Right. Left. Right. Hairpin bend after hairpin bend, the shuttle bus winds its way up the mountain. It's hot, it smells. I feel sick to my stomach. If you don't want to climb metres in altitude yourself in regions without ski tourism, there is usually no way around the car shuttle. That is likely to change: More and more manufacturers are now building long-stroke e-mountainbikes that can really take a beating downhill.
Industry pioneer Specialised launched the Kenevo e-freerider two years ago. Now the Americans are presenting an update, although the new Kenevo for 2020 no longer has much in common with the old one. The frame is visually similar to that of the Turbo Levo with asymmetric support. However, the geometry and chassis differ significantly from the 150 mm Levo.
Like the Levo, the Brose Drive S Mag motor the Kenevo. The Expert has a 700 Wh battery, the Comp has a 500 Wh battery. The battery can be removed, but is only suitable for the rucksack to a limited extent due to its long installation length. Thanks to the new motor and the asymmetrical frame, 1.4 kilos can be saved compared to the predecessor. However, the overall weight should be comparable to the previous model due to the same add-on parts. The Mission Control app allows you to configure the motor characterisation and, for example, set a minimum ride time that the battery should last.
In the muscle bike category Specialised recently launched the new 2020 Enduro presented. Even if the Kenevo does not look like the Enduro (where should the motor go on an Enduro?), the suspension is orientated towards the Enduro. The wheel lift curves are very similar, both rear triangles "dodge" bumps and impacts to the rear. This should ensure more speed and fewer hang-ups. The Kenevo offers a full 180 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear.
The sizes are no longer called S, M, L etc. but now S2, S3, S4 and S5. The reach increases across the board, in S3 it is already a generous 470 millimetres. The chainstays are quite short at 454 millimetres. The 64 degree head angle should ensure a smooth ride, while the steep 77 seat angle provides a comfortable riding position.
There are two Kenevo models to choose from: the Expert for 6899 euros and the Comp for 5499 euros. The former is said to weigh 24.6 and the latter 23.6 kilos. Why is the cheaper bike lighter? The 500 battery in the Comp saves a lot of weight, but is also stingy with range. Both bikes have a Vario seatpost as standard and are fitted with 27.5-inch 2.6 Butcher tyres. The Comp has Marzocchi Bomber suspension, while the Expert has Rockshox suspension with a Boxxer double-bridge suspension fork. This is designed to increase rigidity and enable even more precise steering.
