E-Bike / Test: Touring and trekking bikes often have a somewhat stuffy and boring image. Bikes like the Orbea Kemen SUV 10 show that there is definitely another way – with low weight, great looks and a sporty overall concept.
It wasn't that long ago that Orbea introduced the Kemen and the Kemen SUV, a completely new e-hardtail platform that is equipped with the also new origin even has a somewhat sporty cousin in its portfolio. The highlight of these new bikes is certainly their stylish frame and the low weight. The Kemen SUV is probably the most versatile variant of the new Orbea hardtails: On the one hand, it comes with off-road tires and a 100 mm suspension fork, on the other hand, it is fully equipped with a luggage rack, special off-road mudguards and lighting system and is also fully suitable for everyday use. Thanks to approval for child seats and/or trailers, it should also do well as a family bike.
The Kemen SUV is driven by a full Shimano EP8 drive with a full 85 Nm of torque. This in turn is powered by the battery in the very slim down tube. Its capacity of 540 Wh is sufficient according to our measurements for about 110 km on the plain and approx. 1.500 hm on the mountain – very good values for a bike in this class, which should also be sufficiently supplied for day trips. Unfortunately, the battery (as with the Orbea Rise H) permanently installed or cannot be removed for charging. A charging option in the garage or in the bicycle cellar is therefore almost mandatory. That's a pity on the one hand, but this battery integration is what makes the slim look and the low weight of 22,8 kg in size L possible - a top value in this class. If the 540 Wh is not enough for you, you also have the option of installing a range extender with an additional 252 Wh.
All information about the Orbea Kemen SUV can be found here:
[blog specific=“161701″]In the test we had the Orbea Kemen SUV 10 - the top version of the new touring bike. At just under 4.800 euros, the price is more in the upper class of e-hardtails, which shouldn't be too surprising given the really nice and high-quality frame and the built-in components. This applies to the Fox AWL fork as well as to the robust and durable Shimano XT Linkglide gears or the powerful Magura brakes. Orbea also thought of a dropper post - very nice!
| Frame | Kemen Mid Bar |
| Fork | Fox 34 Float AWL 100 |
| Drive | Shimano EP8 |
| Battery | 540 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Without |
| Wheels | Race Face AR 30c |
| Tire VR | Swallow Johnny Watts |
| Tire HR | Swallow Johnny Watts |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT M8130 Linkglide |
| Shifter | Shimano XT M8130 Linkglide |
| Crank | Shimano Steps EM600 |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Magura MT5 E Stop |
| Brake discs | Magura 180mm |
| Seatpost | OC Mountain Control Dropper |
| Saddle | Selle Royal Vivo 1216 |
| Stem | OC1 35mm |
| Handlebar | OC 35mm |
The Orbea Kemen SUV 10 in practice
The Kemen SUV impresses with a well-balanced seating position as soon as you sit down. In view of the sporty geometry data, we were a bit surprised at first, since you sit rather upright - but there is undoubtedly a good shot of sportiness. In general, the Kemen SUV is one of those bikes that deserve the somewhat thankless, but all the more valuable title of 'unobtrusive in a positive sense'. As a total package, the bike works perfectly. The circuit changes gears reliably, the brakes grip when you need them, but can also be dosed very well at the same time. If you go off-road, the Johnny Watts tyres, the Fox fork and the dropper post help you stay firmly and securely in the saddle. Great!
In terms of drive, the EP8 can convince with its usual qualities, which lie primarily in its dynamics and liveliness. The operating concept, consisting of an easy-to-read color display and an intuitive operating unit, is also a lot of fun. The fact that it is not one of the quietest drives and that it has to give up a little feathers when it comes to performance at the top compared to CX, Brose and Co. should only play a decisive role for very few drivers.
The add-on parts are no less convincing: The Lezyne lighting is nice and bright, the headlight perfectly complements the daytime running light integrated into the frame. The luggage rack comes with QL 3.1 mounts, which can of course also be unscrewed and can be loaded with up to 27 kg. The mudguards are a clear indication of the area of application: Due to their dimensions - i.e. rather short and wide - they protect a little less well from water spraying up from the ground, but they cut a better figure off-road, don't rattle and never get in the way while driving.
