The FANTIC XF1 can’t deny its roots. The Italian brand has made a name for itself in the world of enduro motorcycling, and they are now putting the know-how they’ve gained there into their eMTBs. We were curious to find out how much motocross is in the XF1 Integra Enduro.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head
As the name suggests, the FANTIC XF1 Integra has an integrated battery. What the name doesn’t reveal, however, is its whopping 630 Wh capacity. This electricity flows into the FANTIC’s new Brose Drive S motor, providing lots of torque and consequent propulsion. At the same time, the motor impressed us with natural-feeling assistance and very good modulation. FANTIC has brought over the concept of two differently-sized wheels from its background in motorcycles. A 29″ wheel with a 2.4″-wide tyre is meant to provide good rollover characteristics and precise handling at the front, while a 27.5” wheel with a 2.8″-wide tyre provides maximum grip at the rear. The concept makes sense, but unfortunately, the Vittoria tires can’t keep up with the MAXXIS rubber on the other bikes in the test. For € 5,190 FANTIC will give you a functionally-specced bike with solid components. However, the rims showed dents after just a few rides, and the dropper seatpost only offers 120 mm of stroke – here, medium-term investments should be taken into account.
The faster, the better! The FANTIC only starts blossoming at high speed.
After only a few meters in the saddle, it becomes clear that the FANTIC was not designed for climbing efficiency. The seating position is comfortable, but you’re sat a little far over the rear wheel. As a result, a lot of physical effort is required to keep the front wheel tracking on the ground, particularly on steep climbs. Climbs on well-maintained forest roads pose no problem for the FANTIC, but its heart beats for the descents. Once the trail points downhill, there is no stopping the XF1. Due to the slack head angle and the very long wheelbase, it rides like it’s on rails. Even the steepest slopes and nastiest rock gardens will seem tame (provided you’ve replaced the tyres with something better). The suspension is extremely plush and super-sensitive. However, the rear linkage could do with more support and feedback in mid-stroke. In combination with the extreme geometry, the FANTIC requires a lot of input from the rider through tight and twisty sections, as it can be lumbering and slow to change direction. If you are looking for a playful and agile bike, this is not the bike for you.
The FANTIC XF1 Integra Enduro 160 in detail
Fork RockShox Yari RC 160 mm
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RL 160 mm
Motor/battery Brose Drive S Fantic Lithium Ionen630 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM GX 1×11
Brakes SRAM Guide RE
Seatpost SWITCH Teleskop 120 mm
Stem FSA Grid 50 mm
Handlebar FSA Grid 760 mm
Wheelset Fantic Alu (29″/27.5+)
Tires Vittoria Goma 29×2,4″/Cannoli 27,5×3,0″ (v/h4)
There are no weld seams to be seen around the head tube. At first glance,
the bike looks like it’s made of carbon fibre.
After only a single day of riding, the rear rim had a decent dent. You should work a wheel upgrade into your budget before buying.
The massive front triangle looks unbalanced in combination with the slim aluminium rear linkage
The battery is beautifully integrated into the frame and has a whopping 630 Wh capacity.
The geometry of the FANTIC XF1 Integra Enduro 160
| Größe | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 390 mm | 430 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 565 mm | 600 mm | 630 mm |
| Head tube | 105 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 65° | 65.5° |
| Seat angle | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstays | 464 mm | 464 mm | 464 mm |
| BB Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1198 mm | 1228 mm | 1253 mm |
| Reach | 398 mm | 431 mm | 458 mm |
| Stack | 601 mm | 609 mm | 621 mm |
Fantic
If you are looking for a very composed and stable bike for the most demanding trails and all you are after is speed, the FANTIC XF 1 Integra Enduro 160 promises to be a good companion. However, besides having to upgrade the tyres, it will come at the cost of climbing performance.
Pros
– very composed handling
– good motor
Cons
– tyres lack grip
– seating too far behind the rear wheel for climbs
Uphill | Downhill | Stability | Agility | Value for money
For more info head to: fantic-bikes.com
The testfleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head
All bikes in test: BMC Trailfox AMP LTD | BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 | FOCUS SAM² PRO | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro | Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 | Moustache Samedi Race 11 | ROTWILD R.E+ ULTRA | SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned | Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon | Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 | Trek Powerfly 9 LT Plus
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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl
