Conway Ryvon LT 10.0: A dream enduro bike with Bosch SX in an endurance test

Conclusion on the long-term test of the Conway Ryvon

When it comes to ride quality, the Conway still scores highly today. The frame and lightweight components have stood the test of time. The SX engine seems outdated, and its rattling is a nuisance. This also contributes to the bike’s significant loss in value within just two years. – Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor

Top marks in the test: the perfect light enduro?

“The combination of durability and driving pleasure is rarely so well achieved.” Our first review of Conway’s Ryvon LT 10.0 from 2023 was full of praise. No wonder we immediately snapped up that brand-new bike as our editorial test bike for a long-term test. And when it comes to its handling, our view from back then still holds true today. If you’re looking for a lightweight e-enduro that’s still fun on normal trails, the Conway is still the bike for you.

​Conway Ryvon LT 10.0: The facts about the endurance test

• Price: 9,999.95 euros plus a second battery costing approx. 500 euros
• Weight: 18.9 kilos
• Frame material: Carbon
• Size / Reach: L / 472 mm
• Front/rear suspension travel: 170 mm / 170 mm
• Wheel size: 29/27.5 inches (Mullet)
• Front fork / Shock absorber: Fox 36 Grip2 / Fox Float X2
• Brake: TRP DHR-Evo, 220/200 mm
• Circuit: SRAM XO Transmission
• Mileage: 2,394 km / 42,000 hm
• Assessment of functionality: 8 out of 10 points
• Estimated shelf life: 6 out of 10 points

The engine: a problem area – Bosch SX raises questions

The balance between a lively ride and plenty of suspension travel is made possible by our bike’s high-quality components. But it’s also down to the Conway’s well-executed design. A truly lightweight full-carbon frame, combined with components that strike a balance between function and weight: even today, at 19 kilos, the bike is lighter than most ‘light’ e-MTBs. Coupled with sturdy tyres, long suspension travel and a removable battery, that’s quite an achievement.

>> Can you get a light enduro bike on a budget? We put the Ryvon LT 4.0 to the test

Unfortunately, not everything about our long-term test vehicle has aged so well. Bosch’s Light-Motor SX, in particular, tested the patience of all four testers. We regularly noted rattling from the gearbox, overheating and loud drive noises in the test report. The delicate battery mechanism could be more intuitive. This is important because the bike has no charging port, meaning the battery has to be removed for charging after almost every ride. On the concept of a bike without a charging port and We’ve already looked at this in more detail in the opening instalment of our endurance test, which features two quick-change batteries.

And over time, the batteries started to rattle more and more in the down tube. The battery cover also regularly made noises whilst riding. The motor label went missing on several occasions, and the otherwise well-designed mini remote control proved to be prone to faults. It got stuck just once, and we had to order a replacement part straight away.

Range and replacement batteries: versatility is key

Our experiences with the range have varied. In wintery Lower Bavaria, the 400 battery was already struggling on compact local loops with just under 800 metres of elevation gain. This was despite an economical riding style and a fit test rider with little winter weight. The concept is, admittedly, a compact battery that’s light and quick to swap. However, if you have to carry a spare battery in your rucksack even on short rides, then that’s a rather questionable approach.

But there’s another way. For a joint ride with non-motorised mountain bikers, tester Florentin significantly reduced the Eco mode and even cycled in Off mode for parts of the route. As a result, on a long trail ride in the Palatinate with 1,500 metres of elevation gain, the drive system used up just 50 per cent of a battery charge. Admittedly, the motor really didn’t have much to do on this ride.

The Isar, high mountains and a bike park: the Ryvon’s terrain of choice

Whether it’s rides with non-motorised cyclists, the Isar trails, high mountains or bike parks: Its versatility is one of the Ryvon LT 10.0’s standout features. As well as various after-work rides on the flat routes near the editorial office, we also took the bike into the Alps and to various bike parks. Whether it’s towing a non-motorised cyclist behind you via a tow rope to gain a few metres of elevation, or an extended ride in e-bike mode – provided we’ve got our spare battery in our rucksack.

Editor-in-chief Josh Welz took the Conway out on the Blindsee Trail and the jump lines in Saalbach, whilst Florentin Vesenbeckh put the bike through its paces on a holiday in southern climes, riding classic trails such as Finale Ligure. Tester Adrian Kaether took the bike from the Odenwald to Lenzerheide. Accessories expert Stefan Frey rode the bike extensively on his local trails around Landshut. All in all, the Conway got around quite a bit.

The good news is that, despite the focus on lightweight construction, there were no reports of faults with the fitted components or the frame. The paintwork shows clear signs of scuffing from the heels on the rear triangle. However, the bearings are still running smoothly, and there have been no major faults.

Lightweight and elegant, but also durable?

When discussing the Conway in an endurance test, it’s worth taking a closer look at its components. ‘Factory tuning’ is the key phrase here. Whilst Conway, as a manufacturer, usually builds sensible and value-for-money bikes, the Lower Saxony-based company has really gone all out with the Ryvon LT 10.0.

The very lightweight carbon wheels from Acros are partly responsible for the bike’s low weight. They felt rather stiff to ride, but were easy to handle and coped with every ride without complaint. Only the loud-sounding freehub bothered us in the long run. The noise can be adjusted, but it’s always there.

TRP’s DH-R Evo brakes also performed reliably, though they did make a bit of a gurgling noise with the newer aftermarket rotors. The Fox suspension has proved its worth, but is now due for a service. The 36 mm fork is slimmer than is usual for 170 mm of travel. However, we found the lower torsional stiffness compared to the 38 to be comfortable and pleasant. It seems that some designers share this view. No wonder, then, that rival RockShox is currently giving the Lyrik a revival with up to 170 millimetres of travel.

Wear and tear and costs

The drivetrain on an e-MTB is subject to particularly heavy wear and tear. We were impressed by SRAM’s XO drivetrain right up to the end. On an e-bike, the smooth gear changes under load are simply a real treat. However, after just under 1,000 kilometres, we had to fit a new derailleur cage as the tension was no longer correct. It’s great that this can be replaced separately, even without tools. However, it cost us 100 euros. The chain is subject to normal wear and tear, and we had to replace it once. Another 100 euros or so. Typical of e-MTBs: the loss in value is significant, as the drivetrain technology in particular becomes outdated quickly. As a second-hand bike, it wouldn’t even be worth half its original price today.

Over time, we also tried out a few accessories on the Conway. Aluminium enduro wheels from Hunt gave the bike a slightly more substantial but less playful feel. The soft Maxxis front tyre was first replaced by a radial combination from Schwalbe and finally by the very durable Conti Kryptotal. The Fox wireless dropper post looks good, but requires a separate battery, which then needs to be charged as well. Otherwise, trouble is bound to arise before the ride. The original Vecnum dropper post, on the other hand, is lighter and allows for adjustment of the travel. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Newmen e-bike cranks with a locking pin for chain lubrication: they’re good value and only slightly heavier than the high-end E-Thirteen carbon cranks fitted to the standard bike.

The Conway Ryvon at a glance

Strengths:

• Great handling
• high-quality and durable fittings
• versatile in use
• lightweight

Weaknesses:

• Loud clattering
• The engine seems to have been overhauled