Motorbikes and sewing machines are the hobbyhorse of the traditional Swedish brand Husqvarna. Now there are also e-mountainbikes under the promising flag. The models are developed in Schweinfurt and are so new that only a pre-production model was available at the time of testing, which does not correspond 100 per cent to the standard equipment. On the climbs, the MC7 scores with a rear triangle that is very stable in its travel. Even without locking out the shock, the rear end does not sag and hardly bobs at all, which is also helped by the steep seat angle. As a result, the front wheel rises late, even though the chainstays are sporty and short. The plus tyres generate a lot of grip, the newcomer climbs willingly and comfortably, the riding position is moderate. As the trail descends, the wide tyres also set the tone: comfortable and safe. The Husqvarna masters even demanding descents.
However, an extremely sporty and fast riding style is not the preferred area of the MC7; racers want a longer main frame and narrower tyres with a more direct ride feel. The adjustment range of the telescopic seat post is too small at 100 millimetres, and at 24.4 kilos the bike is heavy. A special feature of the Husqvarna fleet is the mobile battery, which can be removed through a flap in the down tube. The idea behind it: The battery is completely integrated, yet the down tube remains virtually untouched. This results in a high level of stiffness, as our EMTB test rig proves. The handling works perfectly. Too bad: On our test bike (pre-production model), the energy carrier wobbled slightly and rattled noticeably when riding off-road.
Conclusion: Husqvarna's debut model - the MC7 - is a balanced and cosy touring eMTB for comfort-conscious bikers that doesn't shy away from serious terrain. Top climbing characteristics.
PLUS Good chassis, balanced geometry
MINUS Battery rattles, short stroke of the dropper post
Reach height 1167 hm
Time / 500 hm 19.4 min.
Husqvarna MC7 27.5"
Price 4999 Euro
Drive
Engine Shimano Steps E8000
Maximum torque 170 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² Simplo Linkage Battery, 500 Wh / 3012 grams
Circuit Shimano XT Di2 (11-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 34; 11-46
Display / Size Shimano SC E8000 / 1.6 inch
Equipment
Fork / damper Rockshox Pike RC / Rockshox Deluxe RT
Spring travel¹ (f. / h.) 140 mm / 140 mm
Telescopic support Husqvarna 100 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano Deore / 203 / 180 mm
Impellers Formula DC hubs; Alexrims MD40 rims
Wheel size 27,5+''
Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic Apex Addix Speedgrip, 27.5 x 2.8 inch
Measured values²
Sizes / frame material 42 / 46 / 50 / Aluminium
Weight 24.36 kg
Centre of gravity height 521 mm
Handlebar width 780 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 170 mm / 184 mm
Reach / Stack 438 mm / 622 mm
¹ Manufacturer's specification
² Determined 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 range height measurement and the laboratory tests.
The EMTB judgement is independent of price. 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.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
