Light-Assist motors
The hot topic this year was the new lightweight e-bike motors. Less oomph, less battery, but e-bikes that are almost indistinguishable from non-motorised models and can be whizzed along the trails with ease. In the article Fazua, TQ, Specialized & Co. - 5 lightweight e-bike motors put to the test we took a close look at the new drives, tested them in the lab and pushed them to the limit in practice. And we also made an interesting video:
Most visited: E-touring bikes in the test
I'm sure you're also out and about at the extremes on your e-MTB, looking for the thrill of the downhill on Alpine trails or getting into the uphill flow where others wouldn't even go on foot. But the majority of you are interested in epic tours - and the right e-touring bikes for these long rides. We have therefore 5 entry-level models around 4500 euros in the 2022 test under the close scrutiny of the EMTB editorial team. This also met your taste and the article became one of the best E-MTB topics of 2022. And also an older test with other E-Touringfullys you were very interested.
Which e-bike motor is right for me?
With an ever-expanding range of e-MTB motors, customers are increasingly asking themselves the question: Which E-MTB motor is best for me? Are classic motors such as Bosch, Shimano or Yamaha more suitable for my purposes, do I prefer minimal-assist drives such as Fazua or TQ, or do I want the power class with Sachs RS or TQ HPR 120S? We provide guidance in our article and the accompanying video. Important tip first: The e-bike is still decisive for the overall experience - not just the drive.
Cube Stereo Hybrid on test
And then there is the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 625. No e-MTB - and for that matter no non-motorised mountain bike - has interested you as much as the Cube e-bike. Our test verdict: "Comfortable and suitable for beginners. Even if it lacks a bit of confidence on rough terrain, the Cube is a well-balanced and well-equipped E-Tour-Fully at a fair price." Perhaps it was precisely this balance that made you so keen on the Stereo Hybrid e-bike.
Light E-MTB: Haibike Lyke
Our comprehensive test of the Light motors for E-MTBs was one of the hot topics in 2022, and you also showed an above-average interest in the new Haibike Lyke. With its Fazua Ride 60 drive, it uses the latest of the Bavarian motors, and the e-bike itself weighs less than 20 kilos. Last but not least, the incredibly beautiful paintwork should be mentioned: raw carbon shines under a blue clear coat, complemented by golden accents. Who wouldn't want to start the coming season on one of these? Light E-MTB Haibike Lyke on test - 18.6 kilo lightweight e-bike with Fazua motor
E-bike batteries
Anyone travelling with an e-bike always thinks about the power supply: Will the battery last the whole day's ride? Can I commute to work for a week at -6 degrees Celsius without recharging? We already have the answers to many of your questions on our website. The article E-MTB power supply - getting the most out of your e-bike battery you were particularly fond of in 2022. Even if it has already gathered a little dust. Hence the recommendation from the EMTB editorial team at this point: How to extend the e-bike battery life is almost brand new, gives 9 clever answers to questions about the e-bike battery and contains other interesting links on the subject.
Canyon Spectral:On on test
The third E-MTB that has been of great interest to you this year is: The new Canyon Spectral:On - affordable, light and with a huge battery! After the Cube Stereo Hybrid and Haibike Lyke, the Spectral:On mail-order e-bike was also very popular. No wonder - as the title of the article subtly suggests - because the e-bike is relatively affordable. The Canyon Spectral:On CF 7 entry-level model costs less than half as much as the top-of-the-range model at € 5499, but still weighs just 23.7 kilograms - less than any other all-mountain e-bike in its class.
In line with the light trend: Orbea Rise
The topic of Light E-MTB moves and interests you a lot. The Orbea Rise - already announced at the end of 2021 - was right on trend: Lightweight and affordable - The Orbea Rise H. The entry-level version is priced at 4999 euros. A price below which even classic e-mountainbikes are hard to beat. And that with a weight of only 20 kilos - at this price, 25 kilos would be normal. To close the loop, we would also like to mention the update to the Orbea Rise, which has just been announced for the 2023 season: Orbea Rise - detail improvements and new battery for 2023.
Top e-bike category: Touring bikes
As already mentioned in one of the most visited articles of the EMTB Magazine 2022was also our extensive test of 9 E-MTB touring fullys under 5000 euros from the previous year was a real visitor magnet. No wonder, because in addition to the price-performance bangers with e-bike motors, our photographers had also brought along inspiring pictures of the touring e-bikes in the Alpine test area.
E-MTB of the Year: Specialized Turbo Levo
You didn't let us down: You also love the angry trails and nasty descents! That's why our article on the E-Enduro Of The Year 2022- Specialized Turbo Levo Expert It was no surprise that the Specialized e-bike was chosen, as the Turbo Levo has plenty of battery and motor power, great handling and a downhill performance that many competitors with more suspension travel can only dream of. You can find all the results of our big EMTB reader survey, on which the E-MTB of the Year award is also based, here: Results & Readers' Awards 2022.
Marc Strucken
Editor
