Test / E-MTB: The Alutech eFanes is getting a comprehensive upgrade this season - in addition to a new frame for the E-MTB welded in Germany, there is also a greater choice of components and the built-in Shimano drive. We were already allowed to take the bike out onto the trails for a fixed test lap in Vinschgau.
The first generation of the Alutech eFanes saw the light of day in 2019. The E-MTB brought everything that we already appreciated from the non-motorized bikes from the small forge from Ascheffel. Independent and stable aluminum frame, robust and high-quality components and a modern geometry. The eFanes has been further developed over the years, even got a very expensive, but technically all the more exciting CNC-milled version and is now coming with a completely new frame this summer. This combines the properties, optics and geometry of the original version with the CNC version.
Alutech eFanes: true to the roots!
Neither the key technical data nor the area of application have changed with the new version of the eFanes: With 170 mm of spring travel at the front and rear, the bike is clearly located in the enduro category and feels at home in demanding terrain in particular. They also stick to the wheel size mix with a large 29er in front and a rather compact 650b rear wheel. Shimano continues to be used for the drive, as a new option in addition to the well-known EP8, the EP801 or the EP6 can now also be configured. The battery also comes directly from the Japanese bicycle giant and has either a 504 or 630 Wh capacity.
Visually, the frame can be immediately identified as an eFanes and its organic shapes, despite the raw look, are reminiscent of carbon fiber frames. However, the really big innovations of the Alutech eFanes "Next Generation" are in the technical area. An engine bridge milled from one piece is used here, which is then welded to the frame from the inside and outside. This alone should save a whopping 500g in weight compared to the predecessor; Overall, the new eFanes frame weighs around one kilogram less. Carbon seat stay and battery cover options are expected to follow later in the year, which should further reduce weight.
Built with light components that are appropriate for the area of use and a 504 Wh battery, a weight of around 20 kg is possible for the complete bike. The production bikes, on the other hand, are more likely to weigh around 22 kg. Despite all the weight savings, you don't have to make any compromises in terms of stability. The frame continues to meet the highest ASTM category 5.
geometry and equipment
In terms of geometry, the Alutech eFanes Next Generation is based on the CNC eFanes and is somewhat more modern and progressive than its predecessor. Each of the five frame sizes is available with two different steering angles - 64° or even an extremely flat 62°. This is just one of the many advantages of having the frames welded on site in Germany. Otherwise, we have a modern reach, which is not too extreme, and a very steep seat tube angle of 78°, which should make demanding climbs much more comfortable. Thanks to the adjustable dropout, the chainstay length can also be adjusted. Either you have super-short 428,5mm or 441mm.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) | 430 | 455 | 485 | 510 | 525 |
| Stacks (mm) | 613 | 613 | 623 | 623 | 623 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 110 | 110 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Steering angle | 62,5 / 64 | 62,5 / 64 | 62,5 / 64 | 62,5 / 64 | 62,5 / 64 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 353 | 353 | 353 | 353 | 353 |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 441 / 428,5 | 441 / 428,5 | 441 / 428,5 | 441 / 428,5 | 441 / 428,5 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1194 / 1182 | 1214 / 1202 | 1248 / 1236 | 1282 / 1269 | 1297 / 1283 |
| Seat tube length (mm) | 380 | 420 | 450 | 480 | 500 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
There are also plenty of options and customization possibilities when it comes to the spec. Starting with the Comp model, which is available with either a Shimano EP6 or EP8 motor and the smaller 504 Wh battery. Component-wise, the Formula chassis with a Selva S fork up front and a MOD Coil shock at the rear is joined by a Sram NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, Formula Cura 4 brakes, and wheels with DT Swiss rims. Price? A fair €5.999 Above that is the Alutech eFanes Custom, which features consistently higher-quality components that can also be customized before purchase. You can choose between GX Eagle AXS or XX1 AXS, RockShox Ultimate or Fox Factory suspension, and brakes from Sram, Magura, and Braking. The price varies accordingly, with the base model with RockShox Ultimate suspension, EP8 drivetrain, 630 Wh battery, and GX Eagle AXS drivetrain priced at €7.499.
First impressions of the trail
In the run-up to the Riva Bike Festival, Jürgen from Alutech invited us to the beautiful Vinschgau to take a look at the new eFanes and of course to do a first, short test ride. I was traveling with the Alutech eFanes Custom AXS with EP801 drive, Sram GX Eagle AXS gears, Sram Code Stealth brakes and Fox Factory suspension.
The first time you sit down you can feel the Alutech vibes: the bike feels different, it has character and stands out from the crowd of (E-)MTBs. In our case, the main reason for this is probably the very slack head angle (62° on our test bike) in combination with the very steep seat tube angle. The front is not too high, so that you can still get enough pressure on the front wheel, even at these extreme angles, without being in an active riding position non-stop.
The first trail meters were wild ups and downs along the slope, where after a few meters of getting used to the bike I grew more and more fond of it; The very middle, central seating position was definitely noticeable, thanks to which you are hardly tempted to get out of the saddle even on very steep climbs. Very nice! The background noise was also absolutely positive. Uphill, the EP801, which is a bit quieter than its predecessor, stayed comfortably in the background in combination with the aluminum frame, and even downhill there was only minimal rattling from the drive unit. Everything else on the bike was whisper quiet - that's how it should be!
However, as well as the eFanes was able to do uphill, its strengths are more evident when the trail slopes downwards. Here the bike shows its teeth and repeatedly tempts you to keep your finger on the brake lever for half a second longer. The chassis conveys an enormous amount of safety, the rear end is progressive but not stubborn and the slack steering angle takes the fright out of even steep passages in combination with the long chainstay setting. Only in the case of tight curves or bends, such as those encountered on the Montani Trail, for example, does the rather long bike want to be carefully circled around the crown.
