Review

The Review | Bergamont Revox C 9.0 Hardtail

16.07.2015
by

While Hamburg-based Bergamont already have an impressively large collection of city and trekking e-bikes to their name, they also have a little-known range of E-MTBs to offer. Alongside the full suspension Contrail, they have two hardtails, the Roxtar (27.5”) and the Revox (29”). We tried out the top spec version of the latter in order to find out what it is all about, and what it is suited to.

Das Bergamont Revox C 9.0 geht für den fairen Preis von 2.999 € über den Ladentisch.
The Bergamont Revox C 9.0 retails at a very reasonable 2,999 €.

The first impression of the Bergamont Revox C 9.0 is positive; the frame looks well thought-out and the choice of the components appears equally well considered. But a closer look at the frame reveals that it might not live up to its gleaming first impression. The base plate/motor mount looks like it’s made of steel and while the welds are surely going to hold tight, they could have been put together a little more tidily.

Eher rustikal als sexy – die Schweißnähte des Revox.
More rustic than sexy – the welds on the Revox.
Die Preis-/Leistung der günstigen Shimano SLX-Bremsen ist überragend!
The affordable Shimano SLX brakes offer incredible value for money!
Angetrieben wird das Revox von einem Bosch Performance-Antrieb mit 250W Leistung.
The Revox takes its pedal-assist from the 250watt Bosch Performance motor.
Die Bereifung ist dem Einsatzzweck des Bikes angemessen.
The Schwalbe tyres have been well chosen with the bike’s usage in mind.
Die Bergamont eigenen Griffe überzeugen mit hohen Komfort.
Bergamont’s own grips are really comfortable to ride with, and the end cap keeps them in place.

When it comes to the spec, there’s nothing to really merit a complaint. The Shimano SLX brakes are a good choice, offering decent performance and keeping the price in check. An XT shifting set increases the precision when shifting between gears, and the FOX 32 FLOAT forks are responsible for comfort. But even when we take a second look here, there are certain things that just don’t cut it: the DT Swiss M1900 wheels are unquestionably high quality, but they’re too narrow and at the rear – unlike the manufacturer’s details – they only have a 9mm standard quick-release rather than the 12×142 thru-axle. The seat post clamp offers nice fine-tuning, but the lever demands a ton of exertion to even go halfway towards clamping the post.

Die Sattelklemme erfordert hohe Bedienkräfte. Wir empfehlen generell ein Upgrade auf eine Teleskopsattelstütze.
The seat clamp is pretty tough to use. We’d recommend upgrading to a dropper post anyway.
Das gelb/schwarze Design des Revox C 9.0 gefällt!
The black and yellow design on the Revox C 9.0 is a good one!

Once we’re on the go, its riding capabilities and preferred playground become quickly evident. Quite honestly, the Bergamont isn’t cut out for real mountain biking. The steep 71° head angle, narrow bars (680mm) and super long 100mm stem turn what-were-once-fun downhills into nerve-wracking episodes. And even despite being nervous and twitchy, there’s no sign of agility even on slow-riding sections due to the 495mm chainstay. On climbs, however, the Bergamont knows how to put this to good use and it feels great to ride. The front remains firmly planted and it climbs a treat – or at least, as well as an E-MTB hardtail could ever ride uphill. In other news, the not particularly rigid rear triangle and the visibly flexing FOX forks underline its lack of off-road suitability, surely because of their thin tubes and the heavier weight of the bike.

Ist das Angst in Sebastians Blick? Auf anspruchsvollen Trails vermittelt das Bergamont wenig Sicherheit.
Is that fear in Sebastian’s eyes? The Bergamont isn’t the most confidence-inspiring ride on challenging trails.
Auf entspannten, festen Wegen fühlt sich das Revox richtig wohl.
On uphills the Revox only knows one direction and that’s forwards. Thanks to the long chainstay, the front wheel stays firmly planted no matter how steep it gets.

We roll onto an easier, flatter trail and the Revox soon proves much more at home on classic woodland and field trails. Thanks to the mudgaurd and luggage carrier mounts, it’s a strong contender for commuters that prefer to avoid tarmac but tend not to stray too far from more manicured trails. Back in the urban environment, the neutral handling (no dip in the bars), angle-based agility and narrow bars can play to their full strengths. Considering where it’s designed to be used, the tyre choice of Schwalbe Rocket Ron and Racing Ralph strike us as decent choices, even though the flat rear tyre profile won’t last long given the wear and tear that E-MTBs are prone to.

Das komfortable Rad empfiehlt sich vor allem für Fahrer die überwiegend auf befestigten Wegen unterwegs sind.
Comfortable to ride, this bike is best suited for riders who tend to stick to manicured trails.

Specification

  • Fork: FOX 32 FLOAT CTD
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss X1900 Spline
  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line, 250 W
  • Weight: 19,30 kg

Conclusion

Retailing at just 2,999 €, the Bergamont Revox C 9.0 goes down as a super affordable and well-specced E-MTB for its price, although in essence it’s more of a trekking bike. As soon as you hit off-road trails, the bike is quickly out of its depth, offering neither satisfaction nor stability. On woodland and farm tracks though, the Bergamont makes a solid impression and renders it, in our opinion, a great choice for commuters who find trekking bikes too unstable with narrow tyres, or for less ambitious riders who are looking to enjoy a taste of nature on the weekends.

For more information visit: bergamont.de

Words: Andreas Maschke | Pictures: Klaus Kneist

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

You may also like