Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 20.01.2025
You definitely can't accuse Haibike of boring copy-paste, that much quickly becomes clear. The new Haibike Hybe CF differs quite clearly from the brand's other current E-MTBs, such as its Namesake with Yamaha engine. And compared to the competition, the newcomer definitely has some unique selling points. Nevertheless, the Haibike developers seem to have taken an example from various models in their own E-MTB portfolio. The brand-new Hybe CF even contains some DNA from the very first e-mountainbike ever.
But from the front. With 170/160 mm travel and a mullet setup, the new Hybe plays in the enduro category. However, the rather moderate geometry suggests a balanced all-rounder rather than a blatant downhill extremo. On the motor side, the newcomer relies on Bosch's new Performance CX. This makes the carbon bike the big and classy brother of the Bosch bikes Haibike AllMtn with aluminium frame presented in September.
The similarity to the equally new Haibike AllMtn ends quickly. The motor and battery are identical on the aluminium AllMtn and carbon Hybe, but that's almost it. The new Hybe uses a horizontal shock under the top tube. We are familiar with this rear triangle design from Haibike so far only from the Light-E-MTB Lyke with Fazua drive. And the Hybe should also have some fundamental virtues in common with this bike. Sporty and agile on the trail, with balanced handling and uncomplicated riding behaviour. Another thing the Lyke and Hybe have in common is that the focus during development was on low weight.
To achieve this, Haibike uses a traditional trick that also makes the Lyke special. The motor is installed rotated so that the battery can be pushed into the closed down tube in front of the unit. The chassis is designed to be light and still offer a removable battery. Special feature: In the Hybe, the CX motor is wrapped around the carbon frame instead of hanging under the chassis. This is quite rare and is actually reminiscent of the original Haibike, the Xduro EQ from 2011. I have seen such a wrap-around construction on the new Game-E-MTBs from Moustache, but they come with an aluminium frame.
The result: the top model Hybe CF 11 weighs 23.1 kilos in size L. With a removable 800 battery and robust equipment, such as a Rockshox ZEB fork, Continental Enduro tyres and powerful Sram Maven brakes. Not a record, but a very decent weight.
It's hard to imagine non-motorised bikes without it: the boot. Almost every new bike in the enduro or trail league comes with an integrated storage compartment in the frame. On e-bikes, the space in the chassis is usually taken up by the battery and motor, which is why these practical little helpers are not available here. But Haibike wants to have found a way to bring some luggage to the bike, even on an e-MTB.
The developers use the flap under which the battery slides into the down tube. Space is limited, but a medium-sized tube and a mini-tool fit inside. However, you have to think of a way to store the parts without them rattling. There are no fastening options or a cushioning bag.
The operation of our test bike was also quite awkward. Even the turning mechanism for opening the flap is very stiff. Even when clean and new - and it won't stay that way for long. In addition, the flap can only be bent open a little, which is a bit makeshift and makes loading and unloading fiddly. Unless you unscrew the flap completely with an Allen key (be careful not to lose the small screw and washer!). If you tend to use the storage space permanently as an emergency compartment, e.g. for a hose and CO2 cartridge, you will still get on well with this solution. A real added value.
It is no surprise that Haibike continues to rely on the tried-and-tested Bosch drive. It was only a matter of time before the e-bike specialist rolled out a high-quality carbon e-MTB with the new CX. The Hybe relies on the large Powertube 800 for maximum range. The lighter 600-series battery cannot be installed without further ado. A removable battery is mandatory for Haibike. The Hybe uses a somewhat more complicated, but weight-saving integration.
The battery is pulled downwards out of the closed down tube. This is not as convenient as classic folding solutions. The bike should be turned upside down, especially when inserting the battery, otherwise it is difficult to snap the battery into the contacts. However, if you have the key tricks in mind, changing the battery is quick and easy. Charging or storing the battery in a warm flat is no problem. And there is also nothing to stop you changing the battery on tour.
The Bosch Power More 250 range extender provides flexibility in terms of battery capacity and can be easily strapped onto the down tube. On the Hybe CF, however, the extra battery only fits frame sizes L and XL. On smaller bikes, it collides with the shock's reservoir. With shocks without piggyback (as standard on the AllMtn CF9), the Power More fits all frame sizes.
While the 170/160 millimetre travel is clearly aimed at the enduro corner, the geometry of the new Hybe CF is more moderate and all-round orientated. According to Haibike, the Hybe is not intended to be a downhill extremo, but rather a particularly agile and fun bike to whizz down the trails. To achieve this, the developers have given the bike a relatively steep steering angle and moderate reach and wheelbase values. To keep the Hybe CF easy to control and uncomplicated on the climbs, the chainstays are not too short at 450 millimetres. The seat tubes are long, which is probably also due to the rotated motor, which takes up a little more space.
Based on the frame of the Hybe CF, Haibike has created another model with less suspension travel. The AllMtn CF9 has the identical chassis, but is fitted with shorter suspension elements. As a result, it ends up with 160/150 millimetres of travel and an even steeper geometry. In keeping with this, the equipment is also less focussed on downhill riding. The AllMtn CF9 will cost € 6999, making it the most affordable bike with the new carbon chassis.
There will be three bikes with the newly developed carbon chassis. Two Hybe models with 170/160 millimetre travel and an AllMtn with 160/150 mm. You will have to dig deep into your pockets for all of them. The prices are between 6999 and 10,000 euros. Interesting fact: All models come with Rockshox suspension and electronic wireless shifting from Sram. The bikes are due to hit the shops in April 2025.
Visually slim and distinctive, with a heavy weight and interesting details: The Haibike Hybe makes a good first impression. The detailed BIKE test will show how the bike performs off-road and whether the carbon speedster is worth its ambitious price. If it adopts the virtues of its light brother Lyke, it has what it takes to be a really capable and fun all-rounder!

Editor CvD