Wow! A white speedster, compact shape, treadless tyres, no suspension fork: this S-pedelec, the ST2 from the Swiss brand Stromer, promises high speed from the Alps. So off to the first test, in support level 3 to Stegener Berg on Lake Ammer: down the mountain at 45 km/h, then up again at 40 km/h with minimal effort. The corners of the mouth point clearly upwards.
In order to collect enough kilometres (487 km when we took delivery), we use the bike in pairs: short and medium distances for errands, at least once a week 36 kilometres to work from Inning to Munich. Disillusionment sets in on the second ride: Battery switched on. Display: 0% - although it was fully charged the previous evening. I'll be fine, I think, it's only a few kilometres. Think again! The heavy weight of an S-Pedelec is clearly noticeable in "bike mode": I even have to pedal hard downhill.
After consulting the manufacturer, we remove the battery and reinsert it after a short time. A little contact spray should solve the problem. Indeed: the Stromer gets me home again in record time. Unfortunately, the problem occurs again. On the display: "Battery error/system error".
And more problems follow: On a long journey along a familiar route, I am surprised after a short time at how fast I am travelling according to the speedometer. When I reach my destination, I'm even more amazed. Average speed: 120 km/h! The clock had failed, so the computer calculated this record time. A software update brings the clock back to life, but doesn't really help with the battery problem. After just a few hundred kilometres, we noticed a kind of "braking effect" when pedalling, which unfortunately did not disappear even after the software update.
As there are two of us using the bike, we often have to vary the saddle height. As a result, the seatpost clamp screw breaks after a short time and is difficult to remove. Fixing it with a new screw doesn't work - the seatpost can't be clamped securely. However, we quickly receive a replacement from the manufacturer: a more professional clamp that holds.
After around 1,600 kilometres, you can feel that the 45 km/h that was so praised at the beginning is barely achievable. On the last ride, I only manage a good 20 km/h - and that with a lot of pedalling effort.
A loss of power from the battery? A motor problem? Unclear. And in the end, we don't even want to know exactly, we are so frustrated. One thing is clear and unavoidable: we have to end the endurance test prematurely - after 1,209 kilometres. The drivetrain makes it virtually impossible to continue driving due to heavy "braking" and a very loud noise during the journey. The vibrations spread over the entire wheel and make it unrideable. For safety reasons, we stop the road test immediately. Unfortunately.
THE BALANCE SHEET
Drive/battery Syno Drive, 500 W, 40 Nm/814 Wh
Circuit Shimano, 20-speed
Price 6,490 Euro
Info www.stromerbike.com
Wear and tear Mirror loosened (Km 1,623)
Defects Battery failed (692 km), slight braking effect (first time at 722 km), timekeeping failed (1,274 km), seat post clamp broken (1,274 km), "battery error" (several times from 1,311 km), increasing braking effect when pedalling; humming, vibration of the entire bike (from 1,650 km)
Consumption* 15.4 to 17.0 Wh/km
Average consumption 16.2 Wh/km
Electricity costs** 37 cents/100 kilometres
PLUS powerful engine, responds quickly, safe riding feel, quite comfortable despite rigid fork
MINUS Braking effect while driving - battery problems right from the start
*The consumption values refer to the charging work divided by the kilometres driven. The average value shows the average for the entire journey.
**An electricity price of 22.86 cents/KWh was used for the price per 100 kilometres.
