Test Triumph E-Cloud: The large bicycle retail chain Stadler comes out with a "Bosch Active Plus" bike for well under 2.000 euros. Can this work? It can, and without any noticeable compromises in terms of function and quality.
Brand names have largely become obsolete as a sign of the quality of a bicycle. In the age of e-bikes, consumers look more to the manufacturer of the motor than to the name on the down tube, and that has really stirred up the industry: small, innovative manufacturers can now present themselves with interesting pedelecs just as well as large suppliers who not necessarily associated with premium bikes up until now. If the engine and equipment are right, the customer is rightly satisfied - especially if the price is right.
Bosch Active Line Plus: The most modern drive from Bosch
All three apply to the Triumph E-Cloud from Zweiradcenter Stadler. With the blue touring bike, the two-wheeler giant is presenting a model that first of all comes up with the latest drive technology: the “Active Line Plus” motor from Bosch is installed, which can hardly be surpassed in the city and touring segment at the moment. Recognizable by the large sprocket at the front, the unit is not only comparatively quiet, but also very low-resistance, which protects the battery and makes it possible to ride without assistance. In comparison to the "Bosch Performance" motors, the torque is lower, but in practice this is not a noticeable disadvantage - when starting at traffic lights and on inclines, which are usually found under the tires in the city and on tours the e-cloud is by no means sluggish, but on the contrary can be quickly accelerated. Even those who are used to stronger thrust must pay tribute to the "Active Plus" drive; Pedelec beginners will never have the feeling of being underpowered.
In any case, the touring bike is aimed at those who prefer a leisurely pace. With a low step-through and high handlebars, the bike is designed for comfort; Handlebar shape and grips are very comfortable. The seat position can be easily adjusted with the quick release on the saddle and the adjustable stem. The seven-speed hub gear is quite closely spaced, which is pleasant on the flat, but does not offer any pronounced mountain gears. The two powerful hydraulic rim brakes are joined by the classic back pedal; Older pedalers in particular will therefore feel comfortable on this bike. There are other models for sporty natures - namely those with derailleur gears.
Battery under the luggage rack? That doesn't have to be a disadvantage!
Instead of the well-known, large Intuvia unit, Stadler installs the compact Purion display, which is located on the left of the handlebar and makes a separate keypad superfluous. The small command center is easy to read and the driving modes can be switched through easily; The fact that distance and speed are the only driving data displayed should not bother the average cyclist. The "classic" installation of the 400 watt hour battery under the luggage rack is also due to the low price, but is quite pleasant in practice; Numerous iRack accessories can be easily mounted on these using an adapter. The battery is easy to remove, you don't even have to bend down. There's no denying that the bike's center of gravity has shifted a little to the back/up, but that doesn't really matter if you drive in a typically calm everyday manner.
The suspension fork is indispensable for an e-bike of this type – or is it? It uses almost half of the 6 cm travel in everyday life and reduces shock rather than vibration, so that one involuntarily wonders whether larger tires would not be a more sensible solution. But the market demands it, and that's why the Triumph E-Cloud looks the way it does - although a real plus is that the forks are painted to match the frame colour.
Is the Triumph E-Cloud a recommended e-bike? Definitely, because there are no qualitative defects hiding behind the low price. What lowers the price - a standard frame instead of an integrated battery, the small display and the slightly lower battery capacity - has no effect on driving characteristics and function; these are of a high standard. And there is advice from the specialist trade.
