Product News: Over the past year or two, premium e-bike manufacturer Zemo has made a name for itself in the highly competitive bicycle market with its excellent bikes. In our test conducted for FOCUS magazine, a Zemo bike proved to be the best in the trekking category . The bar is set high, and accordingly, Zemo is launching a new product in 2018 that will undoubtedly be very well received in the e-bike sector: The Zemo SU-E series comes with full-suspension frames for a significant increase in comfort – whether in the city or on a weekend tour.
Full-suspension trekking bikes, with or without a motor, are still a marginal phenomenon and will probably remain so in the non-motorized sector. The additional bearings, joints and the damper itself increase the weight too much for many and reduce propulsion. However, both disadvantages are not so significant with an e-bike - since, with a few exceptions, there are only models without rear suspension for touring and city use, comfort-conscious riders use e-MTBs instead. Since these are not optimal for the area of application for other reasons (missing mudguards, luggage rack, lighting system, etc.), this is not much more than an often bad compromise.
ZEMO SU-E: Visually inconspicuous comfort plus
It is precisely in this niche that ZEMO is now advancing with the SU-E models. The chassis itself is called INTERLINK and came from the pen of development partner ADP, who is also responsible for the rear triangles of Rotwild mountain bikes, for example. In addition to efficient characteristics for a lot of propulsion and a stiff construction, the system should also be able to be integrated into the frame concept in a visually unobtrusive way. The end result of the development provides 100mm of travel - more than enough, even for curbs, potholes or other impasses that might get in the way of a cyclist. Of course there is also a suspension fork at the front, which also provides 100mm of travel. Visually, the fullys are hardly recognizable as such: the shock absorber almost completely disappears into the seat tube.
So you take a look at one or the other of the mountain bikes - this also includes the retractable seat post, which is installed in all ZEMO SU-E bikes ex works. While on a mountain bike it generally ensures that the rider has the necessary freedom of movement on the trail, in the case of the new ZEMO e-bikes it is intended to provide even more comfort. By pressing the corresponding lever on the handlebars, the support moves down and the driver can put their feet comfortably on the ground when stationary - a welcome help, especially in the everyday stop-and-go of urban commuter traffic. Pressing the handlebar lever again extends the support to the correct ride height.
ZEMO SU-E: Premium equipment and anti-theft protection via smartphone app
ZEMO is at home in the premium segment. This also applies to the new e-trekking full-suspension bikes. The most affordable model already comes in at 4.999€ – premium here, however, is not only the price, but also the equipment. All bikes come with Bosch Performance CX motors, and the S-Pedelec is powered by the corresponding Performance Speed. The 500Wh PowerTube battery is hidden in the down tube; an optional second battery is available on the down tube, which almost doubles the range. The other features are also appropriate for the range: high-quality disc brakes, good lighting, and a wide range of gears, from derailleur gears to the continuously variable NuVinci transmission.
In times of Smart Home, smart bathroom scales and the smartphone as an everyday companion, the bicycle and e-bike market can no longer ignore these developments. ZEMO is cooperating with the mobile giant Vodafone and is making a special app available for its e-bikes. This is in contact with the control center in the wheel, which also contains a GPS module. For example, various anti-theft functions can be activated. Speaking of anti-theft protection: an Abus folding lock is included with all SU-E models.
ZEMO SU-E: Available from 4.999€
The SU-E model series will initially launch with three basic models. Starting with the SU-E FS 10N with a NuVinci 4-gear shift hub.999€. The SU-E FS 11X instead comes with an 11-speed Shimano derailleur and costs €5.599. The S-Pedelec version, the SU-E FS 11X 45, is only slightly more expensive at €5.799. The two top-of-the-line models with derailleurs offer the option of a second battery, which costs €700 extra.
All bikes are available with a classic diamond frame or as trapeze models with a low step-through and in three frame sizes. When it comes to colors, customers can choose between plain matt black, muted gray and a fresh blue.
The prices at a glance (DB = Dual Battery)
SU-E FS 11X 45DB EUR 6.499
SU-E FS 11X 45 EUR 5.799
SU-E FS 11X DB EUR 6.299
SU-E FS 11X EUR 5.599
SU-E FS 10N EUR 4.999