The Cilo bicycle brand has a long tradition. Founded in 1927, Cilo was active in road cycling in the mid to late 19th century and its racing bikes were well-known and popular among connoisseurs. In the mid-1990s, Cilo bicycles were among the best-selling bicycles in Switzerland. In 2002, however, the company had to file for insolvency. The brand lived on and now wants to make a new start. Topic: e-mountain bikes.
The Swiss company (based in Zurich) has developed two sporty models for its re-entry into the market. Both rely on the EP801 e-bike motor from Shimano - and yet each comes with its own unique drive concept. The H models are light e-MTBs, the HC series classic full-power e-MTBs. All models come with a stylish full carbon frame.
Cilo H-Series - Light-E-MTB
A light bike with a Shimano motor is not the most common approach. But not the most absurd either. Because The EP801 is one of the lightest power motors on the market (tested here). So already Orbea with the Rise and Red deer with the R.X375 successfully established lightweight e-MTBs with Shimano motors on the market. Cilo relies on a permanently installed battery with 400 watt hours. To be prepared for longer tours, there is an optional range extender with 200 watt hours that can be strapped onto the down tube.
Like Rotwild, Cilo works with two different motor profiles. In the Light profile, the torque is limited to 65 Nm, while in the second profile the full power of the Shimano unit is available. This means that the bike will be available from 19.5 kilos.
Cilo HC series - Power-E-MTB
The HC series is designed for long tours and steep climbs. Accordingly, the frame houses an easily removable 708 battery and the Shimano motor is classically designed for full thrust. This naturally pushes the weight up a little.
All mountain bike or enduro? Both!
Whether small or large battery: Both Cilo models are available either as an All Mountain with 140 mm travel and 29er wheels, or as an Enduro with more travel and a mullet setup. The naming is somewhat confusing: regardless of which frame or drive concept (H or HC) the model is based on: The All Mountains are called Tanay, the Enduros Kyano. This results in a total of four bikes: the light trail bike Tanay H (140/140 mm), the light enduro Kyano H (160/150 mm), the power all-mountain Tanay HC (140/140 mm) and the power enduro Kyano HC (170/160 mm).
The facts about the e-mountainbikes from Cilo
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Full carbon frame
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
- Straight seat tube for long telescopic uprights
- Low protrusion height
Cilo Tanay C and Kyano C
- Battery: 400 Wh, permanently installed
- Optional: Range extender
- Suspension travel: 140/140 mm on the Tanay, 160/150 mm on the Kyano
- Wheel size 29 inch on the Tanay, Mullet on the Kyano
- Price: from 5499 Euro
Cilo Tanay HC and Kyano HC
- Battery: 708 Wh, removable
- Suspension travel: 140/140 mm on the Tanay, 170/160 mm on the Kyano
- Wheel size 29 inch on the Tanay, Mullet on the Kyano
- Price: from 4999 Euro
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
