Cheap e-hardtails in the 2023 test: Hoheacht Sento Eko Rokito

Hoheacht is still a relatively new player on the e-bike market. The subsidiary of Technibike (Cooper, Pyro, Hoheacht) comes from the Eifel region and has been aiming to make its mark on the e-bike market since 2020. The Sento hardtail in the Eko Rokito version marks the company's entry into the e-MTB product range.

Hoheacht wants to impress customers not only with the bikes themselves, but also with some special details. For example, each bike comes with a GPS tracker from Powunity as anti-theft protection. The company also offsets the CO2 emissions generated during production and aims to bring climate-neutral products to the market.

The facts about the Hoheacht Sento Eko Rokito

• Motor: Shimano E7000, 60 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 504 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L
• Price: 2999 Euro
• Weight: 23.47 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)

The e-bike drive

The Sento Eko Rokito is the most affordable e-MTB in Hoheacht's portfolio. Unfortunately, the motor and battery are also significantly less expensive. The bike is powered by Shimano's old E7000, which at 60 Newton metres offers significantly less power than the more recent entry-level EP6 motor (85 Nm). There is also the affordable E5000 display. As the display is not Bluetooth-capable, you cannot use the Shimano app on the Hoheacht.

As with all modern e-MTBs, the removable battery is integrated into the down tube, but only offers a capacity of 504 watt hours. In practice, this is unlikely to allow for much more than 1000 metres in altitude; the competition in the same price range is often much better with 625 or even 750 watt hours.

The geometry

The workmanship of the frame itself is good, but the geometry of the Sento is quite extreme for a hardtail. The steering angle is a slack 65.5 degrees and the wheelbase is 1258 millimetres. This makes the bike somewhat unwieldy despite the smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel. You also pedal a little from behind on the climbs, which doesn't always feel balanced.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 480 mm
• Wheelbase: 1258 mm
• Reach: 464 mm
• Stack: 659 mm
• Steering angle: 65.5°
• Seat angle: 72.5°
• Chainstay length: 460 mm

The features of the Hoheacht Sento Eko Rokito

When it comes to equipment, Hoheacht has clearly cut back on the entry-level model. To be fair, at € 2999, it is the cheapest bike in the field of nine e-hardtails in the test that we compared. And after all, the SX-Eagle 12-speed drivetrain from Sram is a tried and tested brand component.

The no-name brakes and tyres, on the other hand, do not inspire much euphoria. The inexpensive but insensitive XCM fork from Suntour is also disillusioning. The Suntour XCR fork, which is found in some of the other hardtails in our test field, is significantly better.

On the other hand, the Hoheacht scores with some everyday features: an end cap from SP-Connect is already installed ex works, so you can easily clip the smartphone to the stem. The Sento also has all the necessary threads for mudguards and a kickstand.

The highlight, however, is the GPS tracker from Powunity as theft protection. It can be used to locate the bike via smartphone and thus effectively protect it against theft. Unfortunately, it is only free to use for one month, after which it costs €3.95 per month - plus a one-off activation fee of €59.

Practical test: How the Hoheacht Sento Eko Rokito rides

You sit comfortably on the Sento, but the comparatively long reach and slack seat angle make the bike look big. No wonder: our test bike in L is already the largest model in the range, so riders under 1.80 metres should opt for the M.

On gravel roads and relaxed tours, the bike behaves inconspicuously. However, the long wheelbase and slack steering angle make the Hoheacht Sento unwieldy. You get used to it, but it's not ideal for touring and everyday use.

If you head off-road, the geometry could really come into its own. However, the low-quality equipment prevents this. The insensitive fork and the lack of a dropper post don't give you enough confidence downhill, and the brakes are particularly unpleasant with their high manual force and low power.

Of all things, the no-name tyres offer reasonable traction off-road. Due to the small 27.5-inch rear wheel, the Hoheacht gets stuck a little more on obstacles than other candidates, without a clearly positive effect of the mullet configuration being noticeable. The lower engine torque of 60 Newton metres is noticeable when tackling steep climbs, but the thrust is more than sufficient for everyday use.

Conclusion on the Hoheacht Sento Eko Rokito in the 2023 test

From a sporty point of view, the Sento Eko Rokito did not convince us. The aggressive geometry does not harmonise well with the hardtail concept and the mediocre equipment. The outdated motor and only 500 watt hours in the battery are not state-of-the-art. As an everyday bike, the Sento may still have its appeal, especially the GPS tracker and the company's green conscience could be arguments in its favour. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB

Pro

• favourable price
• GPS Tracker
• CO2 compensation

Contra

• Small battery
• outdated motor
• Moderate equipment
• Unbalanced driving behaviour