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Everyday, tour or enduro? M1 presents versatile high-end eMTB

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 30.10.2020

Everyday, tour or enduro? M1 presents versatile high-end eMTBPhoto: M1 Sporttechnik
Everyday, tour or enduro? M1 presents versatile high-end eMTB
The e-bikes from M1 have become famous for their powerful TQ drive. The latest model relies on the Brose Drive SMag, modern geometry and lots of carbon.

Carbon fibre main frame, carbon fibre rear triangle, carbon fibre rocker arm. In keeping with its DNA, carbon fibre specialist M1 Sporttechnik has once again opted for a frame that relies on the lightweight material through and through. However, there is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the drive. Because until now, it was above all the Power-E-MTBs from M1 caused a sensation with the torque monster from TQ Systems. The new Erzberg, on the other hand, is Brose Drive SMag in combination with a 750 watt-hour rechargeable battery.

In its basic features, the Erzberg is similar to the <a href="https://www.bike-magazin.de/emtb/e_mtb_news_neuheiten/eurobike-2018-m1-spitzing-evolution" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spitzing Evolution</a> . However, the Brose Drive SMag is used instead of the TQ drive.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik In its basic features, the Erzberg is similar to the Spitzing Evolution . However, the Brose Drive SMag is used instead of the TQ drive. The Erzberg inherits the extravagant positioning of the damper from the <a href="https://www.bike-magazin.de/emtb/e_mtb_news_neuheiten/eurobike-2018-m1-spitzing-evolution" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spitzing Evolution</a> .Photo: M1 Sporttechnik The Erzberg inherits the extravagant positioning of the damper from the Spitzing Evolution . M1 Sporttechnik calls this design, which is based on a slot in the top tube, split-tube suspension.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik M1 Sporttechnik calls this design, which is based on a slot in the top tube, split-tube suspension.

The facts about the M1 Erzberg

  • Brose Drive SMag motor (90 Nm)
  • Exchangeable battery with 750 watt hours
  • Three variants: BR (Enduro), CC (Tour), GT (Urban/everyday)
  • All three variants available as a pedelec or S-pedelec
  • Suspension travel: 170 / 165 mm (BR), 160 / 150 mm (CC, GT)
  • Wheel size: MX-Mix (BR), 27.5 inch (CC, GT)
  • Full bean frame
  • From 6999 Euro
  • Market launch summer 2021
The 750 watt-hour battery comes from BMZ and can be removed from the top of the down tube.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik The 750 watt-hour battery comes from BMZ and can be removed from the top of the down tube. Compact and clear: the slim Brose display.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik Compact and clear: the slim Brose display.

The geometry of the M1 Erzberg

Sporty and modern - that was the objective when developing the Erzberg. The data will make sporty enduro riders sit up and take notice. Compared to the Spitzing Evolution, the main frame has been designed to be significantly roomier. The Erzberg in frame size M is just as long as a Spitzing in L (reach 452 mm). At 465 millimetres, the chainstays are on the long side so as not to compromise the bike's climbing capabilities. Unfortunately, the Erzberg is only available in two sizes, M and L. Very small or very tall riders are not optimally catered for.

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With a 29er front wheel, the geometry of the Erzberg BR is more downhill orientated than that of the more moderate CC and GT models. The two sizes M and L are available.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik With a 29er front wheel, the geometry of the Erzberg BR is more downhill orientated than that of the more moderate CC and GT models. The two sizes M and L are available.

Off onto the road: M1 Erzberg as an S-pedelec

As you would expect from M1, the Erzberg is also available as an S-pedelec. And all three versions are available. On trails and in the mountains, you won't lose anything with a number plate and support up to 45 km/h, but the fast Erzbergs are all the better for commuting and long distances on the road.

The fast S-Pedelec version (assisted up to 45 km/h, licence plate required) should be particularly interesting in the commuter version Erzberg GT.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik The fast S-Pedelec version (assisted up to 45 km/h, licence plate required) should be particularly interesting in the commuter version Erzberg GT.

Pleasing: Spitzing is finally varying the equipment between the Pedelec and S-Pedelec versions. For example, the pedelec version of the Erzberg comes with the right gear ratio and without brake cut-off. Points that we had to criticise in past tests of the Spitzing Evolution.

M1 Erzberg: Equipment and prices

The M1 Erzberg is available in three versions: As an urban everyday companion with mudguards, pannier rack, lights and more (Erzberg GT, 7499 euros, or 7999 as an S-pedelec). As a classic touring and trail eMTB (Erzberg CC, 6999 or 7699 euros). Or as a powerful downhill enduro bike (Erzberg BR, 8999 or 9999 euros).

All models have the same elegant carbon frame, and the rear triangle is also made of carbon fibre. The clunky speed sensor on the chainstay, which is triggered by a spoke magnet, is striking. We would like this to be more discreet and less prone to failure on a new e-MTB in this price range. All models have the same elegant carbon frame, and the rear triangle is also made of carbon fibre. The clunky speed sensor on the chainstay, which is triggered by a spoke magnet, is striking. We would like this to be more discreet and less prone to failure on a new e-MTB in this price range. M1 Sporttechnik Erzberg CC: The moderate model for extended mountain tours. You don't have to shy away from challenging terrain with this bike either. This is ensured by solid tyres and brakes, as well as a high-quality Fox chassis with 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik M1 Sporttechnik Erzberg CC: The moderate model for extended mountain tours. You don't have to shy away from challenging terrain with this bike either. This is ensured by solid tyres and brakes, as well as a high-quality Fox chassis with 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel.

The enduro model relies on solid equipment with Fox 38 Factory, Eddy Current tyres from Schwalbe, Magura MT7 brakes with 220-millimetre discs at the front and a Fox DHX steel spring damper.

Full on downhill: the pedelec version of the Erzberg BR costs 8999 euros.Photo: M1 Sporttechnik Full on downhill: the pedelec version of the Erzberg BR costs 8999 euros.

A powerful StvZO lamp with high beam function (Lupine SL X) can be ordered as an option on all models. The bike is currently still in the final development and approval phase. The Erzberg should be available in summer 2021. Until then, we will take a closer look at the Erzberg, because so far we only know the newcomer from the press release. How heavy is the new M1 Erzberg? How does it ride on tour and off-road? We want to find out in one of our 2021 print editions.

More exciting new products for the 2021 season can be found in EMTB 5/20, currently available at newsagents or digitally! We have already tested many of the new bikes in the lab and in practice. Plus: the in-depth duel between Shimano's new EP8 motor and the Bosch Performance CX. Take a look! <a href="https://www.delius-klasing.de/emtb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Order the EMTB with free home delivery</a> or read the digital edition in the EMTB app for <a href="https://apps.apple.com/en/app/emtb-magazin/id1079396102" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.delius_klasing.emtb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Android</a> .Photo: Delius Klasing Verlag More exciting new products for the 2021 season can be found in EMTB 5/20, currently available at newsagents or digitally! We have already tested many of the new bikes in the lab and in practice. Plus: the in-depth duel between Shimano's new EP8 motor and the Bosch Performance CX. Take a look! Order the EMTB with free home delivery or read the digital edition in the EMTB app for iOS and Android .
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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