The UBN Five from German e-bike manufacturer Riese & Müller is an all-rounder: it is just as suitable for touring with light to medium luggage as it is for commuting and city trips of almost any length. The Fazua drive with its 60 Newton metres of torque and 430 battery forms the basis of this concept. It delivers sufficient and very direct power when starting off - important for stop and go in the city - and over the entire range without draining the battery too quickly. 70 mostly flat kilometres around the 25 kilometre mark were easily possible in medium mode with 10 kilograms of luggage. The battery can be removed quickly and easily for charging - the lightweight cover is held in place by four magnets - a nice, easy-to-use attachment.
Riese & Müller UBN Five with minimalistic display
The three riding modes are selected using the twist grip at the left end of the handlebars, the panel on the top tube shows the current level and the five LEDs communicate the charge status. But the Riese & Müller doesn't only run well with assistance: the Fazua Ride 60, as fitted to three test candidates, decouples when you do without its thrust. The UBN therefore rolls like an organic bike. Smooth-running tyres such as the Marathon Supreme with a width of 42 millimetres support this. On flat terrain, you practically don't notice that you're sitting on a switched-off e-bike - as long as you don't have to switch frequently between starting off and braking.
Classic touring posture
The riding position is moderately sporty on the comfortable Fizik touring saddle. The almost straight, relatively narrow handlebar supports this. You can also get along well in the city. The bike is lively around bends, but is definitely orientated towards straight-line riding. However, the shifting of the 11-speed derailleur becomes a noisy event under load - a problem that e-bikes with derailleur gears almost always have. The straight-line stability is impressive, as is the manoeuvrability in the city. Safety in terms of light: The Supernova front light is one of the most reliable, minimalist lights on the market.
The Riese & Müller carrier accommodates office commuter or pannier bags without adding any visual weight. Riese & Müller also lives up to its good name in terms of build quality on the UBN. Details such as the steering stop hidden in the headset are a joy to behold. At Riese & Müller, you can customise your desired model to a large extent. Registration comes with a five-year premium warranty. In addition, the company now offers a whole network of services such as theft insurance, motion alarm, tracking and more.
Conclusion on the e-bike
A lightweight tourer with many (commuter) applications. High-quality workmanship, stylish appearance, dynamic engine. You can ride it very well on flat terrain even without assistance. The only criticism: the stiff frame offers little comfort.
Details about the Riese & Müller UBN Five Touring
- Price: 4899 Euro
- Frame sizes: 45, 51, 57
- Test bike weight: 19.5 kg
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Rigid Kinesis
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 11-speed, 11 to 46, v: 42 teeth
- Motor/battery: Fazua Ride 60, Fazua 430 WH, removable
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Tektro TRP
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 42 - 622
- Lighting system: front: Supernova Mini 2, rear: B&M Xeltec LED
