With the 301 CE MK1, Liteville embarks on a new journey: whilst this is the first-ever bike to roll out of the small German factory with an electric motor, it’s also their first bike with a carbon frame.
The small bike German bike is mainly known for its super high-quality aluminium mountain bikes. The Liteville 301 CE MK1 wants to be an uncompromising eMTB. And that’s exactly why the engineers at Liteville recycled the basic design of the classic 301 to develop an entirely new bike platform around the Shimano STEPS E8000 engine. Both the motor and the internal 630 Wh battery are deeply integrated into the new frame, which is Litevilles very first carbon frame. For the occasion, Liteville also developed a special “cylinder head” for the Shimano motor. The massive cooling element replaces the Shimano’s original “cooling fins”, which are too small for Liteville’s standard.
The somewhat heavy chassis of the 23 kg (manufacturer specifications) 301 CE MK1, Liteville relies on an aluminium swingarm, which is compatible with both coil and air shocks. 160 mm of rear-travel are combined with a 170 mm fork and 29″ wheels.
Thanks to the new rear-end kinematics and coil shock, the Litevill should respond to the smallest imperfections of the trail
The RockShox Lyrik Ultimate has already convinced us with its brilliant performance on different occasions
Liteville only relies on high-end components and currently releases the 301 CDE Mk1 in just one spec option . The spec of the “Werkmaschine” runs includes a RockShox suspension combo, with a Lyric at the front and a Super Deluxe at the back, a Shimano XT drivetrain, XT brakes as well as Syntace cockpit and wheels.
The Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain works smoothly and with great precision even under full load
Shimano’s XT 4-piston brakes should provide great deceleration
In typical Liteville style, the 301 CE MK1 features a DUO link on the rear-end. This allows you to run either a 27.5″ or 29″ setup without changing the geometry of the bike too much. A specially-developed chain tunnel serves as a chain guide, also protects the chain against dirt from the rear tire and prevents grease and dirt from staining long trousers. The Syntace Smart Gripper is fitted to the stem and allows you to attach both a mobile phone and the front lights directly to the cockpit.
The geometry of the Liteville 301 CE MK1
| Size | M | L |
|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 441 mm | 465 mm |
| Top tube | 624 mm | 651 mm |
| Head tube | 105 mm | 115 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat angle | 74,5° | 74,5° |
| Chainstay | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Height | 342 mm | 342 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,226 mm | 1,254 mm |
| Reach | 447 mm | 470 mm |
| Stack | 644 mm | 653 mm |
The 301 CE MK1 is intended for both the trail and everyday use. The EIGHTPINS seat post is integrated into the frame and accommodates a rear light with internal cabling. The rear-end can also take a specific mudguard from a third party vendor.
Prices and availability
With the 301CE Mk1, Liteville finally enters the eMTB-world – we’ve been anticipating this moment for some time! The Liteville 301CE Mk1 will be available from September in sizes M and L at a retail price of € 7.980. Optional extras such as the chain-tunnel or an integrated light are available at an extra charge.
Our first impressions
At first glance, Liteville’s eMTB debut looks impressive. At least visually, the small bike manufacturer remains true to its company DNA. Judging by the overall concept and the many clever details, the 301CE Mk1 will deliver a solid performance both on and off the trail. We’ve already ordered a bike for a thorough test and are looking forward to taking the new Liteville 301 CE MK1 to the trails.
For more information head to liteville.com
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