Review | The Centurion Numinis E2000.27 DX
The German mountain biking pioneer and owner of CENTURION, Wolfgang Renner, is inspired by the freedom of two wheels. He’s drawn to the curiosity that comes from riding a bike, the opportunity to discover and be surprised by your surroundings time after time while riding. This attitude is reflected in his bikes too; they’re not race orientated, not created to shine on competition courses. Instead, they’re bikes designed to accompany riders on their travels, their voyages of discovery. And this is exactly the kind of trip the new Numinis E 2000.27 DX experienced with us in the South of France.
Based on its non-motorised brother, the Numinis E, with 120 mm travel, 27.5″ wheels, and moderate geometry, has been designed to satisfy trail bikers. But before putting that to the test, we’ll take a closer look at the technical details of the CENTURION.
Offering 120 mm travel, the complex and carefully designed aluminium frame is defined by its rear construction with a floating pivot point, huge pulley wheel, and generously-sized bearings, as well as its hydroformed tubes and partially internally-routed cables. At first glance the bike strikes you as reliable and durable. It’s also clever and quiet: the elevated chainstay renders chain clattering null and void.
and its shock, with a digressive spring rate, offers a lot of suspension. But dirt likes to settle on the pulley wheel and the rear triangle. Also in the shot is CENTURION’s own Bosch motor cover.
really simple and immediately rectifies the problem.
Even the components are noticeably functional, and compared to last year’s model some details have been cleared up. The front now boasts the lightweight yet rigid RockShox Pike, with 130 mm travel available. At the rear, the suspension takes the form of the RockShox Monarch shock with rebound and lock-out functions.
For the motor CENTURION have opted for the tried and tested combination of a Bosch mid-drive motor and SRAM’s X01 shifting system with 1×11 gearing. For reliable braking, there’s the affordable (but still very good) Shimano SLX 180 mm disc brakes. The 740 mm-wide cockpit has ample space for the Bosch Nyon display as well as the control unit. You can also control the new stock KindShock LEV DX dropper seatpost (with 125 mm of extension) from the handlebars directly. The grippy 2.25″ Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres on the skinny Fulcrum Red Power 27.5″ rims are perfectly honed for the bike’s intended use.
But while the geometry stats of the 20.2 kg Numinis E scream “trail riding,” the steep 70° head tube angle seems a touch extreme. So that leads us to the question:
How does the Numinis E 2000.27 DX ride?
In Provence, we found the perfect testing ground for the CENTURION, fully in tune with the company’s philosophy of discovery. In the area around Apt there are a huge variety of trails to ride, taking you through plenty of stunning villages and landscapes.
Time for Tour, not Turbo
A friend had generously drawn all the most important sights and exciting trails onto a map for us. But as we could only hazard a guess as to how far we’d end up riding – as is the case with reconnaissance rides (even with a Nyon system) – we set off using the Tour mode of the Bosch mid-drive motor. Thanks to the motor-neutral rear end, the CENTURION was a treat to ride uphill, and the comfortable geometry delivered on its promise. The low front end and steep head angle mean you can apply serious pressure to the handlebars – even on steep climbs.
On mellow trail sections the CENTURION rides nimbly and weaves playfully around tight corners with its short 460 mm chainstay. The rear, trimmed down for efficiency, doesn’t respond to trail chatter as well as the front end – because of its digressive spring rate, it’s far less sensitive. But, when faced with big bumps, it soaks up any unevenness with ease thanks to its decent suspension. In general, the CENTURION is a big fan of long, exploratory rides. For high-speed or technical sections, the geometry of the Numinis E just isn’t at home. It gets nervous and doesn’t provide the stability that we’d want from a 120 mm-travel bike.
Where’s the route headed?
The Nyon display for the Bosch motor doesn’t just show you the current data about speed and distance; it also doubles as a navigation tool. If you delve into the functions and controls of the Nyon – and aren’t opposed to having such a big and exposed display screen on your cockpit – then you’ll definitely have fun. With the map and your position constantly there, there’s no need for any other extra gadgets. It’s just a case of riding in whatever direction you choose, discovering new places, and letting your curiosity lead you.
Specs:
Frame: Centurion Numinis E2000.27 DX
Shock: RockShox Monarch RL
Fork: RockShox Pike RC
Brakes: Shimano SlX
Drivetrain: SRAM X01
Price: TBD
Weight: 20,2 kg
Conclusion
With its moderate geometry and efficient nature, the CENTURION Numinis E is perfect for cyclists hoping to cover long distances and explore new regions. Given the envisioned purpose of the bike, it’s well specced and more than suited for that. Overall, the CENTURION is a cohesive model: a bike for adventurers and pleasure-seekers. On our lengthy rides through France’s Provence region, it proved a reliable companion. But if you’re more likely to choose techy over toury – and do that with speed – then you’re better off looking for a slightly more aggressively orientated ride.
More information: centurion.de.
Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Christoph Bayer
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