Are you tired of manually locking, lowering or adjusting the suspension? Have you ever wished the suspension would regulate itself? Welcome to E:i, the electronically controlled rear suspension integrated into the new Ghost Twentyniner. Mechanical systems based on this idea are called Terralogic (Fox) or Brain (Specialized). The electronic pioneer is called Trailtronic (German:A.). How does the system feel? In principle, it is the three functions of the RockShox Monarch RT3 shock (open, lockout, platform), electronically controlled and supplemented by an automatic suspension system with five adjustable sensitivity levels. The integration into a bike computer is consistent, with thumb switches to click through the menu and select the mode. Why all this, you might ask, lockout levers on the handlebars have been around for years. The automatic system, which uses the acceleration sensor in the fork to decide whether to open the shock or not, is exciting. The cadence is recorded for this purpose: If you don't crank (e.g. downhill), the suspension opens. The system closes 2-3 pedal rotations (a perceived one and a half seconds) later, recognisable by the quiet whirring of the servo. It works impressively! Sporty drivers who hate movement in the rear will love E:i. Comfort-conscious riders will not: as with Brain or Terralogic, it takes a little too long for the damper to open, and the suspension is not super-sensitive. The system really comes into its own with long suspension travel. The additional weight of the system is approx. 350 grams. The additional price is not too high: without E:i technology, the bike costs 5499 euros.
ConclusionThis bike appeals to the technology freak: It combines all the latest innovations. The E:i system is an exciting gimmick with a future.
PLUS Technically well realised, clever operation, top equipment
MINUS Saddle narrow
