Test / E-Bike: When a discount retailer launches an e-bike, alarm bells often ring for passionate cyclists. Too heavy, cheap components, and a spongy ride are the common prejudices. But the Crivit Urban X.3 breaks with these clichés. This city runabout with a diamond frame is aimed at sporty commuters and shines with features that you simply don't expect in this price range. We put the bike to the test.
A more affordable commuter companion?
The Crivit Urban X.3 presents a pleasingly understated appearance. The classic diamond frame is offered in three different color options – including muted black, gray, and green – and, thanks to the integrated battery, looks clean and modern. According to the manufacturer, the bike is designed for riders between 1,70 m and 1,95 m tall. The frame offers a comfortably balanced geometry: sporty enough for brisk progress in city traffic, yet upright enough to prevent back problems even on longer rides.
equipment and technology
At the heart of the X.3 is the Mivice rear hub motor. It delivers a torque of 40 Nm, which at first glance might sound modest compared to current mid-drive motors. However, in urban environments, the picture is quite different. Because the power is applied directly to the rear wheel and not to the drivetrain, the system significantly reduces wear on the chain and sprockets. A 355 Wh battery with proven LG cells provides the necessary energy. Considering the efficient hub motor and its urban use, this capacity represents an excellent compromise between range and weight.
Speaking of weight: Without pedals, the scale reads a respectable 23,5 kilograms. The maximum permissible weight is a remarkable 140 kilograms. Subtracting the bike's own weight leaves approximately 116 kilograms for the rider and their luggage. Hydraulic Shimano MT200 disc brakes provide the stopping power – a proven, reliable system that impresses with its ease of maintenance and worldwide availability of spare parts.
Smart integration
The attention to detail is particularly impressive. There's no bulky display unit; instead, the system is controlled via two intuitively accessible buttons on the left handlebar grip. The cockpit remains uncluttered. For navigation, the integrated SP Connect mount on the stem securely attaches your smartphone. Equally well-designed are the magnetic Fidlock bottle cage mounts on the downtube and the excellent lighting system: the front headlight emits up to 180 lux and can even be activated with a high beam function via a thumb switch. Finally, a hidden compartment on the bike provides peace of mind when parking, easily accommodating a smart tag for GPS tracking.
The Crivit Urban X.3 in practice
Anyone who fears the X.3 will feel sluggish on asphalt will be proven wrong within the first few meters. The bike handles surprisingly nimbly. This is due not only to its low overall weight but also to the lively handling of the frame, which boasts high stiffness and precisely translates steering inputs.
Driving characteristics and engine
A true highlight in this price range is the motor's sensor technology. Instead of relying on a simple rotation sensor, a genuine torque sensor is integrated into the bottom bracket. The Mivice motor sensitively registers the force applied to the pedals and adjusts the assistance accordingly. The typical, jerky "moped feeling" of cheaper hub motors is completely eliminated; instead, a very natural riding experience is achieved. Holding down the plus button on the handlebars activates a boost mode, propelling the bike forward with maximum power for 20 seconds – ideal for quick starts at traffic lights or short uphill sections.
Gearbox and driving comfort
Shifting is handled by the Shimano CUES 4000 9-speed derailleur system. This utilizes Shimano's LinkGlide technology, specifically designed for the higher demands of e-bikes. Gear changes are smooth even under load, and the cassette's durability significantly surpasses that of traditional systems. To further enhance riding comfort, the bike is equipped with 27,5-inch Schwalbe Big Ben tires with a 50mm width. These absorb vibrations and small potholes so effectively that you'll never miss a heavy suspension fork.
Conclusion
The Crivit Urban X.3 is far more than just a cheap option from a discount store. It's an exceptionally well-designed commuter bike that shines with a coherent overall concept, excellent handling, and high-quality details. Given its choice of components and agile handling, this e-bike certainly doesn't need to shy away from its significantly more expensive competitors from specialist retailers.