The eWME 627MX comes with 140 millimetres of suspension travel and a wheel mix of 29-inch wheels at the front and wide 27.5-inch wheels at the rear. The bike can also be ridden as a classic 29er thanks to a flip chip on the seat stay. Conway is one of the very few companies to equip its 2019 newcomer with an external battery. What looks outdated at first glance turns out to be a technical success. The eWME 627MX is a good 1.5 kilos lighter than the second lightest bike in the test, despite being significantly cheaper. The centre of gravity is also lower than that of the Intube models. This is not only noticeable in our data sheet, but also on the trail.
Our celebrity testers all gave the Conway the most agile handling in the test field. They were also surprised by the power of the slim bike, which has a more tour-like character compared to the competition. The rear suspension feels like it has more travel than the data would suggest. However, it is not very progressive, which resulted in one or two bottom-outs in tougher terrain - despite the firm set-up. The fork also offers little counter-pressure in the open compression stage position; for a sporty riding style, you have to reach for the blue lever. For more relaxed riders, the suspension offers plenty of comfort, while racers will want a firmer setup and more feedback. The wheel mix of a 29er front wheel and wide plus tyres at the rear works well.
Uphill, the playfulness comes at a price: with its comparatively short chainstays, the eWME reaches the limits of its climbing ability earlier than the competition. However, this only becomes noticeable on steep ramps. The front is rather low despite the 29er front wheel.
Conclusion on the Conway eWME 627MX from Jochen Käß, marathon pro from Team Centurion Vaude
In my opinion, Conway offers the most successful overall package, I immediately felt comfortable on the bike. The handling is agile and balanced, so the handling is the closest to that of a normal mountain bike in this comparison, which I like. The Shimano drivetrain provides smooth support and I also like the external battery: no rattling, no creaking and even less weight. The latter is also noticeable on the trail.
Technical data Conway eWME 627MX 29" / 27.5"
Price 4799 Euro
Time / 500 hm4
24:36 min.
Reach height 1270 hm
DRIVE
Engine Shimano Steps E8000
Maximum torque¹ 70 Nm
Battery¹/ weight² / price Replacement battery Steps 8010, 504 Wh, 2623 grams / 699 euros
Circuit Shimano XT (11-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 34; 11-46
Display / Size Shimano M8000 / 21 x 38 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork / damper Fox 34 Float Performance Fit Grip / Fox Float DPX2 EVOL
Spring travel (f. / h.) 140 mm / 140 mm
Telescopic support Contec Drop-a-GoGo, 150 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano XT four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
Impellers DT Swiss Spline H 1900 system wheels
Wheel size 29'' (f.) / 27.5+" (h.)
Tyres Schwalbe Magic Mary 29 x 2.35 / Hans Dampf Apx 27.5 x 2.8
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Aluminium
Weight 22.28 kg
Centre of gravity height 506 mm
Handlebar width 780 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 186 mm
Reach / Stack 455 mm / 619 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
