Low step-through bike on test: The Bergamont E-Horizon Elite 7 Belt Amsterdam

Step-through? Not really, rather a special shape, but one that fits perfectly into our test frame. It's all about a deep-drawn top tube that follows the kink of the battery-carrying down tube and then tapers off with a small curve. The recess created above the bottom bracket is filled by the Bosch CX motor and a plastic fairing in matt black. A successful design! In any case, the comfort when getting on the bike is not much less than that of many a "real" step-through bike in comparison. The aforementioned battery, which was not removable in an earlier review in our magazine, can now simply be tilted out of its compartment at the side with the turn of a key. Simple and practical, thanks for the change!

Ergonomics of the Bergamont E-Horizon

Somewhere between upright and relaxed and sporty, you sit on the Elite 7, the slightly curved handlebars securely in your hands. An adjustable stem, ergonomic grips, a very clear Intuvia 100 display and the 5-speed gear hub ensure comfortable ergonomics. To ensure that safety is not neglected, the brake discs have a diameter of 180 millimetres.

The CX motor pushes powerfully as usual and delivers up to 75 Newton metres. The bike wants to go straight ahead with this power. For manoeuvrable riding, more power than expected is applied to the handlebars. The wide Energizer Plus Tour tyres are one of the reasons for this strong tendency to steer straight ahead. The robust metal mudguards, installed at the rear as a load-bearing component for the pannier rack, are also popular. The lighting equipment with the Busch & Müller Myc headlight with 50 lux and the classic Busch & Müller top light at the rear is a fitting choice, even if it is not the most powerful.

A touch of Cargobike

There are four eyelets for Bergamont accessories on the solid-looking headset of the Bergamont E-Horizon. A sturdy basket can be securely and beautifully attached here. It doesn't turn the bike into a real cargo bike, but it is practical and creates more transport options. We didn't like the height-adjustable kickstand and its position. One turn of the handlebars to the right is enough to fold it backwards and cause the bike to fall over. A kickstand should be on the rear triangle, also because of the weight distribution when loading. There it is also out of the way of the pedals when pushing backwards. Otherwise, the Bergamont works as confidently as its successful design.

Conclusion on the Bergamont E-Horizon

Attractive design, ergonomically adjustable seating position, powerful motor, riding safety and a very good drivetrain meet beautiful and few unsightly details. The bike can do a lot and is also a lot of fun to ride, as long as you don't want to be a cornering hooligan. However, the 4699 euros are no bargain.

The Bergamont E-Horizon Elite 7 in detail

• Price: 4699 Euro >> available here
• Frame sizes: 44, 48, 52, 56, 60 cm
• Test bike weight: 30.5 kg
• Permissible total weight: 130 kg
• Frame: Aluminium
• Fork: Suntour NVX30 NLO, 75 mm travel
• Circuit: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
• Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX Gen 4/ PowerTube 750 Wh
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200 disc brakes
• Tyres: Schwalbe Energizer Plus Tour 55-622
• Lighting system: Busch & Müller Myc/ rear: Busch & Müller Toplight
• Maximum carrier load: 25 kg