Our confused glances cross as we unload the bikes from the van. We know that with the Storck e:Rebel and the Quantor Triebwerk, we have two fine carbon hardtails in our luggage that want to score points with their low weight. Lightweight construction of course - but the same? The DT Swiss wheel on the Quantor is fitted with a 2.25 Schwalbe Racing Ray tyre. Such light and low-profile tyres are normally only seen on (non-motorised) race bikes. But the small forge from Denkendorf has gone all out with its lightweight tyres. Everything is trimmed for weight. The result is impressive: The 5.9 power unit weighs just 17 kilos. A respectable achievement considering the price of less than 5000 euros! Storck is less consistent: the e:Rebel weighs over 19 kilos. But the two kilos are no accident: the Storck is fitted with Plus tyres and has an integrated battery, which also has 136 watt hours more. It is also 500 euros cheaper. While Quantor uses the Shimano Steps E8000, Storck relies on the Continental motor.
Otherwise, the parallels are obvious: Both hardtails have a carbon fibre chassis and geometry for sporty use. Also very nice: there is space for a bottle cage in both frames. The measured values reflect the riding experience of the two motors: the Shimano manages the 500 metres in altitude six minutes faster, while the Continental achieves 500 metres more in altitude. Continental uses the hardware of the old Brose motor. This is actually known for its silent running, but in our test bike the Conti hums along with the Shimano.
The differences in handling between the two candidates are further emphasised by the motor characteristics: the lightweight Quantor accelerates quickly and climbs the ascents with ease. The low rotating mass of the narrow tyres on the light wheels is particularly noticeable here. A real mountain weasel. Thanks to the sporty riding position, you can put a lot of pressure on the pedals. The riding position on the e:Rebel is slightly more comfortable, and the combination of higher weight and the less lively motor results in a more comfortable uphill ride.
When it gets technical, the Plus tyres certainly offer more traction than the racing tyres on the Quantor. But it is precisely on firm ground that the Racing Ralph surprises with acceptable traction. Thanks to the low fronts, the front wheels keep contact with the ground even on the steepest sections. Downhill, the Quantor's harmonious geo and low weight are impressive: we literally shoot down the flow trail and take off at every edge like on a "normal" mountain bike, which is agile trail fun. But on natural trails, the Storck with the Plus tyres and the higher-quality fork can't be shaken off. It provides more feedback from the ground and is higher in its travel. The tyres on both bikes are not designed for nasty, technical downhill trails: The plus tyres on the Storck with a cheap rubber compound are stingy with grip on wet roots and rocks, while the racing tyres on the Quantor lack both traction and damping. Clearly, both bikes focus on the climbs and feel more at home in shallow terrain.
This is also clear from the choice of small brake discs. Quantor even uses a 160-millimetre disc on the rear wheel. Although the small discs help to keep the weight down, in our opinion they are out of place on an E-MTB - safety comes first here. At least if the bikes are to be taken into the Alps or to higher low mountain peaks. The good news is that both bikes can be partially configured ex works. Too bad: The two extravagant carbon speedsters rely on spoke magnets in combination with external speed sensors that are exposed on the chainstay. This looks a little unkind and is no longer state of the art. An integrated solution would suit the classy bikes better. Another point of criticism: the Storck lacks a quick-release saddle. And even worse: Once you have fiddled the multi-tool out of the rucksack, the seat post can only be lowered a few centimetres. Nice detail: The carbon frame on the Quantor is protected from damage by a twisted handlebar stop limiter.
At the end of the test day, only 16 points separate the two candidates. The Quantor scored six of these points on equipment alone, which is also reflected in the purchase price: The Storck is 500 euros, a whole ten per cent, cheaper than the Quantor.
Conclusion on Quantor Triebwerk 5.9 and Storck E:Rebel
Experienced riders will be happy with the Quantor's light and direct handling. For less technically ambitious bikers, the Storck's thick tyres provide added safety.
Technical data Quantor engine 5.9
Reach height 1315 hm
Time/500 hm4
21:04 min
Price 4995 Euro
DRIVE
Engine Shimano Steps E8000
Maximum torque¹ 70 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² / price Replacement battery Steps 8010, 500 Wh / 2620 grams / 699 euros
Circuit Shimano XT Di2 (11-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 38; 11-46
Display / Size Shimano M8000 / 21 x 38 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork Fox 34 Float Performance
Spring travel 120 mm
Seat post / Ø Ritchey WCS Alloy / 31.6 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano XT two-piston / 180 mm / 160 mm
Impellers DT Swiss X 1700
Wheel size 29''
Tyres Schwalbe Racing Ray / Ralph Evo Addix, 29 x 2.25 inch
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL Carbon
Weight 17.0 kg
Centre of gravity height 492 mm
Handlebar width 720 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 175 mm / 182 mm
Reach / Stack 418 mm / 632 mm
EMTB SHARE
SUPER³
Technical data Storck E:Rebel
Reach height 1829 hm
Time/500 hm4
27:15 min
Price 4499 Euro
DRIVE
Engine Continental 36 V
Maximum torque¹ 90 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² / price Replacement battery Continental Li-Ion, 636 Wh / 3273 grams / 699 euros
Circuit Shimano XT (11-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 34; 11-40
Display / Size Without display as standard
EQUIPMENT
Fork Fox 34 Performance Float
Spring travel (v. ) 120 mm
Seat post / Ø Storck SP 250 / 30.9 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano XT two-piston / 180 mm / 180 mm
Impellers DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline
Wheel size 27,5+''
Tyres Schwalbe Rocket Ron Performance 27.5 x 2.6 inch
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / Carbon
Weight 19.26 kg
Centre of gravity height 487 mm
Handlebar width 700 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 170 mm / 193 mm
Reach / Stack 413 mm / 628 mm
EMTB JUDGEMENT VERY
GOOD³
¹ Manufacturer's specification
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The assessment is always to be understood in relation to the respective category (hardtail, tour/trail, enduro).
4 Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB test laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections, 130 watts pedalling power of the rider. The time / 500 altitude metres refers to the first 500 altitude metres.
The EMTB judgement is independent of price.
EMTB judgements: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient. 4Average value from the range height test over the entire distance.
