https://cyrusher.fr/products/zenith
This video documents a 45 km ride on the S-Recherch Zénit electric mountain bike, exploring mixed terrain around the Lac de la Seigneurie in Franche-Comté. The rider tests the bike’s comfort, battery range, and motor assistance on a route combining road, forest paths, and single tracks, while providing insights on tire noise, bike sensors, and local landmarks.
- Ride Overview and Route Description
The rider embarks on a roughly 45 to 50 km loop starting near the Saint-André Institute and passing through small villages, forestry trails, and the Lac de la Seigneurie. The terrain mixes asphalt roads, gravel paths, forest single tracks, and cycle paths.
Starting point near Saint-André Institute, a large facility with 500 employees.
Passing through Aspach-le-Bas and Aspach-le-Haut.
Riding along busy national roads, including N83, transitioning onto the Doller Valley bike path.
Visiting Guewenheim village and its chapel Notre-Dame des Boulots.
Heading into the forest and reaching Lac de la Seigneurie campsite in Franche-Comté.
Returning through the rider’s home village Lauw, crossing family-owned meadows.
Final stretches down to Sentheim chapel and then returning home via road and bike paths.
Key landmarks:
Saint-André Institute (disabled care center)
Lac de la Seigneurie (popular fishing spot and campsite)
Grand Ballon (highest peak in Vosges massif at 1424 m, visible near route)
Villages: Aspach-le-Bas, Aspach-le-Haut, Guewenheim, Lauw, Sentheim
River Largue near Sentheim, with small fish ladder observed
2. E-Bike Performance, Comfort, and Technical Observations
The rider extensively discusses performance aspects of the S-Recherch Zénit during the ride, focusing on battery, motor, tires, and sensors.
Battery Range: After 30 km, battery was still full; after 45 km and 330 m elevation gain, battery was nearly depleted, largely drained by single tracks.
Motor Assistance: Powered by a 52-volt battery with a torque sensor, providing real-time pedal assistance that is very responsive.
Cadence vs. Torque Sensors: Torque sensor mode can cause the bike to “jump” forward when pedaled from a stop; therefore, for filming and steady control, cadence sensor mode is preferred.
Tires:
4-inch wide mountain bike tires produce noticeable noise on asphalt due to tread design.
Noise is normal for off-road tires; road tires with less aggressive tread would reduce noise.
Comfort: Despite no rear suspension, the bike offers a highly comfortable ride on mixed terrain.
Display Issue: The trip meter resets to zero when the console turns off, which is an annoying usability flaw.
Luggage Setup: The rider carries a small mountain bike backpack with repair kit, with no rain gear storage; encounters some risk due to unpredictable weather and lack of rain protection.
3. Environmental and Local Observations
The ride features reflections on the environment, landscape changes, and community developments.
The Lac de la Seigneurie area has drastically changed from the rider’s childhood: former sandy beach and dense trees largely removed, now more open with recent tree cutting.
The lake is a known fishing spot for carp; there is a well-regarded local restaurant specializing in Alsatian cuisine, particularly fried fish.
The village of Lauw is actively constructing a new bike path and footbridges over the river Largue to improve cycling safety.
The river Largue observed near Sentheim is currently flowing weakly but includes a fish ladder.
Nostalgic moments recalling family farming meadows adjacent to the forest.
Weather is overcast with intermittent light rain during the ride, emphasizing the challenge of minimal gear.