Husqvarna has always had a penchant for unusual looks. The last model generation of the Mountain Cross showed off the motor naked, flanged to the down tube. The new Mountain Cross is also intended to convey this obvious commitment to the e-bike.
However, the new MC no longer has anything in common with the look of its predecessor, apart from the 27.5/29-inch wheel mix (except in size S). The two-part carbon main frame is striking: A second stay runs parallel to the down tube, with Shimano's EP8 in between.
This "fore-frame" and "sub-frame" construction gives the Husqvarna MC6 an unmistakable design, but is also intended to give the frame high rigidity and optimise cooling for the engine.
So that the 720 Wh battery performs like for the first time at Specialised or most recently at Canyon The engine was rotated upwards to create the necessary installation space to position the battery axially in front of the engine.
The drive is held down by a C-shaped carbon profile, which can be removed to dismantle the motor. An additional motor cover has been dispensed with. This allows the Shimano drive unit to dissipate the heat generated unhindered over all surfaces.
Massive look, low weight, plus a new rear triangle
Even if the overall appearance looks quite bulky, according to the manufacturer, a glance at the scales should not scare customers away. Thanks to the carbon chassis, the total weight of the MC6 should be a maximum of 23 kilos, with the frame weighing in at 3.6 kilos.
The geometry and kinematics are also new. The aim of the developers was to create an agile, dynamic e-bike with an intuitive riding experience. If you look at the geometry data, the differences to the predecessor are rather marginal: the chainstays, reach and steering angle have remained roughly the same.
Only the seat angle is now one degree steeper and the bottom bracket is a few millimetres lower. Overall, Husqvarna wants to position the rider a little more centrally and lower on the bike compared to the previous models. The desired result is a balanced weight distribution between the front and rear, with slightly more pressure on the front wheel. This results in more control when steering and a later rise of the front on steep climbs.
At 343 millimetres, the bottom bracket is still quite high up, but the developers wanted to take additional precautions via the suspension to avoid bouncing. The rear suspension should remain stable in its travel when pedalling and provide plenty of counter-pressure when climbing.
While the shock ran through the seat tube on the previous models, it has been positioned on the top tube of the new Husqvarna MC6. This arrangement leaves more room for the integration of the retractable seat post, and there is now also space for a water bottle in the frame.
720 Wh battery & clever detail solutions
When it comes to the battery, Husqvarna has turned to Simplo. The 720 Wh Core S3 battery is removed from the bottom. Thanks to the Fast-Lock mechanism, no tools are required. The user only has to press two buttons to unlock the battery.
A battery suspension made of elastomers ensures that the battery floats in the down tube and is thus protected from vibrations and shocks. The battery cover can be opened without tools, but remains connected to the down tube by a hinge.
The developers have also put a lot of thought into some details. For example, the homogenisation of all bearings, axles and screw connections means that the same spare parts can be used for almost all newly introduced Husqvarna offroad models from model year 22 onwards. And to protect the battery from overheating, the heat generated is dissipated via an opening in the head tube.
Husqvarna Mountain Cross Carbon: 3 models from 6799 euros
Husqvarna will be launching three model versions of the Mountain Cross, all with carbon frames: The top model MC6 will be available from autumn for 8899 euros, the MC5 for 7899 and the MC4 for 6799 euros. There will also be three Light Cross models with the same chassis but only 120 millimetres of travel. The prices have not yet been finalised, but are expected to be around 500 euros less than the MC on average.
Facts & figures: The Husqvarna Mountain Cross 2022 at a glance
- Motor: Shimano EP8 (85 Nm)
- Battery: Simplo Core S3 720 Wh
- Wheel size: 27.5 inch rear, 29 inch front
- Suspension travel 150/150 mm
- Prices: MC6 8899 Euro, MC5 7899 Euro, MC4 6799 Euro
- Weight: approx. 23 kilos (MC6)
EMTB summary of the new Husqvarna Mountain Cross
With the new Mountain Cross, Husqvarna has made a self-confident design statement with clever details. The product strategists have already achieved one goal: to attract attention in a market where the scope for development is limited thanks to standardised motors and batteries. We are curious to see whether the Austrian all-mountain bike will also impress on the trail.
Interview with Michael Rieder, Director Engineering
EMTB: What was the aim of the new Mountain Cross?
Michael Rieder: To create a product that is technically state of the art, but stands out in terms of design. And I think we have succeeded in doing that. The geometry and kinematics are absolutely contemporary. We'll see how the design is received.
If you look at the geometry data, the differences to the predecessor are rather marginal. What are the main differences in riding performance?
The bike rides intuitively and playfully. The rider now sits slightly further forwards and lower on the bike. As a result, you don't pedal so much from behind and have more control over the bike. As far as the kinematics are concerned, we have a relatively high anti-squat - when pedalling uphill, the rear end remains very stable and the bike only rears up late on steep terrain.
The frame construction looks bulky. Weight minimisation was not the premise?
More of a weight optimisation. It wasn't about a few grams. Function and design were important to us. With the foreframes and subframes, we were able to realise several advantages, above all the optimal positioning of the motor, battery and shock.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
