SUV without any disadvantage: Kettler Quadriga Town & Country Pro tested

Test: E-Bike: Kettler Quadriga Town & Country – this versatile, powerful everyday bike incorporates numerous components from e-MTBs, resulting in an unparalleled range of uses. With a design language that combines functionality and aesthetics, it is also exceptionally elegant. We put it to the test.

The fact that mountain bikes are so popular does not necessarily have anything to do with a soft spot for off-road sports among broad sections of the population. More so that such a MTB is quite practical - robust, versatile and actually at home on any terrain. In addition to their actual habitat, the trails and paths in nature, the off-roaders are mainly seen in city traffic and when touring - mostly with conversions and attachments such as plug-in mudguards and luggage racks, not to mention the obligatory battery lights. 

Kettler Quadriga Town & Country Pro - The best of both worlds

Often enough, the results of such expansion measures are rather unsatisfactory; So it's no wonder that many cyclists want a mountain bike that has been upgraded ex works and is suitable for everyday use. The same applies to electric bikes, and here the Kettler company has an interesting solution ready: With the Quadriga Town & Country, the innovative traditional brand presents a concept that can probably best be compared with the SUV, albeit without its disadvantages and problems. Because the Town & Country, shown here in the "Pro" version, is neither overly large and heavy, nor does it take up too much, and it doesn't take up more space than other bikes either. But it offers a lot of comfort and other uses beyond touring and everyday use; that is to say: it is also in its element off the beaten track.

Would you like even more e-trekking bikes? Check out our top 10 for the 2021 season:

Kettler Quadriga Town & Country Pro – Powerful motor, long-lasting battery

The first indication of the special capabilities of the Kettler is the motorization with the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4 - the most powerful unit from the electronics specialist, which always offers enough thrust with high torque even on steep sections and on difficult routes and is very enduring with a 625 watt hour battery is. Supplemented by the compact Kiox color display, which is elegantly and securely integrated into the split stem, this drive is taken over from the E-MTB one-to-one.

Kettler Quadriga Town & Country Pro – sportily equipped

The shifting variant of the Kettler is just as sporty. Derailleur gears, of course, but with no fewer than twelve sprockets on the broadly graded cassette, which is designed for both fast descents and steep climbs. The fact that the shifting steps are sometimes very large is not a problem given the strong motor support - it easily irons out the jumps in pedaling frequency. Anyone who still remembers the ten-speed bike will be surprised how quickly and precisely the chain changes back and forth between the narrow sprockets, even under load - unlike with a hub gear, you can also ride uphill with it smoothly.

Even in such riding situations, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB ensures safe traction with plenty of grip thanks to the comparatively coarse tread blocks. The almost flat-less tire with e-bike approval still rolls along pretty light-footedly and also has a special feature that also comes from MTB: It measures 27,5 inches, so it is slightly smaller than the classic 28 touring tires. It makes up for that with a larger volume, so it offers a lot of comfort and traction with a little less pressure. And Kettler has thought of that too: When you look at it from the side, you can see how much space there is between the tire profile and the mudguards – this way, stones and dirt that are thrown up don't grind so quickly.

The search for MTB components continues - disc brakes are on the way, of course, and also "bar ends" on the touring handlebars for an alternative grip position. And of course suspension components – at the front an air suspension fork that can be softly tuned and then responds very sensitively, plus a component that is currently still highly exclusive: the sprung, lowerable seat post. On the one hand, they provide pleasant shock absorption, which is positive given the rather upright posture on the Town & Country, but on the other hand, they ensure greater riding safety: You can also do technical descents like trail bikers and lower the saddle, which improves the center of gravity and for greater driving safety. If the bike is ridden by different users, the seat post is of course also practical - but be careful: the bike must not be bought too large if you want to use the entire adjustment range.

Kettler Quadriga Town & Country Pro – mountain bike DNA, versatile

Despite its mountain bike DNA, the Kettler Town & Country is first and foremost an everyday and touring bike - and a particularly beautiful one at that. The well-known designer Thomas Fiegl created the functional frame shapes, which skilfully incorporate important attachments: The right chainstay is pulled down to avoid chain slaps off-road; the chain guard above it reflects the left strut and, like it, merges into the central frame tube.

The extremely bright headlight is integrated into the handlebar stem, which also accommodates the electronic cables, and the stable luggage rack seems to float above the fender. The Town & Country is as functional as it is stylish. Of course, the battery is integrated into the frame, both wheels are attached with modern quick-release axles and even a coupling for the Kettler children's trailer is integrated.

Which brings us back to using the SUV: Of course, you don't have to do demanding off-road tours with it - but you can. However, if you live in rural areas, you can use the Town & Country to switch to farm roads, commuters can plan their routes off paved bike paths and the solid bike is very easy to use in everyday urban life with potholes and curbs. Unlike the "real" SUV, the Town & Country has no disadvantages compared to conventional e-bikes...

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