No flowers, no fat saddle, no gaudy girlie colours. Only the name Eve indicates the centurion's area of application. It is aimed at the weaker sex. The bike has the LRS rear triangle, where the shock is mounted asymmetrically between the left seat stay and chain stay. This creates space in the main frame, enables small frame sizes (the Eve LRS is available from size 36 cm) and a large standover height.
For 1599 euros, the top model in the range offers sensibly selected equipment without frills. SLX drivetrain: very good. Brakes: reliable. Attachments: wide handlebars, very comfortable saddle. The Ergo grips were annoying due to slipping, they would have to be glued on due to a lack of screw options.
In the BIKE lab, the facts come to light: the suspension stiffness is perfectly fine for girls (59 Nm/degree), at 2.7 kilos for the frame and shock, the construction is not lightweight, but average. The Igorion software calculates a very good efficiency and in practice you don't feel any drive influences. In contrast to the last two Centurion test bikes with an LRS system (BIKE 4 and 5/10), the shock on the Eve works as it should: responsive, comfortable and with an ideal characteristic curve. Together with the finely responsive fork, ladies get a comfortable chassis that fits together. The Eve is agile and manoeuvrable on singletrack trails, but those who like to let it run downhill will feel rather uncomfortable with the short geometry (short wheelbase). A little more composure wouldn't go amiss. On the other hand, you will be pleased with the comfortable riding position.
ConclusionThe Eve LRS is a discreet comfort tourer at a fair price.
Web: www.centurion.de
*The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
Photos: Stefan Hunziker, Daniel Simon
