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Centurion No Pogo F3000i on testThe price is hot - top all-mountain bike with automatic transmission

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 21.07.2024

Centurion No Pogo F3000i // Shiman0 EP801 // 630 Wh // 150/135 mm // 29 inch // 24.6 kg // 4499 Euro (currently reduced RRP!)
Photo: Max Fuchs
The Centurion No Pogo F3000i is currently massively reduced by the manufacturer! For 4499 euros, the top seller offers outstanding equipment. But the riding characteristics of the all-mountain e-bike also have nothing to hide. We have tested the price cracker in detail.
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The Centurion No Pogo is a true mountain bike classic. Born in 1997, it was one of the most popular touring mountain bikes on the market for several years. Even though, apart from the name, the current e-mountainbike no longer has much in common with its ancestor: The focus on a broad target group and distinctive tours has remained.

The F series of the No Pogo comes exclusively with Shimano drivetrain and robust aluminium frame. The bike doesn't break any records on the scales: 24.6 kilos despite high-quality equipment, rather narrow 135 millimetre rear suspension travel and a small 630 Shimano battery. That gives little reason to cheer. Compared to the competition at a similar price point, this weight puts it pretty much in the middle of the field.

Centurion No Pogo F3000i // Shiman0 EP801 // 630 Wh // 150/135 mm // 29 inch // 24.6 kg // 5899 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsCenturion No Pogo F3000i // Shiman0 EP801 // 630 Wh // 150/135 mm // 29 inch // 24.6 kg // 5899 Euro

The equipment is anything but mediocre. XT brakes, Rockshox Ultimate suspension and even Shimano XT Di2 electronic shifting, which enables fully automatic gear changes and shifting on the move if required. (Click here for all information on Autoshift with Shimano's XT Di2!)

Centurion therefore installs absolute high-end products at a very favourable price. How come? The recommended retail price for the No Pogo F3000i was originally € 6499 and therefore € 500 above our price limit for our test. Currently, however, the bike has been reduced by an incredible € 2000 to a super attractive price of € 4499. Wow!

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The cables and wires run through the headset into the inside of the aluminium frame.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe cables and wires run through the headset into the inside of the aluminium frame.

The facts about the Centurion No Pogo F3000i

  • Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 630 Wh (removable)
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Suspension travel: 150 / 135 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: XS/S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 4499 euros (retail price officially reduced by Centurion, formerly 6499 euros)
  • Weight: 24.6 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 150 kg (manufacturer's specification)
Shimano's electric XT Di2 shifts fully automatically on request, adapted to a desired cadence. It also allows you to shift gears while rolling without moving the cranks. To achieve this, Centurion relies on a chain and cassette with Shimano's Linkglide technology. Only 11 gears and a little heavier - but more durable and robust.Photo: Georg GrieshaberShimano's electric XT Di2 shifts fully automatically on request, adapted to a desired cadence. It also allows you to shift gears while rolling without moving the cranks. To achieve this, Centurion relies on a chain and cassette with Shimano's Linkglide technology. Only 11 gears and a little heavier - but more durable and robust.
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The e-bike drive

The Shimano EP801 pushes very powerfully and stoically - especially at low cadences and with gentle rider input. The motor in the No Pogo draws its energy from the classic Shimano battery with 630 watt hours. Although it is quite light at 3520 grams, it only delivers a moderate range. The battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube, which is quick and easy. It is secured in the classic way with a lock.

The Shimano EP801 offers a very good weight/power ratio. However, it runs out of breath too quickly at high cadences.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Shimano EP801 offers a very good weight/power ratio. However, it runs out of breath too quickly at high cadences.
The 630 Shimano battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube and is secured with a lock.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe 630 Shimano battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube and is secured with a lock.

The geometry

Moderate and good-natured - the geometry of the Centurion avoids extremes. Rather steep steering angle, moderate reach and wheelbase. The longer chainstays are aimed at riding safety and grip. The standover height is generous and the bottom bracket is slightly higher.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 448 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1250 mm
  • Reach: 468 mm
  • Stack: 647 mm
  • Steering angle: 66 degrees
  • Seat angle: 76.1 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 457 mm
  • Bottom bracket height: 345 mm
The cockpit of the No Pogo is beautifully tidy and has a high-quality appearance.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe cockpit of the No Pogo is beautifully tidy and has a high-quality appearance.

The equipment of the Centurion No Pogo F3000i

  • Fork / shock: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate / Super Deluxe Ult.
  • Shifting: Shimano XT Di2 11-speed, 34; 11-50
  • Brakes: Shimano XT 8120, 220 / 203 mm
  • Wheels: Sun Ringle Düroc SD 37 Pro
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip 29 x 2.5'' / Dissector Exo+, 29 x 2.6''
  • Special features: Lezyne front light ex works, high weight clearance
The powerful Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate leaves its mark on the Centurion off-road. Sensitive when it matters, defined and controlled when you need it.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

Practical test: How the Centurion No Pogo F3000i

Nasty climbs can't shock the No Pogo. It is really strong on the climbs.Photo: Max FuchsNasty climbs can't shock the No Pogo. It is really strong on the climbs.

High-quality suspension pays off, as the example of the No Pogo F3000i clearly shows. The powerful Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate leaves its mark on the Centurion off-road. Sensitive when it matters, defined and controlled when you need it. The sophisticated suspension fork gives the bike excellent control. Whether on rough enduro tracks or flowing trails.

With only 135 millimetres of travel at the rear, the No Pogo is tame, but the bike uses its travel efficiently and confidently. Together with the powerful Brakes and handy Tyres you can also tackle difficult bumpy descents in a sporty manner. However, the narrow stroke is definitely noticeable on bigger hits compared to more potent all-mountain bikes.

The powerful Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate leads the way downhill. The rider benefits from smooth response behaviour and confident suspension. This earns the No Pogo points on descents.Photo: Max FuchsThe powerful Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate leads the way downhill. The rider benefits from smooth response behaviour and confident suspension. This earns the No Pogo points on descents.

The No Pogo is not a playful fun bike, but on shallow trails the good suspension with plenty of support and pop helps with active riding manoeuvres. The No Pogo's finest hour comes on tours, where it is easy to control and offers a comfortable riding position for long distances. Even steep uphills are particularly easy. The front wheel hardly climbs at all and control is excellent. Only the Shimano motor lacks a little dynamism with a lot of rider input and high pedalling frequencies.

Sailing over the trail with an air stand? The No Pogo can do that. But the core competences of this powerful tourer lie in other areas and at a more leisurely pace.Photo: Max FuchsSailing over the trail with an air stand? The No Pogo can do that. But the core competences of this powerful tourer lie in other areas and at a more leisurely pace.

EMTB evaluation of the Centurion No Pogo F3000i

Strengths

  • Very powerful equipment at a fair price
  • All-round character
  • Defined and predictable handling
  • Option for automatic switching

Weaknesses

  • Moderate range
  • Engine rattles
With good climbing characteristics and long-distance genes, the No Pogo F3000i is a strong tourer. However, you shouldn't expect much range from the small battery. Solid on the descents - but there are even stronger bikes out there.Photo: EMTB MagazinWith good climbing characteristics and long-distance genes, the No Pogo F3000i is a strong tourer. However, you shouldn't expect much range from the small battery. Solid on the descents - but there are even stronger bikes out there.

The EMTB conclusion

Outstanding equipment, balanced riding characteristics and a wide range of applications: The Centurion No Pogo F3000i offers a strong touring package and sets highlights in terms of components. Although it doesn't get top marks for range and agility, the No Pogo is an unbeatable deal at its current price of 4499 euros. - Adrian Kaether, Test Editor EMTB Magazine
Adrian Kaether is test editor at EMTB Magazine.Photo: Georg GrieshaberAdrian Kaether is test editor at EMTB Magazine.
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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