Test / e-bike: With the Cortina E-Mozzo Pro, we tested a Shimano e-bike that was primarily designed for urban areas. For a little more than 3.000 euros, you get an attractive complete package with a Shimano E6100 motor and a simple frame design from the manufacturer from the Netherlands.
With bicycles and e-bikes that strike a successful balance between modernity and tradition, both visually and technically, the Dutch manufacturer Cortina has been able to build up a considerable fan base in recent years. The E-Mozzo is another example of this road to success: the e-bike with Shimano Steps motor is striking on the one hand due to its color scheme and the sometimes quite bold design language, but at the same time remains puristic and reserved. Technically there is also a healthy mix of high-quality components and solid home cooking - this is how the very attractive price of 3.099 euros comes about.
Sophisticated equipment without weaknesses - almost!
Let's stay with the technical data of the touring city runabout for a moment. In terms of drive, it is one of the first Cortina e-bikes to be equipped with Shimano motors. To be more precise, the Steps E-6100 provides propulsion here, which can be elegantly integrated into the frame thanks to its compact dimensions. The inner values are also convincing: The 60Nm torque should be more than sufficient for all intended uses of the E-Mozzo. Another big advantage of the motor: If it is deactivated or you are traveling faster than 25km/h, it is completely decoupled and you can pedal without resistance. The 504Wh battery provides the drive with power and is mounted on the slim down tube of the E-Mozzo. Yes, some competitors can score here thanks to the integrated batteries with a somewhat more elegant look, but external batteries also have their advantages in everyday life. For example, they can be dismantled or replaced much more easily. In addition, a complete package like the E-Mozzo with a fully integrated battery would hardly be possible at this price.
Matching the drive, the Shimano Nexus 8 is joined by a high-quality shifting hub on the rear wheel, which has a lot of comfort and a gear ratio that suits most conditions. The completely closed chain case is also nice, which is rarely found these days. Strange actually: After all, it not only protects the trouser leg from stubborn chain oil, but also the chain and thus the entire drive from dirt, moisture or winter grit and thus contributes significantly to the longevity of the entire drive train. A real advantage, especially for those who get on their bikes in bad weather. Speaking of bad weather: The built-in mudguards are high-quality, stable and don't rattle - there's even an integrated rear light at the back. However, there is one flaw with the fenders: Especially at the front, it is clearly too short for our taste. If the road is really wet, your feet on the pedals are almost unprotected from the spray spraying up. The fact that the Cortina does not have a full luggage rack at the rear is a matter of taste; optically certainly an advantage, especially since panniers can be easily attached to the integrated struts.
Successful ergonomics and brisk handling
In practical use, the Cortina E-Mozzo cuts a consistently good figure - no surprise in view of the promising technical data. As expected, motor and gears harmonize very well, pedaling over 25 km/h is easy. A minor downside to the otherwise really convincing E-6100 engine is its somewhat abrupt shutdown when you cross that "magic" 25km/h limit. Not too tragic and you got used to it quite quickly, but other engines work more gently here. On the other hand, we really like the display – nice and large, easy to read, even in direct sunlight and with the most interesting information.
When it comes to handling, the E-Mozzo Pro shows two faces: elegant, fast and really fun on well-developed roads or cycle paths, but the Cortina quickly breaks a sweat when there are potholes or even forest roads. The stiff aluminum frame, in combination with the aluminum fork, transmits the impact directly to the driver and it takes a little stamina and calm to master these "rumble passages". After all: The built-in spring support at least protects the back and buttocks. However, the ergonomics of the e-bike from Holland is absolutely positive: The men's frame we tested (the E-Mozzo Pro is also available as a wave frame with a low step-through) puts the rider in an upright sitting position, which is comparable to the Satori The stem can also be adjusted to your own preferences in no time at all.
