Various touring e-bikes: The Contoura Li-8 on test

Georg Bleicher

· 21.04.2024

Not confidence-inspiring: the fiddly cover of the small charging socket.

Coherent and sport-orientated: Shimano XT high-end derailleur gears.

Good performance, low noise: The Shimano motor runs very smoothly.

4 Images

Photo: Contoura

The Contoura Li-8 is on the way to becoming an SUV - but very light and coherent. Overall, we were impressed by the concept of the touring e-bike. Our tip for all terrain.

The distance between the crank axle and the ground is well over 30 centimetres. With this 2-3 centimetre higher position, a lowerable dropper post is required, otherwise stopping at traffic lights becomes a balancing ordeal. The reason: the fork with 120 millimetres of suspension travel. The centre of gravity moves upwards. The developers have thought ahead and designed the bike with more agile 27.5 mm tyres - wide 29ers would have been too cumbersome. The Contoura Li-8 is easy to get used to and, thanks to the lowerable seat post, rides calmly and tends to run straight. The easily adjustable stem is stiff and the offset, MTB-wide handlebars provide a pleasant combination of sportiness and comfort.

Photo: Georg BleicherNot confidence-inspiring: the fiddly cover of the small charging socket.

The pedals with pins and tyres with small studs encourage you to ride off the beaten track, the beautiful Tubus rack (25 kg) has no second railing, but is very stiff thanks to the classic struts on the rear triangle. The gears and brakes are from Shimano and work perfectly - the two 18 mm discs are the sharpest in the test field - and an IQ-XS headlight from Bumm with daytime running LEDs sits on the handlebars. Shimano's EP8 is lively, it not only provides a smooth, quiet drive, it also contributes to the low weight of just over 25 kilograms. The frame of the Li-8 was created using a hydroforming process - it is also laterally stiff and cleanly finished. A beautiful concept.

>> Touring bikes for heavy riders: 6 bikes that can withstand more than 120 kilos.

Test summary of the Contoura Li-8

The Contoura is a lightweight, well thought-out tourer with suspension travel, a fine derailleur system and studded tyres for off-road preference and plenty of comfort. MTB riders will be familiar with the higher riding position. Otherwise: try it out!