The cult Berlin-based bike brand NOX are a bit of an unknown entity in the E-MTB scene, but their EDF 6.7 Hybrid is about to change things. So how have these bike experts transferred their know-how to their first E-MTB?
Don’t be surprised if you haven’t passed a NOX dealership in your town; these high-end bikes are primarily sold online, which is something of a rarity amongst E-MTBs. As NOX have essentially eliminated a link in the supply chain, they’re able to keep their prices low while still granting the bike a great spec. The EDF has a steeply positioned Brose motor which is fed by a fully downtube-integrated 580 Wh battery that can be removed for servicing. For an additional fee, customers can upgrade to a fairly ground-breaking 770 Wh battery that gives an enormous range. The NOX EDF 6.7 comes with either 150 mm or 170 mm of rear suspension, while the front relies on a 170 mm-travel RockShox Lyrik fork. For the purpose of this test, we went straight in with the maximum suspension.
One spin and it’s evident just what was going through the minds of the team at NOX while crafting the EDF 6.7. Fully fashioned to be a destroyer on the descents, it has a fairly relaxed riding position for the climbs. As the seat tube angle is not very steep, it might feel like you’re riding from the back on climbs if the seatpost is far out, but it won’t deter you too much. The Brose motor is virtually silent, but its power output isn’t as formidable as a Bosch or Shimano counterpart. The bike’s first-rate suspension comes into its own while descending, and its sorted, modern geometry keep it riding nice and smooth, which is particularly notable and welcome on steep sections. Dynamic riders will certainly appreciate the long frame (463 mm reach for the size L), but less experienced riders will have to adapt to shifting their weight forward to avoid ‘understeering’ around corners. The 27.5″ wheels are an asset to its agility, contributing to the NOX’s corner-crushing nature.
The NOX EDF 6.7 Hybrid
Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 170 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 170 mm
Motor / Battery BROSE / 580 Wh
Brakes SRAM Guide R
Drivetrain SRAM GX
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth
Steam NOX EDH Stem 45 mm
Bars NOX DH Bar 780 mm
Tires Maxxis Highroller II / Minion DHR II
Wheels DT Swiss E1900 Spline
The EDF 6.7 comes with a 580 Wh battery that gives a stout range already, but shortly it’ll even be available with a 770 Wh version. According to NOX, it’ll add no more than 1 kg.
NOX have a great downtube-integrated battery design, but the same doesn’t apply to their motor integration, which seems like a bit of an afterthought.
Our test bike came with a large display, but it can be swapped for a mini-display, much like the ones we’ve seen from ROTWILD.
The NOX EDF 6.7 can be ridden with either 150 mm or 170 mm of rear suspension travel. During our test we chose the longer travel option, which delivered a ton of comfort and a lot in reserve.
Conclusion
The NOX EDF 6.7 is best suited to experienced riders who are hunting the ultimate party bike that can really move on technical descents. If you’re looking for a tamer sort of ride, then this might be too wild. The EDF 6.7 approaches uphills as a means to an end, with a gaze that’s quite clearly focused on the downhills. And that’s where the NOX really gets loose!
Strengths
– A lot of potential fun for hands-on riders
– Great range
Weaknesses
– Fairly mid-pack on the climbs
– For experts only!
For more information head to noxcycles.com!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What is the Best E-MTB of 2017? – 14 Models in Test
All bikes in test: BULLS E-Core Di2 FS 27,5+ | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 Action Team | FLYER Uproc7 8.70 | FOCUS JAM2 FACTORY | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 | Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E | ROTWILD R.E+ FS PRO | SCOTT E-Genius Tuned 700 Plus | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie | STEVENS E-Sledge+ ES | Thömus Lightrider E1
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