SachsenRAD S5G Centro test: e-bike for city and off-road

The SachsenRAD S5G Centro is an SUV e-city bike that aims to combine comfort, suitability for everyday use and off-road capability. With its powerful mid-mounted motor, comfortable equipment and robust design, it promises to cut a fine figure for commuters in the city as well as for excursions on field and forest paths. In the SachsenRAD S5G Centro test, we were able to take a detailed test ride.

Technical data

Model	SachsenRAD S5G Centro
color	black
Frame material	Aluminum alloy
Tires	KENDA on- and off-road wide tires, 27.5″ x 2.4″
Gear system	continuously variable gears from Enviolo
Brake	Hydraulic disc brake
motor	SachsenRAD XCruise V7 mid-motor (36V, 250W), 70NM, with torque sensor
Maximum speed	max. 25 km/h
Battery	36V /13 Ah Li-ion battery
Range	130 km maximum range in ECO mode
Kickstand	Rear kickstand (aluminum)
Special features	continuously variable Enviolo gears, TFT color LCD control display, pedelec riding mode, LED front light, belt drive, mudguard, pannier rack
Total weight	145 kg permissible total weight
Weight	25 kg
price	2.999,00€

Scope of delivery and assembly

The SachsenRAD S5G Centro comes in a rather large cardboard box. It is therefore advisable to have someone at your side when unpacking. The whole thing works better with two people.

The box then contains:

• SachsenRAD S5G Centro
• anti-theft device
• charger
• operating instructions

The assembly is typically the same as for e-bikes. Many elements are already pre-installed on the frame. All you have to do is fit other things such as the saddle, pedals and front wheel. Detailed instructions are included so that you should be able to get started even without much technical background. We were finished with the assembly in just under half an hour.

SachsenRAD S5G Centro test: design and workmanship

The SachsenRAD S5G Centro immediately catches the eye with its deliberately robust, functional and clearly designed exterior. It looks like a perfect combination of chic e-city bike and off-road capable SUV bike. SachsenRAD aims to have created a reliable everyday companion that can cope not only with asphalt, but also with uneven paths.

According to the manufacturer, the frame is made of an aluminum alloy, which is a great advantage in terms of stability and durability. This robustness should be a particular advantage when riding over gravel, roots or uneven paths. The off-road capability of the e-bike also becomes clear when you look at the suspension front fork, which should absorb bumps on the road or off-road better and significantly increase comfort.

Especially in combination with the robust frame, this results in a coherent overall picture: the bike is not a fragile city runabout, but an e-bike with which you can also tackle more demanding routes. The common thread runs through when you look at the rest of the bike. Mudguards, sturdy pannier rack, LED front and rear lights, rear kickstand.

All of this makes it clear that this is a genuine all-rounder for the city and rough terrain. One particularly striking feature is the drive. SachsenRAD does not rely on a classic chain here, but uses a Gates carbon belt instead. This belt drive is extremely low-maintenance as, unlike a chain drive, it does not get dirty and does not need to be oiled. What’s more, it runs quietly and smoothly.

The wheels are fitted with relatively wide tires (27.5″ × 2.4″ KENDA on/off-road wide tires). This combination of tire width and frame/suspension fork further underlines the “SUV” orientation of the bike. From asphalt to cobblestones to gravel, the C5R Centro can handle everything. Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that this is an all-rounder and not a specialist.

If you are looking for a pure city bike, the e-bike, which weighs just under 25 kg, might be a little too heavy for you. That’s the price you pay for the robustness typical of an SUV. Conversely, the C5R Centro is not an e-mountain bike. If you are looking for maximum off-road performance, you will certainly have to accept a higher weight and wider tires.

SachsenRAD S5G Centro test: handling and equipment

The C5R is equipped with an XCruise V7 mid-motor that delivers 250 W of power and 70 Nm of torque. The e-bike works with a torque sensor. This automatically detects the rider’s pedal force and adjusts the assistance accordingly. As a result, the bike reacts sensitively to your own pedalling and offers even, harmonious assistance – even on inclines.

This in turn ensures a wonderfully natural riding experience. The 2-inch LCD display allows you to read the most important parameters such as the remaining battery level, support level or speed. It is made of tempered glass, which should protect it from scratches or worse.

It also scores with high brightness and good readability. Even in direct sunlight, I was able to see everything very clearly. In addition, mudguards, a sturdy pannier rack, LED front and rear lights and a bike stand are also installed.

You get typical everyday equipment here, which is useful for both daily city rides and longer tours. Particularly noteworthy is the aforementioned carbon belt drive (instead of a chain), which ensures a clean, quiet and low-maintenance ride – a great advantage, especially in everyday urban life.

SachsenRAD S5G Centro test: Riding comfort and feel

Thanks to the wide tires and the suspension front fork, the C5R Centro provides a safe, stable ride on asphalt as well as on field or forest paths. The combination of a robust frame, good suspension and a suitable drive system inspires confidence. Even on uneven paths or cobblestones, this ensures a high level of riding comfort.

The support from the motor feels harmonious and direct. This ensures a natural riding experience. The bike is also impressive on climbs. The powerful mid-motor provides noticeable assistance here, making it possible to climb hills without too much effort.

Commuters or users who don’t want to arrive sweaty at the end of the working day will be particularly pleased. The belt drive also contributes to a quiet, low-vibration ride. Anyone who has previously only ridden bikes with a classic chain will experience a much more pleasant and quieter ride.

Of course, you shouldn’t expect a sporty mountain bike riding experience: the equipment is simply not sufficient for very demanding trails or downhill routes. However, the C5R offers a well-balanced ride for everyday use, commuting and the occasional field or forest path. The gears also do an excellent job. Thanks to the stepless shifting via Enviolo, there are no fixed gears. Instead, you can adjust continuously.

SachsenRAD S5G Centro Test: Battery

The built-in battery is a 36 V / 13 Ah Li-Ion battery. According to the manufacturer, a range of up to 130 km is possible in ECO mode. However, this is of course a value under optimum conditions. In practice, parameters such as incline angle, ground conditions, load and temperature play a major role in terms of endurance. For example, a few kilometers less is probably realistic for average use.

However, for an e-bike that is primarily aimed at commuters and everyday riders, this is a very good figure. The SachsenRAD also allows for longer tours or daily rides without the need for constant recharging. What stands out positively is the good coordination between the torque sensor and the motor. This ensures efficient and even support, which also protects the battery. The battery can be conveniently removed from the frame using the key and charged at home.

Conclusion

The SachsenRAD S5G Centro presents itself in the test as a successful SUV e-city bike that clearly shows its strengths in the areas of comfort, suitability for everyday use and versatility. The robust design, low-maintenance Gates carbon belt drive and features such as the comfortable saddle, reliable suspension and wide tires make it clear that this e-bike can do more than just cope with everyday city traffic. Commuters and leisure riders in particular benefit from the harmonious motor support, the sprung front fork and the overall very pleasant riding experience – both on asphalt and on field and forest paths.

The bright color display, the continuously variable Enviolo gearshift and the powerful mid-engine make for an all-round harmonious overall package. Practical equipment details such as a pannier rack, lights and mudguards round off the everyday use. The battery offers a solid range, which in practice – depending on the route and riding style – will be slightly below the ideal values, but is perfectly adequate for commuting and weekend tours.

Weaknesses are particularly apparent if you have special requirements: For ambitious off-road fans, the equipment does not come close to a fully-fledged e-mountain bike, and those looking for an extremely light city bike for purely urban use will probably find the weight of around 25 kg a disadvantage. All in all, however, the SachsenRAD S5G Centro offers a well-rounded overall package for anyone looking for a comfortable, versatile and low-maintenance e-bike for urban and moderate off-road use. It impresses as an everyday companion that reliably covers many areas of use thanks to its well thought-out equipment and robust design.