Berria has launched a brand new alloy all-mountain e-MTB, its called the Cayman and it's the Spanish brand's first Bosch equipped e-MTB.
The bike will presumably sit alongside the existing Mako Hybrid GT, which features a full carbon construction and a Polini E-P3+ MX motor, an unusual option amongst the best electric mountain bikes. Although the Bosch Performance Line CX unit doesn't match the on-paper specs of the Polini, the reputation and ease of customer support on the Bosch motor is likely to be a selling point.
Despite the differences in materials and drive units, the Caymen shares a lot in common with the Mako. Both bikes feature the same suspension system which delivers 148mm of travel via a kinematic Berria calls Progressive-Linear, the idea is it gives a soft initial stroke, linear midstroke, before ramping up in the final 20 percent of travel.
Like many of the best budget e-MTB's, Berria has opted for metal rather than carbon. The frame is built from 6061-T4 aluminum and uses a Precision Casting Process to form the complex shapes required for the motor, battery, and sections of the suspension system. The rest of the frame uses hydroforming and is heat-treated to improve strength. Berria says it then polishes the welds to achieve a high-quality finish on the alloy frame.
The frame features clearance for 2.6in tires, fully integrated cable routing, and a "Block Lock" system that limits the steering angle to +/-60 degrees. Berria has specced a UDH hanger, so it's compatible with the latest SRAM transmission if you're looking for potential future upgrades.
There is also a flip-chip that can adjust the suspension between a low "touring position" and high "sport position". Switching to the touring position reduces travel to 143mm and lowers the bottom bracket for added stability and comfort.
Geometry looks pretty decent for a do-everything e-MTB, in the sport position the reach is 481mm, the stack 631mm, and the wheelbase 1245mm (medium). Chainstays are the same across the small, medium, and large at 448mm and the bottom bracket drop is -30mm.
The Berria Cayman range and availability
The Caymen comes in one solitary build, the spec is all entry-level workhorse kit with suspension from RockShox's front and rear, drivetrain and braking from SRAM, and rolling stock catered for by Fulcrum and Vitoria. For full specs, keep scrolling.
At the time of writing Berria hasn't provided any specific details regarding availability or pricing, although based on the spec sheet it should be reasonably affordable. For more details, head over to Berriabikes.com.
Berria Cayman
- Frame: 6061-T4 aluminum
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch Powetube 750Wh
- Fork: RockShox RL 35, 150mm
- Shock: RockShox Delux Select+, 148mm
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle
- Shifters: SRAM NX Eagle
- Stem: AVAN FORCE AF3
- Bar: AVANFORCE AF3 TRAI
- Crankset: FSA CK-220 34T 165-770 MM
- Seatpost: TRANZX JD-YSPJL 125MM
- Saddle: ESSAX ERA
- Brakes: SRAM DB8
- Wheels: Fulcrum E-Metal 700 29in TR
- Tires: Vitoria Barzo/Agarro 29x2.6 TNT
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
