Test: The Fischer Proline-Evo ETH 1761, the top model from the hardware store and discounter supplier Fischer wants to join the ranks of the top trekking bikes and has a lot to offer. Whether it's a mid-engine or a brake system: the Fischer Proline-Evo has everything that is standard in the higher price ranges. But how does high-tech from the green field fare in real practical use? Velomotion subjects the Fischer Proline-Evo to a real long-term test over 800 kilometers.
Fischer Proline-Evo ETH 1761: The bicycle industry is in an enviable situation: almost 70% of all bicycles are sold in specialist shops or specialist markets; Internet senders have a market share of around 15%. The situation is similar with the “green field”: 16 out of 100 bicycles are sold via hardware stores, discounters and similar retail outlets. Other sectors can only dream of such a large proportion of specialized trade; on the other hand, there is nothing wrong with stocking up on two-wheelers in the hardware store - be it because of the prices or for reasons of practicality.
Fischer Proline-Evo ETH 1761 – top model for less than 2000 euros
Manufacturer Fischer has specialized in the distribution channel via consumer markets. The target group are customers who do not necessarily tend towards high-priced bicycles - for example, because they rarely use their bicycles or simply want to spend less. The e-bikes from the Fischer brand are particularly interesting because they are significantly cheaper than the models from specialist retail brands (to the Fischer model overview on Velomotion). It starts just below 1.000 Euro, especially since Fischer in his own Online Store fairly offers samples and B-stock at significantly reduced prices. But the brand can also be “expensive”: the Fischer Proline-Evo is still available for a slim 2.000 euros. The top model ETH 1761 is a trekking bike with a mid-engine and everything that is good form in this category.
It was this bike that had to face a real long-term practical test by the Velomotion editorial team, which covered a total of over 800 kilometers. Our test pilot, Alexander Huber, used to cover the 13 kilometers to his job at a security company on a normal trekking bike, which was too strenuous and time-consuming for him in the long run. He was immediately drawn to the chic Fischer Proline-Evo ETH 1761: Elegant matt black paintwork with blue contrasts, internal cables and the well-integrated motor – visually the bike hardly differs from the bikes of the expensive top brands. And the completion is also up to par. Shimano Deore XT nine-speed, the soft, responsive Suntour suspension fork and powerful Shimano hydraulic brakes are proven, high-quality materials; There are also details such as a spring-loaded seat post for more seating comfort and the bright front light with 45 lux.
Fischer Proline-Evo ETH 1761 - well equipped with Bafang and Shimano XT
So the equipment is right – and the drive of the Fischer Proline-Evo? It comes from Bafang and can also be found on much more expensive bikes; Fischer even combines the high-torque unit with a 560 watt hour battery. At first, test driver Alexander believed that he only had to recharge the energy storage once a week, but his almost three-digit weight (the Fischer allows a payload of almost 110 kilos - not a matter of course) and the fact that he was always on the highest support level shortened the range around 40 kilometers. Even then, however, the 750 charging cycles specified by the manufacturer should be enough for five years of driving pleasure.
The fact that our test pilot put the drive of the Fischer Proline-Evo under a lot of pressure had to do with his motivation to switch to the e-bike at all: Alexander wanted to save time on the way to work, which is also the case with the bike, which supports up to a good 26 km/h succeeded. Ten to fifteen minutes in the morning is not the world, but it makes the difference between a stressful and a relaxed start to the day. And the fact that dad didn't just come home a little earlier in the evening, but also much more rested, made Alexander's three children happy too.
Fischer Proline-Evo ETH 1761 – 26 km every day in wind and weather
After six weeks of continuous use in sun, rain and wind, the verdict was extremely positive - Alexander Huber was so satisfied that the Fischer Proline-Evo was also used on family tours at the weekend. He was particularly impressed by the very quiet engine and the powerful disc brakes, but he was less enthusiastic about the included "Teasi" navigation device, which also displays the driving data. "Slow and awkward to use," criticized Huber, for whom the button block on the left handlebar grip was actually enough to select the riding modes and check the battery level.
And what about advice and service from the specialist trade, which the typical sales channels of the Fischer brand can hardly offer? Thanks to good assembly and overall convincing quality, there were no failures during the test period; Fischer also offers a wide range of services - such as fitters who can be ordered to come home in the event of a defect. And with such reassurance, test driver Alexander Huber was completely convinced of his Fischer Proline-Evo in the end.
