For our test, we had the same bike sent to us once with Enviolo automatic transmission and once with classic derailleur gears. The Canyon Precede:On is a handy city bike with a lot of riding comfort and good all-round characteristics. Under this name, direct distributor Canyon offers a dynamically shaped, modern frame-fork set made of carbon, which integrates the Bosch motor, Intube battery, cockpit, brake lines and shift cable. Shifter cable? Yes, but only on the CF 8 model, which has 1x12 XT derailleur gears: Here, the XT rear derailleur takes its orders via Bowden cable and shifts the chain click by click to one of the selected twelve sprockets.
In the sister model CF 9, a continuously variable hub gear transmits the drive power: Bosch motor and rider drive the pedalling crank together. A low-maintenance Gates toothed belt transmits this power to the rear wheel. There, the Enviolo Automatiq Sport shifts between the sprocket and axle. As its name suggests, it shifts gears automatically: the e-biker sets their desired feel-good cadence on the Bosch Kiox display beforehand - the speed that is applied to the crank when pedalling. The Enviolo electronics use this as a guide. It then regulates the current gear ratio within its overall range of 380 per cent so that you can always maintain your pre-selected cadence, i.e. the desired speed. The Enviolo hub receives shifting commands wirelessly from the motor control unit. A green LED on the hub body serves as an operating indicator. A small servomotor is flanged to the outside of the hub, which controls the gear ratio adjustment mechanism. It works with on-board power, i.e. purely electrically. There is no gear lever. The speed sensor on the crank records how fast the cyclist is pedalling. As soon as the current cadence deviates by more than five revolutions per minute, the control electronics send a signal. The servomotor turns a shaft that manipulates six rotating balls between two rings with inclined surfaces inside the hub. If the axis of the balls is also set at an angle, the transmission ratio between the input and output side changes. A special oil with suspended particles and a defined viscosity ensures the necessary balance between lubrication and friction. When the balls move, they do so completely silently. Only the mechanical noise of the servomotor can be heard as long as it is doing its job.
The XT derailleur requires regular care and maintenance
Almost every biker knows how a derailleur works and how it feels. Perfectly adjusted, the interplay between the crisp shift lever, the precisely responding rear derailleur and the repositioning of the chain on another cog after barely a quarter of a turn of the sprocket is a mechanically perfect act. In terms of speed, efficiency, gear range and gradation as well as low weight, this type of shifting on bicycles and e-bikes is unrivalled. However, permanently good function requires a high level of maintenance: Only if it is regularly cleaned, lubricated and carefully readjusted as soon as it starts to click can derailleur gears really show their advantages.
The hub gear, like the Enviolo, is more frugal: it doesn't care how dirty and/or wet it is out there. Its mechanics, hermetically sealed, always work under optimum conditions. There is always sufficient lubrication, and water, dirt and other disruptive influences remain outside. This significantly reduces the need for maintenance and extends the service life. The Enviolo hub gear is somewhat heavier than a derailleur gear (the Enviolo Canyon weighs 1.2 kilos more than the XT Canyon) and offers less gear range: if you are riding with pure muscle power, you will quickly reach the limits of the meagre 380 per cent between the lowest and highest gear, especially on hilly terrain. On a pedelec, on the other hand, the motor compensates for unfavourable gear ratios by increasing power. Ultimately, however, this is at the expense of battery range. The actively operated derailleur gear system has a clear advantage here. With skilful handling, it always provides a gear that exactly matches the dynamic speed. This allows you to utilise your e-bike as efficiently as possible, with hardly any momentum lost. The wider and finer the gear range, the better the energy-saving pedalling. This allows you to use your muscle power much more efficiently. The derailleur on the CF 8 delivers 510 per cent gear range and a range of 1.87 metres in the lowest gear and 9.55 metres in the highest gear. With 380 per cent range and 2.26 metres in the lowest gear and 8.59 metres in the highest gear, the Enviolo offers significantly lower values, but with continuously variable gear ratios.
Enviolo hub shifts smoothly and without jerking
However, you don't notice the slightly more stressed drive and battery when riding: the automatic canyon sprints uphill quickly until the motor fades out at just over 25 km/h. Only the longer power bar in the display reveals that the drive has to work harder than in the XT Canyon with optimum gear selection. Even when accelerating from a standstill or when setting off with luggage, the transmission of the Enviolo hub glides up smoothly and without jerking until the selected crank frequency is reached. However, you realise that a constant cadence can also be annoying: For the first few metres, you intuitively pedal faster to get going. The hub can't keep up with this at first. It needs time while it changes the gear ratio. The automatic system constantly compares the programmed speed with the actual speed. If there are deviations of more than 5 rpm, it carefully adjusts. As this is done continuously, you hardly notice small corrections to the transmission ratio. However, if you are approaching a traffic light that is about to turn yellow, there is no kickdown, the short downshift to pick up speed and momentum so that the sprint is successful. When you come to a standstill, the servomotor immediately engages a light starting gear.
The CF 8 with derailleur gears is clearly ahead here. It leaves the traffic lights behind long before the red light. The automatic responds to such manoeuvres rather calmly, not to say sluggishly. This may sometimes be frustrating for dynamic riders, but it is ideal for a more sedate riding style: with a steady cadence, you really do ride differently, usually more relaxed. You actually come to a standstill more often at red lights. But in return you see more of the world.
Conclusion
The CF 8 with derailleur gears is recommended for active, dynamic riders. Here, the motor and the rider's own power complement each other perfectly and the riding performance and battery range can be maximised. The CF 9 with automatic transmission is highly appealing for the relaxed, leisurely type of rider. Cycling intuitively without having to worry about shifting or gear selection, and even without operating a gear lever, feels great. The automatic transmission works perfectly and was completely trouble-free on our test rides. However, it takes more time to find the right gear ratio. The optional Enviolo app, which can also be linked to the Bosch app, can be used to vary the characteristics and power delivery of the automatic transmission. Jochen Donner, test editor
You can download the complete comparison test of the XT derailleur and the Enviolo automatic transmission, including all test results and individual evaluations, as a PDF below the article for a fee.
