INFRONT IF-4 Wave review

With the IF-4 Wave, small German brand INFRONT present their first step-through eMTB. The spec of the €3,599 INFRONT IF-4 Wave is among the best in the test and it handles convincingly on tours and on moderate off-road terrain. But how does it perform in everyday life?

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

**Infront** IF-4 Wave | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 100/0 mm (f/r) | 27.1 kg (Size L) | € 3,599 | Manufacturer’s website

The design of the INFRONT IF-4 Wave is quite impressive. The cable routing is neat, which underscores the clean look of the step-through eMTB, though unfortunately, the colour of the battery cover isn’t matched to the subtle fade on the down tube, making it stand out. Those with big feet will be pleased with the low and wide step-through section as you won’t have to twist your foot to climb aboard the bike. Unfortunately, you do have to make do without a bottle cage but otherwise, the INFRONT IF-4 Wave comes equipped for everyday life with a luggage rack including a pump, fenders, bell, side stand and lights. The 112 kg maximum payload is just below average. While the bike is approved for use with trailers, the limited payload could prevent you from transporting children or pets.

**Inconsistent**
It’s too bad that the colour fade on the frame isn’t carried over to the battery cover.

**One of the best in the test**
The Suntour Axon 100 mm travel fork is easy to adjust to the weight of the rider, responds sensitively and delivers an impressive performance.

**The saddle stays up!**
The handling of the INFRONT is perfect for riding in moderate off-road terrain but it doesn’t come with a dropper post or quick-release seat clamp, which quickly puts a damper on the fun when you go off-road.

Infront IF-4 Wave

€ 3,599

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 75 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Intuvia
Fork SR Suntour Axon 100 mm
Rear Shock mm
Seatpost ERGOTEC - mm
Brakes Magura MT Sport 180/180 (v/h) mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 1x12
Stem Ergotec Swell 100 mm
Handlebar SQlab 660 mm
Wheelset 27.5
Tires Schwalbe Marathon Plus 2.25

Technical Data

Size M, L
Weight 27.1 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 112 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

Specific Features

contact points can be configured
value for money updates
pump

**All the braking power you need**
MAGURA’s MT Sport brakes offer plenty of stopping power and the one-finger lever makes the bike feel like a proper eMTB.

**Metal to metal**
Due to the narrow gap, the frame pushes up against the battery cover as it flexes when you’re riding and the battery cover broke off during our tests. INFRONT CEO Markus Bauer immediately made improvements to the cover and provided us with an updated version for testing, after which everything stayed in place.

**With flare**
The flared handlebar is perfect for cruising and everyday use. A wider bar with less flare would offer better performance on the trail.

**Pants** GONSO SITIVO | **Helmet** iXS Trail | **Trailer** Thule Chariot

Versatile and perfectly equipped. The step-through eMTB from small German bike brand INFRONT surprised our test crew.

Thanks to the flared bars the riding position is upright and with the adjustable stem you can dial in the angle just the way you like it. The SR Suntour Axon air fork is easy to adjust to the weight of the rider and it even has compression and rebound settings. It’s the best fork in our test. However, there’s a noticeable imbalance in comfort between the front and rear end of the bike, no matter how small the bumps. While the fork smoothes out irregularities, the rear end offers no compliance to speak of. A seat post with integrated suspension would remedy this situation, making long rides a lot more comfortable. Thanks to the 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain and the power of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, you’ll get up even the steepest of climbs without breaking a sweat.

Whether on asphalt, gravel, over meadows, through mud or on the trails, the handling is very precise and the INFRONT goes exactly where you point it. This doesn’t only bolster your confidence in the bike but it also makes riding in moderate terrain a lot of fun. Another plus is that the INFRONT is very quiet. On steep descents, the tall front end and stopping power delivered by the MAGURA MT Sport brakes instil you with confidence. If you want to ride the INFRONT IF-4 Wave aggressively, you should fit a narrow mountain bike saddle or your freedom of movement will be severely restricted on the trail. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a dropper post or a quick-release seat clamp, which would have been helpful to adjust the saddle height without tools. The handling of the INFRONT isn’t quite as precise as the Riese & Müller, CENTURION or BULLS, though it’s sufficiently stable to carry your luggage on the rear rack or pull a trailer without any problems.

Tuning tips:mount a dropper post

Conclusion

INFRONT’s step-through eMTB debut is a success: the IF-4-Wave is a versatile bike, performing equally well in the city, on tours through moderate off-road terrain or with more aggressive riding, making it suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike. It is one of the best-specced bikes in the test and fairly priced at € 3,599. However, the rigid seat post lacks comfort on long rides and offers little freedom of movement on the trail. Here, we recommend an upgrade!

Tops

excellent fork
good brakes
precise handling

Flops

uncomfortable rear end
no dropper post

For more info head to: infront-bikes.com

The test field