It was only in 2020 that the German innovation company Liteville presented its first e-MTB and immediately caused a sensation: the brand's first carbon bike was a plushly suspended e-enduro bike with plenty of reserves and a full ride feel.
It is therefore hardly surprising that the designers from Tacherting have only touched the tried and tested formula in detail for the new edition. Especially as Liteville is known for rather long product cycles anyway. The new 301 CE MK2 therefore relies on an almost identical frame and the same geometry and kinematics as its predecessor. Liteville combines 442 millimetre short chainstays with a steep seat angle of 77.9 degrees and a steering angle of 64.6 degrees. The reach is a rather moderate 465 millimetres in size L.
The facts about the Liteville 301 CE MK2 with K.I.S.
- Motor: Shimano EP801 (85 Newton metres)
- Battery: BMZ, 725 Wh, removable, 3807 grams (EMTB measured value)
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 /27.5 inch
- Carbon frame with aluminium rear triangle
- All models come with the innovative K.I.S. stabilisation system.
- Four equipment variants from 8999 euros
- Four sizes: S, M, L, XL - Size S with 625 battery
- 23.24 kg (EMTB measurement)
- Ex works with slim integrated Lupine rear light
Stabilised: The first e-mountainbike with K.I.S.
The most important innovations of the Liteville 301 CE MK2 are hidden inside the bike. The Liteville is the first production e-mountainbike with the K.I.S. system developed by Syntace mastermind Jo Klieber, which is integrated into the top tube of the 301 CE MK2. The K.I.S. - short for "Keep it Stable" - is designed to help stabilise the steering and thus improve control when biking in tricky situations.
The K.I.S. works via a supposedly simple suspension system in the top tube, which returns the steering to the central position with gentle pressure. In initial tests last year, however, we were able to gain an impression of Klieber's new idea. The conclusion: The K.I.S. system provides additional riding stability and safety, especially on slippery surfaces such as wet stones or roots. E-mountain bikers also benefit uphill, where the K.I.S. makes controlled steering around particularly tight bends easier after a short period of familiarisation, as it effectively prevents the steering from tipping even with modern, flat steering angles.
As with the first production MTB with the K.I.S. system, the Canyon Spectral, the spring stiffness of the new Liteville 301 CE MK2 can also be easily adjusted using an Allen key. However, Liteville has opted for a slightly rounder design of the steering cone, which makes the transitions of the steering stabiliser somewhat softer. In practice, we liked this better than the firm, rather digital K.I.S. system on Canyon's first motorless K.I.S mountain bike.
Shimano EP801 and new BMZ battery: The drivetrain of the Liteville 301 CE MK2
The second decisive innovation is in the down tube of the Liteville 301 CE MK2. Not only does Shimano's new EP801 with new remote and new display now provide propulsion, but a new battery also supplies the system with power. This is the new 725 watt-hour battery from BMZ, which is particularly light at just 3807 grams (EMTB measurement) and also has a slim design. It fits into the same down tube as the previous battery from Simplo with 630 watt hours.
This means that the new Liteville E-Fully can not only utilise the features of the new Shimano motor, such as free or auto-shift of the Di2 rear derailleur, but also gets a range upgrade without any significant additional weight.
From 8999 euros: Models and equipment of the new Liteville E-MTBs
As is typical for Liteville, there will not be a really cheap model of the new 301 CE MK2. All bikes come with the same frame, and even the cheaper versions are clearly in the premium segment in terms of equipment. Starting at € 8999, the top model we tested with Syntace carbon wheels, Srams X01 wireless drivetrain and Fox Factory suspension will be available for € 12,999. Remarkable: Following the development of a proprietary, progressive steel spring for the predecessor bike, all models are now available exclusively with air shocks. Also factory-fitted on all bikes: a slim and stylish integrated rear light from Lupine, which is powered by the main battery.
The entry-level model is the Liteville 301 CE MK2 Elite for 8999 euros. It already comes with a powerful suspension system with Fox 38 Performance Elite and a complete XT groupset. That's all you really need. According to Liteville, this model weighs 23.5 kilos.
For 1000 euros more, i.e. 9999 euros, the 301 CE MK2 changes Race the owner. It comes with Rockshox suspension with a ZEB Ultimate fork, an X01 drivetrain and XT brakes.
The 301 CE MK2 Pro is designed to be a little less extreme. The Fox 36 Factory has only 160 millimetres of suspension travel and weighs 22.8 kilos. Cost point: 10,999 euros.
Only the very finest equipment ends up in the 301 CE MK2 Limited. The elegant carbon wheels from Syntace are an eye-catcher, while the Fox Factory suspension with a 38 mm fork is designed for the toughest conditions. The gears are shifted wirelessly via the Sram Eagle AXS X01 - although not yet with the latest transmission technology. The brakes are powerful Magura MT7. A high-quality Lupine front headlight is installed ex works - high beam function included. 12,999 euros are due for the top model.
Conclusion Adrian Kaether, EMTB Magazine
With K.I.S., the new BMZ battery and Shimano's EP801, Liteville has given the 301 CE some important updates. The ride feel remains extremely plush and comfortable, even without the steel spring. The Liteville doesn't want to be a stiff race enduro bike, but fans of high riding comfort and strong climbing characteristics combined with a manageable riding behaviour will still find what they are looking for here. High riding safety!
Test report Liteville 301 CE MK2
The top model tested by us with Syntace carbon wheels, Sram's X01 wireless drivetrain and Fox Factory suspension will be sold for a hefty € 12,999. Noticeable: All MK2 models have air shocks, the progressive steel spring specially developed for the MK1 is missing from the line-up.
On the trail, this is positively noticeable with a little more pop and support in the rear end. The 301 CE is still plush and comfortable on the trail. Even with lightweight parts, the high-traction bike has a classic e-bike feel, the great suspension comfort and the high front end provide a lot of confidence on long and steep descents. Nevertheless, the Liteville remains manoeuvrable even at low speeds and is easy to pull into the air. For sporty enduro riders, however, neither the plush suspension nor the fat tyres and the short reach with a high front end will really suit.
With ample suspension travel and plenty of reserves, the Liteville is more of a powerful tourer than a race enduro bike. The front wheel rises a little on the climbs, but plenty of traction and a front-wheel-orientated riding position add to the points account. The K.I.S. system makes steering through particularly tight bends easier, but otherwise remains pleasantly in the background on the 301 CE. The smoothed steering movements thanks to the K.I.S. are only really noticeable on the trail when you switch between minimum and maximum preload. The system does not create a completely new riding sensation. Too bad: The battery rattled loudly on our test bike, which didn't leave a good impression.
The motor: Shimano EP801
While it was still difficult to keep up with Bosch bikes at full gallop with the EP8, the Liteville with the EP801 now rides along quite easily. We wanted to find out for sure and put the EP801 head-to-head with the EP8 and Bosch's CX on the roller test bench at PT Labs. The result: With up to 544 watts at the rear wheel, the EP801 clearly outperforms its predecessor in the relevant cadence range of 60 to 110 crank revolutions per minute and is therefore close to the performance of Bosch's CX.
The advantage of the Shimano motor: As before, the motor releases the power even at 100 watts of rider power, whereas with Bosch you have to pedal at least 180 watts. A real 84 Newton metres on the measuring shaft is also impressive. The riding feel of the EP801 is similar to its predecessor. The power is delivered in a controlled and even manner, the motor hangs well on the pedals and - thanks to the increased punch - is easier in key technical sections or when setting off. We cannot report any reduction in efficiency. This makes the lightweight motor competitive again, even if the drive noise and rattling downhill remain as before.
Test summary of the Liteville 301 CE MK2 by Adrian Kaether, EMTB tester:
Even in the new version, Liteville's 301 CE remains a good-natured and very comfortable touring enduro bike. There are better bikes for racers, but if you have long descents with lots of vertical metres or technically demanding uphills in the Alps on your agenda, the Liteville is a good partner. The new motor and battery provide more power and range without any extra weight - great! However, the noticeable clattering downhill should not occur at this price.
Technical data and notes on the Liteville 301 CE MK2
Manufacturer information
- Price: 12,999 euros
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 47.5 cm), XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 23.2 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1672 (+0)hm
- Average speed: 15.6 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 536 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 160 mm / 178 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 498 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³/ -weight²/ price Replacement battery: BMZ V10, 725 Wh / 3807 g / 900 Euro
- Gear system: Sram X01 Eagle AXS (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-52
- Display: SC-EN600
- Permissible total weight³: 150 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 38 Factory Grip2 / Float X2 Factory
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Telescopic support: Eightpins, up to 220 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Magura MT7 / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Syntace C33i Straight MX Carbon
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector EXO, 29 x 2.6" / Minion DHR II EXO+, 27.5 x 2.8"
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.5 points - very good
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
