The Sign-EX offers 130 millimeters of travel at the rear and 140 at the front. The tested version combines high-end suspension from Fox with solid Shimano equipment. For the wheels and tires, Bixs relies on Swiss products from DT Swiss and Onza. Interestingly, Bixs combines the "big" EP801 motor from Shimano with a rather small 400 watt-hour battery. The result is a supposed "full assist bike" with a weight of 19 kilograms. If the "juice" is not enough, you can fall back on a range extender with a further 388 watt hours. However, there is a big compromise in terms of style. The additional battery looks like that of a 10-year-old e-city bike. A shame, as the bike itself is quite handsome. It also makes the Sign 2.2 kilograms heavier.

The bike in use

The E-MTB offers a more upright riding position. When standing, you are centrally positioned above the bike, but in a slightly squat position. This is only annoying on very steep descents, where you need to shift your weight more to the rear. Otherwise, the bike feels well-balanced and easy to control. The maneuverability is pleasing. The suspension is well tuned, responds sensitively and provides counter-pressure where it is needed. It's not a slouch, but it gives good feedback from the ground. Only when braking hard does the rear wheel lose grip and the Sign becomes a little unsteady. When going steeply downhill and over steps, there is a lack of legroom. The 125 millimeter drop of the seatpost is no longer up to date on a trail bike. However, as the manufacturer subsequently announced, the series will ultimately come with a 150 millimeter version. 

When riding with the additional battery, the additional weight increases traction. In return, the handling becomes somewhat slower and the bike loses some of its liveliness. The already somewhat annoying background noise of the Bix is amplified with the additional battery, as if it were a resonating body. The holder for the range extender is a bit clumsy, but holds it firmly in place. Unfortunately, the charging socket is mounted a little close to the shock and makes connecting the cable to the screwed retaining ring a little awkward.

The Sign climbs quickly, climbs skillfully over hill and dale, likes tight bends and has sufficient traction on steep gradients. Although the E-MTB only has a rather small battery, the power lasts longer than on other similarly motorized bikes, even when riding fast. This means that a long after-work ride can be mastered without an additional battery.

Conclusion

The Bixs Sign-EX leaves a mixed impression. The geometry is well chosen and makes for a fun ride and steering behavior. The kinematics of the rear end are not entirely convincing. And the look of the additional battery is a no-go on the otherwise pretty bike.