Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 on test: The light eMTB as a playmate with oomph

He earns his money German bicycle manufacturer Conway with mass-produced goods from the city and trekking sector rather than high-end mountain bikes. That's no secret. However, the latest addition, the slim Conway Ryvon, stands out from the portfolio. Even for a light e-MTB, the model is particularly sporty and even radical in certain areas. Sporty trail riders might take a liking to the concept that the Lower Saxony-based company has built around the Performance Line SX motor from Bosch.

The e-drive: Bosch Performance Line SX

When it comes to the drive system, the Lower Saxony-based company has opted for the new Bosch Performance SXwhich also gives light bikes the famous uphill flow and a certain power feeling. Compared to other motors in its weight class, it has a high maximum output. At least at a high cadence, as our detailed test in the laboratory and in practice shows. Power is supplied by the new Compact Tube 400, as on the vast majority of bikes with Bosch SX.

The absence of a charging socket in the frame is rather unusual. This means that no range extender can be fitted to the Ryvon, and the Battery must be removed for charging. The idea behind this is a consistent design for lightweight construction and trail strength. Fewer electronic parts and no hole in the frame for the charging plug - this saves weight and facilitates the construction of a robust chassis.

The Conway Ryvon has an ASTM category 4 rating. Bike park approval and offers a maximum system weight of 140 kilosreserves for heavier riders. For longer tours or trail excursions, Conway relies entirely on a second battery. The Compact Tube 400 delivers 400 watt hours for just over 2000 grams and therefore has a higher energy density than the range extender from the Bosch portfolio (approx. 1.6 kg, 250 Wh). What's more, with the Conway concept you don't ride around with empty (but still heavy) cells in your e-bike, which is usually the case when you click on a range extender. And you keep space for a water bottle on the bike. Conway has developed its own release mechanism for the battery and even a car park for the cover to ensure that changing and removing the battery for charging runs smoothly.

How light is light? The weight

Our test bike, the Ryvon LT 10.0, makes it with this lightweight construction concept to 18.9 kilos in size L. And with 170 millimetres of suspension travel and absolutely enduro-compatible equipment. Biting stoppers with fat brake discs are also on board, as is a rear tyre with a decent double-down casing and Srams Eagle transmission. That's a really heavy weight that even light enduro bikes with a smaller battery and weaker drivetrain rarely beat. Even if some might have preferred the classic solution with a range extender, the design of the Ryvon is well thought out and harmonious.

The geometry of the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0

The Conway Ryvon LT takes Modern enduro dimensions on. The wheelbase is long at 1285 mm in size L, and the steering angle of 63 degrees is slack even for an enduro bike. Otherwise, you will search in vain for extreme dimensions. Moderate chainstays (444 mm) and an equally balanced reach (469 mm in size L) promise balanced handling that is neither unwieldy nor too demanding. The Ryvon is available in four sizes from S to XL. Special feature: Parameters such as the handlebar and saddle width, crank length and grip thickness vary depending on the frame size and should therefore better suit the rider's body proportions.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 432 mm
• Wheelbase: 1285 mm
• Reach: 469 mm
• Stack: 649 mm
• Steering angle: 63°
• Seat angle: 76.5°
• Chainstay length: 444 mm
• Bottom bracket height: 338 mm

The equipment of the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0

10,000 euros is a lot of money and not exactly the price range in which the majority of Conway bikes are sold. On the other hand, the equipment is bursting with the very finest parts. The Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 is not only high quality, but also extremely well equipped. The Fox Factory suspension relies on a 36 mm fork instead of a 38 mm fork. A good choice for a light enduro build. The super-light Acros wheels with elegant carbon rims play a significant part in the lively riding characteristics. Despite the robust tyres, the round wheels are particularly light. For the tyres, Conway relies on puncture protection at the rear with the more robust Doubledown tyres from Maxxis. At the front, there is an Assegai with the very grippy MaxxGrip rubber compound.

Srams Eagle X0 Transmission ensures smooth gear changes, the TRP stoppers EVO DH-R combine powerful bite with good modulation. In addition, the thick brake discs (2.3 mm!), with a 220 mm diameter at the front, provide a lot of stability. We were unanimous in the test team: the equipment is right down to the last detail, and this is exactly how we would set off on the trail!

Practical test: How the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0

Uphill

But enough theory: what counts is on the course. Better: on the trail. Because this is where an E-Enduro should excel. The riding position is balanced. The centre of gravity is positioned centrally above the e-bike rather than too far forward. This means that there is not too much pressure on the hands, even on flat sections. The SX motor is pleasantly quiet when pedalling comfortably and emits an unobtrusive, rather sonorous hum. When it comes to climbing, the small Bosch can be pushed to an astonishingly powerful punch with a high cadence - then with a significantly louder drive noise. By light standards, it is also fun to ride on difficult uphills.

The chassis also cuts a fine figure uphill. The suspension remains active and is high in its travel. This also keeps the rider in a centred position. The front wheel maintains contact with the ground for a long time and the rider remains in control. Only in tight bends does the long wheelbase and flat steering angle require a spirited riding style, while the steering tends to tip a little when cranking at a leisurely pace.

Downhill

Downhill, the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 surprises with its astonishing light-footedness. It's hard to believe that you're sitting on an enduro bike with 170 millimetres of travel, a long wheelbase and robust equipment. The e-bike can be effortlessly lifted into the air on jumps, pulled onto the rear wheel in a relaxed manner and accelerates very directly. Trail bike feeling and lots of riding fun! Even on trails where some other E-Enduro bikes only roll along sluggishly. When the terrain shows its teeth, the Ryvon LT also changes character. With its slack steering angle and long wheelbase, it offers a lot of riding confidence on rough terrain. You can also leave the throttle on fast and rough tracks.

In demanding terrain, however, the E-MTB will appeal more to experienced riders who set the line with tight reins. This is because the suspension is more defined than plush. Compared to some emphatically plush rear suspension in this travel class, it feels like it has a little less travel. However, it also swallows big hits with ease and offers reserves with pleasant end progression. As the rider always receives clear feedback, the E-MTB remains lively and ready to jump off in any situation. The downside: the rattling of the Bosch motor on descents. However, the combination of downhill qualities and lively riding fun is rarely as successful as on the Ryvon LT 10.0, thanks in part to the high-quality and particularly harmonious equipment, which pushes the price of the bike up to 10,000 euros. In return, you get one of the most versatile and successful light enduro bikes currently available on the market.

The EMTB conclusion

The Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 is light, super well equipped and has a consistent chassis with sporty geometry. On the trail, it manages the balancing act of riding safety and fun handling with flying colours. As a fun machine and a lively all-round enduro bike, it really impressed in the test. Only those looking for a powerful race enduro bike that flattens out rock gardens and clocks up the best times on rooty roads will find more potent E-Enduros. On the other hand, the Ryvon with Bosch's lively SX motor is also fun on the climbs. Of course, the range is limited compared to classic e-MTBs with a large battery due to the system. All in all: Bravo Conway, the Ryvon LT 10.0 is a direct hit in the light eMTB category! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Editor EMTB Magazine

Pro

• Light-footed handling with great riding fun, absolute trail predator
• Low weight
• Quick battery change
• Strong uphill performance compared to the Light
• High-quality and practical equipment

Contra

• Battery must be removed for charging
• Engine rattling

Technical data and notes on the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0

Manufacturer information

• Price: 9999 Euro
• Sizes / seat tube / frame material: S, M, L (tested size, 43 cm), XL / Carbon

Measured values¹

• Weight¹: 18.9 kg
• Centre of gravity height: 518 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length/Q-factor: 160 mm / 194 mm
• Ground clearance³: 506 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
• Max. Torque²: 55 Nm
• Battery² / weight¹ / price Replacement battery: Bosch Compact Tube, 400 Wh / 2062 g / 599 Euro
• Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transm. 12-speed
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-52
• Display: Bosch system controller
• Permissible total weight²: 140 kg
• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Float X2 Factory
• Front/rear suspension travel: 170 / 170 mm
• Telescopic post: Vecnum Nivo, 182 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): TRP Evo DH-R / 220 mm / 203 mm

¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

²Manufacturer information

Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel