Behind the price-performance brand R Raymon are two of the most influential minds in the e-bike industry: Susanne and Felix Puello made Haibike big in the 2000s and in the meantime also managed GasGas and Husqvarna with the Pexco Group. Well-known names such as Johannes Fischbach as Uncle Ray and Korbinian Engstler gave R Raymon a high profile. Last year, the Austrian Pierer Group (KTM Motorrad) took over the brands and wanted to shut down R Raymon. However, the brand is now relaunching as Raymon Bicycles and, in addition to a whole fleet of bikes of all kinds, is also presenting two very interesting carbon e-MTBs: the Kyrok e-MTB with Bosch SX motor and the Tarok with the brand new ZF Centrix are the flagships of the revitalised brand and boast a whole host of exciting facts.
Raymon Kyrok: Light E-MTB with Bosch SX from 17.7 kilograms
While R Raymon used to mainly produce affordable bikes exclusively with Yamaha motors and aluminium frames, the brand is now taking a new direction alongside its value-for-money models. The Kyrok comes with a full carbon chassis and lightweight SX drive from Bosch. This was also not previously available from R Raymon. The figures alone paint a clear picture. The carbon frame is said to weigh just 2.5 kilograms despite the removable battery, while the total weight of the bike is said to be 17.7 kilograms. This would put the Raymon on a par with the new light e-MTB AMS Hybrid One44 from Cube or Specialized's Levo SL - both with a permanently installed battery. Sounds almost too good to be true.
Weight or not, the Kyrok e-MTB should enrich the market with its slim silhouette, the successful Bosch SX and easily removable battery. If you want more range, you can also retrofit the optional Power More 250 range extender. With 150 millimetres of suspension travel, as a trail bike it is aimed precisely at the target group of most bikers, while 448 millimetre short chainstays promise balanced and not too sluggish handling. Prices start at 5699 euros and even the cheapest model should weigh less than 20 kilograms.
The Raymon Kyrok at a glance
- Motor: Bosch SX (55 Nm, 600 watts short-term peak power)
- Battery: Bosch Compact Tube 400, removable
- Frame: Carbon (2.5 kg light, manufacturer's specification)
- Suspension travel: 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: From 17.7 kg (top model, manufacturer's specification)
- Price: Three models from 5699 to 8799 euros
The Raymon Tarok: Full-Power Enduro with ZF Zentrix
The new enduro flagship from Raymon, the Tarok, provided even more eye-catchers at Eurobike. As the very first e-MTB with the super interesting ZF Zentrix motor, the bottom bracket area of the Tarok is quite slim for a full-power bike. As with the Kyrok, Raymon has opted for a new strategy here. Instead of maximum value for money and an aluminium chassis, there is a full carbon frame, but a classic front-removable battery. Raymon also promises an impressive weight here: the frame should weigh 2.7 kilos.
The Tarok is fuelled by 756 watt hours in the battery. However, if you want a lighter bike, you can also ride the Tarok with 504 watt hours. This should reduce the weight of the bike to 20.5 kilograms. 160 millimetres of travel at the rear and the 170 mm fork should result in confident performance on many enduro trails without being too cumbersome overall. Like many modern enduro bikes, the Tarok relies on a smaller 27.5-inch wheel at the rear and a larger 29-inch front wheel. The Tarok is available in four models from 6299 euros.
The Raymon Tarok at a glance
- Motor: ZF Zentrix (90 Nm, 600 watts peak power)
- Battery: 756 or 504 Wh, removable
- Frame: Carbon (2.7 kg light, manufacturer's specification)
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Weight: From 20.5 kg (top model, manufacturer's specification)
- Price: Four models from 6299 to 10499 euros
EMTB conclusion on the relaunch of Raymon
Raymon has reorganised itself in record time. And is also entering the race with a completely new portfolio and brand new drive manufacturers such as ZF. We are excited to see how good the bikes developed in record time really are and are looking forward to the first test bikes. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB
The brains behind the brand: an interview with Susanne and Felix Puello
EMTB: Susanne and Felix Puello, you founded Haibike in the 90s and then Raymon a few years ago. How did that come about?
SUSANNE PUELLO: When we left Winora in 2017 at our own request, there were a few options for us. The desire to found our own brand again was always there. And sometimes things just work out. With the combination of a clear design and a differentiated portfolio, Raymon has developed into a relevant player on the market in no time at all.
Where does the name Raymon Bicycles come from?
FELIX PUELLO: Raymon is a project close to my heart and is derived from my middle name, Felix Raymundo Puello. That's why the brand also bears my unmistakable signature as far as the products are concerned.
For a while, Raymon was part of the Pierer Group, but now the brand is independent again under your leadership. What is behind this?
In mid-2023, the Pierer New Mobility management team decided to put Raymon on ice - the focus was to be on brands such as Husqvarna and GasGas. At the same time, our exit from Pierer was already underway for the end of 2023. The first talks took place in August. And because Raymon was and is more than "just" a bike brand for us, we took the opportunity to take over Raymon after a few days of consideration. The support of our great team also played a key role in this. It was this that gave us the confidence to make a fresh start in what is probably the most difficult time in the industry.
Will the direction of the brand change compared to before?
We will be presenting our new brand identity to the public for the first time at Eurobike. Raymon will offer specialist retailers and end consumers a comprehensive product portfolio: from bicycles to e-bikes, for young riders to professional athletes.
ZF is Raymon's first launch partner for a completely new engine. How did this come about?
The first talks took place a few months ago. The drive impressed us from the very first second and the collaboration with the ZF team was smooth and cooperative right from the start. It is thanks to our international network, which has grown over the years, that the first four Tarok models with the new engine were able to become reality so quickly.
Will all bikes from Raymon Bikes have ZF drives in the future?
No, we will be working with three suppliers. Yamaha was our partner from the very beginning with Haibike - it was only because of this that Yamaha became big again in the EU. We will continue this reliable co-operation. We also presented our first collection with Bosch at Eurobike. We want to make the best possible offer to different users and are convinced that we will succeed with this setup.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
