle and then glides over it, not annoyingly bouncing behind but smoothly following the front. Paired with the slightly longer chainstays, the Conway defangs uphill sections of all kinds. From tricky terrain steps to tedious gravel road climbs, everything somehow seems more manageable.

Certainly helpful for that and more, the sitting position seems ideally balanced and remains comfortable even after several hours in the saddle. Nothing presses and pinches on the Conway; wrists, shoulders, back, buttocks, and knees remain free of complaints. And always particularly important for the nerves: nothing rattles on the Conway, the cable routing is rattle-free.
Also nice: There was no sign of the nervousness feared because of the steering angle of 69.5°. "Reacts precisely to steering commands" aptly describes the handling from wide curves to quick flicks to cautiously feeling out the ideal line. Of course, the bike is lively, agile - and certainly not the most stable of its kind. But: That's a title it never wanted to lead anyway.

However, where the carbon bike would indeed cast an envious glance: towards downhill fun. The great rear suspension helps enormously with its traction and fine response behavior even downhill and brings to a stable finish what the stiff front with its fork working well over the full 120 mm of travel begins. It doesn't sag, it doesn't bottom out. And when it's not accidentally locked due to touching the remote lever, the successful suspension of the RLC FS can swallow much more than one would generally expect from a 100-mm full-suspension bike.

Alone: I lack the technical riding sovereignty. Or even just mental flexibility, who knows for sure. It's been ages since I've mastered steep stone steps with the uncomfortable pressure of a saddle in my stomach, whizzed through curves from a lofty height, or spent half an eternity in a basic downhill position until my legs started to burn. And I haven't even missed it.
Which means: No dropper post on a bike that wants to be downcountry, that's something I can't wrap my head around, to the extent that I didn't want to take it on the trail. Thanks to the fixed seatpost, I botched key sections, refused drops, messed up curves, and avoided normally fun challenges.
The only consolation: Such a telescopic post is quickly purchased and mounted. But the question arises: "Why not right away, Conway?"

The same applies to the tires, which, as expected, rolled quickly and offered sufficient grip in dry conditions. But no one will contradict if one wishes for more lateral support, wet grip, and puncture protection for extended downhill fun than Racing Ray and -Ralph can provide. At least a set of Nobby Nic, to stay within the Schwalbe portfolio, should be the bare minimum.

Yes, downcountry is a broad term. Yes, the RLC FS is an extremely capable athlete, which you wouldn't guess from its mere 100 mm of rear travel. But no, a slightly longer, more stable fork alone does not make a significantly different bike out of the model.
For this, it would also need a telescopic seatpost and grippier, more aggressive tires. Also, some more protection for the down tube, keyword frame protector. And possibly wheels that can offer more than 25 mm internal width.

However, those who can live with Conway's rather narrow interpretation of the genre term as XC+ or who don't care about such labels at all, will acquire with this full-suspension bike a fun companion for sporty tours, extended exploration rides, and technical marathons.
Self-determined in design and worry-free in equipment, the excellent climber and obedient absorber convinces especially with its traction-strong rear linkage and balanced geometry.
The fact that it is also extremely fairly priced only makes the colorful bird even more likeable.