When the Bionicon Earp arrived in our test lab, we were a little surprised. Good components in many areas and even a dropper post look much more promising than we would have expected at a price of around 3500 euros. No wonder: the Earp 2 originally cost 3949 euros, then 3499 euros and was even reduced to 3399 euros shortly before the editorial deadline. Does this mean the Earp is certain to win the price-performance title?
The facts about the Bionicon Earp 2
- Motor: Bosch CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 625 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Price: 3399 Euro
- Weight: 24.5 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
The e-bike drive
For the Earp 2, Bionicon has opted for the tried-and-tested Smart System with the Top drive Performance CX from Bosch and all the associated features. App connectivity, a whopping 85 Newton metres of thrust, great modulation in off-road terrain and special E-MTB features such as extended trail in E-MTB mode, which is particularly easy to modulate. This helps you to master key off-road sections. However, there is no display; the LED remote only shows the selected support level and the battery status in 10 percent increments via coloured LEDs.
The battery itself is Bosch's medium-sized 625 Powertube, which Bionicon inserts into the down tube from above. This makes it easy to remove the battery, but you have to be careful not to damage the frame when handling the long battery. Nevertheless, the Bionicon should make long tours of over 1500 metres in altitude possible without the battery running out of juice. Very nice: Instead of an external speed sensor, Bionicon relies on the modern rim magnet.
Geometry
Bionicon's mountain bike history comes through in the frame geometry. The head angle and seat angle are like most other e-hardtails and find a good compromise between off-road and touring suitability, but the moderate stack still puts good pressure on the front even on the trail, the chainstays are not too long and the bike remains manoeuvrable.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 478 mm
- Wheelbase: 1185 mm
- Reach: 432 mm
- Stack: 642 mm
- Steering angle: 67.7 degrees
- Seat angle: 72.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 456 mm
The features of the Bionicon Earp 2
The Bosch motor itself is a real highlight for an inexpensive hardtail, but Bionicon doesn't skimp on the rest of the equipment either. At the front is the 35 air suspension fork with wide 35 mm stanchions from Rockshox. Although this is only the cheaper Silver version without adjustable compression damping, the fork on our test bike worked well.
Shifting is done with 12 gears from Sram's most affordable Eagle groupset, braking with Magura stoppers and a large brake disc at the front, albeit only with two piston callipers. The best thing about the bike, however, are the high-quality Nobby Nic Evo tyres from Schwalbe and, above all, the retractable seatpost with a full 150 millimetres of travel from Kindshock. This means that nothing stands in the way of real off-road riding. If you prefer to use the bike for everyday use, you will be pleased to have the option of fitting mudguards and a kickstand.
Practical test: How the Bionicon Earp 2 rides
On the Bionicon, you sit a little more sportily than on most other e-hardtails. This helps you to adopt an active riding position on trails. In general, the Earp 2 is surprisingly geared towards off-road riding. The geometry with its moderate chainstay length and low front end makes the bike easy to handle.
Thanks to the good tyres, the decent fork and the dropper post, you can also tackle steeper descents and the brakes can usually keep up. Thanks to Sram's twelve-speed drivetrain, the Bionicon also offers a small climbing gear to save battery power on long climbs.
Only the frame feels a little harsh and passes on impacts to the rider rather abruptly. Just a minor issue, but one that we are used to a little better from other e-hardtails.
Conclusion on the Bionicon Earp 2 in the 2023 test
With the Earp 2, Bionicon has put an E-hardtail with well thought-out features and successful geometry on the tyres that can even impress off-road. However, if you are looking for maximum comfort and only rarely turn off the gravel road, you are better off with a more moderate geometry and a softer frame. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB
Pro
- Engine
- Handling
- Equipment
Contra
- Frame passes shocks through undamped
Adrian Kaether
Editor
