C
CenturionBackfire
mtb
01
Origin
Centurion launched the Backfire as its core hardtail MTB platform in 2008. Starting as an affordable aluminium XC hardtail, the range has expanded into a full family from beginner-oriented Comp builds to carbon race machines weighing under 9 kg. Centurion's Merida partnership (since 2000) enables high-quality carbon frame manufacturing that keeps the Carbon 4000 competitive with dedicated race brands at a relatively accessible price point.
02
Specifications
- Frame
- Aluminium hardtail (entry/mid range: Backfire Pro / Comp series) or carbon PCF fibre (Carbon 2000/4000); 1 1/8"–1.5" tapered headtube, 12×148 mm boost thru-axle dropouts, Postmount 160 mm brake mounts
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Entry (Comp 50): Shimano 2×8, 506% gear range; Mid (Pro 600): Shimano Deore 1×11, 32T chainring, 11-51T cassette; Top (Carbon 2000): Shimano XT/Deore 1×12, 32T RaceFace chainring, SLX CS-M7100 10-51T; Carbon 4000: Shimano XTR 1×12, RaceFace Next SL 34T, 10-51T
- Brakes
- Entry: Shimano BR-MT410 hydraulic disc; Mid: Shimano BR-M6100 Deore hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotors; Top: Shimano XTR hydraulic disc
- Wheels
- 29" aluminium (PROCRAFT Altitude rims, tubeless-ready) on aluminium/mid builds; DT Swiss XR 1501 Spline on Carbon 4000 top build
03
The verdict
+Strengths
- Carbon builds achieve genuine race weight (8.58 kg for Carbon 4000) at prices well below boutique competitors
- Consistent 29" wheel size across the full range supports predictable handling from entry to top tier
- Manitou Markhor (mid) and Fox 32 Factory (top) forks punch above their build-level price points
−Weaknesses
- Aluminium frame sizes run large — requires careful size selection to avoid over-sizing
- Conservative geometry compared to modern trail-oriented hardtails; less playful on technical descents
- Entry Comp 50 uses an SR Suntour coil fork which limits performance over rougher terrain
04
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