Centurion No Pogo Carbon Review

The Centurion No Pogo is a classic among EMTBs. In 2026, Centurion is releasing its latest No Pogo in carbon as well. This will make the bike with 170 mm of travel 1 kilo lighter. We hit the trails to test whether there are any side effects.

The suspension system of the No Pogo was already the character pillar of the bike in the test of the aluminum No Pogo – and it has remained unchanged. This means the bike not only offers an enormous level of grip but also maintains a sense of comfort even on the roughest sections. The combination of 170 mm of travel and linear operation provides an absolutely secure riding feel.

The flip side is that with a very active riding style, one might slightly sink into the 170 mm travel, which also remains in the carbon version. Those looking for a more nimble trail bike will be served by Centurion with the 7-kilo lighter No Pogo SL, which we have also already tested. Additionally, Cube recently presented the AMS 177 Hybrid, a very light enduro option with 170 mm of travel. Anyone considering a purchase should definitely watch this video on the aluminum version.

With its generous travel, the No Pogo always provides a secure ride feeling. The powerful braking system (Shimano XT), the Maxx Grip front tire, and the dropper post with 200mm travel fit perfectly into the picture. The bike park clearance according to category 4 and the permissible total weight of 150 kilos show that Centurion doesn’t do things by halves, even with the carbon version, but pulls through stringently. But where do you actually notice the weight difference compared to the aluminum bike?

By switching to the lighter frame material, Centurion saves 1 kilogram without compromising stability and bike park clearance. Weighing in at 24 kilos, the carbon version is exactly one kilo lighter than the aluminum version. The range of use is congruent, but a lighter bike naturally has its advantages on the trail. Especially on not too steep, more flowy trails, the handling of a lighter bike is more pleasant. This also applies to slow technical sections.

Where the aluminum model still pushed a bit over the front axle in tight corners due to its weight and clearly demanded its braking points, the carbon version operates with a touch more agility. The 1 kilo savings is noticeable, especially when changing direction, accelerating out of corners, or when the bike wants to pop a bunny hop.

Even when you want to hang the bike on a lift or load it into the car, you’ll notice every kilo, of course.

The elaborate construction for the removable 800 Wh battery remains, which makes the downtube structurally demanding. Alternatively, there is also an option for a 600 Wh battery from the factory for those who want to save another kilo of weight. Unlike the aluminum version, the Kiox 400 C Display is now used in the top tube for the first time, allowing for navigation.

It is noteworthy that the important detail of the double-row ball bearings in the rear suspension has been retained. These increase the durability of the bearings by distributing the pressure over a double surface – a feature we already appreciated in the aluminum model and that perfectly fits the bike’s durability-focused design.

There are no surprises with the drivetrain either, as Centurion uses the new Bosch CX of the 5th Generation, which we thoroughly tested on the aluminum model. Performance specs are now at 100 Nm and 750 watts, and the motor is finally quiet compared to its predecessor.

Descending is rattle-free thanks to Bosch’s revisions. Uphill, it’s still audible but significantly quieter than previous Bosch motors. Motor control has always been Bosch’s specialty and works excellently with the latest generation. The ability to use an additional 600 or 800 Bosch battery modularly at any time remains a strong argument for the system.

E-MTBs with plenty of travel are currently all the rage. Besides the Centurion No Pogo, we recently tested several other bikes with a similar focus. The Cube AMS 177, but especially the Radon Deft and the Rose Slab Plus, score with a price-aggressive offer. Cannondale has explored the limits of shredding with an uncompromising machine, the Motterra LT. YT had introduced the new Decoy shortly before its bankruptcy, but unfortunately, it is no longer available. Anyone looking to buy a new E-MTB in this category should definitely read the linked reviews.