Compact e-bike with belt: Tenways CGO Compact for under 2000 euros in the test
Adrian Kaether
· 20.03.2026
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Verdict on the Tenways CGO Compact test
The Tenways CGO Compact is a challenge to established compact bike manufacturers such as Tern, Qio or I:SY. As a pleasant everyday companion, it scores points for carrying and parking, as well as for riding itself, and clearly undercuts the competition in terms of price. It also looks surprisingly well thought-out and of high quality. Chapeau!
Data and facts about the Tenways CGO Compact
| Preis | 1.999,00 €>> hier erhältlich |
| Weight | 22.1 kg |
| Motor | Bafang |
| Battery | Pytos LMT Battery |
| Drivetrain | keine |
With the CGO Compact Tenways is launching a compact bike for urban use for the first time. The model uses an aluminium frame with a low step-through and height-adjustable handlebars. An integrated carrying handle and the compact dimensions are designed to facilitate transport and parking in stairwells or basements. The technology is reduced to the essentials, but functional.
Singlespeed with hub motor
The Tenways C9 rear hub motor we already know from the CGO 800 Plus (here in the test). It offers up to 45 Nm of torque and works particularly quietly. The battery has 500 watt hours - more than enough for an urban e-bike. Tenways has also equipped the CGO Compact with a stylish TFT colour display and extensive lighting. A narrow strip in the head tube serves as a daytime running light, and the powerful lighting system with front and rear lights switches on at the touch of a button.
Maintenance-free and convenient
The CGO Compact comes without gears, but with a low-maintenance Gates CDN carbon belt. This promises a clean ride without lubrication and requires no maintenance even in everyday use. A suspension seat post is designed to ensure comfort on uneven terrain. A belt guard prevents the trouser leg from getting caught in the drivetrain.
Byschulz Speedlifter and folding pedals
Quick-release levers on the handlebars and seat post make it easy to adjust the bike to people of different heights. The Byschulz Speedlifter rotating stem even allows the handlebars to be twisted in for transport. The folding pedals and 20-inch tyres also contribute to a small pack size. The compact format is also ideal for transport in the car or camper.
MIK-HD luggage carrier with 27 kg load capacity
The MIK-HD luggage carrier can carry up to 27 kg. Numerous mounting points, including on the head tube, allow baskets, bags or child seats to be attached. The Tenways lighting system increases visibility in road traffic. Internally routed cables protect against damage and the effects of the weather.
The facts at a glance: Tenways CGO Compact
- Price: 1,999 euros >> available here
- Motor: Tenways C9 rear hub motor
- Battery: 500 Wh, integrated
- Drive: Gates CDN carbon belt drive
- Wheels: 20 inch
- Stem: Byschulz Speedlifter stem
- Seat post: suspension
- Pedals: foldable
- Luggage carrier: MIK-HD with 27 kg load capacity
- Display: TFT colour display
- Lighting: Tenways lighting system
- Cable routing: internally routed cables
- Weight: 22.1 kg (BIKE measurement)
First test: How the CGO Compact rides
Even when stationary, the Tenways makes a surprisingly high-quality impression. The belt, the elegant daytime running light, the central display and the bySchulz stem with quick release are not what you would expect on an e-bike costing just €2000. The fact that the gap dimension on the removable battery could fit a little more precisely - no problem. So off we go. But before we can get on, we first have to carry the bike out of the BIKE test cellar. At 22 kilos, this is much easier with the Tenways than with full-blown trekking bikes weighing 26 kilos and more. The carrying handle is practically positioned and the weight is surprisingly easy to handle thanks to the compact dimensions.
The saddle and stem are quickly adjusted to the right height using the quick-release and we're off into the traffic. Thanks to the belt and relatively quiet hub motor, the Tenways always remains acoustically discreet. The motor remote is crisp and riding without gears is much less of a problem than you might think. This is also due to the fact that the C9 hub motor drives the rear wheel directly, independently of the drivetrain. This means that it can provide good support even at low speeds and you glide casually along in Deliveroo mode - a little decoupled perhaps, but by no means uncomfortable. Sports riders buy other e-bikes anyway.
The Tektro brakes are surprisingly crisp. In the dark, you can switch on the headlight and rear light at the touch of a button on the handlebars. The front light with two large lenses is particularly bright and illuminates even dark paths well. The suspension seat post and wide tyres ensure a comfortable ride even without a suspension fork. There are hardly any points of criticism. A frame lock would be nice-to-have and the Tenways is not a mountain goat without gears. The handling is nice and lively with the small wheels, but sometimes lacks a little composure. Stiffness and riding characteristics with a load, on the other hand, are impeccable.
Tenways CGO Compact
Strengths
- Favourable price
- Compact dimensions
- High-quality details (speedlifter, light, straps)
- Comfortable & versatile in urban use...
Weaknesses
- ...but not suitable for tours with steep inclines
Adrian Kaether
Editor
