Bottechia Proton E-MTB in test Solid basis with weak equipment

Test: The Bottechia Proton is quite interesting at first glance with its relatively low price of less than 4.500 euros. Unfortunately, it is slowed down by an overall inconsistent equipment and the slightly weakening engine.

Bottechia Proton: The Facts

Suspension travel: 150 / 150mm
wheel size: 27,5 inch
Drive: Shimano E7000
Display / control unit: Shimano E7000
Battery capacity (test bike): 504Wh
Frame material: Alu

Weight complete bike (size L without pedals): 25,51kg
Maximum weight allowed: 120kg
Price: € 4.399

A separate test video is currently being produced for each E-MTB test 2020 and will be added here in the coming days and weeks.

Frame	Aluminum MTB
Fork	Rock Shox Recon
Drive	Shimano E7000
Battery	504Wh
Suspension shocks	RockShox Monarch RL
Wheels	Raxe TL40
Tire VR	Vittoria Barzo 2,6"
Tire HR	Vittoria Barzo 2,6"
Derailleur	SRAM NX
Shifter	SRAM NX
Crank	Shimano E7000
Front derailleur	Without
Brake	Shimano M500
Brake discs	Shimano RT32 203/180mm
Seatpost	Axle 125mm
Saddle	Selle Italia
Stem	Bottechia aluminum 90mm
Handlebar	Bottechia Alu Risers

The Shimano E7000 motor noticeably lacks the power to comfortably transport a heavy E-MTB like the Proton up steep ramps. Compared to the more powerful E8000 variant, the background noise is noticeable.

Vittoria's wide tires are not too grippy, but offer a lot of comfort.

Despite the 32mm stanchions, the Recon fork is quite stiff, but still overwhelmed at high speeds.

At just under 4.400 euros, the Bottechia Proton is one of the cheaper bikes in our test field. However, as some of the other test candidates show, clever savings on equipment do not always have to have a negative impact on the overall performance of the e-MTB. Unfortunately, Bottechia didn't succeed in this feat with the Proton.

The cable and train routing on the handlebars is not solved elegantly on the Proton.

On the flat, the beefy bike with an integrated 504Wh battery initially makes a solid impression. The cockpit may appear a bit untidy, but it also benefits from the very good control unit for the Shimano motor and the display next to the stem, which is easy to read at all times. The seating position is fairly upright, but that should suit the intended use of the Proton well.

Creative: We didn't know how to attach the remote for the retractable seat post before. Unfortunately, the support can only be lowered or extended with a cumbersome grip and we would have preferred the classic assembly variant.

Similar e-mountain bikes on test

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Steep climbs become a tour de force

However, as soon as the way up gets a little steeper, the Shimano E7000 motor in the Bottechia really starts to sweat. Even at the highest level of assistance, you still have to pedal hard to cope with steep ramps, for example. Unfortunately, the limited bandwidth of the 11-speed Sram NX1 circuit proves to be an additional brake pad. A wider graded cassette would significantly improve the climbing qualities. After all, the engine is one of the quietest in our test field and is also convincing in terms of dynamics and naturalness.
The seating position is also not really convincing on climbs: Despite the long stem, you have to shift your weight far forward to prevent the front wheel from climbing steep sections. Overall, you also sit quite rear-heavy, which at least provides a lot of grip on the rear wheel. In rapidly changing terrain, the unfortunate mounting of the control lever for the dropper post prevents it from being extended and retracted without changing your grip.

Too long stem and weak brakes

The Shimano M500 brake, especially on the front wheel, is quickly overwhelmed despite the large disc on longer descents and/or heavy riders. We would have also wished for a large window at the rear.

On the descent, the Proton cuts a slightly better figure overall. The rear end proves to be surprisingly flexible and works quite well even at higher speeds or on demanding trails. Unfortunately, the Rockshox Recon fork at the front cannot keep up. Although it is surprisingly stiff despite its slender 32mm stanchions, the damping already reaches its limits at moderate speeds. The situation is similar with the brakes: the Shimano MT500 is overwhelmed, especially on the front wheel on longer descents, despite the large brake disc. After all, the thick Vittoria tires know how to convince with comfort and in moderate terrain with a lot of grip.

The geometry of the Bottechia Proton, which is only available in two sizes, is quite successful overall. Overall, the bike feels modern and even touring riders should be fine with it. But what we don't understand: The 90mm(!) stem is much too long. He is largely responsible for the bulky and not very direct handling. We are sure that a shorter version with 50mm would improve the handling considerably.

The big Velomotion E-MTB test 2020: test fields, individual tests and background information

We set ourselves the daunting task of conscientiously and objectively testing 57 eMTBs. With our two large test fields "Highend" and "Bestseller" we had a huge range of different bikes.

Our test conclusion
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You can also find this at the kiosk Velomotion E-MTB test yearbook 2020. There you will find all 57 individual tests of the bikes, exciting stories and advice on everything to do with e-mountain bikes on over 160 pages.
Here you can also order the E-MTB yearbook 2020 directly from us.