Most current e-mountainbikes in the trail segment with 140 to 160 millimetres of travel weigh between 20 and 22 kilograms - even in the high-end segment. A few weeks ago, Focus presented the Jam² with a carbon frame (EMTB reported) and made a statement: the top model is said to weigh just 18.5 kilos - albeit with a small 378 Wh battery.
Quantifierknown for high-quality lightweight construction in the MTB segment, was founded in Denkendorf near Stuttgart in 2012. The concept behind the brand: "Lightweight construction without frivolity". Every (e-)mountain biker can confirm that this concept makes sense. After all, we all want to ride through the terrain as agilely as possible. Sales are direct: you can either order the bike online or you can go directly to the headquarters in Denkendorf.
The Dampfhammer, the first E-MTB fully from Quantor, looks very promising: the 150-millimetre trail bike is available with either 29 x 2.6 or 27.5 x 3.0-inch tyres. So far, so normal. But the heart of the bike is the carbon fibre chassis with the Shimano Steps motor. The 500 Wh battery is semi-integrated and therefore a compromise between lightweight construction and a stylish look.
The weight specifications are impressive, but unfortunately so are the prices: the basic model already costs 5500 euros, but only weighs 20.5 kilos with 3.0 Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres. If you reach two shelves higher, you can get under the 20-kilo mark with 29er tyres - and you'll be out 7000 euros. The top model, the steam hammer 12.9 Skyline, rolls on 2.35 wide Schwalbe Fat Albert tyres and, according to the manufacturer, weighs 17.85 kilos (100 gram tolerance).
The geometry is moderate: The 460 mm chainstays promise good climbing characteristics, while the 66 degree head angle should ensure the necessary smoothness. Contrary to the current trend, the reach of 443 millimetres in L is not racy-long. All models are available in sizes S to XL.
Quantor steam hammer: The models
All models (with the exception of the top-of-the-range Skyline model) are available with 27.5 Plus tyres or 29er tyres. The tyres can be changed and fitted tubeless on request. If required, Quantor will fit 200 mm brake discs at the front and rear free of charge. All models also have dropper seat posts.
The entry-level model is the € 5500 Dampfhammer 4 with Rock Shox Yari suspension fork, Deluxe shock and DT Swiss wheels. The gears are Shimano SLX. Weight: 20.5 kilos with Plus tyres. If you add 800 euros, you get a Shimano XT drivetrain and higher-quality DT Swiss wheels.
The Dampfhammer 8 is available from Quantor for 7000 euros and features electronic Shimano XT gears, a Rock Shox Pike suspension fork and DT Swiss 1501 wheels. The 29er version already cracks the 20-kilo mark. The € 2000 more expensive 10er model rolls on DT Carbon wheels and is damped with Fox Factory suspension. The gears are changed by the electronic Shimano XTR.
The top model Skyline 12.9 is only available as a 29-inch model. Quantor only uses the lightest premium parts here and can thus reduce the weight to 17.85 kilos. The add-on parts are a colourful mix, the main thing being light. In addition to the Acros carbon wheels, the 10,000 euro bike features carbon fibre handlebars and a Kind Shock carbon vario seatpost.
