The Bavarian brand M1 Sporttechnik has a whole range of fullys with the new Light drive from Bosch at the start. The variants from 150 to 170 millimetres of travel are all based on the same frame. Our test bike, the enduro version, has 170/160 millimetres of travel and relies on mullet wheels, i.e. a large 29er front wheel paired with 27.5 mm at the rear. It also has very robust equipment. In terms of weight, it doesn't set any records, as the massive suspension elements and tyres weigh it down. The bike weighs 21.1 kilos. The M1 EN.400.SX is designed to withstand the toughest terrain without compromise. The drive with the Bosch SX motor, which is super powerful by light standards, and the quick-change 400 battery make the bike interesting not only for minimalists. Power-loving e-bikers could also be attracted here.
The facts about the M1 EN.400.SX Enduro
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX, 55 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 400 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 9900 Euro
- Weight: 21.1 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
The chassis of the M1 EN.400.SX
Eye-catching carbon frames - that's what the Bavarian brand M1 is known for. Of course, the latest addition is no exception. The main frame, rear triangle and shock linkage are made of carbon fibre. The chassis is made unique by the hole in the top tube, which almost integrates the shock into the frame. The kinematics get 160 millimetres of travel from the Fox Factory shock absorber.
The e-bike drive
The Bosch Performance Line SX is the latest light motor on the market - and certainly one of the most special. It weighs a good two kilos, which is similar to Fazua and co. And it is supposed to deliver the same maximum power as its big brother, the Performance CX. Even if this is only half the truth, one thing is certain: the mini-Bosch is particularly powerful by light standards. Its dynamic power delivery and strong punch at high cadence give the Light motor a real e-bike feel and the option of uphill flow. In addition, the CompactTube 400 can be removed from the down tube quickly and conveniently. The fastening of the cover with magnetic Fidlock fastener is also impressive.
The geometry
For a modern enduro bike, the geometry of the EN.400.SX very moderate out. The wheelbase of 1260 millimetres in size L is not trimmed for maximum smoothness. This is due on the one hand to the moderate reach (460 mm, size L), and on the other hand to the steering angle (64.5 degrees), which is also not extreme. This means that the key data is more in the average range of a classic all-rounder in the all-mountain category than in the range of an E-Enduro, which is trimmed for high speed. Noticeable: The seat tube is quite long, which limits the choice of frame size or the space for a dropper post with a lot of travel. The slack seat angle is unusual for a modern bike and tends to place the rider far back on the climbs.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 456 mm
- Wheelbase: 1260 mm
- Reach: 460 mm
- Stack: 660 mm
- Steering angle: 64.5°
- Seat angle: 73.6°
- Chainstay length: 446 mm
The features of the M1 EN.400.SX
In contrast to the geometry, M1 goes all out with the add-on parts. For the Enduro version of its SX bike, the Bavarians have opted for particularly robust equipment. First and foremost, the tyres catch the eye: Schwalbe's Eddy Current E-MTB behemoth. Puncture protection and durability take centre stage here - which somewhat counteracts the lightweight construction concept of a light e-bike. Together with the affordable 1900 aluminium wheels from DT-Swiss, the rotating mass is very high. Added to this are super snappy Magura MT7 brakes with thick brake discs, a robust aluminium cockpit and a downhill-oriented Fox fork with thick 38 mm stanchions. The developers want to equip the bike for the toughest missions and bike park excursions. It's a shame that M1 opted for the Fit4 version of the classy Fox 38 Factory, as it falls noticeably short of the Grip2 damping. However, M1 emphasises the simpler adjustability. Shimano's XTR drivetrain adds a touch of glamour to the equipment package.
Practical test: How the M1 EN.400.SX rides
On tour
On tour with an E-Enduro? Why not! This is especially true for the EN.400.SX from M1. Because it is not a downhill extremo that only blossoms on wild high-speed descents. The geometry is relatively tame, so the steering behaviour remains neutral and the riding position comfortable even on flat terrain. You take a seat on the bike with a sporty and slightly stretched back. In everyday life and on tour, the particularly uncomplicated battery change brings further advantages. This is a rarity, especially with light eMTBs. This also applies to the kickstand mount on the rear triangle of the M1. The Bosch Performance SX motor remains nice and quiet when you're riding at a leisurely pace - that's also pleasing.
Uphill
Compared to other light motors, such as the TQ HPR 50 or the Specialised SL 1.2, the "small" Bosch SX is surprisingly powerful. At a high cadence, it pushes extremely hard for a short time. This allows the bike to climb even steep climbs with ease. However, you should slide slightly forwards on the saddle, otherwise you'll be sitting too rear-heavy due to the flat seat angle. But then the front wheel stays well on track and the handling is uncomplicated even on steep sections. In a light comparison, the M1 Light Enduro is one of the strongest climbers. However, you have to consciously keep the SX motor on cadence, as it only provides moderate thrust at a low cadence.
Downhill
But how does the EN.400.SX perform in its intended habitat, namely on extreme descents? Its character is more smooth than overly lively. The massive tyres give the ride additional security. This means that the bike also swallows up nasty terrain. However, in direct comparison with the three other E-Enduro bikes that we rode with the M1 over trails and through the bike park, there is no real enduro feeling. Neither the moderate geometry nor the less forgiving rear end encourage you to really step on the gas on rough terrain. The bike feels much more comfortable on moderate terrain. Here, however, the very heavy wheels take away from the playfulness and liveliness and the light character is somewhat lost. Our tuning tip: fit lighter tyres! All in all, we feel that a weight-saving build would suit the versatile all-mountain character and the sporty, direct suspension much better. And that's what M1 has in its programme, as there are four other versions of the 400.SX.
The EMTB conclusion on the M1 EN.400.SX
The M1 EN.400.SX has strong all-round characteristics, a unique look and the battery can be changed quickly. In combination with the powerful Bosch SX motor, the bike will appeal to a broad target group. However, despite its robust equipment, it is not fully convincing in rough enduro use. Neither the swallowing pleasure nor the playfulness receive top marks. Lighter all-mountain equipment, which M1 also has in its programme, would suit the chassis better and promote its strengths. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Pro
- Fast, convenient battery change
- All-round character
- Lively engine with comparatively high power
- Bomb-proof equipment
Contra
- Heavy in light comparison
- Not very forgiving in an enduro comparison
- Engine rattles downhill
- Heavy wheels
Further technical data and notes on the M1 Sporttechnik EN.400.SX
Measured values
- Centre of gravity height: 524 mm
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 184 mm
- Ground clearance³: 500 mm
Equipment
- Gear system: Shimano XTR (12-speed)
- Translation (f./h.): 36; 10-51
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Permissible total weight²: 130 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox Transf. Fact, 150 mm
- Telescopic post: Fox Transf. Fact., 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front/rear): Magura MT7 / 220mm/200mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 Spline Hybrid
- Tyres: Schwalbe Eddy Current front + rear, 29 x 2.6"
¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
²Manufacturer information
Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel
⁴The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
