M1 Erzberg - First Look: Versatile Brose E-MTB with a large battery

Product news / E-MTB: With the M1 Erzberg, the noble manufacturer from Upper Bavaria is sending a completely new bike to the highly competitive E-MTB market. We were able to preview the bike equipped with the Brose Drive S Mag and 750 Wh battery.

Most e-bikers probably associate the name M1 Sporttechnik with high-quality carbon frames, the powerful TQ motor and large battery capacities. The Spitzing Evo is still some time after its presentation a unique e-mountain bike on the market and has quite a considerable fan base - no wonder, given a maximum torque of 120 Nm and the huge battery with over 1.000 Wh. However, the compromise that e-mountain bikers with the Spitzing have to make in view of these figures is its high weight well over 25 kg, which is reflected in the liveliness and agility despite the powerful engine.

Of course, M1 itself knows the qualities of its e-MTB bestseller - but is also aware of its weaknesses. For this reason, they have been working on another bike behind closed doors for quite some time. On the one hand, it should have the well-known M1 DNA - high-quality carbon frame, comfortable rear end, long range - but in terms of drive it should rely on a solution that is not quite as powerful, but is clearly lighter. The result is the new M1 Erzberg.

Even if the Erzberg is immediately recognizable as an M1 E-MTB and the relationship to the Spitzing is clear in terms of shape, lines and frame details, the silhouette is significantly slimmer. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the bottom bracket area of ​​the M1 Erzberg houses the Brose Drive S Mag motor, which in turn is powered by a 750 Wh battery in the down tube of the carbon frame and is intended to ensure long ranges. Even if it clearly falls short of the TQ in terms of raw power, the drive with a maximum torque of 90 Nm is one of the strongest classic mid-drive motors on the market.

But: The Erzberg is much more than just a Spitzing Brose engine. For example, the geometry is now much more modern and progressive. The steering angle is noticeably flatter at 65° for the BR variant and the main frame has become a few centimeters longer, which should suit active drivers. The split-tube rear stays untouched, and we already liked the comfortable kinematics of the spitzing.

M1 Erzberg: One name, many faces

M1 sends three model variants from the new Brose E-MTB into the race. However, these differ not only in the price or the quality of the equipment, but in their overall orientation. While the Erzberg BR, for example, with 170 or 165 mm travel and a mix of wheel sizes is clearly designed for full-throttle trail action, the Erzberg CC and Erzberg GT models are a little more civilized. Both rely on 27,5″ wheels at the front and rear and come with 160 mm travel at the front and 150 mm at the rear. The CC is a tamer mountain bike variant, while the GT is aimed at urban areas - with mudguards, luggage rack and standard lighting system, it is fully suitable for everyday use.

All three models of the Erzberg are also available as S-Pedelec variants - a real special feature, not only as an S-Pedelec E-MTB itself, but also for Brose fans who otherwise don't have much choice in this regard.

First look: M1 Erzberg BR

We already had the exclusive opportunity to see the M1 Erzberg in real life and to do a few laps on the local trails on the Geißkopf. Since it was still a prototype, we cannot yet describe any final driving impressions - just this much in advance: The Erzberg drives noticeably faster, sportier and more agile than the Spitzing Evo - even if you of course have to do without the unbridled power of the TQ motor .

Even if weight reduction at the Erzberg was a high priority in the developers' specifications, no dubious lightweight construction was used. In view of the slightly increased suspension travel of 170 mm at the front and 165 mm at the rear, this would not do justice to the new E-MTB either. Accordingly, robust and durable add-on parts and components can be found throughout the BR variant: From the reverse cockpit with wide 800 mm handlebars to the Fox 38 fork at the front and the Magura MT7 brakes with large 220 mm discs at the front to the Eddy Current tires from the company Swallow. There are currently no final weight specifications - but based on the first impressions we would assume 24 to 25 kg.

M1 Erzberg: model variants, prices and availability

Despite all the differences between the various Erzberg variants, they all rely on the high-quality carbon frame, the Brose Drive S Mag motor and the 750 Wh battery in the down tube. In terms of price, it starts with the Erzberg CC, which costs almost 7.000 euros and also comes with a high-quality Performance Elite suspension from Fox. If you want to fully exploit the downhill potential of the frame, you have to dig deeper into your pocket for the Erzberg BR at 8.999 euros, but you also get premium components from A to Z. The MTB commuter SUV hybrid in the form of the Erzberg GT is available 7.699 euros.

The M1 Erzberg is expected to be available from summer 2021 - we will keep you informed about the availability.

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www.m1-sporttechnik.de