Adrian Kaether
· 28.10.2023
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Fast trail bike or pimped-up race bike? Down-country is the name of the trendy category that lands right between fun trail speedsters and fast cross-country racers. And this is exactly where BMC places the brand new Fourstroke AMP LT. 120 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels are practically a given in this category. The Fourstroke is therefore intended for light terrain and should offer efficient propulsion and a lively and responsive riding experience. The TQ motor and 360 watt-hour battery are permanently integrated, while the range extender is available as an option. The Fourstroke is available in four equipment variants at prices between 6899 and 13999 euros >> available here.
With the Rampage, motocross specialist Fantic is venturing into a new era. The bike is not only the Italians' first light e-MTB, but also their first cross-country bike. With 360 watt hours in the battery and a TQ motor, the Rampage should weigh from 15.5 kilos. In terms of suspension travel, you have the choice between a cross-country version with 120 millimetres of travel and a super-sporty riding position and a trail bike with 140 millimetres of travel. The geometry of both bikes is rather conservative. The Rampage is available in five models. The trail bikes cost 5490, 6690 or 9490 euros, making the trail version of the Rampage one of the cheapest bikes with a TQ motor on the market. The sporty cross-country model is available for 8290 or 11590 euros.
Megamo has a long history in cross-country sport, but never really gained a foothold in German-speaking countries. However, this could change with their e-bikes. Megamo is launching two exciting models: the full-power e-MTB Crave with Shimano drive and the super-light Native, a trail bike with a TQ motor. The lightweight full carbon frame and the permanently installed battery promise a low weight, while TQ's HPR 50 provides a riding experience close to that of a non-motorised bike and a pleasant background noise level. The lines of the Native are clear and modern, while the geometry with a steering angle of 65.5 degrees suggests playful handling and touring qualities. For fast descents, however, the bike can be flattened slightly using a flip-chip. The Native is available in five models from mid-range to high-end, starting at 6649 euros.
The first light e-MTB from Mondraker is a real cracker. With 160/150 millimetres of travel and a TQ drive, it is more or less the familiar Enduro Foxy, only with a little tailwind uphill. The weight of just 18 kilograms ready to ride with trail-ready equipment and removable battery impressed us, as did the balanced geometry and the great rear triangle. However, the Spanish luxury bike is more for high-speed riding fun and not the ultimate in playfulness. The price is - typically Mondraker - unfortunately quite exclusive. The Neat is available in three equipment variants for 7999, 9999 and 11999 euros >> available here.
Maximum reduction is the main concept of the R.X 275. The Rotwild was specially developed to be ridden over long distances without the support of the motor. An e-MTB that is designed to be ridden without a motor? Only sounds absurd at first glance. Because the super-light Rotwild (from 15.6 kilos, EMTB measurement) has the same propulsion as an MTB without a motor. Using the boost button on the handlebars, you can then briefly switch on the maximum power from the TQ drive. This additional power gives the ride a special dynamic, for example when accelerating out of bends or overcoming short ramps. Instead of a conventional lever for the support levels, the bike offers a subtle basic support that the rider can adjust individually. This means that long rides are also possible with the small 250 battery. There is also the option of adding a range extender. The bike is available in two equipment variants for 9499 and 12499 euros >> available here.
No shock, no motor - at first glance, the Scott Lumen eRide looks very similar to the non-motorised Scott Genius confusingly similar. Thanks to the super-compact TQ HPR 50, the Swiss have been able to transfer their defining concept with integrated shock almost one-to-one to the E-MTB. But it's not just the look that stands out. The sinfully expensive top model weighs a slim 15.9 kilos with a permanently integrated 360 battery. Riding fun is therefore guaranteed, even if the lightweight equipment, especially the tyres, does not allow you to ride too hard. This is typical for the down-country category, for which the Lumen and the Rotwild above are the main representatives in the E-MTB sector. Accordingly, the Lumen shines on sporty tours and undulating trail rides. Strong acceleration, a lively ride feel, balanced handling - it's a success. The Lumen is available in four models ranging from 6999 to a sinfully expensive 15,999 euros.
After the Trek Fuel EXe (below), the Rapcon TQ was only the second E-MTB ever to be presented with the Bavarian lightweight drive from TQ. And what a bike it is: ultra-slim silhouette, a choice of All Mountain (150 mm) or Enduro (170 / 165 mm) and a weight from a claimed 17.6 kilograms. The geometry is close to the ideal dimensions with compact chainstays, flat handlebars and a steep seat angle, and the equipment can be customised using the configurator. The main catch is that the Simplon is not exactly a bargain, with prices starting at 8599 euros. Exciting equipment options are more likely to be around 10,000 euros in the configurator. However, the performance has already impressed in several comparative tests.
The E-Maverick is one of the latest bikes with a TQ motor. The idea: removable battery, low weight and the most natural riding experience possible. The bike from Hamburg is available in two versions: As an all-mountain bike in two configurations with 140 millimetres of suspension travel and as an enduro model in just one configuration with 160 millimetres of suspension travel. The bike naturally has the usual TQ battery with 360 watt hours, while the geometry of the E-Mavericks is playful and avoids extremes. The trail model starts at 6999 euros, the enduro model costs 7499 euros. The top model costs 9999 euros, but offers an impressive weight of just 17.11 kilograms in size R4 (L-XL). A good alternative to classic down-country bikes such as the Lumen and R.X 275 (above) if you want a little more suspension travel but still want a lightweight bike.
Last but by no means least: The forefather of all bikes with TQ HPR 50. The Fuel EXe from Trek. The motor was originally introduced with this bike and although the Trek is neither the lightest nor the cheapest bike, the ride feel and trail performance have always been impressive. This is demonstrated not least by a test victory in the light trail bike comparison test at the beginning of 2023. The key data of the Fuel EXe: 150/140 millimetres of travel, 29-inch wheels and a removable battery. As a launch partner of the TQ motor, Trek got its own display configuration, which we always liked better than the classic TQ option with its clear display and lots of information. In addition to the Fuel EXe with a carbon frame, the bike is now also available with an aluminium chassis. Prices are between 5500 and 7500 euros for aluminium and 6000 to 14000 euros for carbon >> available here.
>> Test victory! Read all about the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT here, to the top model, or the aluminium version <<

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