In 2022, Nox relaunched the Light E-MTB Helium with the old removable Fazua motor. A 2-in-1 bike that should also have a raison d'être as a motorless MTB thanks to the completely removable motor, albeit with the familiar weaknesses: Because the 2-in-1 solution made the bike quite heavy without the motor, but on the other hand severely limited the range of the bike, as only a small battery fitted inside.
Nox Epium: Consistent Light-E-MTB from the Zillertal
Now the Zillertal-based company is following up with the next light bike. The new Epium dispenses with the 2-in-1 concept and is designed as a consistent light e-MTB. It also comes with the new, permanently installed Fazua Ride 60 motor. 60 Newton metres and 450 watts at its peak make this drive a powerful representative of the Light E-MTB class. It is also one of the most interesting motors currently on the market due to its low operating noise.
The battery can still be removed from the new Nox Epium. Unlike, for example Haibike with the new Fazua bike Lyke Nox decided in favour of the classic battery removal from the front of the down tube. This is certainly the most customer-friendly option, even if the design is likely to be somewhat heavier due to the larger hole for the battery removal in the down tube. For more range on tour, you can easily use a second battery or the range extender in the bottle cage, which should soon be available for the Fazua system.
The facts about the Nox Epium
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60 (max. 60 Nm torque, 450 watts short-term peak power)
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, removable
- Two versions: All Mountain or Enduro
- Suspension travel: 150 mm (AM) or 180 mm (EN)
- Wheel size: 29 inch (AM) or 29/27.5 inch (EN)
- Carbon frame made in Europe
- Sizes: S, M, L
- From 18.5 kilograms (AM, manufacturer's specification), from 19.5 kilograms (EN, manufacturer's specification)
- Three versions each for AM and EN between 8599 euros and 10999 euros
As with the Helium, the new Epium is also available in two versions. The All Mountain with 150 millimetres of suspension travel and 29-inch wheels should weigh from 18.5 kilograms and is available from dealers with an air shock at the rear. The 100 euro more expensive Enduro comes with a full 180 millimetres of travel, steel spring shock and a small 27.5-inch rear wheel. It should weigh from 19.5 kilograms.
The geometry of the Nox Epium: long rear, high bottom bracket
The limited size selection is typical for Nox: The Epium will be available in S, M and L, one size more than the 2-in-1 bike Helium. The reach of the Epium is also shorter and the bottom bracket is slightly higher than that of its competitors. A rather conservative geometry that should favour touring and uphills. Downhill, the slack head angle and long chainstays should ensure a smooth ride.
The geometries of the All Mountain and Enduro models naturally differ slightly. With a slacker head angle (63.9 degrees) and shorter rear end (453 millimetres), the Enduro is a little more aggressive, while the All Mountain aims to score points uphill with a more moderate head angle (64.7 degrees) but longer reach and significantly longer chainstays (469 millimetres). If you want, you can adjust the chainstays on both models even longer using a flipchip.
Full carbon frame "Made in Europe"
The Epium's full carbon frame, which is now produced in Portugal and painted and assembled in Germany and Austria, is strong. There is a choice of three colours: the purple-blue "Jupiter", the iridescent yellow "Mars" and the silver-grey-black "Moon". It is obvious that the prices are somewhat higher due to the elaborate colours, but above all due to the Made-in-Europe approach. At a minimum of 8599 euros for the all-mountain "Core" with good suspension, but Deore drivetrain and groupless brakes, we still had to swallow.
The mid-range "Pro" model comes for 9199 euros with mid-range suspension from Fox, SLX components and slightly better wheels from DT Swiss. The top-of-the-range "Ultra" model comes with high-end suspension from Fox's Factory series for €10899. The All Mountain also has XTR components, but the somewhat simpler E1700 wheels from DT Swiss. The Enduro comes with the higher quality HX1501 wheels, but only XT components. The Enduro models are each 100 euros more expensive than their All Mountain counterparts.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
