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Who will build the best e-mountainbike in 2025? "It depends", you could quibble. After all, the e-MTB market is branching out into ever finer branches. However, most specialists are no more than marginal phenomena.
In contrast, there is probably no other bike category that appeals to a broader target group than motorised all-mountain bikes. The traditional habitat of these bikes ranges from tarmac lake circuits and tours to mountain pastures to hearty trail rides or even bike park excursions. Powerful motors, long-lasting batteries and robust equipment deliver carefree fun at all altitudes. But who has the best package in their portfolio?
Test field: The candidates at a glance
In our search for the best all-rounder for the 2025 season, we picked out eight bikes from the high-end league. You have to shell out between 8,000 and 9,999 euros for the bikes in the test field, which is steep.
But don't worry: on the one hand, the conditions for bargain hunters are still ideal in the current market situation and even brand-new models are changing hands well below the RRP in some cases. We have also summarised more affordable versions of our test bikes between 4699 and 7499 euros at the end of this article.
The following links lead directly to the detailed test articles of the individual bikes:
More lift, more driving pleasure?
The suspension travel of these bikes has levelled off at 150 to 160 millimetres. More is hardly needed - and less is not really necessary either. On the one hand, the motor smoothes out a slight bobbing in the chassis and disguises the slightly higher weight.
On the other hand, the low centre of gravity and the higher mass ensure a full trail position that almost evokes an enduro feeling. The combination of a 160 mm fork and 150 millimetres at the rear crystallises as the golden mean. This is demonstrated by Focus, Pivot, Propain and Santa Cruz. The rest only move a few millimetres around it.
Colourful world of engines
In terms of motors, Bosch is more widely represented than ever before on high-end eMTBs in the 2025 season. Five out of eight candidates are pushing towards the summit with Swabian power. The new edition of the CX is noticeable here. Rattle-free and, in combination with the new batteries, significantly lighter, with great handling and a reliable service network. That seems to be going down well.
In addition, Shimano, Sram and Pinion make up a colourful squad. The combined motor-gearbox unit MGU from Pinion in the Simplon Rapcon adds a splash of colour. The unique concept is particularly exciting for all those who don't want to have problems with the rear derailleur, sprocket or chain. This is because the Simplon runs with a low-maintenance carbon belt.
Range: How long does the battery last?
Bigger is better - bike manufacturers seem to be abandoning this motto when it comes to battery capacity. Only two bikes come with a large 800 mm Bosch battery. In the range ranking, Conway and Cube are lonely at the top.
In our standardised test procedure, we cranked up over 2000 metres of altitude with these bikes in turbo mode. However, both bikes fall well short of the outstanding values of our first test bike with the new Powertube 800. The Cube loses a few metres in altitude for the light reserve.
In second place are the smaller Bosch batteries with 625 Wh in the Pivot and 600 Wh in the Focus and Santa Cruz. The nominally smaller batteries provide more thrust than the Pinion system with 720 watt hours. Please note: The batteries in the Pivot and Santa Cruz are permanently installed in the down tube.
The Shimano drive with Darfon battery (626 Wh) in the Propain runs out of breath the quickest, but the system then offers a longer emergency run in which the motor still provides minimal support at Eco level. This gives you another 240 metres in altitude, although the rider climbs the majority of these, rather than the motor.
Large differences in weight
The two lightest bikes in the test rely on a fixed battery with rather slim 600 and 625 watt hours, which shows the advantages of this design. The front-runner, Santa Cruz, even manages the low weight with a thick Fox 38, solid downhill tyres and the highest weight rating - perfect for wild trail rides. Propain presents the lightest E-MTB with a removable battery.
Cube and Conway show that a good weight is also possible with the high-range Powertube 800 from Bosch, which is also classically removable. Conway's heavy wheels and super-robust gravity tyres leave even more potential. At Cube, the extremely light wheels stand out.
The only aluminium chassis in the field gives the Focus the red lantern in the weight ranking - despite a small battery with only 600 watt hours. Simplon still lands at an acceptable 24.2 kilos with a heavy Pinion drive and robust equipment.
Equipment: moderate to noble
If you look at the equipment, you will notice extreme differences. The bad news is that only one of the high-end bikes actually has the full package, i.e. carbon parts including super-light wheels, high-end gears and top suspension.
As usual, Cube stands out here. For an almost identical price, Pivot offers just the entry-level model. Even at Santa Cruz, you won't find any Kashima bling bling or carbon fibre weight reduction on the add-on parts for just under 10,000 euros.
But, and this brings us to the good news: on the trail, the quality class of the equipment only counts to a limited extent. Here, the eight bikes show very individual strengths, weaknesses and characters.
Results at a glance: The points table
Excellent: These bikes deserve a BIKE tip
Tour tip: Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 SLT
The Cube is not one of the best in the test on rough terrain. On the other hand, it scores particularly well with its uncomplicated handling in all situations. With the 800 Bosch battery, it has an extremely long range and the battery can be removed quickly and easily. On top of this, the SLT boasts the best equipment in the test and a high level of riding comfort.
Trail tip: Pivot Shuttle AM Ride
With the Shuttle AM, Pivot proves that high-quality equipment isn't everything and that a good chassis with strong suspension plays at least as big a role on the trail. The handling and rear suspension of the American are so successful that the bike skilfully makes up for the weakness of the cheaper fork on demanding trails. The bike combines riding safety and riding fun. The old Bosch motor can hardly spoil this impression.
Test winner: Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS
Off-road, the new Santa Cruz Vala makes the competition look old. The outstanding trail handling is complemented by an absolutely harmonious spec. Although it is not yet 100% glamorous in relation to the price, it leaves nothing to be desired in terms of functionality. A powerful bike uphill and downhill. Especially for active riders who are looking for a partner for the wild trail chase and prioritise bike handling over reach.
The BIKE conclusion
Off-road, the two top scorers from Santa Cruz and Pivot stand out. However, with a small, permanently installed battery, they are not the right choice for everyone. Encouragingly, all eight candidates delivered a more than solid performance on the trail, which is reflected in consistently good scores. With a variety of motors and different battery concepts, there is something for every taste and area of use. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE
Savings programme: affordable alternatives to luxury e-bikes
Apart from Pivot and Simplon, our test bikes are also available at significantly lower prices. We show the most worthwhile models from 4699 euros.
Conway Xyron ST 5.0 - 5000 Euro
Conway's price-performance tip goes to the second cheapest model. The aluminium frame saves costs, so you can invest in the equipment: Fox suspension, Shimano XT drivetrain, Newmen wheels and a large battery. There's nothing to complain about.
Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 SLX - 4999 Euro
Price-performance banger Cube puts together a really strong package for less than 5000 euros. The bike not only has a large 800 battery and a colour display, but also Fox suspension and full Shimano XT equipment >> available here.
Focus Jam² 6.7 - from 4699 euros
The cheapest Focus Jam² has the same aluminium frame as the top model. You have to make compromises, especially with the favourable Rockshox suspension with Psylo Silver and Deluxe shock. Available with 800 watt hours instead of 600 for an extra 300 euros >> available here.
Gasgas MXC 4 - 6999 Euro
The DVO-WP special suspension is reserved for the expensive models with gas. The MXC 4 has conventional but high-quality Rockshox suspension parts. The mechanical GX Eagle drivetrain also saves money. With Alltricks or Bicycle XXL currently heavily reduced!
Propain Sresh CF Base - 5999 Euro
With mid-range parts like the Rockshox Lyrik, a GX Eagle drivetrain and affordable Newmen wheels, even the cheapest Propain Sresh is absolutely trail-ready. Savings have also been made on the cheaper EP6 motor. Weak points can be eliminated in the configurator.
Santa Cruz Vala 1 C R - 7499 Euro
As is typical for the brand, even the cheapest Santa Cruz Vala is no bargain. For 7499 euros, you get a Zeb Base and a Float-X shock. The DB8 brakes and the NX drivetrain in particular show the need to save money. Our test bike has the better price-performance ratio. The Santa Cruz Vala 1 C R is for example available from Liquid Life.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
