Cilo Kyano C2 review: Powerful motor – small battery – well-rounded concept?

Test / E-MTB: With the Kyano C2, the traditional Swiss brand Cilo returns to the e-mountain bike segment, choosing an approach that deliberately positions itself between the established categories. Instead of relying on a pure light-assist system or a classic full-power machine, the Kyano C2 combines a powerful Shimano EP801 motor with a compact 400 Wh battery. The goal is to unite the best of both worlds: low weight and agile handling without sacrificing full power on climbs. We thoroughly tested the 160 mm enduro bike with its carbon frame.

Cilo: The rebirth of a traditional brand

Many cycling enthusiasts primarily associate the name Cilo with a long history in road cycling. Founded in the 1920s, the Swiss brand was a fixture in the peloton for decades and celebrated numerous successes in the 70s and 80s, including at the Tour de France. After insolvency and years of inactivity, the brand is now attempting a relaunch – but in a completely different segment. The new Cilo is focusing entirely on the e-mountain bike market.

The portfolio is modern and the Kyano C2 represents the pinnacle in the enduro segment. It's a bike that stands out not only conceptually, but also visually, aiming to differentiate itself from the current e-MTB monotony.

The concept of the Cilo Kyano C2: Full-power motor meets lightweight battery

The heart of the Kyano C is undoubtedly its drive concept. While the market is increasingly splitting into two camps – lightweight light-assist bikes with motors around 50-60 Nm (like TQ, Fazua or Bosch SX) and heavy full-power bikes with large batteries – Cilo positions the Kyano C precisely in between.

Cilo uses the Shimano EP801, a full-fledged, full-power motor with 85 Nm of torque and 600 watts of peak power. This is powered by a deliberately small, 400 Wh battery integrated into the downtube.

This approach pursues a clear goal: to reduce weight and achieve the lowest possible center of gravity. The test bike in size L weighs 21,4 kilograms – a respectable figure for an e-enduro with 160 mm of travel and full torque, even if it doesn't break any weight records.

For riders who prioritize range over every last gram, Cilo offers the sister model Kyano HC. This model features a very similar frame but houses a larger 708 Wh battery, which is also removable – a welcome feature for touring riders and those who charge their bikes at home. For the C model tested here, an optional 200 Wh range extender is available, which fits in the bottle cage and increases the total capacity to 600 Wh.

The carbon frame of the Cilo Kyano C2 in detail

The Kyano C2 is based on a full carbon frame; both the main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon fiber. The design is striking and features organic, flowing lines that visually distinguish the bike from many competitors.

Design and focus

The entire frame design is optimized for the lowest possible center of gravity. All heavy components – motor, battery, and the low-mounted shock – are concentrated in the bottom bracket area. Even the optional range extender is positioned deep within the frame triangle. This layout promises a stable and controlled ride on the trail.

Frame features and kinematics

Cilo equips the Kyano with 160 mm of travel at both the front and rear. According to the manufacturer, the rear suspension kinematics are optimized for efficiency: 100% anti-squat is designed to prevent pedal bob, while 50% anti-rise ensures active suspension under braking.

Thoughtful details stand out: The seat tube is short and offers an exceptionally deep insertion depth. A 230 mm dropper post fit easily into the size L test bike – a boon for taller riders and steep descents. The standover height is also extremely low (approx. 729 mm for size L), providing ample freedom of movement and confidence on technical terrain. The rear triangle features generous protectors on the chainstays and seatstays.

Criticisms of the framework

Despite its well-thought-out details, the frame does have some drawbacks. Cilo follows the current trend of fully integrated cable routing, where all cables and hoses are routed through the headset into the frame. While this solution creates a clean look, it makes maintenance, especially replacing headset bearings, unnecessarily complicated.

Another point of criticism concerns frame protection: While the rear triangle is well protected, the downtube lacks a protector. The carbon frame is thus exposed to stone chips from below.

Geometry: Modern enduro layout

Cilo clearly classifies the Kyano as an enduro bike, and the geometry data largely confirms this claim. The bike uses a mullet setup with a 29-inch wheel up front for rollover performance and a 27,5-inch wheel in the rear for agility.

The geometry is modern and subtly downhill-oriented:

• Steering angle: 64,5 degree
• Seat angle: Very steep 77,3 degrees (in size L)
• reach: Long (501 mm in size L)
• Chainstays: 440 mm (constant across all sizes)

The combination of a long main frame and (for an e-MTB) compact chainstays promises stability at high speeds, paired with an agile rear end. The steep seat angle puts the rider in a central, efficient position for steep climbs. The Kyano C is offered in three frame sizes (S, M, L).

Equipment variants and prices

The Cilo Kyano C is offered in three equipment variants, with pricing in the premium segment.

The top model Kyano C2 (€8.499)

The top model C2, which we tested, costs 8.499 euros and is cleverly and performance-oriented equipped.

• Landing gear: For the suspension, Cilo relies on the Fox Performance Elite series, which is functionally equivalent to the Factory series but lacks the Kashima coating. A Fox 36 with 160 mm of travel and the highly praised Grip X2 damper handles the front. A Fox Float X air shock provides damping at the rear.
• Drive: Shifting is handled by a mechanical Shimano XT 12-speed groupset. Considering the price of €8.500, a mechanical XT drivetrain seems somewhat underpowered in 2025, when electronic shifting is often standard in this class.
• brakes: Braking is handled by robust Shimano XT four-piston brakes and 203 mm IceTech discs at the front and rear.
• impellers: Cilo uses a solid aluminum wheelset, the DT Swiss HX1700.
• Tire: The tires chosen are a Schwalbe combination of Magic Mary (front) and Big Betty (rear), both in the soft rubber compound and with the Super Trail casing.
• Cockpit/Support: A Raceface Era carbon handlebar and the Limotec H1 Vario seatpost (230 mm stroke in L) complete the package.

The cheaper models

Below the C2 is a model priced at around €7.000, equipped with features including a Fox Rhythm suspension, DT Swiss H-1900 wheels, and a Deore/SLX/XT component mix. The entry-level model, priced at €5.500, uses a Suntour suspension, Deore components, and the heavier, less powerful Shimano EP6 motor.

The pricing is ambitious overall, especially for a brand that is still re-establishing itself in the e-MTB segment. On the other hand, you get a visually and conceptually unique bike that pleasantly stands out from the crowd.

The Cilo Kyano C2 in practice

The Kyano C2 was tested on the challenging trails around Finale Ligure, which offer ideal terrain for a 160mm enduro bike.

Drive system and range

Cilo delivers the bike with two pre-configured motor profiles. One profile ("Pure") is geared more towards "light assist" and reduces power output to maximize the range of the 400 Wh battery. The second profile ("PurePower"), which was primarily used in the test, offers seven finely graduated support levels, from a minimal Eco mode to the full Boost mode with 85 Nm of torque.

The Shimano EP801 itself shows its age in some details – for example, the display switches off during charging, making it impossible to check the battery level. However, its performance is proven.

In a sporty practical test (with a relatively high level of rider effort), the 400 Wh battery reached a remaining capacity of 5 percent on a tour of over 30 kilometers and around 960 meters of elevation gain (mostly steep gravel uphills). This shows that the battery is sufficient for a sporty after-work ride, but for long day trips, a range extender or very economical riding style becomes essential.

Uphill performance

The Cilo surprised us positively on the climb. Despite the long main frame (501 mm reach) and compact 440 mm chainstays – a combination that often leads to front wheel lift – the Kyano C2 climbs superbly. The key to this is the steep seat angle, which positions the rider far forward and centrally over the bottom bracket. The front wheel remains reliably planted, even on steep inclines. The 100% anti-squat kinematics, combined with the motor, ensure efficient traction.

Downhill handling and suspension

However, the Kyano C2 truly shines on descents, especially at high speeds.

Handling is the bike's standout feature. The extremely low and central center of gravity is clearly noticeable on the trail. The bike feels incredibly planted and balanced, without feeling front- or rear-heavy. It conveys a high degree of confidence and control. This balanced feel makes the Kyano C2 feel significantly lighter than its 21,4 kg weight would suggest.

The choice of the Fox 36 fork is interesting. While the stiffer Fox 38 is often used in the enduro class, the 36 fits the overall concept well. It saves weight and offers a certain degree of flex, which can reduce arm fatigue on long, rough descents. It might be undersized for heavier riders or pure racing, but it's a smart choice for sporty trail riding.

The rear end with the Float X shock is on the firm side. If you're looking for a plush "sofa," this isn't the bike for you. The rear suspension offers plenty of support, provides clear feedback from the terrain, and encourages an active, sporty riding style. It doesn't wallow and offers good reserves for hard impacts.

Criticism: Noise level

The biggest criticism in the test was the noise level. The Shimano EP801 motor is always audible uphill, even in the lowest assistance levels. Dedicated light-assist motors have an advantage here.

More serious, however, was its behavior downhill: the motor in the test bike rattled and clattered loudly over bumps. This "Shimano clacking" is a known, albeit variable, problem with the EP801 drive unit. On the tested C2, it was so pronounced that it significantly detracted from the overall high-quality impression and the riding pleasure on the rough trails of Finale Ligure.