First Ride: Centurion Lhasa E: Comfort tourer with new CX engine

E-Performance / Test: In the course of the new generation of Bosch motors, the Swabians from Centurion have renewed their entire Bosch e-bike portfolio. We were able to examine the new models before they went on sale and take them for a few test laps - including the new Centurion Lhasa E; a touring-oriented E-Fully with 100mm travel and, if desired, with mudguards and luggage rack.

Centurion Lhasa E2020: Proven concept with new technology

The Centurion Lhasa E is not a new bike per se - the model presented these days is already the fourth generation of the trekking / touring MTB all-rounder, but - like the entire Bosch product range at Centurion - gets some for the 2020 model year crucial updates. But before we get to what's new, a few words about what's left: Here, the concept and orientation are at the top. As a hybrid between a fully-equipped touring bike and a trekking bike, the e-bike serves a market that seems to be growing every year. A comfortable, rather upright seating position meets a full-suspension frame, wide tires that don't break a sweat even on easy trails and, if desired, full equipment including mudguards, luggage rack and side stand is also available.

This orientation is also reflected in the geometry, even if you have done a little handwork in direct comparison with the predecessor. The frame has grown minimally in length, and the steering angle has also become slightly flatter. The new Lhasa E tends to be a little sportier; nevertheless, lovers of an upright sitting position should also feel comfortable thanks to the still generous stack.

Centurion Lhasa E 2020: Clever details and well thought-out frame

It was only a few weeks ago that Bosch, among other things, presented the new 4th generation CX engine – Centurion is likely to be one of the first manufacturers to already have ready-to-drive models with the new drive, which should also be available in stores in the near future (in the case of the Lhasa E, probably in August). However, anyone who suspects that only the new motor mount was “sizzled” onto the old frame could hardly be more wrong; Not only is the new Lhasa E a completely newly developed frame, but it can shine with some clever details and practical features that show how much brain power has been invested in the construction of the bike.

The main focus was almost naturally on engine and system integration. The new, significantly smaller Performance CX motor can be integrated into the design in a much more pleasing way. With its own cover, including colour-contrasting ventilation slits on the front, the Swabian design team has done an excellent job and is a real quantum leap compared to previous Bosch e-bikes. Another advantage of the more compact dimensions of the drive unit is the reduced Q-factor: Put simply, this means the distance from one pedal to the other. Regular bikes usually have a Q-factor of about 168mm, the "old" Bosch CX motor with a full 180mm here and there made John Wayne feel, and the new Gen 4 drive is pretty much in the middle with 175mm. A significant improvement - yes. However, this was not enough for the designers of Centurion. With a slight lateral offset and special, cranked cranks, they were also able to achieve a Q-factor of 168mm on the Lhasa E - just like on any other non-motorized bike. Chapeau.

The 2020 Lhasa E is only available with an integrated Powertube battery, but buyers can choose between the new, large 625Wh battery or the well-known 500Wh solution for each equipment variant. The cover has been completely redesigned compared to its predecessor. Until now, the cover was firmly connected to the battery, but now a separate solution has been chosen: cover off, battery out. What at first seems like a step backwards has very practical reasons and also arose from the feedback received from buyers and dealers. With a fixed connection between the battery and cover, the cover must be fine-tuned on each bike due to varying tolerances. So far so good. But if you want to change the battery from one bike to another of the same construction, either the gap dimensions don't fit, or the battery can't be mounted at all. With the new solution, this problem is guaranteed to no longer exist. The charging port sits a bit unusual on the top tube and is well protected behind a tight magnetic closure.

In its category of off-road touring bikes, the Lhasa E is able to set itself apart from the competition in particular thanks to its full suspension. With 100mm at the front and rear, no Enduro trees can be uprooted, but it's still plenty for bad forest roads or one or the other easier trail. The rear end itself is clearly designed for comfort: the characteristic curve is rather linear, allows plenty of spring travel and offers a little less support than you are used to from many other 100mm fullys.

Centurion Lhasa E 2020: First driving impressions

As part of the Centurion press camp in the beautiful Black Forest, we had the opportunity to extensively test drive the new Lhasa E. For this we took a seat on the top model, the Lhasa E R2600i, which is equipped with a solid to high-quality Shimano XT 12-speed gear system, SLX brakes and Suntour Axon34 fork. Of course, the new Bosch Performance CX motor pushes itself to the fore in the first few meters: powerful, thanks to the E-MTB mode it can also be dynamically dosed and pleasantly lively, it is a lot of fun right away. Thanks to the Kiox display installed in every equipment variant, data such as speed, charge status and support level can be read clearly at all times.

No less remarkable than the drive, however, are the geometry and the associated seating position on the Lhasa E. The E-Fully reminded me more of a comfortable trekking bike than a classic touring MTB; the high stack puts the driver in an upright sitting position, which not only protects the back, but also improves the overview of what is happening. If you like it sportier, you can remove the factory-installed spacers under the stem and get a slightly stretched seating position. The chassis also behaves appropriately to the geometry: Both the fork and the rear triangle respond very sensitively, but still allow plenty of spring travel. Perfect for all those who like to be comfortable on tour. If you want to take the Lhasa E, which is quite suitable for this, on an easy trail, you can get a stiffer setup with a little fine-tuning of the compression and air pressure in the fork and damper.

We had absolutely nothing to complain about in terms of the equipment of the top model we tested: the new 12-speed XT shifter doesn't show any weaknesses and the SLX brakes also do a very good job. Thumbs up also for the dropper post, which is a big gain in comfort even on such a rather less sporty bike. It's a shame that you only get this on the not-so-cheap top model.

Centurion Lhasa E 2020: models, prices, specifications

All equipment variants of the Lhasa E are also available as EQ variants. EQ means Equipped and means the complete equipment of luggage rack, Wingee aluminum mudguards and side stand. Of course, all Lhasa E models have the mounting points for the add-on parts - retrofitting is possible without any problems. All Lhasa E model variants have the new 4th generation Bosch Performance CX motor including a Kiox display in common. Likewise, the LED lighting from Lezyne is always on board - even with the sporty variants without mudguards or luggage racks. By the way: for the Lhasa E, as with all other Bosch e-bikes of the 2020 model year, Centurion specifies a lavish permissible total weight of 150kg.