Although there is nominally only 145 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear, the enduro feeling is still there. The suspension is very plush and literally soaks up the root carpets of the race track in Wipperfürth. The rear suspension gives the feeling of having more travel available. This is due to the very linear alignment and low end progression, which elicits a generous amount of travel from the shock. Nevertheless, we didn't experience any bottoming out. The geometry is moderate, and the testers across the board attested to "sit on it and feel good".
Although the steering angle is not excessively slack, the bike is on the smooth side without appearing sluggish. The 2.6 tyres offer a successful compromise between grip, comfort and directional stability. The E-Trailster climbs with confidence and the long chainstays skilfully keep the front wheel on the ground. The linear rear end causes the shock to sag slightly on steep ramps, but thanks to the steep seat tube angle this is not too noticeable. However, the platform of the shock could be a little more effective in stabilising the rear end. Bergamont also offers the E-Trailster as a 29er, and our model also fits large wheels. This is made possible by a geometry adjustment using a flipchip. Bergamont also installs a spacer under the head tube, which can be removed for a 29er front wheel to keep the front flat. Experts can use these two tools to fine-tune their geometry.
At almost 25 kilos, the Bergamont is unfortunately very heavy and the front end is high. 165 mm cranks, specific saddle, large brake discs: The equipment is well thought out - it fits!
Conclusion on the Bergamont E-Trailster Elite by Marc Oppermann, enduro racer from the Bulls Gravity Team
As a racer, the E-Trailster immediately won me over. The suspension is very plush, the mix of agility and smoothness is well balanced, giving you that enduro feeling. Only the weak end progression in the shock could cost some reserves in really tough terrain. The long main frame with a slack steering angle is particularly appealing to sporty riders. Also strong: the good saddle and the geometry adjustment. Someone has really put some thought into this.
Technical data Bergamont E-Trailster Elite 27.5"
Price 5999 Euro
Time / 500 hm4
27:09 min.
Reach height 1307 hm
DRIVE
Engine Shimano Steps E8000
Maximum torque¹ 70 Nm
Battery¹/ weight² / price Replacement battery Shimano 8020 Intube, 504 Wh, 3175 grams / 799 euros
Circuit Sram XX1 Eagle (12-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 34; 10-50
Display / Size Shimano M7000 / 21x38 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork / damper Fox 36 Float Performance Elite Fit4 / Fox Float DPS EVOL Perf. Elite
Spring travel (f. / h.) 160 mm / 145 mm
Telescopic support Fox Transfer, 150 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Sram Code R / 200 mm / 200 mm
Impellers Mavic E-XA 30 Elite system wheelset
Wheel size 27,5''
Tyres Maxxis DHF EXO 3C / DHR II EXO 3C, 27.5 x 2.6 inch
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Aluminium
Weight 24.79 kg
Centre of gravity height 530 mm
Handlebar width 760 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 184 mm
Reach / Stack 466 mm / 651 mm
EMTB JUDGEMENT VERY GOOD³
Manufacturer information
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
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.
4 Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB test laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections, 130 watts pedalling power of the rider. The time / 500 altitude metres refers to the first 500 altitude metres.
EMTB judgements: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient. 4Average value from the range height test over the entire distance.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
