Shimano or Bosch, sometimes cheap, sometimes expensive - seven manufacturers in our comparison test of nine e-hardtails between € 3,000 and € 3,800 rely on this. Alongside the RRaymon Hardray E 6.0 (Yamaha PW-X2), the Hercules is one of two exceptions: For the Nos 1.1, the developers opted for the Brose Drive S Mag. Although the unit is no longer brand new, it is still competitive with its beastly torque of 90 Nm. The Hercules makers combine the Brose motor with components from the supplier FIT. A good solution?
The facts about the Hercules Nos 1.1
- Motor: Brose Drive S Mag, 90 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Wheel size: 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: 41, 44, 49, 54 cm (test size 49 cm)
- Price: 3599 Euro
- Weight: 24.85 kg (EMTB measurement)
The e-bike drive of the Hercules Nos 1.1
Shimano or Bosch, sometimes cheap, sometimes expensive - seven out of nine manufacturers in our last e-hardtail comparison rely on these. The Hercules is one of two exceptions in this test, along with the RRaymon Hardray E 6.0 (Yamaha PW-X2): The developers opted for the Brose Drive S Mag for the Nos 1.1.
The Brose drive is known for its powerful acceleration at a low cadence. Even with low rider input, the Drive S Mag pushes powerfully, which helps on long climbs over many a ramp. Despite its enormous power, Brose's top drive feels very natural and smooth, and it is also quite quiet. Shortcoming: The Drive S Mag is slightly heavier than the Bosch CX at 3.07 kilos.
The Brose unit is powered by the Supercore 750 battery from the supplier FIT. The battery delivers 750 Wh, is relatively light at 3954 grams, guarantees a good range and can be quickly and conveniently removed from the down tube of the Nos 1.1.
The Fit Remote LCD combines a control unit and display in one device. The design is simple, and the ergonomics, feel and readability of the display are good. We were less impressed by the external speed sensor with external cable routing: the design is prone to defects.
The geometry of the Hercules Nos 1.1
Hercules is the only manufacturer in our comparison test of nine e-hardtails between 3000 and 3800 euros to use the smaller 27.5-inch wheels at the front and rear. The short wheelbase, the very low bottom bracket of 300 millimetres and the steep steering angle of 67.5 degrees are striking. At 431 millimetres, the reach is also quite short - so the Hercules is certainly not designed for high-speed descents, but for weaving through traffic in the city and on crowded cycle paths. However, the low centre of gravity and wide handlebars also provide sufficient control for fast trail rides.
MTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 470 mm
- Wheelbase: 1180 mm
- Reach: 431 mm
- Stack: 643 mm
- Steering angle: 67.5°
- Seat angle: 73°
- Chainstay length: 448 mm
The features of the Hercules Nos 1.1
In this price range, every manufacturer has to weigh up where it is worth investing and where it is better to cut corners. Unfortunately, Hercules does without a telescopic seat post and also saves on the gear components: Despite the powerful Brose motor, a 10-speed transmission with a 38 chainring is borderline even on a hardtail, at least as long as you seriously intend to tackle a mountain tour with steep climbs.
xThe suspension fork on the Hercules is a good choice: The SR Suntour XCR with 34 mm stanchions reacts sensitively to bumps and provides a lot of comfort. However, due to the steel spring design, it can only be adjusted to the rider's weight to a limited extent. The wide cockpit provides downhill confidence, as do the 2.6 Nobby Nic tyres and the powerful four-piston Deore brakes. Only the long brake levers are a little annoying on a bike with off-road ambitions.
Practical: Hercules has equipped the NOS 1.1 with a monkey link at the rear and front for everyday use. Only reflectors are fitted here as standard, but rear and front lights can be attached with a click. The power then comes from the main battery.
Practical test: How the Hercules Nos 1.1 rides
With the powerful Drive S Mag from Brose and the 750 Wh supercore battery from Fit, the Hercules Nos 1.1 provides a powerful basis for long tours. The entry-level e-hardtail also allows you to tackle these in a relaxed manner: The riding position is balanced, the Selle Royal Vivo saddle and the wing grips promise comfort. And with powerful brakes, well-damping 2.6 Nobby Nic tyres and a decent fork, the most necessary equipment is on board.
On the trail, the Hercules is characterised by its playful and agile character: The wheelbase and chainstays are short, and the 27.5-inch wheels also contribute to the agile handling. The low bottom bracket gives the bike a lot of stability on trails, while the wide cockpit gives the rider good control. However, the Nos 1.1 is too nervous for fast descents.
Uphill, the Hercules reaches its limits a little earlier than some of its competitors. The short bike wants to rebel a little earlier on steep climbs. On tricky uphill trails, however, the short chainstays can also help - for example, when you have to actively lift the front wheel over a step.
Conclusion on the Hercules Nos 1.1 in the test
With the Nos 1.1, Hercules presents a lively e-hardtail on 27.5-inch wheels. The motor and battery guarantee a long range, the riding position is balanced - nothing stands in the way of long tours. The Hercules is also equipped for trail use - the fork, brakes and tyres are decent, the cockpit is wide and the centre of gravity is low. However, the bike is less fond of fast descents. Unfortunately, the bike is very heavy at 24.85 kilos, but the maximum permissible total weight is very low. - Josh Welz, EMTB Editor-in-Chief
Advantages and disadvantages of the Hercules Nos 1.1
Pro
- Powerful drive
- High range
- Tidy fork
- manoeuvrable in trail use
- Monkeylink for lighting
Contra
- No telescopic support
- weak translation
- Little driving safety on fast descents
- heavy
- Low gross vehicle weight rating
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
