Centurion Speeddrive R800 D EQ on test: E-bike with 18 kilos and no disadvantages?

Lightweight e-bikes don't have the best reputation. After testing the Centurion, we have to say: wrongly! Because the versatile and lightweight e-bike from the Swabians is - assuming a little fitness - close to the perfect all-rounder. A well-balanced concept, sensible equipment, a high fun factor and really light, that's what we want.

>> Which bike is right for you? Six touring bikes from E-MTBs to steel classics in our big test with buying advice

The facts about the Centurion Speeddrive R800 D EQ

• Bike category: Light e-bike
• Motor: Bosch SX, 55 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
• Display: Bosch Intuvia 100
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Frame shapes: Diamond, Trapeze
• Price: 3,399 euros
• Weight: 18.1 kg (test bike in size M, MYBIKE measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 150 kg
• Guarantee: for life on the frame
• Special features: Lightweight for an e-bike, high weight approval, permanently installed battery

Bosch SX and fixed battery

Where does the poor image of light e-bikes actually come from? Too expensive, too little motor power, too little range - these are the arguments that are mainly heard from the e-MTB camp. Light motors may be specialists there. But on a bike like the Centurion Speeddrive, they can be recommended to a much broader group of buyers. After all, long, steep climbs are the exception in touring use. And on the road, the Centurion's fast tyres mean that you can easily hover around the 25 km/h limit, even in Eco mode. As a result, the Speeddrive consumes little energy and can easily cover 80 kilometres on a single charge. More is possible with the optional range extender. The only disadvantage is that the battery is permanently installed, so the bike must be able to be parked near a power socket for charging.

>> The Bosch Performance SX in the test: How the small Bosch performs in the lab and in practice

The features of the Centurion Speeddrive

A positive side effect of the light concept: because the small battery is not so expensive, there is more money for the equipment. The Centurion therefore comes with a high-quality carbon fork for just 3,399 euros. The other components are not as glamorous, but functionally well chosen. The 4000 cues only offers nine gears but a good range, the Shimano direct mount brakes bite hard. The Schwalbe gravel tyres with a fine profile combine off-road grip with good rolling and steering characteristics on the road.

• Gear system: Shimano Cues U4000 (9-speed)
• Gear ratio: 42; 11 - 46 teeth
• Brakes: Shimano UR300 (two-piston)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One, 45 mm
• Lighting system front/rear: Trelock Lighthammer, 80 Lux / Supernova TL3 Z
• Luggage carrier: Racktime 2.0 Wing, 20 kg load capacity
• Fork: Centurion Carbon

Practical test: How the Centurion Speeddrive R800 D EQ rides

On the Centurion Speeddrive you sit sportily and with a slight saddle cant. This makes handling fun and direct. The Bosch SX motor responds sensitively and even delivers the high power of larger motors in short sprints. This noticeably reduces peak loads when starting at traffic lights and also the effort on tour. This means that you arrive fresh at your destination even on longer journeys, but you pedal a little harder than on a classic e-bike.

However, the aluminium frame of the Speeddrive has little suspension, while the 45-millimetre tyres at least provide comfort on a par with traditional trekking bikes. The powerful brakes are just as pleasing as the wide range of derailleur gears. The minimalist carrier even carries heavy panniers with surprising ease. Minor improvement requests: The seat post could flex more for additional comfort. The saddle and grips are stylish but not comfortable in the long term. A crisper gear system and even brighter lights are available on the 600 euro more expensive top model.

MYBIKE review of the Centurion Speeddrive

Strengths

• Light and sporty
• Very good handling
• Good for longer tours even with a small battery

Weaknesses

• Frame has little spring
• Permanently installed battery

The MYBIKE conclusion

I was impressed by the Centurion. It's the e-bike I would buy for myself. The grips and saddle are mainly for looks. But the bike is sporty, fast, manoeuvrable, light and suitable for everyday use - great! I store the bike at home anyway. I'm happy to accept the fixed battery in favour of a lower weight and great handling. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE

>> Would you prefer a gravel bike or something in the trekking or e-MTB category? For our big buying guide, we tested six bikes from very different categories

Alternative models: Light e-bikes from other brands

Lightweight and exciting e-bikes are of course not only available from Centurion. We show you three relevant alternatives, from extra-light and affordable to removable batteries.

Stevens E-Strada 6.3.4

With a small rear motor from Mahle and only 236 watt hours in the down tube, the Stevens is a particularly slim light e-bike. The range is correspondingly somewhat shorter, but the equipment on the 6.3.4 FEQ for 3,299 euros is also top-notch. The weight is around 17 kilograms.

>> Light and slim: The Stevens E-Strada FEQ on test

Conway Nyvon 8.0 C

The Nyvon also has the Bosch SX motor and a similar concept to the Centurion. However, the carbon frame makes the bike around a kilo lighter and the battery can be removed from the bike for charging. The disadvantage: the higher entry-level price of at least 4,400 euros.

Tenways CGO 600 Pro

Light e-bikes are also available for less than 2,000 euros. The Dutch company Tenways in particular has made a name for itself here. You can't expect many brand-name parts here, but the single-speed version with belt drive and a weight of around 16 kilograms is particularly charming. Price: 1,799 euros >> available here.