en Français
| < - > Bike — Sitting — Be heard — Push-back — Shield-oneself — Transport — Trailer — GPS — Drink — Camping — Energy |
| . . . Conventional Bike (Quality) — E.Bike Quality) 2019 — E.Bike Quality) 2024 — Gearbox ROHLOFF — BOSCH motor |
E.BIKE for CYCLO-HIKING - E.Bike R&M HOMAGE 2024 TEST
Here is the feedback on the use of the VAE HOMAGE (2024 models) of Riese & Müller, with which we cycle-hike since 2024.
On page What-bike-in-cyclo-hiking? we reviewed the criteria for choosing the type of bike and the main technologies. We explained why we switched to E.Bike sooner than we thought.
E.BIKE CHANGE IN 2024
In the year 2023 we discovered that the BOSCH PERFORMANCE LINE CX GENERATION 2 engines (which fitted our e-bikes of 2019) had a totally unacceptable design defect. See the explanations here BOSCH MOTOR PERFORMANCE LINE CX GEN2 - PROBLEMS.
At the beginning of 2024 we moved on to the HOMAGE model year 2024 which are described in this page.
CHOIX DE NOS VAE
For our criteria for choosing these eBikes, please refer to the explanations given here: choice of 2019 models.
RIESE & MÜLLER - HOMAGE GX ROHLOFF - 2024
The composition of these bikes is as follows:
- Motor : BOSCH Performance LINE CX Gen4
- Dual-battery. Both are IN the frame : 2x BOSCH PowerTube 625 W (1,250 W in total).
- Display BOSCH KIOX (choose in option)
- Fork Marzocchi Bomber Z2, Air, tapered, 100mm
- Front luggage rack (almost handlebar) with bag (optional)
- Damper Suntour RS-19 190x40
- Gearbox ROHLOFF Speedhub E14, 14-speed (see special page)
- Drive belt carbone GATES belt drive CDX
- MAGURA MT5 front brakes (dual piston) and MT4 rear brakes.
- Tyres SCHWALBE Super Moto-X 62-584 Reflex
- Light SUPERNOVA M99 Mini Pro-25
We replaced the tyres with SCHWALBE Marathon-Plus-MTB 57-584 (27.5" x 2.25", 650B), much more suited to the wrong paths and tracks.
BOSCH PERFORMANCE LINE CX GEN4 ENGINE
As noted above, the Performance Line CX Gen2 engines had a very serious design flaw. The passage of our HOMAGE 2019 to these HOMAGE 2024 allowed us to solve this crippling vice thanks to the passage of engines in Gen4.
This generation jump allows to benefit in addition to:
- Lighter engine (2.79 kg versus 4.09 kg) thanks to:
- to the magnesium case instead of aluminum.
- with a simplified gable
- Higher performance:
- 340% support in Turbo mode, compared to 300% on the Gen2.
- The best of the modes, eMTB, is even more "mellow" in addition to being equipped with variable assistance from 140% to 340%, against 120% to 300% on the Gen2.
- Decoupling of the engine beyond 25 km/h. This makes it possible to continue pedaling more pleasantly beyond the legal assistance limit.
DETAILS OF SOME COMPONENTS
- The total power of the batteries is 1,250 W (2 x 625 W) allowing super-autonomy, even heavily loaded.
- No chain, but a notched belt. Guarantee of absence of maintenance on hiking.
- ROHLOFF electrically controlled by double button on the handlebars.
- Headlight code dual function front light (like a car) with handlebar control.
- Tail light with stop light, driven by the 2 brake handles.
- 27.5" Wheels
ADDS
As in 2019 we added:
- A real horn :
- Airzound 3, compressed air (see page Be heard)
- Our usual ISM comfortable saddles. A specific page is dedicated to this essential piece… SIT COMFORTABLY.
- Front luggage rack FAIV.
EXPERIENCE - QUALITIES - DEFECTS
On our HOMAGE 2019 we had identified several flaws, not fundamental, but embarrassing:
- Cheeks spread-bags very fragile: alas unchanged on their design-geometry, but a slightly stronger sizing.
- Hanging bags too high: alas unchanged.
- Battery cover plate slamming: RESOLVED on model 2024.
- Charge shutter: RESOLVED on 2024 model (there had been many customer complaints)
FEEDBACK
During our first 1,000 km local ride in spring 2024, and then during our 2,000 km cycle touring ride in summer 2024, we were able to observe a number of key points.
BOSCH MOTOR
First and foremost, let's start with the central element of our previous concerns... the engine. As mentioned above, the BOSCH Performance Line CX Gen4 engine has benefited from a number of improvements.
First and foremost, we didn't experience any of the deterioration that appeared after the first few hundred kilometres with Generation 2 engines (the Gen2s)… as long as it lasts!
We were then able to check out in the field the improvements promised by the new features announced.
Firstly, range. Thanks to the increase in dual-battery power from 1,000 W to 1,250 W, as well as the improved efficiency of the motors, range has clearly been significantly increased. The improved motor efficiency is probably due to reduced internal friction in the motor's gearbox.
The engine's behaviour is much smoother in the difficult sections requiring the TURBO assistance mode. In this mode, the Gen2s reacted quite violently to gear changes and to changes in assistance around the legal 25 km/h threshold. This was particularly noticeable when pedalling again, but above all:
- At speeds over 25 km/h, the assistance cut out abruptly, giving the brief impression that we'd just been hooked up to a dead horse behind the bike.
- Once back below 25 kph, the assistance resumed its work just as abruptly, causing a disillusioning jolt.
Electronic control has made huge strides forward, and all that is a thing of the past. Assistance now cuts in and out progressively. The difference is remarkable.
As for the announced increase in the percentage of assistance, this is not directly felt on our HOMAGE 2024 compared to our HOMAGE 2019. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that Riese&Müller has increased the minimum development of the transmission. In fact, we've gone from 1.66 m to 1.9 m (metres per pedal revolution) in Rohloff gear 1. Heavily loaded with touring bikes, we were able to overcome extreme difficulties with the same effort as with the Gen2s. So in reality, the Gen4s have only enabled us to make up for the loss of extreme clearance due to the increased development of the transmission between our 2019 bikes and those of 2024… that's good enough!
THE BIKES
There's no changing the praise we heap on these fantastic HOMAGE. The suspension still provides exceptional stability and comfort.
The new stem is very well designed from the outset. There's no need to change it for a specific model. All the adjustments are easy and efficient, and the rigidity is perfect. What's more, the passage of wires and conduits directly into the stem well is magnificently managed.
The new Magura twin-cylinder front brakes work wonders.
The Riese&Müller special pedals, which we didn't feel confident about, turned out to be a very good choice: very grippy, even on difficult terrain, without the need for mountain bike versions.
There's just one tiny downside: after 1,200 km, our 2 crutches started bouncing loudly when we drove on uneven surfaces. You don't have to go off-roading to get the bang, just uneven tarmac is enough. This is probably due to a poorly dimensioned spring or one that rapidly loses its rigidity.
CONCLUSION
The already enormous qualities of the 2019 models have been further enhanced on the 2024 models.
These bikes really are close to perfection.