Test / E-Bike: Kettler is a name that evokes memories of grandparents' garages for many cycling enthusiasts. The legendary "aluminum bike" shaped the cycling landscape for decades. But the traditional German brand has long since embraced modernity. With the Town & Country CX10, Kettler is launching an e-bike that aims to bridge the gap between urban comfort and off-road robustness – a classic SUV e-bike, in other words. We took a detailed look at the model with the new Bosch Smart System and a generous 800 watt-hour battery capacity.
The Kettler Town & Country CX10: For city dwellers with off-road ambitions
The name "Town & Country" is no stranger to the cycling world – connoisseurs might recall the classic Continental tire of the same name. The name says it all: this bike is designed to perform wherever asphalt meets gravel. Kettler positions the CX10 as a trekking SUV that aims to impress not only with its looks but, above all, with its robust construction. A key selling point is its impressive maximum permissible weight of 150 kilograms. In an industry where many manufacturers are hitting the brakes at 120 or 130 kilograms, this is a clear statement. The bike is therefore aimed not only at larger riders but also at commuters and travelers who want to carry a lot of luggage. The rear rack is rated for a load of up to 27 kilograms – ideal for heavy panniers or a child seat. An optional front rack can also be fitted, allowing for an additional 10 kilograms of payload. Impressive!
Frameworks and variations: A question of entry point
Kettler offers the Town & Country CX10 in two basic frame designs. Firstly, there's the classic diamond frame (often referred to as a men's frame) with a high top tube. This is available in three frame sizes and exclusively in a simple, timeless black.
For those seeking greater ease of mounting and dismounting, the Wave version (step-through frame) is available. Kettler offers a wider range of options here: four frame sizes are available, and in addition to black, there's a more striking red paint finish. The latter isn't just a matter of taste; its improved visibility also provides a safety advantage in city traffic. The aluminum frame appears robust and high-quality, reinforcing its SUV-like design.
Drivetrain and transmission: Focus on durability
The heart of the CX10 is unmistakably the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. This drive system is considered the benchmark in the e-mountain bike and trekking bike sector, delivering 85 Nm of torque, providing ample power reserves for steep climbs or rides with a full load. The motor is paired with the new PowerTube 800 battery. This enormous capacity ensures that range anxiety remains a thing of the past, even on extended tours.
The choice of drivetrain is interesting: Kettler has opted for the Shimano CUES 10-speed system. In an era of 12-speed drivetrains, this might seem like a step backward at first glance, but it makes technical sense. The CUES groupset was specifically developed for the higher demands and torque of e-bikes. The 10-speed chain is wider and more robust, and the spacing between the sprockets is less susceptible to wear and dirt. Thanks to a wide gear range, you won't miss having more gears in everyday use, but you will benefit from increased reliability and easier adjustability.
The chassis: Comfort through intelligent components
Although the Town & Country CX10 is a hardtail (i.e., it doesn't have rear suspension), great emphasis has been placed on riding comfort. An SR Suntour air suspension fork at the front can be precisely adjusted to the rider's weight.
A technical highlight ensures comfort at the rear: the parallelogram seatpost from BySchulz. Unlike conventional telescopic seatposts, this system responds much more sensitively to uneven surfaces. For an SUV concept, this is often the smarter choice compared to a fully suspended frame, as it requires less maintenance, reduces weight, and keeps costs down, while maintaining almost identical comfort levels for seated riders.
This comfort is further enhanced by the 60 mm (2.35 inch) wide Schwalbe Advancer Pro Hybrid tires. The tires feature a smoother center tread for good rolling resistance on asphalt and pronounced side knobs for grip when cornering on loose surfaces.
The Kettler Town & Country CX10 in practical test: Riding impression and handling
The Bosch CX motor delivers its usual confident power. Modulation, sensitivity, and intuitive operation are simply excellent! The latest generation is also significantly quieter – motor rattle is practically nonexistent. The battery integration is visually very successful, despite the size of the 800 Wh battery pack. Installation and removal are fairly straightforward, but could be even smoother and more intuitive. The charging port's placement also deserves praise: it's easily accessible on the frame and not hidden behind complicated covers or in awkwardly located spots, as is the case with many competitors.
The wide tires ensure consistently safe handling. The BySchulz seatpost provides a high level of comfort, surpassing many mid-range full-suspension bikes. The suspension fork also performs admirably and is easily adjustable to rider weight and load. The Kettler offers exceptional stability; you immediately feel secure on this bike, thanks in part to the braking system. Shimano hydraulic brakes with four pistons at the front and two at the rear provide ample stopping power, which is absolutely essential given the bike's 150 kg total weight.
Design details with added technical value, but criticism from a workshop perspective.
Visually, Kettler has added some attractive touches. The front cover on the head tube not only looks stylish but also houses an integrated daytime running light (position light), giving the bike a modern look. The chain guard isn't a cheap plastic accessory either, but appears to be an integral part of the frame design – solid and rattle-free.
But where there's light, there's also shadow. One aspect we didn't like as much during testing was the extreme integration of the cables. Kettler routes the cables through the stem and headset into the frame. While this creates a clean silhouette visually, it's a nightmare for mechanics (and experienced DIYers). A simple bearing replacement or shortening of a cable becomes a time-consuming test of patience.
This raises the question: Must design always trump functionality? Especially on a bike that actually offers enough space in the front frame for cables to be routed through the existing classic cable ports, this solution seems almost "too modern." Similarly, while the logic behind removing the battery is well thought out, it's not quite as intuitive as one would expect for an everyday bike. A little practice is essential at first.
Price-Performance Ratio
With a recommended retail price of €4.499, the Kettler Town & Country CX10 is positioned in the upper mid-range of specialist retailers. Considering the high-quality components (Bosch Smart System, 800 Wh battery, BySchulz seatpost, Shimano CUES), this price is absolutely fair. You get a very solid, well-designed bike that has hardly any weaknesses.
