For two-wheel fans, a bike tour is the best way to escape the stress of everyday life. Pushing your own limits with extra power or simply making distance with less effort - it's a lot of fun to explore new terrain light-footedly on touring e-bikes. The great thing is that the rider decides for themselves how much power they want to use. It only takes the push of a button on the handlebar grip to switch between gliding along at a leisurely pace and eating up the kilometres. Cycling couldn't be more flexible. Whether you're only planning short escapes or long multi-day tours, it's only fun with the right bike. Because clocking up kilometres means sitting in the saddle for a few hours every day. The bike must therefore be perfectly suited to the rider. An ideal touring partner must also function reliably. A veritable breakdown far from the nearest bike workshop can thoroughly spoil your enjoyment. A well-maintained and robust bike is therefore the best prerequisite for unadulterated touring pleasure.
Type question
Our touring bike test pits classic touring e-bikes with rigid rear suspension against so-called crossover pedelecs with full suspension. Admittedly, the comparison is not entirely fair, as the fullys are unbeatable in terms of riding comfort and traction off tarmac roads thanks to their suspension rear triangle. Nevertheless, both bike classes fit into one test field, as our grading system "only" weights ride comfort at 10 per cent; in all other categories, the bikes are comparable in practice. And both the touring e-bikes and the crossover pedelecs are primarily designed for touring and equipped accordingly. Of course, they can also be used as luxury all-rounders.
In addition to riding comfort, the price is a significant difference. Due to the complex rear suspension kinematics and the additional shock absorber element, fullys are up to 1000 euros more expensive than hardtails. And to ensure that the full suspension works reliably, the shock absorber elements must be regularly maintained, adjusted and readjusted.
The upper mid-range touring pedelecs offer a lot of riding fun, their components are high-quality and durable. If you value maximum riding comfort, full-suspension models are the right choice. - Uli Frieß, MYBIKE test editor
The wheels in detail
The test field
We selected ten upper mid-range pedelecs for our test. The level of components and equipment installed is correspondingly high - in some cases even at the upper limit of what is possible. In this price range, batteries with a capacity of 625 watt hours (Wh) and more are standard, and the Giant even integrates an 800 Wh battery in the down tube. This allows the bikes to cover more than 90 kilometres on average. If you like to use more leg power than we specify for our range test bench, you can go considerably further.
Motors and displays
The motors tend to be powerful. With one exception, the powerful Bosch "Performance CX" provides dynamic acceleration. The Giant is similarly motorised with the "Giant SyncDrive Pro 2". The Yamaha drive shines with noticeably high torque. We also liked its prompt and sensitive response to pedal pressure. When it comes to displays and operating instruments, the manufacturers have almost universally opted for the interactive and functionally comprehensive "Kiox 300/Smart" system from Bosch. The Bergamont uses the new "Intuvia 100" display, which is much easier to read and offers more functions than its predecessor. The colour display on the Giant is very easy to read, informative and beautifully integrated into the stem. The Giant designers have succeeded very well with the ergonomic control element for the motor and display control on the left handlebar end.
Gearstick and brakes
All derailleurs are from Shimano, six pedelecs are equipped with the high-end XT groupset, Canyon and Rose even have 12 sprockets on the rear hub. Only Bergamont, Cannondale and Victoria have ten-speed drivetrains, the rest of the test field is equipped with 11-speed sprockets. The brakes show a more differentiated picture, with systems from Shimano, Magura and Tektro being used. With discs measuring 180 and 203 millimetres across the board, they slow down the tourer with ease, even with luggage on the carrier. Components from the mid-range upwards were also used here. The only outlier is the Moustache, whose "MT200" brakes from Shimano come from the manufacturer's standard segment and are normally found on cheaper bikes.
Frame, pannier rack and other equipment
Whether crossover or touring e-bike: the prerequisite for good and safe handling is a frame or chassis that is as rigid as possible. With the rider and touring luggage on the carrier, you can quickly reach a system weight of 130 kilos. All the touring bikes in our test are very stiff and can easily cope with the additional weight. The Bergamont and the Giant in particular are recommended for heavy riders with a permissible total weight of 160 and 156 kilos respectively. Conway, Moustache and Scott are significantly less resilient and are therefore more suitable for shorter tours with little luggage or light riders.
It goes without saying that touring pedelecs need sturdy pannier racks. However, the weak point is not so much the rack itself, but its attachment to the bike. If it is not connected to the frame without play, the luggage will sway when cornering and push the rear wheel off track. On the positive side, we noticed the generously dimensioned and sturdily attached luggage rack struts of the Giant.
All pedelecs are equipped with suitable mudguards, bright lights and sturdy bike stands. This means that they are fit for safe operation in road traffic and well equipped for small or large everyday trips. To avoid any negative surprises on the first tour, we recommend an extended test ride before buying your dream bike.
A comparison of crossover and touring e-bikes
With consistently good marks in all individual disciplines, the Giant "Explore E+ Pro 0 GTS" wins the test. As expected, the full-suspension tourers from Conway, Moustache, Stevens and Victoria offer the best riding comfort. Overall, all crossover and touring e-bikes impressed with good to very good performance.
- Driver weight: 85 kg
- Pedalling power: Level: 60 watts | Mountain: 110 watts
- Support: Plain: medium level | Mountain: highest level
Batteries with a large capacity lead to long ranges - so far, so clear. Nevertheless, the specific consumption also plays a role in how often a pedelec has to be plugged in. Not only does the Giant cover almost 120 kilometres on our roller test bench due to the largest battery, it also runs the most economically at 6.7 Wh per kilometre. In contrast, the 74 kilometre range of the Moustache is primarily due to its higher energy consumption of 8.4 Wh per kilometre. Overall, the energy consumption of all bikes is within the normal range.
The crossover and touring e-bikes in the individual evaluation
Bergamont E-Horizon Premium Export Gent with derailleur gears and centre motor
Bergamont riders are enthroned high and upright on the saddle. This is mainly due to the short seat length and the curved handlebars. A generous weld seam connects the top tube and down tube before the connection to the head tube. Together with the thru-axle in the front wheel hub, this stiffens the front, straight-line stability and directional stability are great. The Bergamont is easy to control and effectively converts leg and motor power into propulsion. A suspension fork with 100 millimetres of travel and Maxxis tyres enable safe excursions on field and forest paths. Despite the short seat post extension with little flex, the ride comfort remains good and the 64 millimetre wide and therefore quite voluminous tyres absorb rough road bumps. Shimano's "MT420" braking system is tried and tested and easy to modulate. The drivetrain consisting of the Bosch "Performance CX" motor and Deore ten-speed rear derailleur is well suited to the purpose of the touring e-bike. We also liked details such as the cable entry into the head tube, the ergonomic grips and the very easy-to-read new "Intuvia 100" display from Bosch.
Range of use and seating position
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Good tyre damping; high permissible total weight
- Minus: Relatively heavy
details
- Price: 4799 Euro
- Frame sizes: 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 cm
- Test bike weight: 30.8 kg
- Permissible total weight: 160 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour Mobie25 RLR DS 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 1x10; 38/11-43 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/750 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano BR-MT420/v: 180 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB Performance 64-622
- Lighting system: B&M IQ-XS, 80 lux, LED; B&M Toplight Line brex, LED, with brake light
MYBIKE grade: 1.9
Cannondale Tesoro Neo X1 with derailleur gears and mid-engine
The "Tesoro Neo X1" is an interesting alternative for cyclists who want to tackle long distances as comfortably as possible. The fork works sensitively, and in combination with the parallelogram seat post and ergonomically offset handlebars, multi-day tours are also possible in comfort. The riding position is fatigue-free and the ergonomic grips take the strain off the wrists. The frame of the touring e-bike is sufficiently rigid and effectively converts the invested leg and motor power into propulsion.
During our ride tests, the Cannondale with luggage on the flat luggage rack, which is approved for loads of up to 25 kilos, was stable and track-fast. Even an energetic pull on the handlebars does not upset the pedelec. The drivetrain consisting of Bosch's "Performance CX" motor and ten-speed gears is high-quality and durable, while the Magura brake system with generous 203-millimetre discs at the front and rear reliably stops the "Tesoro" even at high speeds. A daytime running light integrated into the head tube increases safety, while sturdy and durable aluminium mudguards complete the harmonious Cannondale design.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Daytime running light; parallelogram seat post
- Minus: Unfavourable cable routing to the headlight
details
- Price: 4999 Euro
- Frame sizes: 40, 43,5, 47 cm
- Test bike weight: 28.7 kg
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR34 LOR 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 1x10; 38/11-43 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/750 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Magura MT C2/v: 203 mm, h: 203 mm
- Tyres: Maxxis Pace 27, 5x2.10
- Lighting system: Integrated headtube light, Axa Blueline 30, Blueline taillight
MYBIKE grade: 1.8
Canyon Pathlite:ON 7 SUV with derailleur gears and mid-engine
The "ON:7 SUV" comes from the "Pathlite" series from the Koblenz-based mail-order company Canyon. The company is known for its high-quality racing and mountain bikes and has also been producing pedelecs for a few years now. The "Pathlite:ON 7" is equipped to a high standard, with Shimano's high-end XT twelve-speed rear derailleur, Magura "MT Thirty" braking system and Supernova "Mini 2 Pro" headlights representing the best bicycle material. A Suntour "Aion" suspension fork and 2.25-inch wide Maxxis studded tyres on 27.5-inch wheels also smooth out rough bumps off the beaten track.
A moderately sporty, comfortable riding position and ergonomically shaped handlebars allow for long, fatigue-free tours. The Canyon follows steering impulses light-footedly and directly, while the stiff frame, thru axles and short stem make the bike easy to control even with a lot of luggage on the rack. A low mudguard on the front wheel of the touring e-bike keeps your feet clean even in dirty weather. Kiox display, dropper post and the standard folding lock complete the high-quality equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very high-quality equipment; stable ride
- Minus: Relatively heavy
details
- Price: 4199 Euro
- Frame sizes: 43, 47,5, 52 cm
- Test bike weight: 29.1 kg
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour Aion 35 Evo 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano XT 1x12; 42/10-51 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/750 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Magura MT Thirty/v: 180 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Maxxis Cross Mark II Exo TR 27.5x2.25
- Lighting system: Supernova Mini 2 Pro, Supernova E3 Tail Light 2
MYBIKE grade: 1.6
Conway Xyron SUV 6.9 with derailleur gears and mid-engine
Despite the sporty chassis with a generous 150 millimetres of suspension travel at the front, the strengths of the "Xyron" do not lie primarily in the best off-road performance. Rather, the pedelec is aimed at the widest possible range of use. It rolls very comfortably, lively and stable, while the wide handlebars on the short stem ensure direct steering behaviour and good control. The riding position is relatively upright and the saddle height can be adjusted from the handlebars using the dropper post. The Conway is fully convincing with ample touring luggage. Even when cornering fast, the heavy weight over the rear wheel is barely noticeable. The powerful Bosch "Performance CX" is standard in this price range, as is the large battery. Cables and cables run classically behind the head tube into the side of the frame, but this does not detract from the tidy appearance. The Conway "Xyron" is a well-equipped and versatile crossover pedelec, the full-suspension chassis offers a high level of riding comfort. A top lighting system with high beam function rounds off this successful comfort tourer.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very comfortable chassis; great workmanship
- Minus: Relatively heavy; low permissible total weight
details
- Price: 5799 Euro
- Frame sizes: 40, 43, 46, 49, 52 cm
- Test bike weight: 29.6 kg
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork/damper: Rock Shox 35 Silver Solo Air, 150 mm/Fox Float DPS RL 140 mm
- Circuit: Shimano XT 1x11; 36/11-50 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/750 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, TRP Slate Evo/v: 203 mm, h: 203 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Al Grounder Performance DD Addix 60-622
- Lighting system: Lupine SL F Nano, Contec CTL 335 E
MYBIKE grade: 1.6
Giant Explore E+ Pro 0 GTS with derailleur gears and mid-engine
The Giant scores above all with its safe handling and high-quality drivetrain. Even with a lot of luggage, the pedelec has hardly any weaknesses. The generously dimensioned mounting struts of the pannier rack contribute noticeably to the high riding stability. Mini horns and large supports on the handlebar ends improve grip and take the strain off the wrists. The Giant rolls very stable, yet the wide handlebars allow direct and prompt steering. Giant's "SyncDrive Pro 2", the drive unit comes from Yamaha and is the most powerful model from the Japanese manufacturer. Power delivery and performance are on a par with a Bosch "Performance CX", the motor reacts promptly and sensitively to pedal pressure. The associated colour display is easy to read and integrated flush into the top of the stem. We really liked the ergonomic arrangement of the control satellite at the left end of the handlebars. All buttons can be easily operated with the thumb. An eleven-speed XT rear derailleur from Shimano's high-end range completes the successful drivetrain of the touring e-bike.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very stable ride; great equipment
- Minus: No standard anti-theft protection
details
- Price: 4999 Euro
- Frame sizes: 43,5, 48,5, 53,5, 58.5 cm
- Test bike weight: 26.9 kg
- Permissible total weight: 156 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR 34 Air LOR 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano XT 1x11; 46/11-50 teeth
- Motor/battery: Giant SyncDrive Pro 2/800 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano XT BR-M8120/v: 203 mm, h: 203 mm
- Tyres: Giant Crosscut Gravel 1 TR Reflex 57-622
- Lighting system: Giant Recon HL100, AXA NYX with brake light
MYBIKE grade: 1.5 (MYBIKE test winner 3/2023)
Moustache Samedi 27 XRoad FS 6 with derailleur gears and mid-motor
Although the Samedi has the most powerful drive from Bosch's motor portfolio in the frame node, the full-suspension Moustache is primarily designed for use on paved roads. This is also supported by the upright riding position, which makes it difficult to adequately control the full-suspension bike off the beaten track. However, the 100-millimetre suspension offers sufficient safety and comfort on moderately rough field and forest paths. Regardless of the surface, the Moustache is manoeuvrable and agile, and the 27.5-inch tyres support the lively handling. Even with luggage on the sturdy carrier, the pedelec has hardly any weaknesses despite the not very rigid frame, it always remains easy to control. The stable front end with short stem, thru-axles and stiff wheels have a positive effect here. Shimano's triple Deore rear derailleur and braking system with 180 mm discs front and rear are well chosen for use as a comfort-oriented everyday tourer. We also liked the bright Supernova headlight and the rigid carrier, which can carry up to 27 kilos.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Comfortable chassis; relatively light
- Minus: Low permissible total weight
details
- Price: 5499 Euro
- Frame sizes: 39, 44, 49, 54 cm
- Test bike weight: 26.4 kg
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork/damper: SR Suntour Mobie 25, Coil, LOR, 100 mm/Moustache Magic Grip Control 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 1x11; 38/11-42 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/625 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano MT200/v: 180 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Hutchinson Python 2 52-584
- Lighting system: Supernova, E3 V521, Spanninga Presto2Guard
MYBIKE grade: 1.8
Rose Mayor Plus 2 with derailleur gears and mid-motor
Rose remains true to itself with the new "Mayor" series and presents high-quality trekking pedelecs. The gears and brakes come from Shimano's high-end XT groupset, while the lighting system with Litemove headlight and Supernova rear light integrated into the carrier are the finest bicycle materials. The sporty "Mayor Plus 2" is a successful blend of touring, trekking and everyday bike. It offers a lot of riding fun on tarmac, but is not really made for extended off-road excursions. The riding position is not too sporty and therefore absolutely suitable for touring.
With wide handlebars and a short stem, the Rose is easy to control. The air suspension fork responds sensitively, its 34 mm stanchions and the thru-axle stiffen the front. With 29-inch wheels and well-damping "Conti Contact Plus" tyres, the "Mayor Plus" rolls agilely and nimbly, but also tracks true and is easy to control. Even with a lot of luggage on the Racktime system carrier, the riding stability of the touring e-bike hardly suffers. The workmanship of the Rose is very successful, details such as the elegant seat tube clamp and the metallic paint finish are pleasing to the eye.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very safe and agile; versatile in use
- Minus: Plastic mudguards
details
- Price: 4599 Euro
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Test bike weight: 27.8 kg
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour Mobie 34 Air LOR, 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano XT 1x12; 38/10-51 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/750 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano XT BR-M8120/v: 180 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Continental Contact Plus SafetyPro Reflex 50-622
- Lighting system: Litemove SE-150, Supernova M99 TL 2
MYBIKE grade: 1.6
Scott Axis eRide 10 Bike Lady with derailleur gears and mid-engine
With its sensitive suspension fork, XT rear derailleur, high-quality braking system, bright Lezyne headlight and Bosch's high-end drive system with 750 Wh battery and Kiox display, the Scott is not only well equipped, but also versatile. The 60 millimetre wide crossover tyres also allow safe detours on field and forest paths. As with the Canyon "Pathlite:ON", the Scott designers have placed the Bosch drive unit vertically in the frame node, moving the seat tube further forwards.
The down tube of the touring e-bike leads upwards at a steep angle and is connected to the top tube and head tube in a very flat manner. The result is a very stiff frame with a short seat length and a strikingly upright riding position. This is very comfortable and in no way dilutes the sporty character of the Scott. Practical: The battery can be removed from the side of the down tube. The "Axis eRide" is neatly finished and equipped to a high standard. The only criticism: The pannier rack can only carry up to 20 kilos and the permissible total weight is only 128 kilos.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very safe to drive; universal tyres
- Minus: Low permissible total weight
details
- Price: 4699 Euro
- Frame sizes: 42, 45, 48 cm
- Test bike weight: 29.0 kg
- Permissible total weight: 128 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR34 Air, LOR, 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano XT 1x11; 38/11-50 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/750 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Tektro Orion HD-M475/v: 180 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Johnny Watts Performance 60-622
- Lighting system: Lezyne E500 / 40 Lux, Rear Pimento
MYBIKE grade: 1.7
Stevens E-Inception TR 7.6.1 FEQ with derailleur gears and mid-motor
Much of what a crossover tourer needs is standard on E-MTB fullys. The frame design, shock linkage and even the fairly slack head tube angle of just 66 degrees prove the direct descent of the crossover tourer from mountain bikes. The remaining components would also look good on current MTBs: Rock Shox suspension, 29-inch tyres, thru axles, XT rear derailleur, dropper post, short stubby stem and wide handlebars are typical components for off-road bikes. In addition to the exceptionally high level of riding comfort, the Stevens also offers a high level of riding enjoyment away from paved roads and paths.
The pedelec follows steering commands spontaneously and remains easy to control even on rough surfaces. Schwalbe's "Johnny Watts" studded tyres offer good grip even on loose surfaces without rolling unnecessarily rough on asphalt. Bosch's most powerful drive unit gives the "E-Inception" a lot of dynamism and pushes the heavy fully effortlessly up steep climbs. The pannier rack, which is only designed for panniers weighing a maximum of eight kilos per side, is likely to restrict longer multi-day tours somewhat.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very comfortable chassis; universal tyres
- Minus: Luggage carrier with limited touring capability
details
- Price: 5699 Euro
- Frame sizes: 40, 44, 47, 51.5 cm
- Test bike weight: 28.3 kg
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork/damper: Rock Shox 35 Gold RL/ Rock Shox Deluxe Select+ RT
- Circuit: Shimano XT 1x11; 36/11-50 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/625 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano BR-MT6120/v: 203 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Johnny Watts Performance DD Reflex 60-622
- Lighting system: Supernova M99 Mini Pro-25; B+M Ilu mini
MYBIKE grade: 1.6
Victoria eParcours 4 with derailleur gears and mid-motor
With the "eParcours 4", Victoria is expanding its crossover portfolio with a wave-frame fully for the first time. Like the Moustache, the pedelec is aimed at comfort-oriented touring bikers who rarely want to leave tarmac roads. However, the 100-millimetre chassis copes well with dirt tracks with loose surfaces. The Maxxis tyres also contribute to this with good grip on unpaved roads, but the tyres are a little rough on asphalt. The long wheelbase gives the Victoria stable directional stability, while the 27.5-inch tyres make the pedelec agile and manoeuvrable at the same time. Even when cornering quickly, it does not react nervously to steering movements. With luggage on the sturdy rack, the rear end hardly pulls out of the track. We liked the flat connection of the central tube to the head tube, the sturdy wheel guards made of profiled aluminium sheet and the solid battery cover. The saddle height can be adjusted from the handlebars using the dropper post. Bosch's "Kiox 300" display rounds off this successful tourer that is suitable for everyday use.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very comfortable chassis; suitable for everyday use
- Minus: Relatively heavy
details
- Price: 5499 Euro
- Frame sizes: 46, 51, 56 cm
- Test bike weight: 29.6 kg
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork/damper: SR Suntour Mobie 34 Air LOR 100 mm/SR Suntour Edge RS19 LOR 100 mm
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 1x10; 38/11-43 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/625 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano BR-MT420/v: 203 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Maxxis Crossmark II 27, 5x2.25
- Lighting system: Contec Dlux 120 E+, Contec TL-335 E-Stop
MYBIKE grade: 1.7
