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It hums and yet nothing moves. At least almost nothing. While my thumb frantically presses the push button, I wait for assistance to manoeuvre the weighty Crivit up the steep slope again. Photographer Max needs another try to get the perfect shot. But instead of pushing off with gusto, the Lidl bargain only starts to move hesitantly, almost in slow motion. Probably deliberate, I think to myself and put all my weight behind the handlebars. But what can you expect from an e-hardtail for less than 2000 euros?
In order to clarify precisely this question, we not only looked at the Crivit Peak 709, but also a reference bike from Canyon. But beware: the tested Canyon Grand Canyon:On 7 is a discontinued model and no longer available indefinitely - currently only in sizes L and XL. The advantage: instead of the original 3299 euros, the mail-order hardtail now only costs 2299 euros - and is therefore much closer to the unbeatable price of the Crivit Peak from Lidl. However, it is still significantly more expensive.
More information about the 2025 model of the Canyon Grand Canyon On can be found here. The successor relies on the new Bosch Performance CX, which delivers up to 100 Nm of torque and 750 watts of peak power following an updatewhich is significantly more powerful. However, in addition to the engine upgrade, there were also some cost-saving measures on the 7 Series model for 2025. For example, the successor only comes with a steel suspension fork from SR Suntour and two-piston brakes from Shimano. The battery is removable and delivers either 600 (2799 euros) or 800 watt hours (2999 euros). However, our comparison here refers explicitly to the models shown above with the 2024 E-Hardtail from Canyon.
For 9.95 euros, the discounter delivers the impressive box including e-hardtail to your home. Lidl promises 93 per cent pre-assembly. While my spinal discs sort themselves out again after lifting the carefully packed 26-kilo bike and accessories out of the box, I think about the remaining seven per cent until I can enjoy the trail. All the necessary Allen keys are included - in the best Ikea quality. The seven per cent is done quickly: straighten the handlebars, put the front wheel in, put the pedals on, pump up the air and you're done. Even the brakes offer an amazingly crisp pressure point, run smoothly and even the favourable Shimano Cues gears don't choke when juggling the gears.
This makes the setup very simple, almost too simple. Apart from the tyre pressure, there are few settings to adjust the Crivit to the rider's weight. The built-in suspension fork only has a preloadable steel spring, which leaves little room for manoeuvre and rebounds almost undamped after compression. Adjustable rebound? Unfortunately not available. In this respect, the Rockshox Judy Silver in the Canyon fulfils the minimum requirements far better. The suspension fork can be adjusted to the rider's weight via air pressure and the simple rebound damping prevents uncontrolled rebound.
The Lidl Crivit Peak 709 costs 1799 euros and is available here.
What can the Mivice e-bike motor do?
In the practical test, the Mivice X700 motor pushed steadily and, according to the factory specification, should even deliver 100 Newton metres of torque. The rider can choose between three support levels. In direct comparison to the "old" Bosch CX of the fourth generation, which is installed in our Canyon reference bike, the Mivice has significantly less power. This is also noticeable in the range test, where a constant rider input of 150 watts results in an average speed of just 10.2 km/h. This value is currently already achieved by light motors such as the new TQ in the Yeti. Engaging the motor is also somewhat slower than with the reactive Bosch. The Crivit needs extra time to convert the rider's desire into propulsion. In contrast to the Bosch, the Crivit does not even have an overrun of the motor. Has nobody thought about overcoming key sections on steep steps? Hardly. The Crivit is highly unlikely to see any challenging terrain in the wild.
What can the suspension of the Crivit E-Hardtail do?
Relaxed cruising to the beer garden or a weekend bike tour with sightseeing are at the top of the Crivit's bucket list. And the affordable e-hardtail is perfect for this. Even in size L, the riding position is very relaxed and significantly shorter than the Canyon. You sit upright and compact. The saddle is softly padded and your hands are supported by equally soft wing grips. This works well, at least when seated, as long as there isn't too much weight on your hands. Thanks to the tame Maxxis Rekon tyres, the Crivit also rolls quietly on asphalt. Interesting: Lidl even includes a Fidlock bottle cage on its price breaker, which alone costs around 20 euros. The Crivit has also copied the cable routing through the headset from the more expensive competition, even if the steering stop is missing.
If you do venture off the gravel track and onto the trail, the Crivit reaches its limit early on. The fork offers too little support and you can't even begin to talk about damping control here. In addition, the fork, chain, motor and cables rattle around. Here, the Canyon rides a little more confidently, albeit also with a loud background noise.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
As expected, the Lidl E-Hardtail reaches its limits faster than the expensive Canyon when it comes to serious off-road use. The fork and the weak brakes are the main limiting factors. Nevertheless, it is amazing what the discounter puts on the tyres for 1799 euros. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
