Josh Welz
· 13.04.2024
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E-MTBs have never been as affordable as they are at the moment. Until recently, it seemed almost impossible to find candidates for a fully test with E-MTBs up to 4000 euros. Now you can draw on the full range. Because in view of full stocks and timid demand, prices are tumbling.
The Conway eWME 3.9 is also affected by the current price drop. Last year, the all-mountain e-bike was still on sale for €4999. In view of subdued demand, the company from Lower Saxony reduced the RRP for 2024 by a whopping 1000 euros. And if you do a little research online, you can get hold of the model for even less. We have already spotted it for 3200 euros at an online retailer.
Conway is also making big price cuts on other models in the eWME range. The very latest: The top model of our test bike is now available with a mullet wheel mix and 170 mm fork for 5999 euros. Hard to believe given the equipment table. Suspension and dropper post: Fox Factory. 12-speed drivetrain: Shimano XTR. Wheels: DT Swiss Spline HX1501 wheels. Plus a few more goodies.
Click here to go directly to the detailed test report:
About the bike here in the test: The Conway eWME is an old acquaintance that we have been testing again and again in different versions for years (Click here to test the Conway eWME 6.9). With an RRP of 3999 euros, the eWME 3.9 is the entry-level product from Lower Saxony.
In terms of equipment, there is nothing to complain about for this price: unadorned, but functional. The RockShox 35 Gold works well and offers the most necessary adjustment options. Also problem-free: Shimano's 11-speed Deore drivetrain with a wide gear range and the MT420 four-piston brakes, although the brake levers are a little long.
A rewarding combination is the Shimano EP8 and the 720 Wh Darfon battery: The Shimano drive has proven itself with a pleasant power delivery, even if it lacks the final punch in the upper power range. With the large battery, the Conway has an impressive range. The bike is also relatively light. It's a shame that the total weight of the eWME still ends up at a hefty 25.6 kilos.
The riding characteristics of the Conway are unexciting: not very sporty, but without any real weaknesses. The rather loud background noise was a little annoying. Helpful details on long tours: the USB slot in the top tube, the comfortable Fizik saddle and the ergonomic SQ-Lab grips.
The EP8 is the predecessor of the EP801. The maximum output of approx. 465 watts is around 80 watts less than the Shimano Primus and a whole 100 watts less than the Bosch Performance CX. However, the EP8 is not lacking in torque. The 6 Nm less than the newer EP801, which we were able to measure in the laboratory, is hardly noticeable in practice.
At a low cadence, the unit pulls powerfully towards the summit. On the trail, the Shimano impresses with a natural ride feel and smooth power delivery. In steep sections, however, at high cadences, it lacks a bit of punch. At 2.63 kilos, the EP8 is just as light as the EP801 and significantly lighter than the Bosch CX, which weighs just under three kilos (8 top e-bike motors in the test).
Combined with the lightweight 720-metre Darfon battery, this is a powerful combination. In our practical test, the Conway managed 1612 metres in altitude at the highest support level, with an additional 155 metres in emergency mode. This is slightly less than the class leader Bosch with a 750 battery (1900 to 2000 metres), but still a good value. The battery can be removed from the front of the down tube for quick recharging. However, the plastic cover of the battery does not fit snugly and rattles.
Shimano's SC-EM800 display sits well protected from falls next to the stem on the handlebars. Shimano's SW-EM800 remote control can be used to select the three support levels and operate the walk assist.
You can tell from the geometry data of the Conway eWME 3.9 that the model is no longer brand new. Bikes with a steep seat angle, rather long reach values and rather slack steering angles are in keeping with the times.
The real seat angle on the Conway is slack at 75.5 degrees. Due to the kink in the seat tube, the body's centre of gravity moves far back, especially when the saddle is extended. You then sit quite stretched out. Thanks to the long chainstays (457 millimetres), the front doesn't rise too early when climbing.
The steering angle is rather steep at 65.5 degrees, the bottom bracket is high at 346. The very long 460 millimetre seat tube houses a telescopic seatpost with a 150 mm stroke.
For just under 4000 euros, there is no reason to complain. Of course, the equipment is more functional than generous, but you won't find a real mistake on the Conway. The suspension combination of an affordable Rockshox air suspension fork and Fox Float DPS shock works well. Schwalbe's Magic Mary in the Supertrail/Soft version provides good traction on the front wheel, while the Hans Dampf on the rear wheel offers a good compromise between grip and rolling resistance.
The 11-speed Deore drivetrain with a 34 chainring is well suited for normal touring use, but on steep, technical terrain you would sometimes wish for a smaller climbing gear. Shimano's 4-piston MT420 brakes decelerate well on the 203 millimetre brake discs, but the brake levers are too long.
Clever detail: the USB slot in the top tube. Here you can connect your mobile phone or navigation device and supply it with power from the main battery. Helpful on long tours: the comfortable Fizik saddle and the ergonomic SQ-Lab grips.
The top tube of the Conway is quite long at 630 mm, and the higher the saddle extension, the further the riding position moves over the rear wheel due to the slack seat tube angle. As a result, you sit more stretched out and with the centre of gravity slightly further back on the eWME.
With long chainstays, good tyres and a Fizik Aidon saddle that provides good rear support, the Conway still climbs passably well on steep climbs. On technical climbs, however, the bike reaches its limits a little earlier: When there is a lot of pressure on the rear wheel on steep climbs, the rear suspension lacks the final counter-pressure.
Downhill, the Conway performs well for an all-mountain bike in this price range. The suspension is rather comfortable and makes the generous suspension travel readily available, the traction is good at moderate speeds. At very high speeds, the fork feels a little overstretched and the ride becomes choppy. However, this is complaining on a high level. Only a significantly higher quality and more expensive fork would remedy the situation.
On manoeuvrable trails, the bike feels a little sluggish. If you want to actively push the Conway from corner to corner, the suspension feels a little sluggish. If you want to pull the bike onto the rear wheel for a bunny hop or actively pull off jumps, you'll have to put your body into it.
Touring bikers in particular will feel at home on the Conway eWME: thanks to its comfortable suspension, not too extreme riding position, comfortable saddle and a motor-battery combination with a long range, the eWME 3.9 is also an uncomplicated companion on more demanding terrain.
The Conway eWME 3.9 scores as a well-balanced touring bike with comfortable suspension, decent riding characteristics, practical equipment and a long range. On manoeuvrable trails, it feels a little sluggish. However, if the previous RRP of € 4999 had been a little stricter, the conclusion at € 3999 can only be that the Conway is more than worth the price. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine

Editor-in-Chief