8 all-mountain e-bikes up to 6000 euros tested: How much e-MTB do these all-rounders offer for the money?

Top seller. This name has become established in our editorial team for e-mountainbikes in the price range between 5000 and 6000 euros. Why? Because this is where most bikes are sold. And because this price range also offers the most harmonious package of price and performance. Anyone looking for an e-MTB for off-road use on tours and trails will get a solid package here - and a huge selection. Our big comparison test brings together 8 exciting candidates for the title of best all-round e-bike.

In the test: 8 full-suspension e-bikes up to 6000 euros

Click here to go directly to the detailed test article on the bike

• Cannondale Moterra 3 >> e.g. available here
• Canyon Spectral:On CF8
• Centurion No Pogo F3000i
• Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM >> e.g. available here
• Flyer Uproc X 2.10
• Marin Rift Zone E2
• Rose Root Miller Plus 3 >> e.g. available here
• Trek Rail 7 Gen3 >> e.g. available here

Big discounts for current e-mountainbikes

In the current market situation, prices are relative. The RRP is being cheerfully adjusted up and down. And the price tag hanging on the bike at the dealer is a completely different matter anyway. It's difficult to put together a homogeneous test field in this situation. With Marin and Centurion, two bikes make it into our comparison that a few months ago we would have had to reject with the comment "too expensive!". However, the manufacturers have permanently lowered their official prices. As a result, the features of these two aluminium bikes stand out.

In this case, the additional discounts at the dealer are likely to be somewhat more discreet. The fact is that hardly any bikes are currently changing hands for the stated RRP. It is therefore worth comparing the current street prices thoroughly. The mail order companies Canyon and Rose, for example, are presenting their All Mountains at drastically reduced prices in their web shops at the time of going to press. The Root Miller Plus 3 for 4999 instead of 5999, at Canyon Spectral:On CF8 the discount is even higher: 4799 instead of 5999 euros.

In terms of suspension travel, the bikes are between 140 and 160 millimetres. However, the range of use cannot be determined by the travel alone. Interestingly, the Marin Rift Zone with its 140cc chassis is one of the most powerful downhill bikes, while the 150cc from Cannondale Moterra and Rose Root Miller are designed more for touring. Even the Trek Rail 7 with 160 mm fork is more all-rounder than mini enduro.

Even more tests on the subject of all-mountain E-MTBs:

• Canyon, Conway, Radon, Scott and YT: Five all-rounders up to 6300 euros in comparison
• Who builds the best all-mountain eMTB? 11 bikes from 7499 to 9999 euros in a high-end comparison test
• Entry-level class: Six all-mountain e-bikes up to €5000 in the test
• Can it be cheap? Four exciting E-Fullys under 4000 euros in the test

The batteries of the test bikes - is less more?

Also noticeable: the batteries are smaller on average than in the tests from previous years. Two Shimano bikes come with the lightweight but short-range 630 battery from the Japanese company. And three bikes with a Bosch drive only have the 625 power tube. However, this does not indicate a trend on the market. In many cases, the smaller battery is more due to the price or the design.

It's a shame that the bikes aren't really any lighter despite the small batteries. Only Canyon and Rose manage under 24 kilos. Nevertheless, at 22.8 kilos, the Rose achieves a real top value, for which you would otherwise have to dig much deeper into your pockets. And the majority of the group at least stays under 25 kilos.

Weights in comparison

The Rose Root Miller is over 1.5 kilos lighter than the average, that's a statement! The Canyon Spectral:On can also stand out from the crowd. The midfield is close together. The two bikes with the heavy 750 Bosch battery (and the best range!) land at the bottom of the weight ranking. Noticeable: the heavy wheels on the Marin. Even without the Cushcore puncture protection insert, they would be the heaviest. The Trek's light wheels make it the lightest aluminium bike.

What the testers say

Bosch or Shimano? A question of faith. The motors have a very different ride feel. However, one thing is clear: the Bosch CX is significantly better on demanding climbs. The Shimano EP801 runs out of power too early at a high cadence, which makes it feel a little sluggish and makes accelerating difficult. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager at EMTB Magazine

The Rift Zone E2 from Marin is a real surprise in the test field. The bike really has character: little suspension travel and yet fully trimmed for downhill riding. This makes the bike a fun speedster for the home trails. Anyone who likes to ride actively and aggressively through the terrain will enjoy it. A real success! - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB

The Flyer has the most potential for sporty off-road use. With super progressive geometry and successful kinematics, the new Uproc:X is a real off-road expert. However, the favourable equipment of the entry-level model limits its capabilities somewhat. Tuning potential lurks here. - Adrian Kaether, test editor EMTB

The range height - how long the e-bike battery lasts

How far can I get on my e-bike? Despite our extensive range test, we are of course unable to give a generalised answer to this question. However, our procedure provides an ideal comparison of the tested bikes and their drives. In our standardised field test, we rewind an asphalt climb with an average gradient of 12.2 percent until the batteries are empty. One climb has 412 metres of altitude. We keep the rider's performance constant and record the values with Garmin Rally XC power meter pedals on. The rider pedals 150 watts at a cadence of 80 revolutions per minute. The weight of the rider, including equipment, is also constant at 90 kilos for each ride. In short: the same test conditions for all bikes. Riding is at the highest support level.

Cube and Cannondale are clearly at the top of the range rankings - the two bikes with the large 750 Bosch battery and CX motor cranked up the most metres in altitude by far in the field test. The smaller Bosch bikes with a 625 battery also performed above average. They are roughly on a par with the nominally more generously equipped Canyon Spectral:On (720 Wh). However, the Canyon comes with the option of a larger 900 Wh battery (+€400, +900 g), which would make the Spectral:On the clear number one in the range ranking.

The two bikes with the 630 Shimano battery drop down the rankings. The low charging work suggests this: The 630 Shimano battery simply delivers fewer watt hours than specified. You have to give the Shimano bikes credit for the high speeds travelled. This shows the enormous level of support that the EP801 delivers even with low rider input. Bosch's CX works more progressively and is more restrained and therefore more economical with our 150 watts of pedalling power in the field test. For maximum power, you have to pedal harder on the CX.

The motors in comparison

Bosch Performance Line CX smart system

The most popular E-MTB motor impresses with its reliability, top modulation and lively acceleration. This makes the Bosch CX (detailed test here) unbeatable on difficult climbs. Plus top range. Unfortunately, the batteries are very heavy. Downhill, the motor rattles when rolling over obstacles.

Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4

The Rose still has the older generation of the CX without a smart system. The components are not compatible with each other and there is no app for this drive. It also stops at 625 Wh. However, the power and modulation are also excellent here.

Shimano EP801

The Shimano EP801 (here in the detailed test) is a lightweight and compact power motor. At low rider input, it pushes extremely hard and offers more support than Bosch's CX. Weak point: The power runs out too early at a high cadence. The EP801 also rattles noticeably downhill.

Tops and flops - buying tips when choosing an e-bike

It's often the little things that make the difference between riding enjoyment and frustration with a new bike. We noticed many details during the test. Both positive and negative. In the picture gallery here you will find the most important tips on what you should look out for when buying.

Results at a glance: These are the best E-MTBs in the test

Ranking downhill

1. Canyon Spectral:On CF8
2. Marin Rift Zone E2
3. Flyer Uproc X 2.10

Ranking uphill

1. Flyer Uproc X 2.10
2. Cannondale Moterra 3
3. Centurion No Pogo F3000i

Ranking Tour

1. Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM
2. Cannondale Moterra 3
3. Trek Rail 7

Tip Allround - Canyon Spectral:On CF8

Leisurely tour or wild trail ride? The Spectral:On CF 8 is one of the absolute favourites in both disciplines. A high-quality frame, low weight and the option of a huge battery are further plus points. Its weakness? Extreme climbs. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager at EMTB Magazine

Tip Trail - Marin Rift Zone E2

A bike with character! The Marin Rift Zone E2 impressed all testers with its great handling, massive traction and downhill strength - despite its short suspension travel. Riding fun is a top priority here. Top equipment at a fair price. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine

Tip test winner - Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM

Experienced trail experts might turn up their noses - but for everyone else, Cube has put together an outrageously comfortable package. Uncomplicated handling, mega range, strong equipment: a confident all-rounder with off-road expertise at a fair price. This is the test winner in the big EMTB comparison test. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Test and Technology at EMTB Magazine

The EMTB conclusion

The top sellers live up to their name: the standard in the test group is high. The differences between the e-bikes can be seen above all in their character. Cube comes out on top in the points classification and secures the test victory, although it will not win over experienced trail riders 100%. Instead, it appeals to a broad target group with its comfortable and uncomplicated appearance. Canyon, Marin and Flyer stand out on trails and descents. For those who like to shoot through the terrain in a sporty manner, there are three strong concepts with very different characters.