With the 301 CE, Liteville is focussing on constant evolution instead of constant new developments. In its core virtues - easy to ride, manoeuvrable, easy to swallow that's why we've known the e-bike since 2020. Instead of the old E8000, however, it now drives the new EP801 (test here) The E-MTB is now 725 watt hours instead of 630 in the down tube. Also Syntace' steering stabilisation system K.I.S. brings more control in tight uphill corners and on slippery trails since 2023.
The special edition, limited to 400 units in honour of 20 years of Liteville, comes in chic silver, but the most exciting technical innovation is the special suspension in the 301 special model. Here, the Cone-Valve technology from WP, previously reserved for motorbikes, works in suspension elements from DVO. This is intended to improve the response behaviour, especially in rough and fast passages, and thus take more strain off the rider. More than just a marketing promise, as we found out in our practical test. The rest of the equipment is top quality, with XT parts throughout, an Eightpins dropper post and high-end Syntace parts from the handlebars to the wheels. The price for the top-equipped carbon bike remains comparatively fair.
The facts about the Liteville 301 CE MK2 20 Years
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 725 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon / aluminium
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 7999 Euro
- Weight: 24.25 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg (manufacturer's specification)
Shimano EP801: The motor in the 301 CE e-bike
As in the 2024 e-bike (tested here) the anniversary edition features the new Shimano EP801 motor. In terms of power, it is almost on a par with its main competitor Bosch, but is slightly lighter and provides ample support even when the rider doesn't pedal hard. However, it lacks some of the dynamics of its main competitor. At very high pedalling frequencies, for example when accelerating before a step on an uphill, the Shimano noticeably runs out of breath.
Liteville combines the Japanese motor with the multifunctional EM600 Remote and the associated display. This shows the most important ride data and the battery status in 10 per cent increments on a compact screen. The BMZ battery delivers 725 watt hours. The range is therefore roughly on a par with other Shimano bikes with around 720 watt hours, but slightly below the level of the heavy 750 Bosch combination. If required, the battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube without tools. The battery is secured with a knurled screw. Too bad: Once again, we had problems with incorrectly closing contacts between the battery and motor after removing the battery. The bike could only be switched on again after the battery had been removed and cleaned several times.
The geometry
Since the geometry has remained unchanged since the launch of the 301 CE 2020. According to modern standards, the reach of the bike is therefore compact. Short chainstays and a low bottom bracket ensure agile and corner-friendly handling, while the high stack provides confidence on steep descents. The seat tube is long. Unfortunately, if you want more reach, you can't simply go for the larger frame size.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 477 mm
- Wheelbase: 1255 mm
- Reach: 465 mm
- Stack: 657 mm
- Steering angle: 64.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 77.8 degrees
- Chainstay length: 442 mm
Liteville 301 CE: Full XT and premium Syntace parts
Liteville has left nothing to chance when it comes to the equipment on its anniversary model 301 CE. The carbon handlebars and stem as well as the high-quality aluminium wheels naturally come from sister company Syntace, while the gears and brakes are Shimano XT parts. There's nothing to complain about. The integrated rear light from Lupine and the K.I.S. system are further highlights, not to mention the DVO-WP special suspension. In view of this, the price of 7999 euros seems relatively moderate. For comparison: The GasGas ECC 5 with WP chassis (tested here) cost 1000 euros more despite its noticeably weaker equipment.
- Fork / Damper: DVO Onyx D1 CV-SL / Jade X CV Coil
- Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
- Brakes: Shimano XT, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Syntace W33i
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Supertrail, 29 x 2.4" / Big Betty Supergravity, 27.5 x 2.6"
- Special features: Syntace K.I.S. steering stabilisation, suspension with WP damping, rear light from Lupine ex works
On the trail: how the Liteville 301 CE 20 Years rides
With its massive frame, thick fork, steel spring and high front end, the Liteville 301 CE 20 Years makes an impression even when stationary. The fact that Liteville boss Jo Klieber also draws inspiration from motocross time and again cannot be overlooked. The high-quality SQLab saddle on the e-bike is very comfortable, not least because the high front relieves pressure on the wrists despite the steep seat angle. This also works well for longer tours and provides a lot of security in all situations. Surprisingly: Contrary to the bulky impression, the Liteville does not feel bulky at all, but remains extremely manoeuvrable for a full-power e-MTB, but more on that later.
The riding position is comfortable and the high front relieves pressure on the wrists. When it comes to climbing, the bike from Tacherting does a good job. The fluffy rear end provides plenty of grip and the K.I.S. steering stabilisation prevents the steering from tipping. This helps after a short familiarisation period, especially in narrow and slow passages. The front wheel rises early, however, and the rear end releases a lot of travel in the event of larger obstacles. This provides a lot of suspension comfort but, in combination with the high front end, makes the bike somewhat difficult to control on demanding terrain.
The Shimano motor is also not one of our favourites here. Although the power and torque are excellent at medium speed, it is hardly possible to gain momentum before key sections. In combination with the lack of coasting, you often get stuck here, where you can simply pedal through with some competitor motors. However, the announced Shimano Race update could provide a remedy with more lively characteristics and extended trail.
Downhill, the bulky-looking Liteville is pleasantly manoeuvrable, as the rear suspension pushes the bike up into the air on jumps. However, the 301 CE really comes into its own when the going gets tough. Here we already attested to the predecessor's plush suspension and high riding safety, and the 301 special model with the DVO-WP suspension goes one better. You can even hold on unbraked in rough root fields, which the great DVO-WP suspension simply breathes away. Even the top forks from Fox and RockShox deliver significantly more shocks to the rider.
With the Liteville, on the other hand, you can easily tackle even long and rough downhills at full throttle without much arm pump. The geometry suits the character of the suspension well: on the Liteville, you're safe and well integrated behind the high front end, and the compact reach means you don't need to ride too actively. Biggest criticism: Downhill, the bike rattles noticeably, and particularly active riders might wish for a more aggressive geometry.
EMTB review of the anniversary Liteville 301 CE
Strengths
- Spring comfort in rough terrain
- Easy to control, high touring qualities
- K.I.S. steering stabilisation
Weaknesses
- Range and uphill only mediocre
- Battery contacts do not close correctly in some cases
The EMTB conclusion
If you're looking for an all-rounder for difficult terrain, this is the bike for you. The fluffy suspension is impressive and the Liteville 301 CE does a lot of work for the rider. A really powerful e-bike for long tours in demanding terrain and a clear tip, not just for Liteville fans.
"High comfort with great absorption capacity" - Interview with Emrich Pasching from WP
EMTB: All other manufacturers use a shim stack for high-speed damping. Why are you going your own way with Cone-Valve?
Emrich Pasching: Our racing success proves us right and confirms what we are doing. The Cone-Valve approach is very simple in principle. However, the service life and production is the big challenge, as are the high quantities in series production with minimal tolerances.
Cone Valve doesn't look very complex, what are the challenges in production?
A shim package may look more complex, but it is much easier to manufacture and forgives larger tolerances. If one shim does not fit exactly, this is compensated for by the others in the package. Although there are fewer parts in the Cone-Valve, they have to fit exactly. The requirements in production are therefore extremely high. This is not possible with a standard turning/milling machine. We have to ensure that the damping in each fork and each damper works exactly like the other. That's where the great art lies.
What are the advantages of Cone-Valve compared to conventional damping systems with shimstack, such as those used by Fox and Rockshox?
Thanks to the greater oil flow made possible by the Cone-Valve, we achieve a very high level of comfort with great absorption capacity when fast, hard impacts affect the chassis. At the same time, the rider can adjust how much feedback they want from the ground without sacrificing comfort. With the shock for the Liteville 301CE, for example, we focussed on a very high level of grip on the rear wheel. This approach did not exist before. The electric motor compensates for the slightly lower efficiency, but the bottom line is that it offers clear advantages.
The setup is not easy. How do you ensure that the end user gets the full benefit and is not overwhelmed?
Our setup is no more complex than a standard market suspension from another manufacturer. You just have to say goodbye to being able to adjust the suspension statically as usual in the shop or in the car park. With other suspension systems, you can often judge from experience what a good setting is. With our suspension, this static setting can be misleading. We therefore offer a detailed setup guide as a basis. You should then go off-road and ride on the intended routes. You can then adjust the settings up or down. Basically, it's no different to a conventional suspension system. As you are used to suspension elements with a traditional shim stack, you can get a better idea of the off-road behaviour in the car park.
Cone-Valve is not patented. Don't you see any danger that the competition could take over your technology?
In principle, this risk always exists. Even with a patent, there is no full-time protection. However, the fact that the expertise is in the parts themselves and in the way they are produced and assembled does not cause us any stomach ache.
What else can we expect from WP in the future? Will there be completely customised dampers and forks with their own casting at some point?
We have lots of ideas and are looking to see what the future holds.
Compared to the suspension on the GasGas E-Bike, has only the shock absorber been changed or has the fork setup also been changed? What exactly is different?
The fork set-up was also adapted, but here only the spring characteristic was adjusted to the intended use by means of tokens and a modified oil volume in the outer fork.
What about electronics? Fox and Rockshox have discovered the topic for themselves. Are you also working on electronic systems for MTB suspension? Does this topic have future potential?
We have been working with electronic valves in the motorbike sector since 2016 and have one of the fastest valves on the market. What is difficult is the required integration into the bike with all the necessary sensors and the computing power required for the control system. I don't think the full potential can be realised here yet. We have a few ideas in chassis development, but we are currently working on other topics.f
Adrian Kaether
Editor
