CENTURION No Pogo R7000 First Ride Review – Clever Details meet Smart Features.

With its carbon frame, clever details, and integrated lighting system, the new CENTURION No Pogo R7000 is aimed at ambitious e-mountain bikers. In our test, we reveal how the latest version performs on the trail – and whether it flows as effortlessly as we do on the dance floor at the weekend.

Tradition meets e-power: for over 25 years, the CENTURION No Pogo has been an integral part of the German manufacturer’s portfolio, and the name still says it all: no annoying pedal bob from the rear suspension, just pure pedaling efficiency – No Pogo literally means no pogo-stick bounce.

The CENTURION No Pogo Carbon builds on the previous aluminum model, raising the bar in both price and specifications. The geometry and overall concept still follow the R3000, but the lighter carbon frame and top-tier spec bring the weight down to around 25 kg (size L). The key numbers remain unchanged: Bosch Performance Line CX, mullet wheel configuration, and 170 mm of travel front and rear. At €8,999, the CENTURION No Pogo is no bargain – but for that money, you should get a lot in return. Whether the new No Pogo R7000 shines only on paper or also on the trail, you’ll find out here.

The CENTURION No Pogo Carbon in Detail

The No Pogo Carbon was developed with plenty of attention to detail. This also applies to the charging port cover, and the 4 mm Allen key hidden in the rear thru-axle – cleverly combined with a bottle opener. Smart!

But let’s start at the front – or rather, from the top. In the cockpit area, the cables disappear into the frame through the headset, which creates a clean look. CENTURION rely on a rather appealing design language for the No Pogo, with sharp lines that flow smoothly into each other, creating a clean overall look. Small details like the cooling fins on the head tube are nice accents that blend seamlessly into the bike’s overall design.

Lights on an e-enduro bike? Opinions are divided. Personally, we believe it doesn’t hurt – provided the integration is done well. The rear light is discreetly integrated into the dropout, with two small LED strips glowing bright. The Supernova headlight, on the other hand, feels a bit tacked on in front of the handlebar – making the No Pogo look more like a performance SUV bike. On the bright side (no pun intended!), it can be switched on and off easily by holding the + button on the Mini Remote.

The Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor delivers up to 100 Nm of torque with the optional performance update. That gives noticeably more punch, but also increases drivetrain wear – and drains the battery faster. Speaking of which, the downtube houses a Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh battery that, as long as you’re not riding permanently in Turbo mode, will easily support you on longer tours in the saddle.

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The removable battery can be accessed via a plastic cover with a twist lock. It’s also secured with a key, offering extra protection against sticky fingers if you use the No Pogo R7000 for commuting. To recharge after a ride, the charging port is conveniently positioned above the motor. Once opened, the cover slides neatly into the frame – no wobbling, no risk of breaking, no interference. If 800 Wh isn’t enough, you can mount Bosch’s 250 Wh PowerMore range extender to the bottle cage mounts on the downtube. And if you’d rather save weight and money, the No Pogo R7000 is also available with a 600 Wh battery – with prices starting at € 8,799.

By the way, on the CENTURION No Pogo R7000, the new Bosch Kiox 400C display is neatly integrated into the top tube. It clearly shows all ride data and even comes with a USB-C charging port – nice!

Spoiler: when it comes to noise levels, the No Pogo keeps things quiet. The chain guard effectively prevents chain slap. And if you do hear a loud hiss, it’s usually just air escaping from a tire. For that scenario, CENTURION offers an frame bag with room for a spare inner tube – practical if you don’t want to carry a backpack on your after-work ride.

The Spec of the New CENTURION No Pogo Carbon

Our test bike comes equipped with an electronic Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain – though the CENTURION No Pogo R7000 comes stock with Shimano XT Di2. Both versions draw their power from the main battery. To dive deeper into Shimano’s drivetrains and their performance, check out our sister magazine ENDURO.

For the suspension, CENTURION rely on high-quality components from FOX, combining a 38 Factory fork featuring the GRIP X2 damper, and a matching FOX Float X2 Factory shock. Both components offer countless adjustment options and generate 170 mm of travel.

Hold up! TRP EVO Pro four-piston brakes do stopping duties, providing powerful, reliable deceleration – a great match for a bike of this kind. In terms of lever ergonomics and modulation, the brakes are top-notch, especially paired with 203 mm rotors. The brake levers are mounted to Race Face ERA carbon handlebars.

From handlebars to tires: the No Pogo rolls on Schwalbe tires, with a Magic Mary in Trail casing and soft Ultra Soft rubber compound at the front, and an Albert in the more robust Gravity casing and slightly harder Soft compound at the rear – a smart choice, since the rear tire won’t wear out as quickly. Both Schwalbe tires are mounted on sturdy DT Swiss HX 1700 aluminum wheels.

Spec Variants of the CENTURION No Pogo Carbon

Alongside the top model R7000, CENTURION is also launching the R5000, which likewise relies on a carbon frame.

The more affordable R5000 spec variant employs a FOX Performance suspension, which can’t quite match the trail performance of the Factory model. For the drivetrain, CENTURION rely on a mechanical Shimano DEORE XT drivetrain instead of the electronic version. There are also differences in the headlight and wheelset: the R5000 rolls on the slightly heavier and more affordable DT Swiss H 1900 aluminum wheels. The Supernova Mini 3 light of the flagship model is replaced by a Lezyne Fusion E550. The CENTURION No Pogo R5000 retails at €7,699 with the 800 Wh battery and at €7,499 with the 600 Wh version.

The Geometry of the New CENTURION No Pogo Carbon

Strikingly unremarkable: the geometry of the CENTURION No Pogo R7000 is exactly what you’d expect from a modern e-mountain bike. In size L, reach is a moderate 480 mm, with even 25 mm increments between sizes S–XL. The seat tube measures 440 mm in L, with 20 mm steps across frame sizes. This allows you to choose your size based on the length of the bike – if you prefer a more agile feel, size down and make up for the saddle height with a longer dropper post. The only standout detail is the chainstays, which are a short 438 mm across all sizes. That’s meant to provide more agile handling, but it can cost some stability in fast, rough sections.

The dropper post travel is graduated according to frame size: S = 150 mm, M = 170 mm, L = 200 mm, XL = 230 mm.

Frame Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat Tube Length	390 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm
Top Tube Length	571 mm	597 mm	624 mm	651 mm
Head Tube Length	110 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head Angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat Angle	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°
Chainstay Length	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1209 mm	1236 mm	1265 mm	1294 mm
Reach	430 mm	455 mm	480 mm	505 mm
Stack	637 mm	641 mm	651 mm	660 mm

The New CENTURION No Pogo Carbon on the Trail

Back in August, we had the chance to ride the new CENTURION No Pogo R7000 Carbon for two days on the trails around Sasbachwalden in the Black Forest. In summer conditions, we tackled long climbs, technical uphills, and punchy descents – perfect terrain to gather first impressions.

The riding position strikes a successful balance between comfort and sportiness. The upright pedaling position ensures efficient power transfer, making long tours both relaxed and manageable. On the first forest road, you immediately feel the power of the Bosch CX motor. Until you hit the technical uphill, you can just cruise along comfortably in Turbo mode.

On steeper, more demanding terrain, the CENTURION impresses with direct handling and strong rear-wheel traction. Pedal bob? None at all – we never even thought about reaching for the climb switch on the shock. On technical climbs, the bike practically pushes you uphill. The eMTB+ mode with Extended Boost, available via software update, extends the assistance after each pedal stroke. This gives you noticeably longer momentum, which you can control with short pedal kicks. As a result, steps and tricky sections are easier to clear. And once at the top, Sasbachwalden rewards you with a panorama stretching all the way to France – a moment that reminds us why we love e-mountain biking so much.

When gravity takes over, the No Pogo integrates you nicely between its wheels. The balance between front and rear is spot-on, and on flow trails the lively suspension ensures loads of fun. Despite its 24.84 kg (with accessories), the No Pogo R7000 delivers surprising agility, thanks in large part to its smaller rear wheel and short chainstays. In rough rock gardens and technical terrain, it remains composed but does demand some physical effort. Active riders will be rewarded with plenty of control and fun. The chainstay protector ensures a quiet ride, but the battery cover rattles a bit more than we’d like on rough descents. The suspension soaks up both small hits and bigger drops with ease. On jumps and berms, it offers enough reserves to absorb sketchy landings and instill confidence – perfect for trying that jump one more time.

Who Should Take a Closer Look at the New CENTURION No Pogo Carbon?

The CENTURION No Pogo Carbon is aimed primarily at riders who value thoughtful details. With features like the integrated lighting system and the practical frame bag, it’s ready for almost any scenario – from quick post-work rides to long alpine tours.

It’s a bike for those who want a little more: lighter than the classic No Pogo R, with high-end components and a sporty character. Perfect for ambitious enthusiasts, but also suitable for beginners – as long as you take some time to get to know the bike before really letting it rip on the trails.

Conclusions about the New CENTURION No Pogo Carbon

With its new carbon frame, the CENTURION No Pogo R7000 leaves a strong first impression. The spec clearly plays in the high-end league and leaves little to be desired. Pointed downhill, the No Pogo R7000 strikes a well-balanced mix of agility and composure – qualities that even beginners will appreciate after a short adjustment period. There are a few minor drawbacks: the battery cover tends to rattle, and the front light isn’t the most elegant solution, which might bother design freaks. Overall, however, the No Pogo R7000 is a versatile e-MTB built with attention to detail. We’re excited to see how it holds up in a long-term test.

More information at Centurion.com

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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Robin Ulbrich, CENTURION