E-MTB Nox Cycles Epium: When Old Rules No Longer Apply

Some 18 years ago, the first mountain bikes from Nox Cycles came onto the market. They were classic hardtails without motor assistance. Since 2016, the manufacturer has focused exclusively on ebikes. So, it is very familiar with both types of bikes. His latest model, the Epium, represents a symbiosis of both, according to his own statement.

That sounds almost philosophical. However, even without this tone, the Epium occupies a certain special position. After all, we are encountering a profoundly European bicycle. Conceived at the headquarters of Nox Cycles in Berlin-Mitte, based on a carbon frame made in Portugal, painted by hand in Germany and finally assembled in the Austrian Zillertal. Many of the components used come from Asia, of course. So, it’s still a long way to the real Made-in-Europe seal. In any case, the direction is right.

Light and light makes: super

With this symbiosis, Nox is clearly aiming at the weight of the newcomer. No e-mountain bike from the manufacturer has ever been as light as the Epium. The combination of the Ride 60 drive from Fazua, which weighs less than two kilograms, and the frame, which weighs just under 700 grams, “challenges the unwritten laws of ebiking”. Together with other higher, further, more natural superlatives, Nox over-eggs the pudding a bit here. Though its competitors are in no way inferior. And you know what is meant 😉 By the way, there is no indication of the actual total weight of the Epium anywhere on the website.

Thanks to its favourable mass-to-power ratio, the Nox Cycles Epium should definitely be very lively to ride.

The Epium actually conceals two e-mountain bikes. Two variants were presented – the Epium All-Mtn 5.9 and the Epium Enduro 7.1, both of which are available in three configurations: Ultra, Pro and Core. Where the terrain shows its rough side, you should be better off with the Epium Enduro. Both the 29-inch wheels and the 180 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear are ideally suited for blocky passages and long jumps. If you’re not looking for the extremes, the Epium All-Mtn might be the better choice. The suspension system is somewhat reduced, with 160 millimetres at the front and 150 millimetres at the rear. In addition, there is a mullet setup with the 29-inch front wheel and the 27.5-inch rear wheel.

Would you like a chip?

With such a different character, you could basically expect two different frames. However, Nox works with an identical frame as a basis. This is not only made entirely of carbon, but is also designed as a 100 percent monocoque. The difference is due to Nox’s own flex-linkage system. The damper is integrated into the frame at both ends with the help of flip chips. This means it can be replaced relatively easily. If you buy a second shock and a second suspension fork, you can even turn the Epium Enduro into an Epium All-Mtn – or vice versa. Depending on which version serves as the point of departure.

A third flip chip at the rear dropout allows you to change the wheel size altering the chainstay length at the same time. The rear triangle is a four-bar linkage with Horst link. It interacts with the shock, which is positioned in line with the top tube and seat stays. A small drawback with regard to the frame is perhaps the limitation to only three frame sizes. You have the choice between S, M and L.

Rear dropout with third flip chip

Input from the race track

When it comes to geometry, Nox traditionally deviates a little from what its competitors do. This applies first and foremost to the relatively long wheelbase. The manufacturer likes to combine this with flat steering angles and short chainstays. Compared to the Nox Epium Enduro, you sit a little more upright on the Nox Epium All-Mtn, as expected. This makes going uphill a little more efficient. Interestingly, despite the smaller rear wheel, the chainstay is still slightly longer. Who knows, maybe it was a suggestion from the professional team with which Nox competes in various racing series. For many years, the multiple German downhill champion Markus Klausmann was in charge there. And by all accounts, the impressions of the riders continue to flow to a large extent into the development of the bikes.

In our view, Fazua’s latest drivetrain is a perfect match for this level of sportiness. Nox already uses the Ride 50 in its Helium series, so the manufacturer certainly has enough experience with this type of drive system. With the Ride 60, there are now bikes in the range whose drive unit is permanently integrated. In return, the total weight of the bike has been reduced once again. And in terms of performance, the Ride 60 with its torque of 60 Newton metres and 430 watt hours of capacity is absolutely on a par with comparable systems from TQ, Specialized, Orbea or BH Bikes. Especially since the operation via the minimalist ring control on the handlebar and the LED hub on the top tube is completely convincing.

Patience required

In sum, all of this sounds very promising and some of you may hardly be able to wait to take the Epium out for a first test ride. At this point we have to slow you down a bit. Firstly, you can currently only pre-order the corresponding models. Nox has announced delivery for the beginning of 2023, without specifying this more precisely. And secondly, the fun only starts at 8,599 euros for the cheapest of the Nox Epium All-Mtn 5.9. For the respective top models, the price rises to almost 11,000 euros.

Nox Epium at a glance

• Variants: Nox Epium Enduro 7.1; Nox Epium All-Mtn 5.9
• Frame: Ultra-light carbon frame
• Suspension fork: Fox 38 K Float F-S, Fox 38 Float P-S, Fox 38 Float Rhythm, Fox 36 Float F-S, Fox 36 Float P-S, Marzocchi Bomber Z1
• Motor: Fazua Ride 60
• Battery: Fazua Energy 430
• Control units: Fazua Ring Control + Fazua LED Hub
• Drivetrain: Shimano XTR, Shimano XT, Shimano SLX, Shimano Deore
• Brakes: Shimano MT9120, Shimano MT8120, Shimano MT7120, Shimano MT420
• Maximum permitted total weight: 125 kg
• Colours: Moon, Mars, Jupiter
• Price: from 8,599 euros

Pictures: Nox Cycles GmbH