Conway Ryvon ST 4.0 on test: Super sports bike with trail genes and Bosch SX motor

The big brother of the Conway Ryvon has already impressed us in the first test. With an astonishingly sporty orientation and strong riding characteristics, the expensive LT model with more suspension travel shone as a versatile light enduro bike. In this test, we have chosen the Ryvon ST 4.0. Not only does it have less suspension travel, it also costs a whopping 4000 euros less than the more expensive candidate. For 6000 euros, the e-bike is aimed at sporty trail bikers. The Bosch Performance SX motor scores points with its particularly dynamic riding behaviour and great liveliness. Even if other light drives are visually much more compact.

>> How does the Ryvon ST compare with the light competition at around 6000 euros? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity

The basic concept and chassis are identical to the expensive top enduro model, despite the steep price difference. The main frame, rocker and rear triangle are also made of carbon on the cheaper Ryvon ST 4.0. For the battery, Conway has opted for a quick removal option. The Compact Tube 400 can be removed in seconds without a spanner. This means you can use a second battery for long tours and double the capacity to 800 Wh. A range extender, on the other hand, cannot be clipped onto the bike. This is because the Ryvon does not have a charging socket in order to maximise weight. This means that the battery has to be removed from the bike for charging.

With 150 millimetres of suspension travel and robust equipment, the ST version of the bike is also fully designed for trails and off-road terrain. There is also the popular wheel mix with a 29er front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel. At almost exactly 20 kilos, the bike remains quite light - despite the solid equipment.

The facts about the Conway Ryvon ST 4.0

• Motor: Bosch Performance SX, 55 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 400 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 6000 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 20.02 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 140 kg (manufacturer's specification)

Bosch SX: The e-bike drive

The foundation stone for the concept is the lively Bosch Performance SX. Thanks to its high maximum output and dynamic power delivery, the small Bosch ensures uphill fun and a touch of uphill flow. However, this only applies as long as the rider can crank quickly. Because at a low cadence, the SX lacks a little torque to really fulfil its uphill promise.

This also applies to long climbs on warm summer days. This is because the small Bosch reacts quite sensitively to prolonged turbo operation and regulates its performance relatively early. Motors like the Fazua Ride 60 and the Specialised SL 1.2 are more stable here. Too bad: On the trail, the Performance SX rattles out of the gearbox.

A special feature is the quick battery change. This also makes the Ryvon ideal for doubling the range with a second battery for long tours. A small disadvantage: The battery must be removed for charging as the bike does not have a charging socket. This also makes it impossible to use a range extender.

The geometry of the Conway Ryvon ST 4.0

Wow, a Conway chassis has rarely been so progressive! Long reach, slack head angle, short chainstays: The bike was designed for sporty trail riding and off-road fun. The very steep seat angle is also ultra-modern and places the rider far forward on the bike.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 435 mm
• Wheelbase: 1275 mm
• Reach: 478 mm
• Stack: 644 mm
• Steering angle: 64 degrees
• Seat angle: 77.5 degrees
• Chainstay length: 442 mm
• Bottom bracket height: 340 mm

The equipment of the Conway All Mountain Bikes

The equipment of the Ryvon ST 4.0 may not be very glamorous, but it has been chosen very sensibly. Especially for off-road use and on trails, which can also be more demanding. Particularly grippy tyres with Schwalbes Ultrasoft rubber at the front, powerful brakes, decent Rockshox suspension - it all fits! On the other hand, savings are made on the favourably priced Sram NX Eagle. As a result, the range suffers a little.

• Fork / shock: Rockshox Lyrik Select / Deluxe Select
• Gear system: Sram NX Eagle, 34; 11-50 teeth
• Brakes: Magura MT5, 203/203 mm
• Wheels: Sun Ringle Duroc SD37 Comp
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Supertrail Supersoft, 29 x 2.4'' / Hans Dampf Supertrail Soft, 27.5 x 2.4''
• Special features: Telescopic support with 200 mm stroke, easily removable battery, no charging socket in the frame

Practical test: How the Conway Ryvon ST 4.0 rides

Whoops, where have we ended up? The Ryvon ST has nothing to do with the cosy feeling we were used to from Conway e-bikes. The bike is a super athlete! Thanks to its very steep seat angle and lively SX motor, it climbs steep and technical climbs with ease. The forward-positioned seat gives you a lot of control.

When pedalling at a leisurely pace on flat terrain, however, there is a lot of weight on the wrists, deducting points for touring comfort. However, the Ryvon can cash in on the downhill. On flowing trails, it impresses with its balanced and fun handling - even if the heavy wheels cost liveliness. Tuning potential! It's easy to get onto the rear wheel and into the air.

If the trail shows its teeth, the Ryvon holds its own. The long wheelbase and slack steering angle generate a lot of smoothness and grip. The particularly grippy front tyre with soft supersoft rubber is an additional safety boost, and the powerful brakes also give a good feeling. The Rockshox suspension works solidly without shining. All in all, the Ryvon ST is convincing on the trail and downhill.

EMTB review of the Conway Ryvon ST 4.0

Strengths

• Consistently sporty trail design
• Super handling with a lot of take-off qualities
• Battery quickly removable, yet lightweight
• Practical and robust equipment

Weaknesses

• Battery must be removed for charging
• Heavy wheels
• Engine rattles

The EMTB conclusion

The Conway Ryvon ST is a real off-road artist. Whether it's a nasty uphill, a fun trail ride or a tough downhill: the Ryvon performs excellently here. With higher quality suspension, it could do even more! Top: Removable battery. - Adrian Kaether, test author EMTB Magazine

>> How does the Ryvon ST compare with the light competition at around 6000 euros? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity