E-MTB / SUV e-bike / test: With the Nox Hybrid 5.1 Tour, we tested a high-quality SUV e-bike. With its 130 mm spring travel at the front and rear, it promises a lot of comfort and even some trail suitability, without losing sight of everyday life. The Sachs RS motor is also one of the most powerful e-bike motors on board.
While they were smiled at by many less than two years ago, SUV e-bikes have now taken the market by storm. No wonder: As a mixture of genuine mountain bike and fully equipped everyday bike, the all-rounders hit the nerve of many e-bikers. Gone are the days of poorly retrofitted, rattling mudguards, wobbly side stands and cumbersome additional lighting: A modern SUV e-bike has all of this on board - as well as the comfort and (in part) the off-road capability of a mountain bike. The new Nox Hybrid Tour 5.1 hits exactly this line.
The frame of the new addition to the portfolio of the Austrian manufacturer is unmistakably based on the well-known and proven E-MTBs from the company - with a few decisive changes. On the one hand, the suspension travel has been reduced to 130 mm, which should be completely sufficient given the intended area of application. Furthermore, the frame comes with all kinds of mounting options for accessories, all of which are also equipped ex works: From the stable side stand to metal mudguards and Racktime rear carrier to the Supernova lighting system.
Powerhouse Sachs RS
The powerful Sachs RS engine beats in the heart of the aluminum frame. With its torque of up to 112 Nm, it is significantly stronger on paper than most of the competition, which is also confirmed in practice. Last but not least, the engine was able to flex its muscles in our detailed drive test. At approx. 3,5 kg, however, it is a little heavier than the competition from Bosch, Shimano or Brose, for example - even if the approx. 500 g are hardly noticeable in the end. The motor is powered by a battery with a capacity of 650 Wh integrated in the down tube. This should give you the best possible care even on a longer tour without worrying about range – even if the Sachs RS consumes a little more energy than, for example, a Bosch Performance CX, especially in its higher support levels.
The drive is operated using Sigma components. The EOX Remote is a compact and ergonomically well-designed control unit. The buttons are easily accessible at all times and can be pressed comfortably. The LEDs integrated on the side provide information about the charge status of the battery and the selected support level. Unfortunately, they are not always easy to see, especially in sunlight. In the case of the Nox Hybrid Tour 5.1, however, this is not too tragic, because in addition to the EOX Remote there is also an EOX View Display on board. The monochrome display is comfortably large and easy to read in all lighting conditions. The display itself is rather pragmatic and not quite as modern as one or the other color display from the competition, but this should hardly be of any importance in everyday use. If you want, you can also pair the bike with the Sigma EOX app and your own smartphone. In addition to some fitness functions, this also offers a very well-solved tracking feature including transmission to Strava or Komoot. In addition, the cell phone can also be used as a display.
For a detailed test of the Sachs RS with laboratory measurements and performance data:
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Sachs RS
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major engine check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Sachs RS mid-engine today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 in check For the start of the 2022 season, we are throwing a […]
Sophisticated and of high quality: The components on the Nox Hybrid Tour 5.1 Expert
For testing we had the Nox Hybrid Tour 5.1 in the top version "Expert". For just under 6.000 euros, you get a really convincing overall package in the currently heated market, for which you have to dig much deeper into your pocket elsewhere. It's also nice that Nox saves where it doesn't hurt so much on an SUV e-bike, but relies on very high-quality components for relevant components. Example? The RockShox 35 Gold chassis at the front and Deluxe Select+ damper at the rear would give us reason to criticize a downhill-oriented e-MTB – but things look completely different with a more touring-oriented bike like the Nox. The comfort is high, the fork is very stiff with its voluminous stanchions and the adjustment to the rider's weight is child's play.
We were able to take a closer look at an early model of the Nox Hybrid Tour 5.1 at the Riva Bike Festival last late summer:
On the other hand, the Austrians spared no expense when it came to the wheels, tires and brakes. The durable DT Swiss wheels are fitted with non-slip tires from Continental, whose rubber compound is very low-wear but still offers a lot of grip. In combination with the large discs, the Magura MT5 brakes pack a powerful punch at all times, even after long descents and/or heavy loads. The Sram GX Eagle 12-speed gearshift and the ergonomically successful cockpit from Reverse are no less convincing. It's also nice that Nox has given its Hybrid Tour 5.1 a retractable seat post.
Successful driving behavior
In terms of handling, the Nox Hybrid Tour 5.1 is convincing across the board. First of all, of course, the enormously powerful Sachs RS motor is particularly noticeable here, which should be used with caution, especially in its two highest support levels - especially on loose ground. Half the power should be sufficient most of the time, which also keeps the energy consumption within limits. The motor is always clearly audible at high cadences, but it doesn't push itself into the foreground too unpleasantly. As always, the following applies here: If you are sensitive, you should ideally “listen” before you buy.
Even apart from the drive, the Nox SUV e-bike is a lot of fun. The component package is convincing in every respect: It's nice that the high-quality mudguards don't rattle even off-road and that side bags can be attached to the Racktime carrier without any problems and that there is enough space so that you don't get caught while pedaling. With the chassis, a quick adjustment to the right air pressure is enough and the setup is found to enjoy the comfort on bumpy paths and maybe even take a small trail with you on the tour. The frame is pleasantly stiff and conveys a lot of security; It's a pity, however, that the payload is somewhat restricted due to the somewhat low permissible total weight of 135 kg.
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