Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Riese & Müller Delite Hybrid II Review

10.09.2014
by

Riese and Müller, the traditional manufacturer from Darmstadt, sent us their top model, the Delite Hybrid II Supermountain, for our group test. Our bike has 29“ wheels and just 105mm of suspension travel. The reason for this is that the identical frame is also used for their hybrid model. Our test should show whether this concept works and if the bike can win friends on the trails …

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First impressions

Riese and Müller take a unique strategy in the selection of wheel size. The Delite frame is only available with 26“ wheels in size small, in medium with a choice of 26“ or 29“ wheels, and in size large only with 29“. We chose to test the most useable combination in our eyes — size medium with 29“ wheels. The improved rollover characteristics and increased traction should combine with the short 105mm travel for much better ride characteristics.

We liked the unique-looking frame with its brushed finish straight away. The specification of the bike also ticked every box, even though at 4,999 Euros the bike isn‘t exactly cheap. Everywhere you look, high quality and perfectly functioning Shimano Deore XT parts can be found — brakes, wheels and gears. Only the cheaper Deore shift levers didn‘t quite fit into the picture.

The Riese & Müller is available for 3.999 EUR.
The Riese & Müller is available for 3.999 EUR.

Specification

Once sat on the bike, the efficient and comfortable seating position is immediately noticeable. Power from the Bosch Performance center-motor is transferred optimally into forward momentum thanks to the Fox suspension system, which allows the rider to choose between three modes (Climb, Trail, Descend) from the handlebars. The extremely long 510mm chainstays paired with the long 100mm stem work together to keep the front wheel on the ground during steep climbs.

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Handling

The suspension is based on a Fox 32 Float CTD fork paired with Fox Float CTD rear shock, giving 100mm up front and 105 mm of rear travel. The suspension harmonizes well and offers great comfort even over small bumps thanks to the linear suspension rate.

If it gets steep, technical, and tight, the bike reaches its limits because of the short suspension travel, narrow 680mm bars, non-adjustable seatpost, and steep 69° head tube angle. It then requires a skilled pilot and considerable effort to keep it on course. The ‚over-the-bars‘ feeling cannot be ruled out. On wider, flatter, and less demanding trails the bike is in its element; here you can feel its great XC characteristics and it glides along smoothly.

Well solved. We‘ve frequently criticized the mess caused by suspension adjustment levers mounted to the handlebars. Riese and Müller have managed to position them in an ergonomically sensible way on the left side of the bars.
Well solved. We‘ve frequently criticized the mess caused by suspension adjustment levers mounted to the handlebars. Riese and Müller have managed to position them in an ergonomically sensible way on the left side of the bars.
Air suspend. The 100mm suspension travel of the Fox Float 32 fork can be adjusted to rider weight using a shock pump. This ensures consistent performance regardless of rider size and weight.
Air suspend. The 100mm suspension travel of the Fox Float 32 fork can be adjusted to rider weight using a shock pump. This ensures consistent performance regardless of rider size and weight.
Timeless. The classy look of the brushed aluminium frame is reinforced by the internal cable routing and unostentatious frame decals.
Timeless. The classy look of the brushed aluminium frame is reinforced by the internal cable routing and unostentatious frame decals.
Tasty. The look of the dropouts and performance of the Shimano XT brakes won us over without exception. Conventional quick releases brought criticism - in the age of thru axles these are no longer up-to-date.
Tasty. The look of the dropouts and performance of the Shimano XT brakes won us over without exception. Conventional quick releases brought criticism – in the age of thru axles these are no longer up-to-date.
Well packed. With only 105 mm of travel the rear suspension reaches its limits quickly in rough terrain, but it offers plenty of comfort and traction for more moderate trails. The rear shock is well protected in the intricately fabricated aluminium frame.
Well packed. With only 105 mm of travel the rear suspension reaches its limits quickly in rough terrain, but it offers plenty of comfort and traction for more moderate trails. The rear shock is well protected in the intricately fabricated aluminium frame.

Conclusion

You can clearly see that the Riese and Müller Delite Hybrid II Supermountain‘s roots are in the hybrid market. On relaxed rides and moderate terrain the bike felt at home, but as soon as the downhill terrain got really demanding, many factors limited the rider’s fun and confidence.

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text: Sebastian Gierulski Photo: Christoph Bayer

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