All-mountain e-bike test 2022: BESV TRS 1.3 in the EMTB reader test
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 30.08.2022
The aluminium frame of the BESV TRS 1.3 houses the 630 battery and Shimano's EP8. At the front is the massive Rockshox Domain suspension fork with 38 mm stanchions and 160 mm travel, while the rear suspension delivers 150 mm. Paired with the 29er wheels, the bike lands in the centre of the all-mountain sector of our test group.
The sizing of the frame is less clear. S, M and L are available. Medium is recommended by the manufacturer for riders between 174 and 187 cm tall. So a test bike in M ended up in our editorial office, while the other manufacturers tend to recommend Large for this size.
In fact, the bike is very short in M, but the seat tube is relatively long. The bike is correspondingly compact. On the trail, the short bike has a rather lively character. However, it doesn't want to whizz through the terrain with real agility, which is prevented by the high weight and the lack of counter-pressure in the suspension. The bottom bracket is very high, so you don't feel well integrated into the bike.
The Domain fork stands out positively, responding sensitively, parrying even big hits confidently and giving the bike very good control. In comparison, the rear suspension lacks counter-pressure and reserves. In rough terrain, even with a rather firm setup, we suffered a few punctures. The TRS 1.3 performs better on the climbs, where it masters even difficult and steep sections well.
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief of EMTB:
BESV combines a good drive with decent equipment. However, the chassis was not fully convincing in demanding terrain. Be careful when choosing the size!
All the winning bikes from our readers' survey can be found here: >> 8 all-mountain e-bikes in the big EMTB reader test 2022 <<
Technical data BESV TRS 1.3
General information
- Price: 5499 Euro
- Website of BESV
- Sizes / frame material: S / tested size: M / L / Aluminium
Measured values²
- Weight: 25.8 kg²
- Front/rear suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Reach altitude¹: 1458 (+232) hm
- Average speed: 14.7 km/h
Drive
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Darfon, 630 Wh / 3336 g / 699 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano Deore / XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Domain R / Rockshox Deluxe Select
- Telescopic seatpost: Kindshock e20i, 125 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano Deore four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Shimano MT 400 / 410 hubs; WTB STi30 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF EXO / DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.6"
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer information
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
