Honestly: The first Haibike Hybe (pronounced "hype") was a less exciting wheel. From a technical point of view, the Schweinfurt team garnished here their existing all-Mtn framework with a little more suspension travel, a lot of marketing and an ambitious price tag. The fact that alongside the old All-Mtn the Nduro with aluminium frame also got the same namefurther diluted the concept of the Hybe. A new name for two older, technically completely different bikes. Who could possibly understand that?
With the new Hybe, Haibike is doing away with this and launching a completely newly developed bike that lives up to its name. Haibike has returned to the virtues of the brand: instead of a lot of fuss, there is sophisticated technology and one or two innovative solutions. However, the Hybe designers have left the big revolution to prefer the brand new E-MTB TRN/IQ (test here) with Pinion-MGU, automatic shifting, extreme geometry and an extravagant full carbon frame. The Hybe builds on the familiar and yet takes the idea of the powerful tourer to an exciting climax.
The facts about the Haibike Hybe
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 10,000 euros
- Weight: 23.1 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. System weight: 135 kg
- Warranty: 5 years
Bosch power in the frame
The centrepiece is the new Bosch Performance CX, which the engineers have installed in the centre of the bike in a heavily rotated position. This is reminiscent of Haibike's successful Lyke light e-MTB and even the 2011 Xduro - the first ever production e-MTB with mountain bike handling. On the new Hybe, the Powertube 800 can be pulled downwards out of the down tube thanks to the rotated motor. The frame does not have a large hole for removing the battery, making it stiffer and lighter.
The features of the Hybe CF 11
For weight reasons, the rear of the bike is also made of carbon. The suspension travel is a generous 170/160 millimetres. Despite the thick Zeb fork, puncture-proof tyres, brute Maven stoppers and large Bosch battery, the scales remain at just over 23 kilos. This makes the Haibike almost the lightest bike we have ever tested with the 800 Bosch battery. A long range goes without saying. Our test bike still came with a minimalist system controller. However, the Hybe is already prepared for the new Kiox 400 C top tube display. The Hybe is available from 7499 eurosOur test bike costs 10,000 euros. Not a bargain, but at least the equipment is of a high quality commensurate with the price.
The geometry of the Hybe E-MTB
Practical test: How the Haibike Hybe rides
Performance flagship or moderate tourer? The new Hybe is not intended to take a clear stance here, but rather to unite apparent opposites. This also becomes clear when you look at the geometry. Measured against the suspension travel, the wheelbase and steering angle are rather moderate. This makes the Hybe comfortable and easy to ride.
Convenient & uncomplicated
Thanks to the not-too-long geometry, the Hybe also climbs extremely confidently. The steep seat angle provides a lot of control on climbs and in tight corners and puts a lot of pressure on the front uphill. Tipping steering is not a problem here - at 64.5 degrees, the steering angle of the Hybe is only about as slack as a modern E-All-Mountain. The suspension and Conti tyres provide strong traction, which the new Bosch motor reliably converts into propulsion even in adverse conditions. The Sram transmission radio shifting at GX level is not particularly glamorous for a bike in the €10,000 class, but changes gears under load just as smoothly as the more expensive X0 and XX models.
Downhill, the Haibike Hybe shines with its extremely comfortable suspension. Unlike many modern E-Enduros, you don't necessarily have to push the Hybe through the bike park at full throttle to get it into the working range. Even at moderate speeds on natural trails, the suspension smooths out a lot of bumps. The Hybe scores with neutral and uncomplicated handling and remains relatively manageable for an E-Enduro with a lot of travel.
Real enduro downhill?
If the terrain becomes steeper and rougher, you'll be pleased with the secure footing behind the high front end. When in doubt, the powerful brakes throw the anchor hard. Especially on the front wheel needs the Sram Maven with the 220 mm disc takes some getting used to. But then the Hybe also gives less experienced riders a lot of confidence and is easy to manoeuvre on the trail.
The disadvantages of the moderate approach only become clear at full throttle: other competitors offer even smoother riding at high speeds. As the suspension requires a lot of travel to achieve a comfortable ride at medium speeds, you soon end up in the increasingly tight end progression at high speeds. Here too, the Haibike still feels balanced, but it no longer encourages you to go even faster. The biggest disadvantage of the bike is that the seat tube is long and the dropper post short due to the twisty motor. This noticeably restricts freedom of movement on the bike, especially for smaller riders.
BIKE review of the Haibike Hybe CF 11
Strengths
- low weight & high comfort
- High driving safety
- easy to drive & relatively handy
Weaknesses
- not a proven full-throttle professional
- short telescopic seat post, long seat tube
- Filigree screw in the battery cover
The BIKE conclusion
Not radically new, but impressively balanced. The Haibike Hybe blurs the boundaries between All Mountain and Enduro and offers a particularly wide range of use and a lot of riding fun at a low weight. Except for the short dropper post, it is an all-round successful all-rounder in difficult terrain. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
