The main thing is to be extraordinary - that seems to be the motto of the makers of Nox Epium. And the Zillertal-based company achieves this in several ways. Point 1: the platform concept. The Light-E-MTB Epium with Fazua drive is available as an All Mountain and an Enduro version with the same frame. The geometry is adjusted using a flip chip in the dropout and on the shock mount, and a different shock rocker is also used. And unlike the 29er All-Mountain, the Epium Enduro rolls on Mullet tyres.
The facts about the Nox Epium 7.1
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60 (max. 60 Nm torque, 450 watts peak power)
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, removable, 2250 grams (EMTB measured value)
- Suspension travel: 180 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Carbon frame with steel spring damper
- 20.95 kilograms, (size L, EMTB measured value)
- Three models for 9599 euros, 9199 euros (tested) and 10899 euros
Nox Epium: Carbon frame made in Europe
The second unique selling point of the newcomer: apart from a few components, the Epium is a true European. The development department is based in the Austrian Zillertal, the full carbon monocoque frame is manufactured in Portugal and finished with a colourful paint job in Bavaria. The CNC and forged parts also come from Bavaria and, of course, the Ride-60 drive system from motor manufacturer Fazua. The whole thing is then assembled in Austria. In times of unstable supply chains and incalculable transport costs, this is an interesting concept. It is also said to be more sustainable than production in the Far East. However, the Nox is also more expensive than average compared to its features. Frame production in Europe is two and a half times more expensive than in the Far East, says Nox.
The third striking feature that sets the Epium Enduro apart from the masses: The combination of 180 millimetres of suspension travel and light drive is still a rarity in the exploding variety of models on the E-MTB market. Apart from Nox, there is only the Red Deer R.G 375but with the Shimano EP8 it doesn't really qualify as a light-assist bike. All other light enduro bikes on the market manage with less suspension travel.
The geometry: flat, short and high
Let's move on to the last feature that characterises the USP of the Nox Epium: its unconventional geometry. You have the choice between a very high bottom bracket and a slack head angle or an even slacker head angle and a slightly less high bottom bracket. We opted for the second option. But even then, the bottom bracket is still a whopping 362 millimetres above the ground. An extremely high value, even for a 180 mm bike. In addition, the 442 millimetre reach in size L is very short, which makes the Nox look a little out of date in today's enduro bikes. Despite the small rear wheel, the chainstays of 452 millimetres are not particularly short.
In practice: How the Nox Epium 7.1 Pro rides
On our test laps in the Geißkopf bike park, the Nox left the EMTB test team with mixed feelings. The seat angle is slack, you sit high and slightly rear-heavy, which makes you feel a little disconnected from the bike. The suspension also provides a little less support. On steep climbs, you have to actively put your body weight over the handlebars to delay the front end rearing up. Things get tricky on technical uphills, especially in hairpin bends. This is because the super-slack steering angle (62.6° in the flat setting) causes the front wheel to tip significantly when turning. Good: You're guaranteed not to have to struggle with pedal bob on the Nox; the sensitive suspension and the grippy Conti Argotal tyres provide good traction; and thanks to the powerful Fazua drivetrain with good range and small 32 t chainring, the Epium doesn't cause much trouble even on long climbs.
Full and powerful traction: the Nox Epium on the descent
At the summit of the Geißkopf, we turn into the enduro trail: the route now descends gently through tight but fast bends. This is where manoeuvrability and agility are key. Active suspension and agile handling are required - neither of which are the Nox's core competences. The suspension is rather stiff, and the bike's high centre of gravity means that you have to use your body to turn the bike in fast cornering combinations. On the other hand, the traction in root-ridden corners is strong.
After the enduro section, it's onto the freeride track: built drops and doubles, fast descents over rock gardens and high steps - this is where the bike's handling qualities come to the fore. And the Epium Enduro undoubtedly has them. The air fork and steel spring shock harmonise well here, remaining confident on hard landings and steps. The wide cockpit and the very slack steering angle convey a lot of confidence and encourage you to leave the throttle open. Only the short reach on the Nox prevents the rider from getting too cocky. And this parameter has another disadvantage: the Epium is currently only available up to size L. For riders over 185 cm at the latest, it will be cramped behind the cockpit. A small consolation: the Zillertal-based company plans to add an XL for 2024.
Let's move on to the equipment of the smart European. The weight of just under 21 kilos doesn't break any records, but it's fine considering the suspension travel and steel spring shock absorber. The tyres are a bit of a cheat. Although the Argotal tyres offer good grip in the trail version, the lightweight carcass of the Conti tyres is somewhat undersized for rough terrain. The rest of the equipment is rather mediocre for the upper price range: mid-range wheels from DT Swiss, SLX gears and brakes from Shimano - that's the price you have to pay for the classy frame and the "Made in Europe" seal.
Conclusion on the Nox Epium Enduro 7.1 by Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB:
The Nox Epium has an exciting concept. Production in Europe minimises supply chain and transport risks, but above all gives the Epium its own USP. In terms of quality, the Nox Enduro leaves a decent impression, but the equipment is only moderate compared to the price. In practical use, the Epium Enduro 7.1 is particularly impressive on fast downhill trails. However, the geometry with its short reach and high bottom bracket takes some getting used to.
Technical data and grades Nox Epium Enduro 7.1 Pro
Manufacturer information
- Price: 9199 Euro
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 45 cm) / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 20.95 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1329 hm
- Average speed: 12 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 556 mm
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 182 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 538 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60
- Max. Torque³: 60 Nm
- Battery³/ -weight² / price replacement battery: Fazua Energy 432 / 2263 g / 799 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano SLX (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 32; 10-51
- Display: Fazua LED Hub; no display
- Permissible total weight³: 125 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 38 Float Performance / Fox DHX Performance Coil
- Front/rear suspension travel: 180/170 mm
- Telescopic post: Fox Transfer Perf. / 175 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano SLX / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1700 Hybrid
- Tyres: Continental Argotal Trail Endurance, 29 / 27.5 x 2.4''
EMTB test rating⁵: 7.9 points - 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 including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. 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 inadequate.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
