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 |
| suspension fork | Rock Shox Recon |
| Drive | Shimano E7000 |
| Rechargeable 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 |
| Gear levers | SRAM NX |
| Crank | Shimano E7000 |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Shimano M500 |
| Brake discs | Shimano RT32 203/180mm |
| Seat post | Axle 125mm |
| Saddle | Selle Italy |
| Stem | Bottechia aluminum 90mm |
| Links | Bottechia Alu Risers |
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.
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.
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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
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
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Our test conclusion
E-MTB test 2020: The best e-mountain bikes for every application
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Our test candidates in the bestseller category: BH AtomX Lynx 6 Pro | BMC Trailfox AMP SX two | Bottechia proton | Bulls E-Stream Evo AM 3 | Canyon Neuron: ON 9.0 | Centurion No Pogo E R2600i | Corratec E-Power RS 160 Pro | Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC™ | Ducati MIG-S | Flyer Uproc 3 6.50 | Focus Jam² 6.8 Nine | Fuji Blackhill Evo 27,5+ 1.3 | Ghost Hybrid ASX 6.7+ | Giant Stance E Pro 0 | GT Force AMP | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.5 | Hercules Nos Pro FS 1.1 | Kettler Scarpia FS 2.0 | Kona Remote CTRL | KTM Macina Chacana 291 | Lapierre Overvolt AM 7.6 | Nox Hybrid All-MTN 5.9 Comp Sachs | Radon Render 8.0 | R Rayom FullRay E-Seven 9.0 | Scott Strike and Ride 910 | Specialized Turbo Levo | Stevens E-Pordoi | Stevens E-Sledge ES | Thok Mig 2.0 | TrekRail 7
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.
