Corratec Life CX 6X Connect in review

A twin down tube, trailer approved and the highest permissible total weight in the test at 180 kg. Is the Corratec Life CX 6X Connect the perfect off-road step-through bike for heavy riders and for trekking adventures with cargo or a trailer? We found out.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best off-road step-through bike of 2020 – 10 models tested head to head

**Corratec** Life CX 6X Connect | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 100/0 mm (f/r)
25.9 kg (Size L) | € 3,999 | Manufacturer’s website

The Corratec Life CX 6X Connect promises to set new standards with its logical design. The Corratec is the only bike in the test featuring a twin down tube, which should increase stiffness. This still offers enough step-through clearance but removing the integrated 625 Wh battery feeding the Bosch Performance Line CX motor is a hassle as you have to remove it from the bottom of the lower down tube. This can get annoying if you don’t want to charge the battery via the charging port in the head tube. However, the bottle cage is well-positioned far at the top of the down tube where it stays out of the way. When it comes to the quality of the workmanship, Corratec don’t show much love for the details. The battery lock doesn’t have a cover nor is it properly centred in its recess, while the plastic cover for the motor feels cheap.

With a pannier rack, bell, fenders, an excellent side stand and lighting system, it’s well equipped for day to day use. However, the lights can’t keep up with the competition and if you want to use the Life CX 6C Connect at night, we recommend upgrading the headlight. On the other hand, we liked the 100 mm travel SR Suntour Mobie25-Air fork, which can be adjusted to suit the weight of the rider. Having said that, particularly heavy riders don’t benefit much, because the adjustment options reach their limit before you reach the bike’s maximum payload.

**Chain tensioner?**
The infinitely variable Enviolo CT hub drivetrain suits the Corratec well – with vertical dropouts the Corratec could do away with the ugly chain tensioner.

**Sturdy**
The side stand is one of the best in the test – it doesn’t fold out by itself, doesn’t rattle and it stands securely on the ground.

**Strong hands**
When you’re pedalling hard, shifting into a lighter gear with the Enviolo drivetrain becomes very difficult.

**Lacking grip in wet conditions**
The Continental Race King tires can’t keep up with the competition when things get wet. The hard rubber compound lacks grip.

Corratec Life CX 6X Connect

€ 3,999

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 75 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Connect
Fork SR Suntour MOBIE25 AIR 100 mm
Rear Shock mm
Seatpost ZZYZX Alloy - mm
Brakes Magura MT Thirty 203/180 (v/h) mm
Drivetrain Enviolo 310 % Bandbreite
Stem ZZYZX Adustable 90 mm
Handlebar ZZYZX 680 mm
Wheelset 27.5
Tires Continental Race King Performance 2.2

Technical Data

Size XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight 25.9 kg
Perm. total weight 180 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 154 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

Specific Features

double down tube design

**Over promised**
The two-piece down tube together with the 180 kg permissible total payload suggest stability. However, it turns out that the Corratec has vague and undefined handling.

**Safety first!**
With a maximum payload of 154 kg, the 2-piston brake calliper and 180 mm rotor are an absolute no-go!

**Narrow**
The step-through height on the Corratec is good, but due to the twin down tube the gap is rather narrow, meaning that you have to rotate your foot to step through.

**Jacket** Meander Recycled Parka | **Backpack** Dew Avail Concrete
**Helmet** POC Tectal | **Gloves** Roeckl Odense

The 180 kg permissible total weight is a statement – the suspension fork, the spongy handling and the brakes clearly aren’t designed for a 154 kg payload.

The infinitely variable Enviolo CT hub drivetrain is low-maintenance and even allows shifting when stationary. However, shifting becomes very difficult under load, especially under the strain of the motor. Unfortunately, the rear brake is a two-piston affair matched to a 180 mm rotor, though you’ve got a 203 mm rotor and a four-piston calliper mounted up front. With a maximum payload (rider and equipment) of 154 kg, the rear brake doesn’t only offer too little braking power but it’s also prone to overheat and fade. If you roll down a hill with the brakes applied, brakes with small rotors overheat a lot quicker. The Continental Race King tires quickly lose grip on damp tarmac and should definitely be replaced!

The riding position is comfortable and thanks to the adjustable stem, setting it up to suit your personal preference is easy. The Life CX 6X Connect offers plenty of comfort over small bumps and the flared bars give it a relaxed Dutch cruiser feel. It isn’t quiet, though, seeing as both the chain guard and the plastic motor cover rattle. The 310% gear range of the infinitely variable drivetrain combined with the performance of the latest generation Performance Line CX motor suits the Corratec well. Unfortunately, the Bosch motor’s firmware has to be updated at your local dealer to get the smart eMTB mode, as Corratec’s stock configuration relies on Sport mode instead. Regarding handling precision, we were very disappointed. The twin down tube didn’t perform as expected, meaning that the handling is vague and even the slightest rut or irregularity in the road upsets the bike – moderate off-road tracks are not the favoured field of activity of the Corratec.

With 11 kg on the rear rack (it’s rated for up to 25 kg) controlling the bike becomes difficult and you’re bound to encounter speed wobble. If you’re looking for a pack mule, look elsewhere.

Tuning tips: grippier tires | eMTB mode firmware update by your dealer

Conclusion

The Corratec is most at home on bike paths and long, relaxed rides on gravel and tarmac. Its lack of agility hinders it in city traffic and the vague handling means that it quickly gets overwhelmed on moderate off-road terrain. The spec is not suited to carrying the rated 154 kg payload day-to-day. With luggage on the rear rack, the bike becomes difficult to control.

Tops

bottle cage positioned high up
Enviolo hub drivetrain
excellent side stand

Flops

vague handling
tires
weak rear brake
motor cover looks cheap and rattles

For more info head to: corratec.com

The test field