Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 05.02.2025
The frame is the centrepiece of every mountain bike. And the new Conway Xyron ST all-mountain e-bike is a real success. The main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon and the weight of the chassis is high.
Although the 23.5 kilos of the complete bike are only midfield in a high-end comparison, Conway achieves this with a thick 800 Bosch battery, which is also quick to change, robust gravity tyres and rather heavy add-on parts. The full carbon chassis of the Conway Xyron ST therefore has the potential to become an even lighter bike.
Conway has also taken the new edition of the Performance CX from Bosch as an opportunity to reorganise its e-MTB range. The power e-bikes are designed for the new CX drive and, as usual with Conway, have convenient battery removal. All bikes come with the large Powertube 800, but the lighter 600 battery can also be fitted in the down tube as an option.
The Conway Xyron ST has a rather sporty design. The steering angle is rather slack for an all-mountain bike and the wheelbase is long. The steep seat angle is also striking. The long chainstays swing the pendulum in the direction of riding stability and balanced weight distribution. All in all, riding stability takes precedence over ultimate agility.
Solid bikes with good equipment at a fair price. These are characteristics that we associate with Conway. When we first looked at the Xyron ST 10.0, we were taken aback. Affordable H-1900 wheels from DT Swiss, S1000 cassette from Sram's entry-level range, solid aluminium parts and an upper mid-range chassis and drivetrain.
At a price of 8,000 euros, this does not exactly inspire enthusiasm and is not a highlight compared to the competition. Nevertheless, the new Xyron ST is slightly cheaper than the boutique competitors in our large high-end comparison.
Good: The equipment was chosen appropriately and sets accents in the right places. Really powerful brakes and super grippy tyres with good puncture protection provide a lot of riding safety off-road. Both weigh a little on the scales.
The progressive geometry is immediately noticeable when getting on the bike. The steep seat angle places the rider far forward on the bike. This feeling is further emphasised by the low cockpit. This puts a lot of pressure on the wrists on long flat sections, which is not ideal for moderate tours. On the other hand, the bike really scores points on difficult off-road uphills, as the front willingly follows the rider's steering impulses. Thanks to the smooth Bosch motor and extremely high-traction Schwalbe tyres, the Xyron climbs with confidence.
When going downhill, you have to know how to tame the rather low front end. When things get steep, you don't stand as confidently behind the cockpit as with some other candidates - but that's a matter of taste. There were also pros and cons among our test team. The flat front gives the front wheel a lot of pressure, which provides good guidance and direct handling in flat corners. In addition, the bike has real potential on downhills. Top tyres, solid suspension and a generous wheelbase provide a lot of confidence on fast straights.
It is better to take the direct line than to make quick hooks. This is because, in addition to the geometry, the heavy wheels also bring with them a certain inertia. The suspension also specialises in sensitive handling rather than sporty support. The Schwalbe Albert Gravity tyres with the new radial carcass provide plenty of traction, a firm ride and good puncture protection. Although they add quite a bit of weight, they are also a noticeable advantage off-road.
We were less impressed by the background noise on the trail. It is true that the new Bosch motor has shed its rattling. But on our test bike, the battery rattled noticeably in the down tube. Too bad: The bike only comes with a 170 mm dropper post. Although the seat tube is extremely short, which would create space for a long dropper post and therefore plenty of freedom of movement. Exciting: If you're after tough trails, the Xyron LT is also the racy enduro brother of our test bike in the Conway portfolio. Then with a full 170 mm of suspension travel.
The Conway Xyron ST has a surprisingly sporty design and is more of an all-rounder than a good everyday all-rounder. A real all-mountain bike for trails and mountains. The lightweight chassis and the enormous range with the new Bosch package are top features. The progressive riding position with a flat cockpit will certainly not appeal to everyone. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editor

Editor CvD