Test / E-MTB: The key specs of the Hepha All Mountain 7 Carbon LTD read like the wish list of many e-bikers: a full carbon frame, a powerful 100 Nm motor, and a long-lasting 804 Wh battery. The €4.799,00 price tag is quite impressive, placing the bike well below many established competitors. But what's the catch? Is this a true value champion that will give the competition a run for their money, or have compromises been made in crucial areas? We put the Hepha All Mountain 7 Carbon LTD to the test.
The Hepha All Mountain 7 Carbon LTD in detail
At first glance, the German-assembled Hepha makes a very good impression. The paintwork in the limited black and red edition is cleanly applied, and the overall look is harmonious. The bike aims to be a potent all-rounder for extended tours and is aimed at riders who value comfort and powerful motor assistance.
The carbon frame – a solid foundation?
The basis of the Hepha All Mountain 7 is a monocoque full carbon frame, which, according to the manufacturer, is not only lightweight but also extremely durable thanks to sophisticated layering. A testament to the confidence in the company's design is the approval for a permissible total weight of up to 150 kg, which is not a given in this price range. Hepha also approves the frame for Category 4, meaning even small jumps and rough terrain should be no problem. At the rear is a 4-link Virtual Pivot rear triangle, a proven suspension system that promises a good balance between drivetrain neutrality, sensitivity, and braking performance.
Geometry – Trimmed for touring, not for attack
A quick glance at the geometry data quickly makes it clear where this is headed: Instead of progressive racing DNA, Hepha opts for a more conservative, touring-oriented design. The head angle is rather steep at 66 degrees, which gives the bike great agility at low speeds, but sacrifices composure at high speeds. The seat angle of 74 degrees is fine for extended tours, but sporty climbers would prefer a steeper angle for an even more central position above the bottom bracket.
Copy of Geometry YT Decoy (Regular)
| M | L | |
|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 440 | 480 |
| Reach (mm) | 455 | 475 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 618 | 628 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 66 | 66 |
| seat angle eff. (in °) | 74 | 74 |
| Bottom bracket height (in mm) | -20 | -20 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 458 | 458 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 632 | 655 |
| head tube (in mm) | 110 | 124 |
The biggest criticism of the geometry, however, is the extremely limited size selection. The bike is only available in two sizes, M and L. This leaves smaller and very tall riders with nothing. In a market where four to five frame sizes have long been the norm, this is an outdated compromise and a decisive factor for many prospective buyers.
The heart of the matter – 100 Newton meters challenge the competition
The undisputed highlight and central selling point of the Hepha is its drive system. The Hepha P101C motor, manufactured by Gobao, delivers an impressive maximum torque of 100 Nm. This value promises enormous thrust, making even the steepest ramps a manageable challenge. To provide this powerhouse with the necessary energy, Hepha installs a high-capacity 804 Wh battery. This promises an excellent range for long day trips. A practical and well-implemented feature is the easy removal of the battery from the down tube. The power storage unit is charged with a standard 6 A fast charger, which significantly reduces charging times compared to conventional devices and can be used flexibly on the move or as a wall box at home. The ride data is controlled and read via a well-protected 1,96-inch display, which, thanks to IPS technology, remains easily legible even in strong sunlight.
We have already tested the engine extensively on our test bench, where it was convincing across the board:
Gobao P100 review: Attack on the top dogs of Bosch & Co.?
Test: The name Gobao is still largely unknown in this country, but the Chinese manufacturer is no stranger to the two-wheeler industry. As the global market leader for e-controllers, the company has decades of experience in electromobility. Since 2022, Gobao has also been active in the e-bike mid-drive motor segment with the so-called P series. In Germany, the technology is primarily known for […]
The equipment – light and shadow
To maintain an attractive price, a manufacturer inevitably has to cut back on components. The question is where. A smart choice is the Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain. Its Linkglide technology, developed specifically for the high torque of e-bikes, shifts smoothly, and promises long-lasting durability. Furthermore, the wear parts—the cassette and chain—are pleasingly affordable.
The RockShox suspension, consisting of a Psylo Silver RC fork and a Deluxe Select R shock, provides a solid foundation for the intended use. The fork features a robust 35 mm chassis and Motion Control damping, promising decent performance without a large budget.
| Frame | Hepha Monocoque Full Carbon Frame |
| Fork | RockShox Psylo Silver RC |
| Drive | HEPHA P101C |
| Battery | 804 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Rock Shox Deluxe Select R |
| Wheels | Alex Rims R25-1R |
| Tire VR | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Addix Speedgrip Superground |
| Tire HR | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Addix Speedgrip Superground |
| Derailleur | Shimano cues 10-speed |
| Shifter | Shimano cues 10-speed |
| Crank | Hepha Aluminum |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Tektro HD-M535 |
| Brake discs | Tektro 203/180mm |
| Seatpost | KS 900i Dropper 150 mm |
| Saddle | Seal Royal Live |
| Stem | 3D-Forged SAND BLAST R 7d |
| Handlebar | Aluminum 780mm |
The bike's Achilles heel, however, lies in the brakes and tires. The Tektro HD-M535 brake is a clear downgrade, and we'll examine its performance in detail in our practical test. The same applies to the tires: The Schwalbe Nobby Nic may be a well-known name, but here it comes in a version with a hard Speedgrip rubber compound and a tread pattern that pushes the boundaries in demanding conditions.
The Hepha All Mountain 7 Carbon LTD on the trail
Enough theory. How does the bike perform when you let it off the leash? We took the Hepha out on our local trails, which offer everything from long gravel climbs to rooty and sometimes steep trail descents.
Take a seat and roll away: The comfort factor
You swing into the saddle and immediately feel at home. The riding position is, as expected from the geometry, rather upright and very comfortable. The 780 mm wide handlebar fits well in the hand and provides plenty of control. The Selle Royal Vivo saddle proved comfortable even after several hours. The feel is that of a good-natured and uncomplicated tourer.
Uphill performance: The power of 100 Newton meters
As soon as things go uphill, the Hepha flexes its muscles. This is where it's in its element. The motor pushes forward with impressive force. Even extremely steep, technical ramps lose their terror. The power control is good, even if it doesn't quite match the sensitivity of the best systems on the market. During testing, we noticed a slightly delayed response right when pulling away, as well as a weakness at very high cadences. However, these points are likely to bother only very sporty riders; for everyday touring, the performance is more than convincing. Acoustically, the motor remains pleasantly restrained: It's audible under load, but never becomes annoyingly loud.
On the trail: comfort is king!
If you stay on flowing trails and forest roads, the Hepha proves to be a comfortable companion. It rides comfortably and smoothly, conveys a great sense of security, and its suspension effortlessly smooths out bumps. It's a bike that demands little input from the rider and simply wants to roll. The suspension filters out many bumps, which increases comfort but also reduces a lot of feedback from the terrain.
At the limit: When the fun comes to an end
This docile behavior, however, has a downside. As the terrain becomes more challenging and the pace increases, the bike reaches its limits. The RockShox Psylo fork, which was comfortable just a moment ago, loses its balance under fast, hard impacts and can no longer follow the surface.
The biggest drawback in our test, however, was the brakes. The Tektro system was just about adequate for a rider weighing just under 90 kg (150 lbs) on trails, but offered no reserve. Heavier riders who take advantage of the high permissible total weight of XNUMX kg (XNUMX lbs) should definitely consider upgrading their brakes.
The tires leave a mixed impression: They roll quietly and smoothly on moderate terrain, gravel, roads, and forest paths, but quickly reach their limits, especially in wet and/or deep soils, and compromise safety. However, anyone who only occasionally ventures out on the trail with the Hepha All Mountain 7 Carbon LTD will be quite satisfied with their choice.
The Downhill Soundtrack: Unwanted Background Noise
One annoying factor mars the otherwise high-quality impression of the carbon frame: the noise. While the motor works discreetly in the background on climbs, it rattles very loudly on descents. Added to this is the clearly audible chain slapping. That's a shame! We have to say: other modern e-MTBs can now handle this much better.
