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ConwayTrail-Fully with variable wheel sizes

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 27.04.2018

Conway: Trail-Fully with variable wheel sizesPhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh
Conway: Trail-Fully with variable wheel sizes
Free choice: The Conway eWME 629 comes in a new version for 2019. It can be ridden with 29-inch wheels or, as the 627 MX, with a mix of 29er and 27.5 Plus wheels. A flipchip makes it possible.

New wheel sizes for Conway! The popular eWME will in future be available in an additional version that can be ridden as a 29er as well as an MX version (29 inch front, 27.5 Plus rear). The geometry can be adapted to both wheel sizes using a flip chip. The MX version sounds particularly exciting, as the wheel mix has impressed the EMTB test team time and again recently. The idea behind it: The large front wheel with a narrower tyre gives a direct and track-following riding experience with good rollover behaviour. On the rear wheel, the wide plus-size tyre provides maximum traction and added comfort.

The flip chip at the upper end of the seat stays adjusts the steering angle and bottom bracket height to the 29er or 27.5 Plus rear wheel.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The flip chip at the upper end of the seat stays adjusts the steering angle and bottom bracket height to the 29er or 27.5 Plus rear wheel. Inspired by motocross sport: the MX version comes with wide 27.5-inch tyres on the rear wheel and a narrower 29er on the front wheel.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Inspired by motocross sport: the MX version comes with wide 27.5-inch tyres on the rear wheel and a narrower 29er on the front wheel.

Compared to the 27.5 mm eWME, the newcomer comes with slightly tamer geometry and less suspension travel and is therefore aimed more at trail and touring riders. For full-throttle descents in rough terrain, the conventional eWME 627 with 160 mm remains the measure of all things. However, the new version takes things up a notch on the climbs, with longer chainstays promising a stable climber.

The platform lever on the Fox shock keeps the rear end quiet, which improves the climbing characteristics.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The platform lever on the Fox shock keeps the rear end quiet, which improves the climbing characteristics. The damper is protected from dirt and stone chips by a mini mudguard (fender).Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The damper is protected from dirt and stone chips by a mini mudguard (fender).
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The facts about the eWME 629 / 627 MX: 140 mm suspension travel, short 165 mm cranks, 200 mm brake discs and moderately long 450 mm chainstays. The bike comes with a sporty reach (467 mm for size L) in four sizes from S to XL. The extra power is provided by Shimano's Steps E8000 drive and an external 500 Wh battery.

Shimano's Steps E8000 motor provides propulsion, while the external 504 Wh battery is light, compact and easy to replace.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Shimano's Steps E8000 motor provides propulsion, while the external 504 Wh battery is light, compact and easy to replace. The cable routing is clean and organised inside the frame.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The cable routing is clean and organised inside the frame.

Models and prices

The new trail bike will be available from 4000 euros. There will be two versions with a wheel mix (eWME 627 MX) and three 29er versions (eWME 629). All models rely on solid tyres with Schwalbe's Super Gravity casing and a telescopic seat post from Contec with 125 or 150 mm (from size L).

The new Contec dropper post works on all models and the lever is conveniently located within easy reach.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The new Contec dropper post works on all models and the lever is conveniently located within easy reach. 200 mm brake discs on the front and rear wheels in combination with the new <a href="mtb_news/teile_zubehoer/eurobike-2017-shimano-xt-vierkolben-bremse/a37013.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">four-piston XT</a> provide the necessary braking power, even for long and steep descents.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh 200 mm brake discs on the front and rear wheels in combination with the new four-piston XT provide the necessary braking power, even for long and steep descents.

The first ride report on the Conway eWME 29" / MX

With the eWME 29", Conway is adding a 29er with 140 millimetres of suspension travel to its range of sporty Shimano bikes. The highlight: the platform can be ridden with either 29-inch wheels or the popular wheel mix of a 29er front wheel and 27.5 Plus on the rear wheel. The necessary geometry adjustments are made using a flipchip. We were able to test ride both versions and were impressed by the playful handling and balanced feel-good geometry. The sensitive suspension provides a lot of security and is also equipped for tough trail excursions. The 29er version naturally provides a more direct ride feel and allows experienced riders to take corners with even more traction. The MX version offers more comfort and can score points with plenty of grip on climbs.

Conway eWME 29 / MXPhoto: Markus Greber Conway eWME 29 / MX
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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