To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Propel Bikes which has shops in Long Beach, California and Brooklyn, New York. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Riese & Müller products.
The Culture is a full suspension urban electric bike model introduced to North America for the 2019 season. It’s slightly specced down from the Homage model, so the price is lower but it doesn’t offer high speed motor options or Rohloff hub drivetrain choice. Instead, you get to choose between a Shimano 11-speed cassette derailleur or continuously variable planetary transmission called Enviolo (formerly NuVinci). That’s I looked at in this review, and the model name is GT Vario. This bike would make for an excellent commuting platform because of the comfortable suspension, upright and swept back handlebar, sturdy overall build (which Riese & Müller are known for), and tough drivetrain. With a Gates Carbon belt drive, the bike pedals quietly and won’t require as much maintenance. You can shift at standstill, and even though the Bosch Performance Line CX motor offers shift detection, it’s not really necessary on a CVP hub. Priced between $5.7k and $6.3k, it’s not the most affordable ebike on the block, but it does come in three frame sizes and offer a lot of utility. Before I list out some of the highlights, take note that all of the hardware on this bike is name-brand. I didn’t see any components or accessories that felt like a compromise… and that means they should perform better and last longer. The Schwalbe tires offer puncture protection and reflective sidewalls, integrated Busch & Müller lights with side cutouts for maximum visibility, extra-wide reinforced fenders that don’t rattle, large hydraulic disc brakes from Magura with adjustable levers, custom suspended rear rack with adjustable rubber straps, custom front basket with bungee loops, Selle Royale gel saddle, locking Ergonomic grips, keyed-alike ABUS alarm lock, and Pletscher Comp 40 kickstand. Weighing in at ~71lbs, I’d consider the bike heavier than average, but want to point out how sturdy the wheels are (the front wheel is attached with a 15mm thru-axle which you’d normally find on a mountain bike), and mention that the Enviolo hub weighs 3+lbs more than the cassette option. You add in the 3lb alarm lock, front basket, and integrated PowerTube battery and things start to click. The extra weight isn’t such an issue when you’ve got a high-torque motor and powerful disc brakes. This package was designed from the ground up to deliver reliable transportation. The wheels remain in contact with the ground, thanks to the suspension, and your body is positioned upright. It’s easy to look around and spot traffic or chat with a friend. Look at the stem angling up and how the bars sweep back. Even mounting the bike is comfortable, the deep step-thru frame requires less hip and knee flexibility to approach, and that’s important if you’ve got a child seat on the back. Many times, frames like this suffer from flex and wobble because they aren’t reinforced well enough, but that’s not the case here. If you’re in a position to spend the money and can weight 1-3 months for the build and ship time, this is an excellent product. Still, consider the Homage if you want a faster motor or the Nevo if you need to save some money and are okay with a hardtail vs. full suspension. The Culture is only available in one frame color, for now, but it’s highly visible metallic silver that would work for all genders. With most of the drive system weight positioned low and center, and a rear rack that’s sprung. I liken the bike to a luxury sedan.
Riese & Müller have chosen to work exclusively with Bosch for their battery and drive systems, at the time of this review. For the Culture line, you only have access to the high torque Performance Line CX motor (offering up to 75 newton meters of torque). Using a Class 1 20mph drive system means that this ebike will be allowed on the widest variety of bike paths and even dirt trails. It’s a very popular motor for e-mountain bikes for this reason, and delivers a unique eMTB mode that replaces Sport on all of the other Bosch motors. With eMTB, power output relates closely to pedal torque, offering a range of slow and soft to fast and powerful as you pedal… so you don’t have to click up or down through the four assist levels as actively as terrain changes. Personally, I enjoy the high-speed performance of the Bosch Speed motor when commuting longer distances because it allows me to keep up with city traffic, but it will drain the battery faster and might be unnecessary if you’re carrying gear or using a child seat on the rear rack. Again, you can get the speed motor on other R&M models, like the Homage. I often comment on frame flex, or complain about the jittery feel and noise produced by cheap accessories, but none of that was an issue here. Hopefully you can see for yourself in the video review above when I go off curbs and through grass, during the ride tests. To optimize range, I usually ride in the two lower levels of assist (Eco and Tour), and rely on the drivetrain for comfortable pedal options. The Enviolo SE is designed to handle higher torque than the standard Enviolo, up to 75 newton meters, and that matches the Bosch CX peak output perfectly. Being able to shift gears at standstill and not worry about gear mashing is nice. This drivetrain is internally tough and externally protected because there’s no derailleur hanging down off of the side… just a single chainring, a single cog at the rear, and a reliable belt in between. The Enviolo offers 380-degrees of gear range, which is roughly equivalent to an 11-42 tooth cassette. That’s plenty for 0-20mph riding, even climbing steeper hills, and the Bosch Intuvia display offers shift recommendation to guide new users for optimal pedaling and motor performance. Anyway, the motor controller measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque over 1,000 times per second. It’s incredibly responsive, de-activating almost instantly when pedal pressure is reduced or pedaling motion is stopped. The motor spins a smaller proprietary chainring (26 tooth in this case) that rotates 2.5x for each crank revolution, it’s a 65 tooth equivalent. My guess is that Bosch designed their motor this way to provide a mechanical advantage and reduce delay time in starting and stopping. It’s one of my favorites, but does produce more noise at high pedal speeds, and some drag when unpowered. With Bosch, my experience is that you’re getting reliability and performance, but a bit more weight. And, the visual appearance of the Performance Line motors on the Nevo, Culture, and Homage, and many R&M models, is less refined that Haibike, Bulls, and some others, who have tilted the motor up to blend into the frame. My guess is that this would have compromised frame integrity on this full-suspension bike design or made it difficult to fit a belt drive or the internal battery… but perhaps we will see refinements over time. I do want to point out the little cover, which protects pants and dress ends from the belt and chainring. One final note, the motor can support 120 RPM output, so you you can downshift and spin when approaching and ascending hills without losing support, as is the case with some of the down specced Bosch Active Line motors.
Powering the motor, integrated lights, backlit display panel, and any accessories you plug into the Micro-USB port on the side of the display, is a 482.4 watt hour battery pack from Bosch. The PowerTube 500 is designed to fit inside the downtube, and it seats from above on the Culture, making it easier to access and remove, in my experience. It’s a neat design choice, because it keeps standover height low and positions weight exactly where you’d want it for optimal balance and handling. You can charge the pack while seated or separately from the bike, and this is wonderful if you don’t have access to a plug wherever you park the bike. It also allows you to protect the lithium-ion cells inside from extreme heat and cold, which can be damaging to batteries. Charging happens quickly here, thanks to the faster 4 amp Bosch charger, yet it’s relatively compact and lightweight compared to others on the market. Given the heavier weight of the Culture’s aluminum alloy frame, tires, and suspension elements; I’d probably take one or both battery packs off before lifting and transporting the bike. It’s worth highlighting that the battery pack and ABUS folding alarm lock utilize the same key, so you won’t have to waste time and space with three similar looking keys. In closing, the PowerTube battery weighs more than the older PowerPack (external battery from Bosch), but won’t get kicked as easily. I love the way it makes the bike look, almost non-ebike, and appreciate the rubberized cover which protects the downtube from scratches when mounting and dismounting. In closing, the PowerTube battery still has an LED charge level indicator built into the casing, so you can quickly see how full it is, and Bosch has a reputation for supporting their hardware for 10+ years and offering cross compatibility. This is one of the more sensitive and expensive parts of the bike, so it’s reassuring to have a 2+ year warranty and dealer support. It’s part of what you’re paying extra for, and it’s a good design.
Operating this bike is very intuitive display panel and control pad. Once the battery or batteries are charged and connected to the frame, you simply press the power button on the Bosch Intuvia display panel, and it quickly loads some menus. The main dashboard shows bike speed, battery level (a five bar indicator), chosen level of assist (four levels) and a power meter to the right. Along the bottom, a rotating menu shows trip stats including max speed, average speed, clock, trip distance, clock, and dynamic range estimate (that changes as you select different assist levels). You can cycle through these menus using the i button on the display and also on the button pad mounted near the left grip. You really only need that i button and the up/down arrows on the control pad to use the bike once it’s switched on, and they produce a satisfying tactile click that helps you understand what’s happening, even if you can’t look down while riding. You slide through gear ratios (since technically there are no gears) using a half-grip twist shifter on the right. Given the potential power of the Bosch CX motor, I found shifting to be most efficient and comfortable when done as I eased off of the pedals a bit (which decreases motor output). I already mentioned the integrated Mini-USB port, great for maintaining smartphones for GPS or music on the go, and I want to call out the always-on white backlighting of the Intuvia LCD. It’s convenient in the dark, but can sometimes feel a bit bright and distracting. There’s also a walk mode, which is accessible if you are in one of the four assist levels and press the button on the top edge of the control pad and then hold +. This activates the motor very slowly, to help you push through grass or limp home if the tire goes flat. It’s very handy if the rear rack does have cargo or a small child mounted. In closing, the Intuvia display panel delivers almost everything I have grown to know and appreciate in the world of ebikes. It’s removable, easy to read, full of useful features but not too complicated… I just wish it showed battery percentage in addition to or in place of the basic five bar infographic.
It’s nice to have another option in the Riese & Müller lineup, because they produce such unique and high quality products. The Culture wasn’t as affordable as I had guessed, but they really didn’t compromise on components and features here. You don’t get the speed motor as a drive system option, you can’t get a second battery like you can on the Homage, the lights are stepped down from Supernova to Busch & Müller, and the suspension is spring vs. air, but otherwise… they are very similar products. The tires on this bike are slightly narrower, but still wider than a road or city bike, and that increases stability and comfort. I have noticed that the Enviolo NuVinci hub can feel sluggish at first, and have been told that there’s a ~500 mile break-in period. Given the reliability and usability benefits, I think it’s a great choice. Yes, this ebike weighs more, but it’s much more comfortable to ride than a non-suspended bike (especially in urban environments with imperfect roads). You’ve got a high torque motor, premium brakes, a sturdy frame with multiple sizes for optimal fit, and a great network of dealers to support any aftermarket service and upgrades. To me, this is a do-anything urban bike that would be perfect for commuting. I’d probably get a dual-battery Homage for touring applications, but I don’t really tour and usually have access to a plug on longer or multi-stop adventures. Bosch does sell a compact charger that puts out 2 amps but takes up less space, and weighs less. All of the systems here work together to deliver a great ride experience, except for the front basket, which turns as you steer and can dump out cargo when parking. Still, Riese & Müller have specced a BlockLock headset to keep the handlebar and fork from colliding into the main sections of frame. The basket can be removed if you don’t need it, and is only rated to 6.6lbs. For those with a child seat, the front basket could be a great place for jackets, books, groceries, or fluids. Which reminds me, there are no bottle cages present on the downtube or seat tube here. There are some just below the folding lock, but with a moving rear wheel and fender, there’s a chance that a big drop or bump could collide and get crunched. As always, I love to get your feedback in the comments below, and welcome engagement, recommendations, and pictures in the R&M Ebike Forums!
Pros:
- One of the only full suspension step-thru electric bikes I have ever see, it comes in three sizes for optimal fit, and it’s designed for urban use vs. off-road mountain biking like most other full suspension models
- The suspension and larger tires significantly improve comfort, the angled stem, gel saddle, and ergonomic grips help to reduce fatigue, the upright body position makes spotting traffic easier and reduces back and neck stress
- The Enviolo continuously variable transmission can be shifted at standstill and won’t take physical damage as easily if the bike tips or gets bumped at a rack, it’s a durable and quiet drivetrain with the Gates Carbon belt drive
- Riese & Müller really limited the unsprung weight on this ebike; the motor, battery pack, and rear rack are all suspended! I love that the rear rack comes with rubber straps for quick use, has pannier side blockers to keep your gear from brushing against the rear wheel, is Racktime compatible, and has a rectangular window that could work with many child seat options
- Lots of nice accessories come with this e-bike including reinforced extra-wide plastic fenders, a little chainring guard, a flick bell, integrated lights, a folding alarm lock, and an adjustable kickstand
- Safety is a big deal, so it’s nice to see reflective puncture-resistant tires, an extra reflector on the rear fender, and two reflectors on the lowers of the suspension fork
- It’s nice that the headlight has side windows to keep you visible from multiple angles, I like how they positioned it under the rack so cargo won’t block it and that it points where you steer
- The Bosch Intuvia display panel has an integrated Micro-USB charging port, is removable, and is easy to read and use because it’s so large, I like this display a lot
- The 1x drivetrain reduces the possibility of drops, keeps the chain or belt more tucked in so your pants or dress won’t rub, and tends to be very reliable
- The rear rack is child seat compatible so you won’t need additional accessories or adapters in most cases, the official max weight is ~44 lbs which seemed a bit low to me, perhaps that’s just them staying on the safe side? Most aftermarket racks are rated up to 55 lbs, I like that a child would benefit from suspension and not be bounced all around like with most other ebikes
- Powerful name-brand Magura hydraulic disc brakes with large 180mm rotors help you handle the heavier frame and any extra cargo you might be carrying, they pull easily and have adjustable reach levers so you don’t have to stretch if your hands are small
- The fenders are held in place with multiple support arms in addition to the direct frame mounting points on the rear rack, they didn’t rattle around or make noise like cheaper fenders I’ve tested on other ebikes
- I love that the included lock is keyed to match both battery pack lock, so you don’t end up with a bunch of extra keys weighing you down and getting confusing
- Most of the wires, brake lines, and shifter cables are internally routed through the frame for protection and improved aesthetics, since the downtube is hollow and accessible via the PowerTube battery bay, I suspect that these wires will be easier to access and work on for shops
- Riese & Müller have this philosophy called “Control Technology” which is referring to suspension and frame stiffness that can handle higher speeds and give you better handling ability, the wheels are designed to stay in contact with the ground consistently vs. bouncing around and losing traction
- Given the high capacity ~500 watt hour battery pack, it’s great that the Bosch charger is faster than most at 4 Amps vs. just 2 Amps, you won’t have to wait as long between rides
- Interacting with the display is intuitive and simple enough that you really don’t have to look down that often once you get the hang of it, the button pad produces a tactile click and has an intuitive surface, it’s one of the most consistent and reliable interfaces from any company I have reviewed and is my favorite from Bosch
- Riese & Müller is growing so much that they have had to build a new facility in Germany, they are striving to maintain short wait times and a steady flow of parts so they can offer this wide range of drivetrain and accessory options, they have a good reputation in Europe and the USA and offer a good warranty of 2+ years
- Wider rims support the fatter tires and provide strength, they even have reinforcement eyelets to reduce instances of cracking, I like how the rims, spokes, and hubs are all black to match
Cons:
- Even though the Culture is positioned as a more affordable model in the Riese & Müller lineup, a stripped down version of the Homage, it is still priced around $5,699 in its most affordable form (using a cassette and derailleur vs. the CVT and belt drive here) which is on the more expensive side
- Weighing in at roughly 71.2lbs (32.29kg) for the medium size frame, this is definitely one of the heavier ebikes on the market and the Enviolo adds to that weight (~5lbs vs. 1.5lbs for a cassette and derailleur), along with the spring suspension elements vs. air on the Homage, and the 3.1lb folding alarm lock, and the front basket rack
- At the time of this review, there is no speed motor option or dual battery upgrade, if you want these things you’ll have to spend more for a Riese & Müller Homage
- R&M ebikes are made in Germany and specced to order, so it can take between 1-3 months to receive one if you’re purchasing in North America. That’s a long time to wait, but some shops do have default specced bikes in store as an options
- It looks like this particular model only comes in one color at the moment, I happen to really like it… because the metallic is going to be visible in low lighting situations, but there just isn’t as much choice compared to other R&M models
- The pedals are pretty basic, they don’t offer as much traction or surface area, but that might not be a big deal if you don’t ride in wet conditions or maybe you have small feet? The rubber tread won’t cut you if you slip off, but I could see larger-footed riders opting for an alloy platform pedal like these magnesium Wellgos with adjustable pins
- As quiet as the bike is with those reinforced fenders, welded-on frame-built rack, and single sprocket setup, there is some whining noise produced by the motor, especially at higher RPM (this is true of most Bosch Performance Line powered ebikes)
- If you plan on hanging this bike from a car or bus rack, you may need to purchase a crossbar adapter and definitely tighten the seat post clamp and take the battery or batteries off to reduce weight, I usually opt for a platform rack instead because you don’t have to lift the bike as high and some even have ramps to make loading easier
- Because the Bosch Performance Line motors utilize a smaller sprocket and rely on a 2.5x reduction gearing system, they do introduce a touch of drag when pedaling unassisted or exceeding the maximum supported top speed, it’s not a huge deal in my experience, but it is different than the Bosch Active Line and competing Shimano, Brose, Yamaha, and Bafang products
- The front basket is only rated to support 6.6lbs (3kg) of weight and turns as you steer vs. being mounted to the head tube, this impacts steering and makes it easier to spill when parking, because the front wheel often turns to the side
- Mixed consideration here, there aren’t any bottle cage bosses on the downtube or seat tube, there are two threaded eyelets below the folding lock mount (just behind the seat tube) but with rear suspension, you could end up squishing a cage with the rear fender and wheel when going off of a big curb or something… we talk about this in the video around 18:30
Resources:
Old Timer
6 years agoNice review of the Riese & Müller Culture GT Vario, which frame size did you test and what’s your height and about how tall is Chris? My nit picks – wish the high-rise stem was adjustable and bars were not swept back, the tires were bigger such as 2.4 and water bottle mount as you mentioned. Still appears to be a fantastic new model and one of the very few full-suspension commuter type eBikes on the market.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Old Timer! I’m 35 years old, weigh ~135lbs, am 5’9″ tall, and have a ~30″ inseam. For this review, I was testing the medium 54cm sized frame. I think Chris is roughly my height but weighs more. I agree that high volume tires would be nice, you could probably swap to those and get a different stem and bars aftermarket. It’s difficult to add rear suspension to bikes, so to me that really sets this one apart, and R&M do a great job with their frames and accessories. I agree that it’s a leader for this niche category right now and am surprised that there aren’t more offerings like it because I LOVE the full suspension :D
ReplyRon Bussey
3 years agoWhat happened to the R&M Culture bike? I no longer see it as an option.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoThat’s a great question, Ron! I hope someone else chimes in. I haven’t covered an R&M model for a while now, since Propel began covering them and doing a great job. Perhaps you can contact them and ask about it if you’re interested!
Reply