Test: The Centurion represents the electrified variant of a very current trend in the mountain bike world: the 29-inch hardtail, also known as the twenty-niner.
28-inch wheels with particularly wide tires are used (improvements in damping and traction); The wheelbase is slightly longer and the bottom bracket is positioned lower in relation to the wheel axles than on 26-inch bikes – with the same ground clearance, mind you. This in turn lowers the driver's center of gravity; All of the measures together result in better driving characteristics overall, apart from the slightly less pronounced agility, which connoisseurs feel, for example, in extremely sharp bends.
A twenty-niner rides more comfortably than a 26-inch bike and for many riders is the compromise between this and a full-suspension MTB, which is heavier, more expensive and more complicated. And since price and weight are important factors for E-MTBs, using 29er wheels makes a lot of sense here.
Centurion equips its E-MTB with the powerful performance version of the Bosch mid-engine, including a 400 Wh battery. The 100 mm suspension fork has a locking lever on the handlebars, and the bike is equipped with a complete set of Shimano XT components and high-quality DT Swiss wheels.
Incidentally, with a weight of 19,6 kilos, the Backfire E Ultimate is around seven kilos away from an equivalent but non-motorized 29er. That's almost 50 percent, you want to exclaim, but such an e-bolide is extremely agile on the trail, even if you drive with the engine switched off as a test or if you're forced to.
Technical data: | Backfire E Ultimate.29 |
Brand | Centurion |
Model | Backfire E Ultimate.29 |
distribution channel | Specialized trade |
Color | black |
frame | Aluminium |
available sizes (cm) | 41,46,51,56 |
pedals | - |
Hubs | DT Swiss 1900 Spline |
Suspension shocks | - |
Rims | DT Swiss 1900 Spline |
Fork (travel mm) | Fox 32 Float |
Motor | Bosch Performance 250W |
Battery | Bosch PowerPack 400Wh |
Lighting | - |
Claw | Centurion |
Crank | FSA Alpha Drive |
Links | FSA Afterburner Rise |
Brakes | Shimano Deore XT |
chain/strap | KMC X-10E |
Tubes | Schwalbe Rocket Ron / Racing Ralph Evo. 57-622 |
Saddle | Centurion Race |
Seat post | FSA afterburner |
Gear levers | Shimano Deore XT |
Circuit | Shimano Deore XT |
stand/ mounting location | - |
Front derailleur | - |
Support up to km/h | 25 km/h |
Price battery | about 600 € |
Frame warranty | 5 years |
Range (manufacturer information) | To 100 km |
test range (1) | |
Max. loading driver + luggage (manufacturer approval) in kg | 120 |
Weight test bike in kg | 19,7 |
Price in EUR | 3399 |
(1) Velomotion tests the range of all e-bikes under maximum conditions. The test lap is 9,8 km long and with 171 meters of altitude difference it is very tough and sometimes very steep. The system weight of bike and rider should be 120 kg (± 5 kg). Lighter drivers receive additional weights. Driving is at maximum support level and also very quickly. This is the only way to determine honest and comparable values. You can expect to get at least twice the range with a medium assist level and on less undulating terrain.
Incidentally, with most systems you have a small range reserve, similar to that of a car. Even if the battery shows 0 km, there is still one to five kilometers left with a moderate driving style.
Leave a Comment