8 Light E-MTBs on test: E-trail bikes for around 10,000 euros - which concept will win?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 02.05.2023
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19 instead of 24 kilos: that's the factual difference between our eight light test bikes and the candidates in our last Tests of classic high-end all-mountain bikes in EMTB 1/22. Five kilos or around 21 per cent less weight - at a comparable price and suspension travel. If that's not a tempting offer! What's more: As quiet as with the new drives from Fazua and TQ E-MTBs have never been so popular. It's no wonder that the light theme is really picking up speed. More and more bikes with the new whisper drives are flooding onto the market. We were able to gather eight of the most exciting e-bikes on the market for our big comparison test in Finale Ligure.
We tested these bikes:
(Click to go to the individual rating)
You can find these topics in the light e-bike test:
The test report: Opportunities and limits of light E-MTBs
Despite all the euphoria surrounding the look, background noise and handling of the new Light E-MTBs, die-hard e-bikers must be warned right away. As with the weight, the light bikes are also in a league of their own when it comes to battery and motor power. Switch to turbo without a care and explore the mountains in Explorer mode? That can backfire with these lightweight speedsters. The bikes in this test deliver between 360 and 540 watt hours, whereas the standard for conventional E-All-Mountains is over 700 watt hours. We determined what this means for the range in an extensive field test.
Lightweight, but also with less engine power
Also in matters of Engine power you have to make significant compromises with most light bikes. However, the concepts here are very different: while the candidates from Rotwild and Storck rely on a classic EP8 from Shimano and thus enable full e-bike power, the bikes with TQ motors (Trek and Simplon) are more gently motorised. Roughly speaking, the HPR 50 delivers only half the maximum power of a Bosch Performance CX. The BH 2EXMAG is even weaker. The candidates from Haibike and Focus with Fazua Ride 60 and the Forestal Cyon with its own F60-S1 motor land somewhere between these two power worlds. By the way: We have already been able to test many of the most important light engines in detail on another occasion.
Depending on the area of use and personal requirements of an e-MTB, very different bikes and concepts can end up at the top of the rankings. If you love using the turbo mode on your Bosch bike, you might be disappointed even with the more powerful candidates like Fazua and Forestal. Because this difference is clearly noticeable on steep climbs.
On the other hand, there are bikers who are looking for an alternative to their bike without a motor or who tend to use lower support levels on their e-MTB. For them, even a TQ HPR 50 can feel powerful. After all, this motor easily doubles the rider's average power output. This means that the mini motor can also make climbs possible that would not be possible without an extra boost. And the range can also be sufficient for long tours if the motor is switched on sporadically or only with minimal thrust. And TQ offers unrivalled advantages in other areas. No other drive is as small, discreet and quiet.
Around 150 millimetres of suspension travel: 8 candidates from the trail bike category
With 140 to 150 millimetres of travel, all bikes are representatives of the trail and all-mountain category. Off-road, however, the characters are once again very different. Those who prioritise fun trail handling will find the speedsters from Trek, Simplon and Forestal ideal companions. All three are easy to pull onto the rear wheel and exude light-footed handling. All three also have riding safety on rougher terrain in common. The Lyke is also sporty and fun. However, Haibike's light newcomer with slightly shorter suspension travel lands on the emphatically direct side. Storck and Rotwild prioritise touring use. Both have a high level of riding comfort. The Rotwild is also particularly intuitive and balanced to control.
All test bikes have one thing in common: a high price
As much as we would have liked to present more affordable bikes in the test: At this early stage of the season, most manufacturers did not yet have the more affordable equipment variants available. In addition, some of our candidates are hardly available for significantly less money. This is because the Light class is by definition more in the high-end range. After all, lightweight construction costs money, which incidentally also applies to the mini drives. We have summarised which models are also available for significantly less money separately below in the "Affordable alternatives" section.
When planning our test, we had set ourselves a price limit of 10,000 euros. However, two bikes are above that. Haibike increased the price of the Lyke CF SE by a whopping 1000 euros shortly before the editorial deadline. And the Rapcon TQ from Simplon arrived at the editorial office a few hours before we left for our test in Liguria. Due to a lack of availability of suitable add-on parts, the Simplon configurator had spit out more high-end parts than originally planned. Nevertheless, we didn't want to withhold the test of these two exciting bikes from anyone.
Conclusion on the Light-E-MTB test by test leader Florentin Vesenbeckh:
The eight bikes in our test did not set any new weight records. Nevertheless, the Light class has taken a significant step forwards. For minimalists, the TQ bikes from Simplon and Trek offer an unobtrusive, whisper-quiet E-MTB feeling that has never been seen before. On the other hand, the Fazua bikes (Haibike and Focus) manage an amazing balancing act of quiet riding and low weight with considerable motor thrust and good range. The test bikes are also fundamentally different in terms of riding characteristics. Test winner Trek impresses as a sporty and direct trail bike, while others offer more touring comfort.
The light motors in comparison
The engine sound
The background noise is an important criterion for a light bike. Because a quiet bike automatically feels more natural. In terms of pleasant background noise, the TQ bikes are clearly in the lead. They are followed by the E-MTBs with Fazua Ride 60, although the Fazua on the Haibike is even quieter than on the Focus. The drive in the Forestal is the loudest, sounding on a similar level to the EP8 in the Storck. Rotwild has a slightly better grip on the Shimano. The BH Bikes motor is in the midfield. Downhill (not shown in the graphic!) the Trek Fuel EXe shines with rattle-free riding fun. Perfect! The Simplon performs similarly well. Forestal also creates a very quiet descender. The Shimano motors (Storck and Rotwild) rattle annoyingly, with Storck adding a battery rattle. The BH motor also rattles clearly from the gearbox. The Haibike's cables rattle in the frame and the Focus is unfortunately loud downhill.
Character features: These details characterise the Light-E-MTB class
The weights in comparison
Simplon is the lightest bike at 18 kilos. However, the Rapcon buys this value with a permanently installed battery and expensive equipment. In direct comparison, the weight of the second TQ bike (Trek Fuel EXe) is very considerable, as it has significantly heavier wheels (highest value in the test, tuning potential!) and the battery is replaceable. Storck reduces the weight of its classically powered e.drenalin with the lightest wheels in the test, but the bike is still significantly heavier than the competition. The iLynx from BH is also slightly heavier with the largest battery in the comparison (540 Wh).
The reach test: this is how far the light eMTBs go
In order to compare the range of the light e-bikes fairly and realistically, we carried out an extensive field test using watt measurement technology from Garmin. To ensure perfect comparability, we equalised all the motors to a standardised output of around 250 watts using the U-levels and the app fine settings. This is just under half the power of a classic Bosch or Shimano e-MTB motor. We kept the rider output constant at 175 watts (cadence 80 to 85 rpm) and the rider weight was 90 kilos including equipment.
Range height test - results
The Shimano drivetrains in Storck and Rotwild showed a high level of efficiency in our test. Storck climbed the most metres in altitude with a 500cc battery. The Fazua drive in Haibike and Focus with a 430 battery also delivered strong results. Forestal and the TQ bikes from Trek and Simplon managed significantly fewer climbs. The clear difference between these candidates and the Rotwild is striking. The battery capacity is nominally similar, but the R.X 375 gets significantly more vertical metres from its 375 battery than Forestal, Trek and Simplon from their 360 batteries. Although the BH gets the furthest overall with the largest battery (540 Wh), it switches to an emergency mode with minimal support early on. The TQ bikes also reduce their power significantly at a charge level of 10 %, allowing them to crank up almost 150 metres of altitude with minimal motor thrust.
For comparison, we ran a classic eMTB with a 720 battery and support adjusted to the same level (Canyon Spectral:On CFR, 22.3 kg). The comparison clearly shows that, with an economical riding style, riders can get significantly more range out of a classic eMTB than the best light bikes. This is only logical, but the manufacturers' marketing speak sometimes gives a different impression.
The characteristics of the Light-E-MTBs
Stable and smooth, or agile and manoeuvrable? The best bikes manage to combine these contrasting characteristics. The light bikes in particular manage this compromise really well, as they all have more nimble handling than an average E-All-Mountain. Trek, Simplon and Forestal score well in both categories, while Haibike, Focus and Rotwild also strike a really good balance. The candidates from BH Bikes and Storck do not achieve top marks in a direct comparison of the light bikes in either category. The light-footed handling of the Storck is astonishing - despite the highest total weight.
TOP 3 Tour:
- Rotwild R.X 375 Pro
- Haibike Lyke CF SE
- Storck e.drenalin.2 GTS 500
TOP 3 Trail:
- Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT
- Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ
- Forestal Cyon Halo
Value for money: How much bike do I get for my money?
One thing is clear: the expensive light bikes are not the ideal candidates if you're looking for a decent E-MTB at a low price. Because lightweight construction is expensive! Focus offers a very fair package on the trail with the Jam2 SL, and the e.drenalin from Storck also offers great equipment at a good price. The significantly more expensive bikes from Simplon and Haibike can't stand out from the cheaper candidates and therefore end up at the bottom of the price-performance ranking. Nevertheless, the equipment on both bikes is very high quality.
Points table: The test results in comparison
Test criteria
Uphill: How does the E-MTB perform on difficult climbs? We separate the evaluation categories into steep uphill and technical uphill. In the first category, we assess the riding behaviour on steep ramps. Deductions are made here for a front wheel that climbs early, unfavourable seating positions and too little motor power or traction. The evaluation for technical uphills is all about trails uphill with obstacles. Is the bike easy to control? Does the suspension generate traction without bottoming out? How does the bike cope with tight corners and steps? Deductions are made for motors that are difficult to modulate, passive riding positions and frequent crank bumps.
Downhill: As in the uphill classification, we also separate downhill into two different categories. Trail flowing is dedicated to riding fun. This is where handy bikes with lively and agile handling score points. Deductions are made for high (wheel) weights, sluggish suspension and geometries that are too track-following. Downhill rough, on the other hand, is all about handling qualities in nasty terrain and at high speeds. What counts here is the suspension's ability to swallow, safe geometries and robust equipment.
Tour: In the Tour rating, the reach of the bikes comes into play, which we crank out in a standardised field test. In addition to riding comfort, the easy-riding rating is based on whether less experienced riders can handle the bike well and how easy the bike is to manoeuvre. Steering that tilts and geometries that are too demanding are rated negatively.
Drive: Here we award standardised points, which we have defined individually for each drive. Power is all about performance and torque. In addition to the perceived thrust, extensive laboratory measurements are also included in the evaluation. The driving feel is particularly important for the light engines, as is the background noise. Deductions are made for rough or unharmonious assistance. Under Details, points are awarded for displays and remotes and the respective apps.
Quality: Point one is the equipment. We use fixed parameters to evaluate all components, from gears and suspension to cockpit, dropper post, wheels and tyres. Under workmanship/details, we look at the craftsmanship of the frame as well as the integration of the drive components such as the battery and speed sensor. We also award points here for the weight, manufacturer's warranty and the permissible total weight of the bikes.
The new diamond: We use the new diamond diagram to show the strengths and weaknesses, and therefore the character, of a bike at a glance. Basically, the bigger the red area, the better the bike. But the rating in the individual criteria is also visible here. We adjust the criteria depending on the bike category. The light bikes naturally score highly in trail handling, but lose points when it comes to range.
What the testers say
Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor:
It's sensational how quiet e-mountainbikes can be. The Fazua is already strong here, but the TQ is even better. The light e-MTB concept makes sense! For minimalists, the TQ comes pretty close to the ideal. It's just a shame that you obviously pay a high price for the low noise level when it comes to the reach.
Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test manager:
The drives of the light bikes are extremely different. The option of full e-bike power with the Shimano EP8, whisper-quiet minimal support from TQ or the balanced mid-range of the Fazua Ride 60: all approaches have their appeal. The customer has to find out which concept suits them best.
Tobias Ziganek, EMTB tester:
Regardless of the motors, the characters of the bikes are completely different. I love challenging trails and jumps and have an active riding style. I liked Trek and Forestal best for this area of use. Storck and Rotwild, on the other hand, are very comfortable and more touring orientated.
Favourable alternatives to the light eMTBs in this test
Light e-MTBs are outrageously expensive. However, there are also significantly cheaper models of some candidates. We have filtered out five light speedsters in the price-performance class.
Orbea Rise H30
The popular Orbea Rise was high on the wish list for our test, but the Spaniards were either unwilling or unable to provide us with a bike for the group test. However, the aluminium version definitely deserves a place on the price-performance list! With its moderate geometry, powerful EP6-RS motor and large 540 battery, the entry-level model is an extremely versatile light bike. Top: Many parts can be customised to personal preferences in the online configurator. This also includes the battery size: 360 or 540 watt hours.
Price: 5299 Euro >> available here
Motor: Shimano EP6 RS | Suspension travel: 140 mm
Focus Jam2 SL 8.7
The entry-level model of the Jam2 SL inherits the full carbon frame and Fazua drivetrain one-to-one from our high-end test bike. The price of 6200 euros is absolutely remarkable! You have to compromise on the gearing with Sram's affordable SX/NX Eagle, and the Guide-T brakes are also not the first choice for demanding terrain. Exciting: Instead of an inexpensive Rockshox fork, Focus opted for a DVO Diamond E3 suspension fork. Weight according to the manufacturer: 20.1 kilos.
Price: 6199 Euro
Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 430 Wh | Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
BH Bikes iLynx Trail 8.0
A good 5000 euros - you won't get an E-MTB for that from many manufacturers. This is where the light fun begins at BH. The Spaniards put their light trail bike on an aluminium chassis with 140 mm travel and equip it with affordable components. The result is a tourer that, at 22.5 kilos, is too heavy by light standards. But in this price range, fully weights of over 25 kilos are common.
Price: 5099 Euro
Motor: BH 2EXMAG II, 540 Wh | Suspension travel: 140 mm
Haibike Lyke CF 10
Admittedly: 7000 euros is not really cheap. But Haibike uses the full carbon frame of the high-end model for the entry-level Lyke, and the powerful Fazua drive is also identical. On top of that, the equipment with Lyrik fork, SLX gears and Deore brakes is absolutely trail-ready and clearly above entry level. Good: The bike remains well under 20 kilos. The Wicked Will tyres dampen the trail ambitions somewhat.
Price: 6999 Euro >> available here
Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 430 Wh | Suspension travel: 140 mm
Trek Fuel EXe 9.5
6999 euros - there is currently no E-Fully with HPR 50 much cheaper. In addition to the high-quality TQ drive, the entry-level model also has the elegant full carbon frame in common with the high-end model. However, the equipment is weak compared to the price. Inexpensive Rockshox 35 fork, Shimano Deore gears and mediocre brakes. Added to this is a very narrow 750 mm handlebar. Some improvements should be made for serious off-road use.
Price: 6999 Euro >> available here
Motor: TQ HPR 50, 360 Wh | Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
Cost-cutting measures: This is where manufacturers are cutting costs
The high-end models vie for record weights with high-quality features. This is not possible with the cheaper models, which is why they weigh around two kilos more on the data sheet.
1 The more favourable components add to the weight and thus shake up the unique selling point of light bikes. The extra pounds are particularly noticeable on the wheels. This is because the additional weight of the rotating mass is directly noticeable in the riding behaviour. There is great tuning potential here for affordable light bikes.
2 Orbea and BH bikes offer their light speedsters in the affordable price categories with aluminium frames. This significantly reduces the price, but also noticeably increases the weight. Most candidates in the light class are therefore only available with the expensive full carbon chassis. This is one of the main reasons for the high entry-level prices.
3 Massive savings potential also exists with suspension forks. And manufacturers are exploiting this diligently in the affordable models. Forks such as the Rockshox 35 (a classic in the entry-level segment) are slimmer than the top models and yet still heavier. More relevant than the weight, however, is the loss of suspension performance. In demanding terrain, the less confident damping noticeably restricts the riding characteristics.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
