The BESV brand is probably not yet familiar to everyone. As a subsidiary of electronics giant Darfon, which among other things the compact 726 series battery in many modern Shimano bikesThe Taiwanese company wants to make a name for itself with high-quality e-bikes. This is also evident in our test of 9 affordable hardtails, in which the BESV is one of the more expensive candidates despite its mixed equipment.
The facts about the BESV TRX 1.3
- Motor: Shimano EP6, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 630 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Price: 3499 Euro
- Weight: 25.15 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
The e-bike drive at BESV
The TRX from BESV is not entirely new to us. We had already tested the predecessor in 2022. Since then, the e-hardtail has become 200 euros cheaper, but has also had to accept some annoying downgrades in terms of equipment. Firstly, instead of the former top-of-the-range Shimano EP8 motor, there is now the new and slightly cheaper EP6, which looks the same as its big brother and offers identical performance values, but is 300 grams heavier.
The display and battery of the BESV e-bike remain the same: the support levels are switched via the simple and not app-compatible E5000 display. The down tube naturally contains the in-house Darfon battery with 630 watt hours. This means According to our experience with the Fully TRS, 1500 metres of altitude can be covered on one battery charge. With a securely locked battery cover and removal using an Allen key, the battery is particularly user-friendly to remove. A real plus point for regular battery in/out charging. The speed sensor with internal cable is also a good solution.
The geometry of the BESV TRX
In terms of geometry, the BESV TRX 1.3 is balanced and unobtrusive. The reach of 448 millimetres is pleasantly long for an e-hardtail, the steering angle of 67.5 degrees is in the middle of the test field and strikes a good compromise between composure and playful handling. Only the seat angle is rather slack at 71 degrees.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 463 mm
- Wheelbase: 1217 mm
- Reach: 448 mm
- Stack: 657 mm
- Steering angle: 67.5°
- Seat angle: 71°
- Chainstay length: 457 mm
The features of the BESV TRX 1.3
Still in our last test of the TRX 2022 the product managers at BESV proved to have a good hand when selecting the equipment: functional Judy fork with air suspension, Shimano gears with a wide gear range, powerful 4-piston brakes. In contrast, the equipment of the BESV TRX 1.3 for 2023 is rather meagre.
Shifting is done with an inexpensive Microshift drivetrain with a medium range, braking with hydraulic and less powerful no-name calipers with two pistons. The front is fitted with the inexpensive XCM from SR Suntour, which is unfortunately very unresponsive. Only the Selle Italia saddle and the high-quality Maxxis tyres really match the price tag of 3500 euros.
Practical test: How the BESV TRX e-bike rides
The geometry gives the BESV e-bike at least a few points in practice. You sit comfortably, albeit with a slightly sporty feel. The e-MTB is very tall due to the flat seat angle and long stem, but is easy to control in everyday use. The smooth yet powerful Shimano motor is also pleasing.
On the trail, the large wheel provides confidence, but the insensitive fork, the weak brakes and the lack of a dropper post are at least one point of criticism too many. The seat angle is clearly too slack here at the latest and pushes the rider into an overly inactive position, especially on steep climbs. Unfortunately, at 25.15 kilos, the BESV TRX is also the heaviest hardtail e-bike in our test of nine affordable hardtails. Its predecessor, which has already been mentioned several times, had a clear lead here with significantly higher quality equipment and a whopping 1.5 kilograms less weight.
The EMTB conclusion
The main problem with the BESV TRX 1.3 is the price tag. If you can get the TRX 1.3 a little cheaper and are looking for a solid bike for light touring and everyday use, you can buy it with a clear conscience. However, you shouldn't expect too much off-road - the predecessor was much better in this respect.
Pro
- Easy battery removal
- Balanced geometry
Contra
- expensive
- heavy
- Seat angle too flat
- Moderate equipment
Adrian Kaether
Editor
