The verdict on the Elect suspension fork last year in our innovation check (BIKE 10/2013) was: "Sensible innovation step for racers that covers almost every riding situation for fast CC riders." Then came the Eurobike and the Swabian inventors presented the next step in electric shocks: the Elect suspension. Magura promptly won a Eurobike award for it. But how does such a suspension system, which thinks for the rider and automatically locks or opens the suspension elements, ride? We tested the Elect suspension extensively at the 3-day "Epic Israel" race - on 280 tough kilometres over rough trails and dusty bumpy tracks.
Test bike, Magura components and the Elect calibration
The centrepiece of the Elect suspension is still the fork, as it houses the damping unit with 3D acceleration sensor and the servo-motor-controlled cartridge. Our test bike, a Cube Stereo 120 Super HPC 29, was fitted with a TS8 with 120 millimetres of travel. Magura has also revised the compression damping of the TS8 for 2015. The stanchions have also been given a new black surface coating. The cartridge and the new stanchions should ensure that the fork responds better and reacts more sensitively to fine bumps. The new TS200 damper, which is available in a wide range of installation lengths and strokes, is used as the shock absorber. The third element of the system is the wireless handlebar remote control, which can be quickly and easily positioned next to the grip using rubber. Instead of annoying cable lassos, the cockpit remains clean, which for me is one of the main advantages of the Elect suspension.
Before the first ride, the fork and damper must be "paired" with the remote control (Elect Remote). To do this, unscrew the cover on the right-hand fork leg and switch the system to "ON" using the small black slider. Do the same with the damper. Then press the middle button on the remote and it takes a few seconds for the components that communicate via the ANT+ standard to recognise each other. This is followed by calibration, which tells the 3D acceleration sensor at which gradient it should block the system in automatic mode. We lift the front wheel slightly during calibration, as we only want the system to switch to lockout mode on steeper inclines.
The first day of racing: in manual mode
Shortly before the start, I press the centre button on the remote control, as the system has gone into sleep mode during the start setup. It takes a few seconds and a green light flashes on the lever. This signals to me that the system is ready. As I don't know what to expect on the 90 kilometres in the north of Israel, I start in manual mode, which allows me to lock or open the forks and dampers at the touch of a button.
At first, rough gravel tracks and trails strewn with sharp stones prevent me from blocking the system at all. But as the route eases up a little later on and short, steep ramps keep coming up, I keep switching to closed mode. I usually select the centre button, which locks the shock and fork at the same time. Locking works quickly and reliably, and the small button on the remote control is usually always hit. However, the dusty rough tracks are usually so rough that I prefer to ride the suspension open, even on the climbs. A middle mode, i.e. an intermediate stage between completely open and locked, would be very useful here. But this is not available on the Elect suspension. "Not yet" according to Magura development manager Jochen Coconcelli, "but it will come".
In automatic mode
On the second stage, the automatic mode should prove what it can do. To do this, simply press the button on the cover of the right-hand fork leg - you can also do this at any time during the journey. The system then works automatically. The 3D acceleration sensor measures the inclination every 1/2 second. This works really well on steep, not too bumpy climbs, even if the terrain is very undulating. But as soon as the terrain becomes too challenging, I simply override the automatic locking by pressing my thumb on the remote control. The system then switches to manual mode. Because I don't want to risk a flat tyre with all the sharp stones and I want maximum traction on demanding climbs. Even when the incline is only slightly uphill and the automatic system is constantly jumping back and forth between "Open" and "Blocked", I override the system and switch to manual mode. The rough roads in Israel make it difficult for the automatic mode to make the right decision. Because the many stones and bumpy stretches could be ridden open most of the time. But on less technical routes and more moderate surfaces, the reliable automatic mode should work really well. This is because you can keep your hands on the handlebars at all times, don't have to concentrate on locking the chassis and can focus fully on steering, braking and shifting.
Charging the Magura Elect via Micro-USB
Before the race, I connected the fork and shock to the power socket using a micro USB cable. Despite countless blocking manoeuvres and three days with five hours of riding time each, the two batteries were not empty. No wonder, because Magura specifies an operating time of 40 hours in automatic mode and 60 hours in manual mode. I also didn't have to switch off the suspension elements after each stage, as the system automatically switches to sleep mode after two minutes in idle mode. This saves the battery.
Reliability and durability of Elect
The fine dust that we had to swallow every day over 90 kilometres also affects the bikes and components. But the Elect suspension was unimpressed. It always worked perfectly. Even the high-pressure washer was unable to harm the wireless electric suspension.
Magura Elect - the advantages and disadvantages of the electric chassis
+ Wireless and visually tidy
+ Automatic and manual mode selectable
+ low system weight
+ individually calibratable automatic mode
+ simple operation
+ long operating times
- No middle pressure stage setting (only open and blocked)
- often inconclusive near the zero position (jumps between open and blocked)
- relatively expensive
Conclusion on the Elect chassis
Compared to previous electronically controlled suspension elements, the Elect suspension from Magura goes one step further. The automatic mode comes very close to an intelligent, intelligent system and supports the rider. If you prefer to keep control of your suspension yourself, you can operate the system manually using the wireless remote control. The Elect suspension is particularly suitable for fullys up to 120 millimetres and sporty riders and racers. The system works reliably and even electronic sceptics will be won over by the lack of cables. The Elect package for the suspension fork is also available separately for retrofitting.
How does Elect fare against E:I-Shock and Fox iCTD?
You can find a detailed comparison test of the three electric chassis in the PDF download below.
BIKE is also available as a digital edition for all devices.
