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Trendy crossover pedelecs with wide studded tyres, massive hardtail frames and wide handlebars awaken the desire for adventure. Discovering rough terrain with ease on these all-terrain "sport utility bikes" is tremendous fun. The multifunctional offshoots of hardtail mountain bikes promise a lot, but let's get one thing straight: crossover pedelecs can do a lot, but they are not the perfect all-rounders either.
They are neither as low-maintenance as a good everyday bike, nor as light and compact as an agile city bike. A touring pedelec rolls more comfortably and lively on tarmac, and a mountain bike masters tricky off-road passages better. However, if you can do without that last bit of perfection in one discipline and instead appreciate the versatility of a robust bike for the city, everyday use and touring, one of these e-bikes from the Sport Utility Bikes group is the perfect choice.
The seven sport utility bikes in the test
The bikes in the test cost between 3,000 and 3,400 euros, so they are all similarly well equipped. The bikes offer the same or similar material, especially when it comes to brakes, groupsets and suspension forks. With Shimano's BR-MT200 and BR-MT400, there are only two different brakes on the seven test bikes. Both are sensibly selected, of good quality and function flawlessly. Four of the crossover pedelecs change gears with Shimano's Deore rear derailleur, while the Canyon uses a rear derailleur from the higher-quality XT groupset. The Conway Cairon offers the widest gear range with SRAM's twelve-speed SX Eagle drivetrain and corresponding sprocket set.
As much engine power as possible is still the most important selling point in the price range between 3,000 and 3,400 euros
Five of the seven pedelecs have a Bosch motor in the frame node; Canyon, Conway and Raleigh even have the most powerful Bosch drive of the latest generation. Motor power still seems to be the most important sales argument - sometimes even at the expense of a balanced overall concept: In the drivetrain of the Raleigh Dundee, the most powerful Bosch unit meets a favourable nine-speed rear derailleur from Shimano's Alivio series. A slightly weaker motor would suit the Raleigh much better and put less strain on the gears and sprockets. Merida and Husqvarna rely on Shimano drivetrains; the Husqvarna CT4 uses the Steps E6100, designed for touring bikes, to pull the chain. The motor conveys a very natural riding feel, but is somewhat stingy with power. The Steps E7000 on the Merida pushes much more dynamically and is also very intuitively tuned.
The Sport Utility Bikes - a detailed look
- Canyon Pathlite:on 7.0
- Conway Cairon C 627
- Husqvarna Cross Tourer CT 4
- Kettler Quadriga Town & Country
- Merida eBIG.NINE 400 EQ
- Raleigh Dundee 9
- Stevens E-Antelao 29
You can download the complete comparison test of lightweight e-bikes including all test results and individual ratings as a PDF below the article. The test costs 1.99 euros.
