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Mountain biking is an expensive hobby in itself. It gets really expensive when you add an "E" to it. At least that's how it has been in recent years. E-mountain biking had developed into an elite hobby, especially during the coronavirus years. Full-suspension e-mountainbikes were not even available for less than €4,000, not even on the remainder ramp. Thanks to greedy demand and limited availability, manufacturers and dealers had the upper hand and were able to tighten the price screws until, yes, .... As we all know, after firm comes loose, and the industry now has to deal with this situation.
The shift from a seller's to a buyer's market is painful on the one hand, but on the other, customers can now rub their hands in glee. Bargains are not only being spotted in shop windows and online shop websites, but the manufacturers' regular RRP's are also being hastily adjusted in line with demand. Big discounts are available at the moment, especially when model changes are imminent. Full-suspension e-mountainbikes for around 4000 euros? No longer a problem - there is a wide range of models to choose from. E-fullys for around 3000 euros? You can even find them now.
We have picked out four models that particularly impressed us in the EMTB test team in terms of value for money.
Radon Render AL 7.0 750: 3199 Euro
Bosch Smart System, Rockshox suspension, dropper post and full suspension for the price of an entry-level hardtail: for 3199 euros, mail-order company Radon has put together an outrageously good package with the Render AL 7.0 750.
The facts about the Radon Render AL 7.0 750
- Motor: Bosch CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: aluminium
- Suspension travel: 160 / 140 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: M, L, XL
- Price: 3199 Euro
- Weight: 26.86 kg (size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
The Render from Bonn-based mail-order company Radon has long been a hot tip when it comes to e-mountainbikes in the price-performance league. All the more so since Radon permanently reduced the price of the aluminium model. From an already favourable 3999 euros to just 3199 euros. This makes the Radon the cheapest E-All-Mountain with Bosch Smart package on the market.
The Bosch motor system with Performance Line CX, Kiox display and large 750 battery is certainly the most important selling point for many beginners. (Click here for the long-term test of the Bosch CX). The drive is considered a benchmark in trail use, it is powerful and sensitive at the same time, the range is enormous. However, the Bosch package is expensive for the manufacturer to purchase, so the rest of the equipment had to be put together with care. The Magura MT5 brakes with large discs and ergonomic levers are a good choice, as are the grippy Maxxis tyres, and the SX-Eagle twelve-speed drivetrain from Sram provides the right gear ratio and range for off-road riding. The simple steel suspension fork sets the limits for very sporty trail use, but it is certainly sufficient for touring and moderate trails.
The equipment
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox 35 Silver TK / Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Sram SX Eagle (12-speed)
- Brakes: Magura MT5
- Wheels: Shimano Alivio hubs / Alexrims rims
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF / DHR II Exo, 29 x 2.5/2.4''
- Telescopic seatpost: Radon Dropper, 130 mm
- Special features: Also available with 625 battery (saves 900 grams and 200 euros)
EMTB summary of the Radon Render AL 7.0 750
With an excellent range, an outstanding drive, predominantly functional equipment and a super favourable price, Radon currently offers one of the most tempting E-MTB packages on the market. Incidentally, the Radon Render AL with a 625 Wh Bosch battery is available for another 200 euros less.
Rockrider E-Expl 520 S: 2999 euros
With the Rockrider E-Expl 520S, discounter Decathlon is sending an e-bike with 140 millimetres of suspension travel and a Brose motor into the ring at a competitive price. It's hard to believe: for 2999 euros, you can get a fully off-road capable and comfortable touring fully.
The facts about the Rockrider E-Expl 520S
- Motor: Brose Drive T aluminium, 70 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 500 Wh (removable), optional 360 Wh additional battery
- Frame material: aluminium
- Suspension travel: 140 / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 2999 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 25.6 kg (size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 120 kg
The sports and outdoor discounter Decathlon is known for decent products at unbeatable prices. Whether football, camping or mountain sports - the French company's range is huge. But what happens when a discounter tries its hand at a product as complex as an e-mountainbike? The Rockrider E-Expl 520S is part of a brand new series of modern e-MTBs that don't look anything like a big-box store.
To make the tempting RRP possible, the French company has decided not to use a premium motor. However, this is bearable, as the Brose Drive T Alu is significantly weaker than the Brose Drive S Mag at 70 Nm, but the power is sufficient for touring use, and it also pleases with its smooth power development and subtle sound. The power unit gets its power from a 500 watt-hour battery, which can be conveniently removed from the side of the down tube. According to our practical test, it can cover a good 1000 metres in altitude at the highest support level, and more if you ride carefully.
The comfortable X-Fusion suspension makes a positive impression off-road. This goes well with the classic riding position and makes the area of use clear: moderate tours. Together with the very soft and therefore grippy tyres, the bike offers a lot of traction - making it easy to tackle difficult climbs. Thanks to the long chainstays, you hardly need to worry about the front wheel climbing.
The equipment of the Rockrider E-Expl 520S is somewhat unconventional, but some of these parts turned out to be positive surprises in our test. Only the weak Tektro brakes are a clear shortcoming for off-road use. Great on the other hand: In contrast to many other affordable e-MTBs, the E-Expl 520S is equipped with a dropper post ex works. This increases comfort and riding safety in off-road and everyday use.
The equipment
- Fork / shock: X-Fusion McQueen R Air / Pro-R
- Gear system: Microshift Advent X, 10-speed, 11 - 48 teeth
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M 276, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Rockrider 30
- Tyres: Rockrider Grip 500 TR, 29 x 2.4 inch
- Special features: Telescopic support with 150 mm stroke
EMTB summary of the Rockrider E-Expl 520 S
The Rockrider E-Expl 520 S convinced us on tour and in moderate terrain. However, the brakes are too weak. And the weight of over 25.5 kilos is also less than exhilarating, especially considering the small battery. All in all, however, Decathlon has created a versatile bike with trail potential. Safe to ride, quiet - and at a real bargain price!
Conway eWME 8.9 MX: 5999 euros
Admittedly, putting a bike for € 5999 in the gallery of bargains is perhaps a little bold. But the Conway eWME 8.9 MX's spec is really great - it's more than worth the price.
The RRP of the smart Conway Enduro was once 7199 euros. That was in 2022, around the time when prices for e-mountainbikes had peaked due to the coronavirus. Even then, the price was a challenge to the competition when measured against the luxurious equipment. Now, at 5999 euros, some competitors will be biting their fists with rage. Because Conway's Enduro is equipped with just about everything that makes bikers' dreams come true: Fox Factory suspension and dropper post, XTR drivetrain, DT Swiss Spline HX1501 wheels, Schwalbe Magic Mary and Hans Dampf tyres. Only the brakes are a price-performance compromise with Magura's MT5, albeit with 220 mm discs on the front wheel. Added to this is the Shimano EP8 motor with the long range Darphon Intube battery with 720 watt hours.
The facts about the Conway eWME 8.9 MX
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm
- Battery: Darphon Intube, 720 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: aluminium
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Permissible total weight: 130 kilos
- Price: 5999 Euro
The Conway has proven itself in our tests in various model versions. (Click here to test the Conway eWME 3.9 for 4000 euros). In the MX version with a large 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel, the eWME has shorter chainstays and one centimetre more travel than the all-mountain models with 29-inch tyres. The bike is powered by Shimano's EP8, the slightly weaker predecessor of the EP801. In terms of torque, the unit is also perfectly adequate for steep climbs, although it does not have the dynamic power development and maximum power of the EP801. Thanks to the 720 battery from Darfon, the Conway manages around 1600 metres in altitude at the highest U-level - that is powerful and predestines the Enduro for long tours in demanding terrain in particular. The smaller rear wheel and shorter chainstays give the MX a more playful character compared to its all-mountain counterpart with a 29er rear wheel. The FOX suspension with Factory 38 Float fork and Float X shock is beyond reproach, even on the most demanding descents. In terms of tyres, the product managers opted for Schwalbe's Nobby Nic with Speedgripp compound on the rear wheel - this guarantees good smooth-running properties, but requires a willingness to compromise in terms of puncture protection. At the front, Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres play it safe. Shimano's XTR with a 34 chainring and 10-51 teeth on the 12-speed sprocket provides fine-tuning in terms of drivetrain - a proven ratio on E-MTBs that allows you to tackle steep climbs without fear.
The equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox Factory 38 Float / Fox Float X
- Gear system: Shimano XTR 34 x 10-51
- Brakes: Magura MT5 eStop, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss Spline HX1501
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Soft 29 x 2.4'', Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5 x 2.6''
- Telescopic post: Fox Transfer Factory, 100 mm
EMTB summary of the Conway eWME 8.9 MX
5999 euros is a lot of money. And yet the Conway eWME 8.9 MX is a super bargain for us. There is hardly another bike on the market that offers such a feudal specification for less than 6000 euros. As an enduro bike suitable for touring, it is also suitable for a broad target group.
Canyon Torque:On 7: 3999 euros
Although the Torque:On model change took place in 2023, Canyon still has the predecessor in its programme - at tempting conditions: The price was reduced from € 4999 to € 3999 in 2024. In return, you get an uncompromising freeride bike with powerful Rock Shox suspension.
180 millimetres of travel, 24 kilos, extreme geometry - with 430 millimetre short chainstays and a 63 degree head angle. The facts give you an idea: The Torque:On is uncompromisingly designed for downhill fun. 180 Rock Shox Zeb fork with extra thick stanchions and a solid aluminium frame with 175 millimetres of travel at the rear: the Canyon is hard to beat in terms of power. The same goes for smoothness, as the head angle is super slack at 63 degrees and the reach is very long at 480 millimetres. Canyon only bakes smaller rolls when it comes to the battery - but it does so deliberately. The 540 watt hours are not intended for extensive uphill rallies, instead they should save the freerider queuing at the bike park lift. If you can't cope with the storage capacity, you'll have to put a second battery in the car - extensive tours are not planned with the Canyon. Neither are tricky climbs: the short chainstays guarantee fun downhill, but make the front end rise early on climbs, while the slack head angle makes it even harder to control uphill.
The facts about the Canyon Torque:On7
- Motor: Shimano EP600, 85 Nm
- Battery: Shimano, 504 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: aluminium
- Suspension travel: 180 / 175 mm
- Wheel size: 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Permissible total weight: 130 kilos
- Price: 3999 Euro
On the equipment side, Canyon has chosen wisely and invested in a strong Rock Shox chassis consisting of a Zeb R fork and Deluxe Select R shock. The other components are functional: Deore 12-speed drivetrain, Deore four-piston brakes, RaceFace AR30 wheels and a grippy Maxxis tyre combination of Assegai and Minion DHR II. There is also a solid FSA cockpit and an Irridium dropper post with 150 millimetre travel.
The features of the Canyon Torque:On7
- Fork / Shock: Rock Shox Zeb R / Rock Shox Super Deluxe R
- Gears: Shimano Deore 34 x 10-51
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: RaceFace AR30
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip 27.7 x 2.5'', Minion DHR II 27.5 x 2.6''
- Telescopic post: Irridium Dropper Post, 150 mm
EMTB summary of the Canyon Torque:On 7
As tempting as the € 3999 offer for the Canyon Torque:On7 may be, to buy or not to buy is more of a fundamental decision in this case. Because with the Torque:On, Canyon has created a specialist for wild downhill orgies. If you're after it, you should buy it while the discontinued model is still available. The new model is only available from 5299 euros on the sender's website.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
