Test: Last summer, Corratec presented a whole range of new E-MTBs at the Eurobike Media Days, including the E-Power RS 150. The AM-Fully with Bosch drive and battery integrated in the down tube is becoming more logical for this season By and large remain unchanged, but the equipment has been slightly adjusted in some places. We tested the RS 150 in the demanding terrain around Lake Garda.
E-Fullies are a bit like the Swiss army knives of the off-road bike world. Thanks to the motor power, they largely make up for the main disadvantages of full suspension - namely the somewhat poorer climbing ability and the higher weight - while the plus in spring travel off the beaten track brings more safety for experienced riders and newcomers alike. Nevertheless, the balancing act between touring and trail suitability is not always easy for manufacturers to master. At Corratec in Raubling, they dare this complicated balancing act with the E-Power RS 150.
With a full 150mm of spring travel at the front and rear, the Bosch fully has a lot of reserves, at least on paper, and thanks to the well-done system integration, it looks good. The 500Wh PowerTube battery disappears completely in the down tube. Here Corratec has come up with something special with the Shadow Edge Tube technology and can stand out from the competition. A fairly massive plate is pushed onto the battery itself, which in turn is clipped into the frame. This protects the valuable cells and the construction guarantees rattle-free driving even with heavy trail rumble.
https://www.velomotion.de/2017/07/corratec-shadow-edge-tube-akku-integration-par-excellence/
As mentioned, a Bosch Performance CX motor, which is controlled by an Intuiva control unit, provides the appropriate propulsion. The fork and rear end offer plenty of space for the tires - that's why you have the choice between plus tires or 29″ wheels, depending on taste, driver type and route. Our test bike was equipped with Schwalbe Plus tires. The easily rolling Rocket Ron at the rear was joined by a slightly more grippy Nobby Nic on the front wheel - a thoroughly successful combination if the terrain is not too difficult.
They don't dare to experiment with the frame geometry and rely on tried-and-tested dimensions. At 67°, the head angle is neither particularly steep nor particularly slack, and the same applies to the seat angle. The main frame is relatively short by today's standards - enduro racers will turn up their noses a bit, but those who are looking for an all-mountain or a touring bike with reserves for demanding terrain should quickly feel at home on the Corratec.
Corratec RS-150 geometry
41 | 46 | 51 | 56 | |
seat tube (in mm) | 410 | 460 | 510 | 560 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 577 | 600 | 622 | 645 |
head tube (in mm) | 110 | 110 | 120 | 130 |
chainstay (in mm) | 485 | 485 | 485 | 485 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1198 | 1194 | 1218 | 1242 |
Steering angle (in °) | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 |
Seat angle (in °) | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 |
Reach (mm) | 400 | 400 | 420 | 440 |
Stacks (in mm) | 627 | 618 | 627 | 636 |
A lot has changed in terms of equipment compared to last year's model. In the front, for example, there is now the new RockShox Reba RL with 150mm travel, which is joined by a Manitou Radium damper that was installed last season. The Magura MT Trail brakes with 2-piston calipers at the rear and 4-pistons at the front should reliably decelerate the bike even on longer descents. It is shifted with a Shimano XT 11-speed and of course a dropper post should not be missing on such a bike. The small details on the bike are beautiful, such as the color-coordinated Reverse seat clamp and the six-pack handlebars.
With the Corratec E-Power RS 150 on the trail
Anyone who has ever been on a mountain bike on Lake Garda knows the beautiful but also demanding terrain. With the RS 150 we took the Coast Trail under our wheels, which meanders down almost 800 meters in altitude and includes one or the other extremely tricky passage. Flowing terrain with stones, roots and steps that are not too high hardly make the Corratec E-MTB sweat. The plus tires provide plenty of traction and the chassis absorbs a lot of bumps.
If it then gets down to business and there are drops, steep steps and larger rocks on the trail, a little more work is needed on the bike - the chassis seems a bit wooden here at times, the geometry is not quite optimal. But of course: The bike wasn't built for such terrain and in view of this fact, it does more than impressively here as well. Even when things get dicey, the Magura brakes grip firmly and reliably.
The drive does an extremely good job on really any terrain: Whether technically uphill or relaxed on gravel or forest paths: The Performance CX motor is quiet, powerful and, at least in Eco mode, also extremely economical. The battery integrated in the down tube never rattled, even on rough terrain, and can be removed safely and easily with a quick turn of the key. Other manufacturers can learn a big lesson here.
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