All Mountain E-MTBs on test: 11 super all-rounders from 7499 to 9999 euros
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We tested these 11 all-mountain bikes:
7 E-Fullys under 8000 euros
4 E-Fullys under 10,000 euros
All topics:
Test e-all-mountain bikes from 7499 euros: High-priced yes, but also high-end?
There has rarely been as much discussion about prices in the bike industry as there has been recently. First the all-time high of coronavirus, when prices soared to dizzying heights thanks to greedy demand and shortages. And then the disillusionment: bursting warehouses, withering demand. Since then, manufacturers and dealers have come back down to earth. No, not even e-MTBs are being snatched out of people's hands at the moment. And that is still the sector that is doing best in the bike industry.
Price pressure is high
The fact that price pressure on the market is currently high is shown by the example of Santa Cruz: With a list price of 8999, we had originally planned the Heckler S MX for the more expensive of our two price groups. But shortly before we set off to test it in practice, the good news arrived: the all-mountain model from the iconic American brand was now a whopping 1000 euros cheaper. So are these rosy times for bargain hunters? No, the price level is still high compared to the times before corona. That's why we've made an effort not to scare you off completely, dear readers. Because if we had picked out the sweetest cherries from the manufacturers' catalogue pages, we would have ended up in the five-figure range for most brands. However, we opted for two price groups below €10,000 in order to reflect the technical status quo of the current all-mountain generation on the one hand, but on the other hand to keep the potential group of buyers less elitist.
The more affordable price range includes those manufacturers who have models under 8,000 euros that do justice to the term high-end. In the more expensive price range are those brands that are strongly characterised by their image. But even on the most expensive models in this test, the equipment is rather sober: Parts with a glamour factor, such as the AXS gears on the Specialised and Stevens or the Eightpins telescopic support on the Red deerare real rarities. Aluminium wheels, mediocre shifting components and brakes - that's what you have to put up with in this test field.
The suspension has priority for all-mountain e-bikes
On the other hand, many manufacturers are going all out with the chassis. Of course, every product manager knows that you would be saving at the wrong end here. Curiosity: The most expensive forks are all found in the lower price group. Cube, Focus, Moustache and YT install Fox Factory forks with a sophisticated Kashima coating. However, a high-end suspension fork alone does not make top suspension. The bikes in this test are mainly characterised by their rear suspension and geometry. And the candidates can be clustered much more easily by this than by price: The guild of super sports bikes with very lively, active suspensions includes Santa Cruz and Rocky MountainThe downhill specialists with flat geometries and full suspension are easy to swallow Specialised and Cube, to the climbing experts with very steep seat angles Simplon and Flyer, to the comfortable touring all-rounders Focus, YT, Moustache and Stevens.
Weights: e-bikes from 22 to 25 kilos
The Rotwild is a cross between two worlds: uncomplicated on tour, manoeuvrable on the trail. The bike also benefits from the lowest total weight in the group comparison. The R.X 735 weighs 22.11 kilos, while the Flyer is the opposite at 24.97 kilos - not too much of a difference in a test field where the bikes are up to 2700 euros apart. Of course, there is a perceived pain threshold in terms of overall weight, but the question of where the pounds sit is much more decisive. Excess weight is particularly noticeable on the wheels. This is particularly evident on the Stevens. The Hanseatic company opted for a 2.6 mm Magic Mary on the front wheel and Schwalbe's Eddy Current e-bike tyres on the rear wheel, which makes the bike's handling noticeably more cumbersome.
Proven engine models
There are big differences in the motorisation of the eleven candidates. Five manufacturers rely on the Bosch Smart system with a 750 PowerTube battery - a safe bet in terms of performance, riding feel and range. However, these bikes are also among the heaviest in the field. Specialized uses the tried and tested Brose, Rotwild, Santa Cruz and YT the Shimano. But surprise: not the new EP801, which you would expect in this price range, but still the "old" EP8. This is disappointing, as the new Shimano unit had recently impressed in the EMTB motor test with a significant increase in performance. Nevertheless, the successor models to the R.X 735 with EP801 are already rolling into the shops at Rotwild. Let's move on to the exotics in the field: the Panasonic in the Flyer and the Dyname 4.0 in the Rocky Mountain. Both units deliver top performance and torque values and enable fast uphill rallies.
A diverse test field at the E-All Mountains
So there is great diversity in the field of eleven high-end all-mountain e-bikes. There is a simple reason why the candidates are still close together in terms of points: in our points system, we assess different criteria and riding disciplines, and in the league of super all-rounders, many of these are similarly important. However, it is obvious that the strongest downhill rider is not necessarily the best climber or the most comfortable touring bike. In this respect, it is worth taking a closer look at the points table. And you can take your time, because manufacturers' and dealers' stocks are currently well stocked.
Conclusion Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB
Sober realisation: When it comes to features, manufacturers only go all out in the absolute high-end range. And this is usually at five-figure prices, i.e. beyond our test group. The positive news is that it is not opulent add-on parts that determine the riding characteristics, but geometry and suspension. And these are absolutely worthy of the high prices in this test field. We particularly liked the fun downhill characteristics of Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz and Specialized. On top of that, the Simplon climbs extremely well and secures the test victory thanks to its riding strength.
A comparison of the motors on the e-all-mountain bikes tested
Battery solutions for e-bikes
Features: the highlights of the test group
Weights in comparison
More expensive does not necessarily mean lighter. At least the Santa Cruz breaks through the phalanx of expensive lightweights. But it has to be said: When we invited the Heckler to the test, it cost a tidy thousand more. But the total weight of the bikes doesn't tell the whole story anyway. The decisive factor is where the pounds sit. The lightweight wheels of the Specialized, for example, have a very positive effect on trail use, especially when you accelerate the Levo beyond the support limit. The Rotwild engineers have done a great job. Despite classic battery integration, the Dieburg-based company provides the lightest overall package - albeit with the lowest permissible total weight.
Bike characteristics
Riding stability and agility are not mutually exclusive. Many of the bikes in this test manage to combine these characteristics well. Particularly positive examples: The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay and the Santa Cruz Heckler. Both bikes are among the playful, manoeuvrable representatives of their guild. Nevertheless, we would also choose them for fast downhill courses, where a lot of riding stability is required. With its long wheelbase and very slack head angle, the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 is a high-speed specialist. It's not for nothing that it lands high up in our top downhill ranking. Moderate representatives are Stevens and Focus. They have neither a pronounced play instinct nor special downhill genes and are best suited as touring all-rounders.
The reach height
We determine our standardised reach height values in a field test. We create standardised conditions for all bikes using watt measuring pedals from Garmin. With a rider weight (including equipment) of 89 kilos, we climb our ascent until the batteries are completely empty. The applied rider power of 150 watts corresponds to a moderate load. As usual, the bikes with Bosch's Powertube 750 are clearly in the lead. These batteries are heavier than average, but also deliver above-average energy. The nominally similarly sized batteries of the competition (700 to 750 watt hours) push the other bikes up the mountain noticeably shorter. While the Bosch systems do not yet deliver their full power with the moderate rider input, the Panasonic motor is already pushing at full throttle at 150 watts. Despite a slight reduction in power due to derating, the Flyer Uproc X achieves the highest average speed. Shimano's EP8 also delivers its maximum thrust - but this is noticeably and measurably lower.
Explanation: The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance. The metres in altitude in throttled emergency mode were completed significantly slower with a low battery level and very low motor power. The charging energy shows how many Wh were required to fully recharge the completely discharged battery.
Special case Rocky Mountain
The Dyname 4.0 motor from Rocky Mountain has always been extremely powerful. However, the Canadians have apparently pimped the unit even further. Because in its current version, the drive is very powerful even with moderate rider input, such as the 150 watts of our range test. As a result, the Instinct shoots up the first climb in record time. But from the second run onwards, the motor soon throttles back its power and issues a heat warning. And that at a gentle 20 degrees air temperature. Good: The display clarifies the situation very transparently.
Price-performance ratio
Clear statement: The more expensive bikes are not that much better, than they could make up for the price disadvantage of up to 2800 euros in our price-performance rating. On the contrary: the best bikes in terms of points - Simplon, Rocky Mountain and Specialized - land slightly off the group average on the scale. In the case of the YT, the price includes the 720 battery, as this is how we tested the bike in practice. However, the 720 battery has to be purchased in addition to the standard 540 - so the € 7398 YT package includes two batteries. This puts the mail-order bike from Forchheim in pole position on our price-performance scale.
Points in comparison
* The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), including unsatisfactory.1 With 540 and 720 Wh battery
Best in class: Our top ranking
Specialist or all-rounder? Some candidates make it into the top rankings in several disciplines at once.
Top 3 Uphill
- Simplon Rapcon PMax CX
- Flyer Uproc X 8.70
- Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 9
Top 3 Downhill
- Specialised Turbo Levo Expert
- Santa Cruz Heckler S MX
- Cube Stereo Hybrid One55
Top 3 Trail
- Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay
- Rotwild R.X 735 Pro
- Santa Cruz Heckler S MX
Top 3 Tour
- Moustache Saturday 29 Trail 9
- Red deer R.X 735 Pro
- Flyer Uproc X 8.70
What the testers say
The best construction counts on the trail
Mid-range parts on bikes for almost 10,000 euros? That's tough. However, our favourites from Santa Cruz, Simplon and Rocky Mountain show that the best construction counts for more on the trail than factory suspension or electronic shifting. Bikes with significantly better equipment such as Cube and YT are at a disadvantage here. - Adrian Kaether, test editor EMTB
Does it have to be? Definitely not! But...
Does it have to be an e-MTB for 10,000 euros? Definitely not! But the high-end brands show that the high development costs are also reflected in the riding characteristics. The good news: Specialized and Rocky Mountain offer cheaper aluminium versions that inherit the suspension and geometry from the top models. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB
11 very good all-mountain bikes with different characters
Eleven all-mountain bikes, eleven times the verdict "very good"? Downhill, climbing and touring characteristics sometimes get in each other's way - so the overall judgements are similar. However, a glance at our evaluation table quickly shows how different the characters in this test group are and where the candidates have their strengths. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB
How EMTB tests
Viewed individually, many e-mountainbikes ride well. Dramatic weaknesses are not to be expected in this price range. This makes extensive comparison rides all the more important. After all, it is only in direct comparison with similarly equipped competitors that decisive differences become apparent. The practical comparison rides are therefore the core of our test system. For this test group, three experienced test editors rode each individual bike extensively on different routes. The riding impressions are documented in test questionnaires and then analysed. The bikes also receive the most points in the EMTB points system for their riding behaviour in practice. Depending on the area of use, the test criteria are assigned different factors.
But we don't want to rely on our instincts alone. We involve our in-house test laboratory in every test. As many manufacturers use different measurement methods, we measure all geometry data according to our standard - this is how we create optimum comparability. In addition to classic values, we also determine special data such as ground clearance or centre of gravity height, which are particularly relevant for E-MTBs. Our field tests with sophisticated measurement technology and standardised parameters provide information about the range. We also have comprehensive performance data from our motor laboratory tests for all motors.
Test criteria
Uphill: How does the E-MTB perform on difficult climbs? We divide this into the evaluation categories Uphill steep and Uphill technical. In the first category, we assess the riding behaviour on steep ramps. Deductions are made here for a front wheel that climbs early, an unfavourable riding position 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 lively handling score points. Deductions are made for high (wheel) weights, sluggish suspension and geometries that are too smooth. Downhill rough, on the other hand, is all about handling qualities in rough terrain and at high speeds. What counts here is the suspension's ability to absorb shocks, 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 tips over 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. Under controllability, we assess the ride feel and response behaviour. Deductions are made for rough or unharmonious support. Under Details, points are awarded for displays and remotes, their ergonomics 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 pentagon: Our pentagon diagram shows 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. This allows us to meet the different requirements of bikes in different categories.
Cheaper alternatives
E-mountain biking is not cheap fun. However, some manufacturers offer significantly cheaper alternatives to the models in our test. Where do you have to Compromises enter.
Focus Jam² 6.9
The 8 and 6 series from Focus are the same in terms of motorisation and geometry. However, the 8-series models come with a carbon frame, the 6-series models with an aluminium frame. The Focus carbon fibre league starts at € 5999 with the 8.7, but then with less expensive equipment. And when it comes to the battery, you have to make do with 625 watt hours. Perhaps the better alternative: The top aluminium model Jam² 6.9 comes with the same suspension as the high-end model in our test, i.e. a classy Fox Factory fork and 750 PowerTube battery. This is also 1340 euros cheaper.
- MOTOR: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- ACCU: 750 Wh
- WEIGHT (according to manufacturer): 25.7 kg
- FORK: Fox Float Factory Grip2
- DAMPER: Fox Float X Performance
- SHIFTING: Shimano XT
- PRICE: 7399 Euro >> available here
Stevens E-Inception 7.6.1 GTF
The best aluminium model from the Stevens GTF series is over 2000 euros cheaper, but also a good 1.5 kilos heavier. At 26 kilos, the Stevens is a real lump, but the basic character of the bike remains the same: the aluminium GTF is also a comfortable and confident touring companion. The equipment is favourable but functional. There are some compromises when it comes to the fork: instead of the Lyric Select+, a Yari suspension is used. You also have to make do with the smaller 625 mm Bosch battery. But it is easy to remove! Plus an NX drivetrain and Code R brakes from Sram.
- MOTOR: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- ACCU: 625 Wh
- WEIGHT: 26 kg
- FORK: Rockshox Yari RC
- Shock absorber: Rockshox Deluxe Sel.+
- SHIFTING: Sram NX Eagle
- PRICE: 5499 Euro >> available here
Specialised Turbo Levo Alloy
Like the Stevens, the Alu-Levo has already proven itself in the EMTB test. In a comparison of all-mountain bikes around 5000 euros (EMTB 2/2023), it was awarded the trail tip. "Super safe and still fun! Powerful drive and large battery with a decent weight." That was the verdict on the Turbo Levo Alloy. A decent weight means: 24.6 kilos instead of the 22.8 kilos of the Levo Expert in this test. Of course, you also have to make compromises in terms of equipment. The cheap Rockshox 35 fork hurts the most. Nevertheless, a good package!
- MOTOR: Brose Drive S Mag
- ACCU: 700 Wh
- WEIGHT: 24.6 kg
- FORK: Rockshox 35 Silver
- Shock absorber: Rockshox Deluxe Select R
- SHIFTING: Sram SX Eagle
- PRICE: 5000 Euro >> available here
Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 5
Since the € 7199 Moustache in this test also comes with an aluminium frame, there are no compromises in this respect. So where do you make compromises on the 1200 euro cheaper Samedi? The battery, for example: 625 instead of 750 PowerTube (with 750, 6299 euros). The rest of the equipment is a real alternative: the Marzocchi Bomber Z1, for example, doesn't offer the adjustment options of the 36 mm Fox Float Factory in the Trail 9, but it works excellently. Groupless Shimano brakes and a few proprietary parts are also acceptable - after all, the Trail 9 is not very well equipped either.
- MOTOR: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- ACCU: 625 Wh
- WEIGHT (according to manufacturer): 24.4 kg
- FORK: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 E
- DAMPER: Moustache
- SHIFTING: Shimano XT
- PRICE: 5999 Euro >> available here
YT Decoy 29 Core 2
The entry-level Core 2 model comes with a carbon main frame, but an aluminium rear triangle. And with a 540 battery. The 720 battery can be purchased for 899 euros. But then you end up with just under 6000 euros and have to make do with Shimano Deore components and cheaper Rockshox suspension (Yari RC fork and Deluxe Select shock). According to the manufacturer, the weight of the Core 2 is 23 kilos with the small battery. In our test in EMTB 3/2022, however, the scales showed 23.9 kilos. With the 720 battery, this adds another 860 grams.
- MOTOR: Shimano EP8
- ACCU: 540 Wh
- WEIGHT: 23.9 kg
- FORK: Rockshox Yari RC
- Shock absorber: Rockshox Deluxe Sel.
- SHIFTING: Shimano Deore
- PRICE: 4999 Euro + 899 Euro
Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay A50
The Canadians are one of the most prestigious high-end brands, and the more affordable models are correspondingly expensive. The best aluminium model, the Alloy 70, for example, would cost as little as 7999 euros*. Seen in this light, the Alloy 50 is a real bargain. The geometry, motor and battery are identical to the top models - that's half the battle. However, the cheaper Rockshox shock has to make do without a reservoir. Of course, the aluminium package will be significantly heavier.
- MOTOR: Rocky Dyname 4.0 MTB-Drive
- ACCU: 720 Wh
- WEIGHT: n. A.
- FORK: Rockshox Revelation Select RC
- DAMPER: Deluxe Select+ R
- SHIFTING: Shimano SLX
- PRICE: 6999 Euro >> available here
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
