NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.
The Repack is a good first effort by Breezer bikes to build their first longer-travel bike, but doesn’t yet have the stability and suspension compliance that might be expected from a bike with this much suspension travel.
Climbing - 4 stars
The Repack climbed well on roads and smooth trails, but its climbing stability was thrown off by rocks and terrain features reducing its ability to use its suspension to climb rougher trails.
Descending – 3 stars
Descending performance was okay. With a design oriented around faster steering, the Repack has more of a XC bike feel and is less composed descending rough trails.
Cornering – 3 stars
Again, the fast steering tended to get thrown off by mid-corner rocks and other obstacles.
Summary
This is a long travel bike with the personality of a fast rolling 29er. Lack of compliance in its rear suspension system reduced its ability to use that suspension to its advantage in rough terrain.
Rating Guide
5 stars - Absolutely outstanding
4 stars
3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations
2 stars
1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margi