Specialised Levo
A cutting-edge Stumpjumper with a motor! Or maybe not, after all, the Specialised Levo now in its third generation, has become a brand in its own right that doesn't even have to shy away from comparison with the original mountain bike. A lot is new on the e-MTB for 2019: the geometry has been significantly adapted compared to the previous year's model and is now more modern - longer and slacker - but not too extreme. There is also an updated Brose drive, a battery with increased capacity and less overall weight - the Specialized Levo now weighs less than 20 kilos in its top configuration. No wonder it took first place in our ranking as the most exciting e-MTB of the 2019 season!
Haibike Flyon Nduro
Haibike has been a pioneer ever since e-MTBs have existed. At the last Eurobike, the e-bike pioneers surprisingly presented their first own drive, which goes by the name of Flyon listen. A whopping 120 Newton metres of torque, coupled with a 620 watt battery. More power is not possible. There is also Nduro 180 millimetres of suspension travel on 27.5 inch wheels with 2.6 inch tyres. The geometry is up to date, as is the equipment. However, the top model, the Nduro 10.0, costs 8999 euros.
Lapierre E-Zesty
Light, lighter, E-Zesty. At least in the world of e-mountainbikes. Instead of big motors and lots of battery power, the French, under the leadership of all-round talent Nico Vouilloz, have opted for a lightweight system that should ride as naturally as possible. To achieve this, the lightweight Fazua drive with just 60 Newton metres is used in combination with a 250 Wh battery. However, according to Lapierre, this should be enough for a good 1000 metres in altitude and if you want to ride longer, you can simply take a second of the 1.2-kilo energy bars with you. With a targeted total weight of just 16 kilos and 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel, the competent all-mountain could become one of the lightest e-mountainbikes ever sold in large numbers.
Intense Tazer
For mountain bike fans, the US cult brand Intense is a red rag. Some are totally into it, others just find it far too expensive. With the Intense Tazer that could change. Because our testers were impressed. Although you can argue about the look, the bike is not too heavy at just over 21 kilos, rides excellently thanks to the high-end suspension and, at 7499 euros in the only Pro version to date, is not a bargain à la Canyon or Radon, but is certainly reasonably priced. The proven Shimano Steps E8000 motor powers the bike, while the 500 Wh battery also comes from the Japanese company. In a nutshell: If you're looking for an e-MTB that bends well but also rides playfully, the Tazer is the bike for you.
Ducati Mig
Stylish design from Ducati and proven E-MTB technology from Thok. With the Mig RR two manufacturers combine the best of both worlds. The bike comes as a potent enduro bike with 170/160 millimetres of travel and, like the competition, relies on a large 29-inch front wheel with a smaller but wide 27.5+-inch tyre at the rear. As with the Thok, the Shimano Steps motor works in the bottom bracket, and of course the battery in the down tube also comes from Shimano. We have not yet been able to test the Ducati version, but it should be in no way inferior to the Thok Mig and has already fully convinced our testers in EMTB 02/18.
Canyon Neuron:On
E-bike at a competitive price! It has almost become the norm for German mail order companies to regularly win the price/performance crown in the MTB scene. Now the Koblenz-based mail-order company is going one better and pushing its uncomplicated Tours E-MTB Neuron:On into the virtual showroom for just 3299 euros. For that you get... Well, actually everything. 130 millimetres of travel front and rear, a modern but not extreme geometry, the latest E8000 Steps motor from Shimano and a matching battery with 500 Wh capacity. The entry-level model is equipped with a rather simple Rockshox suspension, which should be sufficient for most applications. If you want a little more, you can also opt for higher-end models. Definitely the E-MTB price/performance tip for 2019.
Centurion Numinis Trail E
E-trail bike made in Swabia. With the Centurion Numinis E the time-honoured German bike manufacturer has added another model to its range of e-MTBs, which the testers liked right from the start. 140/135 millimetres of suspension travel paired with grippy 2.6-inch tyres on 29er rims, a standard geometry and the tried and tested E8000 Steps drive from Shimano. The cockpit is neat and tidy, the user-friendliness is high (also thanks to the non-integrated battery solution), the brakes are powerful, the suspension is harmonious and it's not too expensive either. Our tip of the e-mountainbikes without an integrated battery, which also swims a little against the trend.
Giant Trance E+
Too much 29 inch in e-bikes? Then this could be Giant Trance E+ with 27.5x2.6 inches be exactly the right e-mountainbike for you. The centrepiece of the 150/140 trail bike is the Sync Drive Pro drive from Yamaha, whose battery - in keeping with the trend - is elegantly concealed in the down tube. The geometry is rather classic, with the chainstays in particular being quite long at 470 millimetres. However, the Maestro rear triangle is tried and tested, the lines are successful and no-one can beat Giant when it comes to value for money: The top end of the model range is already reached at 5999 euros, including full XTR and top Fox Factory suspension. By the way: If you prefer it a little rougher, it's better to go straight for the Trance SX E+which offers slightly greater reserves with more suspension travel.
Husqvarna Hard Cross
Alongside Ducati, Husqvarna is the second motorbike manufacturer to enter the e-MTB business in a big way. Unlike in Italy, however, the e-bike manufacturer is focussing on completely in-house development under the label of the Swedish off-road specialists. We particularly like the model Hard Cross. A full 180 millimetres of suspension travel combined with rather playful handling and "small" 27.5-inch wheels with a relatively normal tyre width. This should make the Hard Cross the freerider among the E-MTBs and should not shy away from even the most violent flying manoeuvres. In terms of price, however, the Husqvarna is more in the upper region. The top model will set you back € 7299, but you will also get Fox Factory suspension, lightweight EX 1501 wheels and a Shimano E8000 drive with a whopping 630 watt hours of battery power.
Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay
For a long time, good MTB best lists could not do without Rocky Mountain. Time and again, the Canadian premium manufacturer impressed testers and readers alike. A good year ago, the next big step was taken: the first e-bike with the Instinct Powerplay. We recently drove the new version. As before, the developers placed particular emphasis on the most natural, typical mountain bike riding experience possible. To this end, a special motor was designed for the first model, enabling the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay to retain the geometry of its driveless counterpart down to the last detail. The superior and balanced handling is therefore not surprising compared to last year's model, but the 29-inch wheels have increased the swallow factor somewhat. It is now available from 5000 euros, slightly cheaper than last year's model with a carbon frame.
Curious? Not found the right one yet? Then keep the EMTB Website in the eye. Under the tab News and updates we will also keep you up to date with the latest models.
