E-Mountainbike Review | Bergamont E-Line Trailster C 8.0

Having fully caught on to the fact that E-MTBs are capable of far more than just trundling along gravel tracks, the Hamburg-based Bergamont designed their brand new E-Line Trailster for serious trail riding. But does the bike live up to its name and eponymous promises?

This review is part of our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

At the heart of any bike is its frame and interestingly, the E-Line Trailster is strongly reminiscent of its unmotorised counterpart – with the main difference being the integration of the Bosch Performance CX motor and the small pulley above the sprocket, which should hinder any unwanted movement while pedaling. The E-model mixes a fairly long frame size (reach 453 mm, size large) with a slack 66.5° head angle. Combined with the long stem, Bergamont’s choice of geometry and the low front end results in a comfy, gently stretched-out riding position which is ideal for long rides, taking on steep climbs with ease and preventing an unruly front end. The powerful Bosch motor makes a solid contribution to the climbing powers of the Trailster, but it’s wise to choose a lower level of pedal-assist depending on the terrain, as you risk losing traction when the power isn’t effectively transferred to the trail.

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Retailing at € 4,499, the Bergamont is by far the cheapest bike in this group test – a fact that’s unfortunately visible in its spec. But it's still fun! — Retailing at € 4,499, the Bergamont is by far the cheapest bike in this group test – a fact that’s unfortunately visible in its spec. But it’s still fun!

Retailing at € 4,499, the Bergamont is by far the cheapest bike in this group test – a fact that’s unfortunately visible in its spec. The lower price-range components do still perform solidly, but they’re nothing to lose sleep over and they do little to enhance the performance of the bike. To fully exploit the long bike’s potential on steep and technical trails, our testers would have preferred a shorter and wider cockpit, more powerful brakes, and a dropper post with a bigger range.

Designed to reach high speeds, the Trailster is a confidence-inspiring ride, largely due to the 150 mm front and 140 mm rear suspension, courtesy of a FOX 34 fork and a RockShox Monarch rear shock. Having ridden virtually the whole test in the Open mode, the Trail setting on the fork strikes us as the optimal compromise between sensitive responsiveness and having sufficient reserves. As the trail gets trickier and the turns tighter, it takes some effort to get the Bergamont around the corners. However, it’s more than at home on swooping flow trails that you can take with speed.

Details

Redirected: The pulley shouldn’t just stop the rear from being affected from your pedaling, but should also prevent the chain from rattling. During the test it failed on the second point, and the chain dropped several times. — **Redirected:** The pulley shouldn’t just stop the rear from being affected from your pedaling, but should also prevent the chain from rattling. During the test it failed on the second point, and the chain dropped several times.

Too limited: The cheap Kind Shock dropper post doesn’t offer enough adjustment: 100 mm is too limited. The offset to the rear is irritating on climbs to; an upgrade would be wise. — **Too limited:** The cheap Kind Shock dropper post doesn’t offer enough adjustment: 100 mm is too limited. The offset to the rear is irritating on climbs to; an upgrade would be wise.

Weak: The stock MAGURA MT4 disc brakes couldn’t cope with the bike’s weight and had a tendency to fade even on short descents. A 4-piston model would be desirable. — **Weak:** The stock MAGURA MT4 disc brakes couldn’t cope with the bike’s weight and had a tendency to fade even on short descents. A 4-piston model would be desirable.

Too narrow: Often it’s the simple parts, such as a bar or a stem, which can act as a limiting factor on the bike’s playground – and that’s the case with the Trailster too. A wider and shorter cockpit would deliver significantly more control and stability. — **Too narrow:** Often it’s the simple parts, such as a bar or a stem, which can act as a limiting factor on the bike’s playground – and that’s the case with the Trailster too. A wider and shorter cockpit would deliver significantly more control and stability.

Specification: Bergamont E-Line Trailster C 8.0 2016

Fork: FOX 32 Float Performance
Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
Motor: Bosch Performance CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 500
Bakes: Magura MT4 180/180
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT
Seatpost: Kind Shock ETENI 100 mm
Stem: Answer AME
Handlebar: BGM Pro Riser 720 mm
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic SknakeSkin
Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 Spline
Weight/Size: 22,1 kg / Size M
Prize: € 4,499

Conclusion

The foundations are there: the Bergamont E-Line Trailster 8.0 features a well thought-out frame with nicely stretched, sporty geometry. A bike with serious skills on fast trails, it’s just a shame that the lower-priced spec does its best to slow down your pace. It’d be worth digging deeper into the bank account and splashing out an extra € 700 for the 9.0 model, which essentially eliminates the weak points we’ve highlighted.

Strengths:

Super-smooth ride
Comfortable
Well-manufactured

Weaknesses:

Poor braking power
Narrow cockpit
Lumbering

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More amazing bikes can be found in our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer

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