Test: With a twelve-speed gearbox and powerful Bosch motor, the new Pegasus model combines sportiness and everyday utility. And with the optional 635 Wh battery, the bike is even suitable for travelling.
Not so long ago, SRAM introduced an eight-speed derailleur specifically for E-MTBs; many touring pedelecs are currently equipped with Shimano's five-speed hub gears. So: fewer gears equal more comfort and driving pleasure?
There may be areas of application where you can do without a fine gradation. When riding with maximum motor support, optimal pedaling frequency takes a back seat, be it on the trail or in city traffic. An economical, energy-saving driving style that is designed for a long range, on the other hand, cannot do without small gear jumps. Two teeth are ideal for fast gears and three to four for mountain gears, but if you want a large gear ratio, you need as many sprockets as possible. And "as much as possible" currently means twelve - that's how many gears the manufacturers put on their freewheel bodies.
With the Pegasus Premio Evo 12 Lite Cross, this development has also arrived on e-bikes - and at exactly the right time. Because the current Bosch motors of the fourth model generation are equipped with a redesigned gearbox, which can be recognized by the large chainring at the front and runs almost completely without resistance above 25 km/h. It is now possible to move quickly even without motor support. And since the right pedaling frequency is important at such speeds, more gears are clearly an advantage here.
Of course, the 11-speed cassette with 50 to 12 teeth is not the only thing that looks a bit like a mountain bike on the Premio Evo 12 Lite Cross. If you take a closer look at the bike, you'll get caught by the heavily profiled tires - Schwalbe Smart Sam, designed as an all-rounder with snappy shoulder lugs and a compact center bar that rolls easily on asphalt. Together with the plug-in mudguards, which can also be removed for an off-road tour, and the handlebar ends, this feature explains the nickname "Cross", and the sitting position is also more sporty than on the trekking sister model due to the lower stem. The sporty appearance of the Evo XNUMX Lite Cross also includes the fact that it is only available in two frame shapes instead of three - the manufacturer has dispensed with a step-through version.
The Evo Lite Cross is therefore primarily aimed at cyclists who also want to use their bike for brisk tours through forest and fields as well as on gravel roads, without having to bother with a "real" cross bike or an E-MTB with the well-known disadvantages of everyday use . Because the Premio Evo is of course also responsible for the latter - in addition to the mudguards mentioned, a lighting system with super bright 100 lux spotlights, a system luggage rack and the obligatory side stand are installed.
Which brings us back to the subject of trekking: when these all-round bikes hit the market (and the streets) around 30 years ago, travel and touring was a key feature, and the Premio Evo continues that tradition. This also includes the option of feeding the powerful "Bosch Performance CX" motor with a 625 Wh battery. 400 or 500 watt hours are more than sufficient for many purposes; However, if you are aiming for long daily stages and are not afraid of difficult terrain, you should grab a large "tank".
75 Newton meters of torque and a maximum of 340% support power - with these values, the CX motor inspires sporty cyclists. Of course, those who want to take it easy don't need to worry - if you choose a low support level at the beginning, you'll be happy about the gentle thrust of the central motor, which can be controlled at all times - not least because the bike brakes safely with the Shimano stoppers leaves. The gear changes are precise, but clearly audible - typical of the gear manufacturer SRAM and in turn appropriate to the sporty character of the Pegasus crosser. Otherwise, however, this is a typical, mature e-bike with neutral handling and pleasant riding characteristics - whether you use it more for everyday use or when traveling is up to the user. As a typical trekking bike, the Pegasus Premio Evo 12 Lite Cross can impress on any terrain.
