The SUV among e-bikes: hands-on review of the Deruiz Quartz SUV

Cycling season is open, rather late this year because of the weather. All the more I was happy to test the Quartz SUV e-bike from Deruiz without freezing or getting soaked. It’s my second test e-bike from Deruiz. You understand why it’s called SUV as soon as you sit on it.

Delivery and assembly

The e-bikes arrive really well packed, and assembly is quick and easy. The necessary tools are included. First the handlebars are mounted on the stem, then the front wheel goes on the fork with the quick-release, the fender is screwed on, and finally the pedals.

Frame, tires and price

I was surprised how sturdy and high-quality the e-bike is. The aluminum frame has a nice color, there are no ugly weld seams on the 27.5-inch frame, the handlebars feel stable and the grips give good hold. The extremely wide, sturdy Schwalbe cross-country tires stand out right away. With them you ride safely not only on asphalt but also on gravel paths and off-road.

The e-bike costs €1,499. Given how well it’s built, I would have expected at least €2,500. For €1,500, I definitely expected far less quality.

Riding, motor and battery

The Quartz SUV is a thrill to ride.

• Motor: The 250 watt rear hub motor assists gently, especially when starting off. On vacation, I fell right over on a borrowed e-bike from another brand because the motor kicked in fully as I got on with the pedals. That can’t happen with the Quartz SUV.
• Assistance: Five levels, set via the easy-to-read display on the handlebars. On a flat stretch, you hardly need any effort at level 2 or 3, and level 5 is great for uphill.
• Gears: The Shimano 8-speed derailleur gearing works smoothly.
• Without the motor: Once I forgot to turn the motor on and rode off easily without noticing. That’s remarkable at 26 kg and good to know in case the battery ever runs out.
• Battery: 644 Wh, which takes you up to 150 km. It locks into the frame and is hard to steal. You can charge it on the bike or take it out and charge it in the apartment or hotel room.
• App: Deruiz offers an app for charge level and distances covered, a nice gimmick but not a requirement.

Brakes, rear rack and comfort

The e-bike has hydraulic disc brakes, one of the features that made me marvel at the price. The rear rack looks very sturdy, and the straps proved useful. They’re more practical than the usual clamps that don’t hold anything. How long they’ll withstand sun and rain remains to be seen, but you can surely retrofit them.

Ride comfort is extremely high thanks to the wide tires, the adjustable suspension fork, the sturdy construction and the pleasant motor assistance. The saddle is nicely wide, and you sit well even on long rides. I would have liked a bit more padding. It’s adjustable in height and in distance from the handlebars. On the foldable Peridot from Deruiz that I’ve already tested, you couldn’t adjust the height of the handlebar stem. On the Quartz SUV, you can at least adjust the angle of the handlebars.

Is the Quartz SUV too big or too small for you?

The Quartz SUV is supposed to be suitable for people up to 1.90 m. I tested it with my husband, who is about 1.88 m tall, and that’s where the limit is reached: the saddle at its highest setting only just fits. If you’re taller, you can no longer set the saddle height properly. At 1.90 m, you’d probably choose a larger frame height than 27.5 inches anyway.

Verdict

Riding is fun without reservation, and you feel safe. If something should be wrong with the e-bike, there’s a customer service from Deruiz that you can reach by phone and many partner service shops all over Germany. If you’re looking for a high-quality e-bike at a surprisingly low price: the Quartz SUV is an absolute no-brainer and recommended without reservation.