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Enduro bikes are perhaps where the advantage of e-mountainbikes is best realised. This target group is focussed on trail and downhill fun. However, they would rather not queue for the crowded lift in the bike park. Taking the gondola up the mountain in the trail area? That's fine, but then please add a few metres in altitude yourself and set yourself apart from the masses. With an organic enduro bike, i.e. without a motor, this is hard work, especially with a lot of suspension travel and thick tyres. Too much time and energy is wasted on tough climbs - as an enduro biker, you would rather invest that in trail and downhill fun. With an e-drive, you have plenty of downhill and uphill fun. And since enduro bikers are generally prepared to use the lift infrastructure, you don't necessarily need a huge battery in the down tube for maximum range.
That's why more and more light e-mountainbikes have been spotted among the e-enduro bikes for some time now - with weaker motors and smaller batteries, they are trimmed for lightweight construction and therefore even more for maximum downhill trail fun. Examples: Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Specialised Levo SL and Conway Ryvon LT. The counterpart: performance enduro bikes with powerful motors and large batteries, with which you can nail demanding uphills at maximum speed in the highest support level. These bikes are predestined for use in enduro races and are usually developed in collaboration with the riders. Examples: Lapierre Overvolt GLP III, Propain Ekano 2 AL, Pivot Shuttle AM and the Canyon Strive:On CFR. Recently, there have been more and more chimeras that lie exactly between these usage profiles: Full motor power, but limited battery capacity and consistent lightweight construction. Our editorial selection for this category includes the Cannondale Moterra SL.
Border crosser: Santa Cruz Heckler SL
With a 160/150 millimetre crumple zone, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL is right on the border between all-mountain and enduro - just right for all-round use on trails. The e-drive strikes an equally healthy balance. The Fazua Ride 60 is very powerful for a light drive and the 430 battery (permanently installed!) lasts quite a long time. This means that the bike also offers reserves and riding fun on uphills. However, we liked the bike best on descents of all kinds. It combines a fun riding behaviour with a lot of power. The ideal trail buddy! The rear suspension is really powerful, the geometry is great and the Heckler SL hardly looks like an e-bike. It's only the high entry-level price that might put you off. And there is no option for a second battery. An economical riding style is therefore necessary on long rides.
The facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler SL
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, max. 60 Nm and 450 watts
- Battery: 430 Wh, permanently integrated in the down tube
- Full carbon frame in two quality classes: C and CC
- 160 / 150 mm suspension travel
- Mullet wheels: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Five equipment variants between 7,499 and 12,999 euros >> available here
- Weight: 19.3 kilos (model C GX AXS, size L, EMTB measurement)
- Lifetime warranty on frame, bearings and carbon rims
Conclusion Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Not too weak, decent endurance and yet not too heavy. The Heckler SL is a great compromise!
Icon: Specialised Levo SL
The Specialized Levo SL is something like the archetype of a lightweight trail e-bike. Like its predecessor, this e-bike has one main goal: trail fun. To achieve this, Specialized has opted for a moderate geometry with very short chainstays and a minimalist drive concept. Compared to its predecessor, however, the American company has upgraded both a little. The geometry is more modern, i.e. longer and slacker and therefore more downhill orientated. The suspension travel has also increased slightly compared to the first Levo SL. With 160/150 millimetres, the Specialized is positioned in the gap between trail and enduro and should therefore function as an all-rounder for all trail and downhill situations. In its latest version, it has become more downhill-capable and can also take on nasty enduro terrain. The brilliant thing about it is that it has hardly lost any of its loose and fluffy handling and still rides very naturally and light-footedly. The engine thrust is also still one of the minimalists - a far cry from the turbo boom, you still have to pedal yourself. Unfortunately, although the engine is quieter than its predecessor, the SL 1.1, it is still louder than many other light drives.
The weight of the Levo SL Expert remains pleasantly low at 18.2 kilos with a fully equipped bike suitable for downhill riding. There are hardly any lighter e-bikes in this suspension travel class, and certainly not for less than 10,000 euros. In terms of equipment, the Expert model of the Levo SL can confidently be described as the golden mean. It has everything you need for maximum riding fun, but without the exorbitant price of the S-Works model. Fox suspension with top damping technology, Code RSC brakes from Sram and the robust and smooth GX Eagle transmission.
The facts about the Specialized Levo SL Expert
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 320 Wh (non-removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
- Price: 9900 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 18.2 kg (size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 143 kg (manufacturer's specification)
Conclusion Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine
If you're looking for an e-bike that doesn't feel like an e-bike at all, you've come to the right place. The Levo SL offers the most relaxed trail handling of all e-MTBs!
Rabauke: Propain Ekano 2 AL
Are you looking for a bike that you can really let rip with? Then the Ekano from Propain definitely belongs on your list! You'll recognise the German brand from freeride videos or the Downhill World Cup. The young brand's focus is clearly on gravity. And the Ekano fits perfectly into this image. The bike offers 170 mm travel at the rear and 180 mm at the front (as on our test bike) or even 190 millimetres on request. In terms of wheel size, Propain has opted for a mix of 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels. With its superior geometry, massive travel and cream suspension, this E-Enduro was born for rough trails.
Vinschgau, Finale or the DH track in the bike park? Let's go! Despite the dimensions of a big freerider, the e-bike remains fun and good-natured in handling. And you can choose whether you want a Mullet or Full-29. This also applies to the rest of the equipment - thanks to the online configurator. The Ekano is also available with a carbon frame and Srams Eagle Powertrain for those with bigger wallets. The 630 battery can be changed quickly and easily on both versions. For maximum trail strength, Propain deliberately does not go "all in" when it comes to range poker. The comparatively small 626 Wh battery is designed to save weight and give the Ekano balanced handling.
The facts about the Propain Ekano 2 AL
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 625 Wh (3.5 kg, removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 180/170 mm (optionally available with 190 mm suspension fork)
- Wheel size: Mullet (29" front / 27.5" rear)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 8109 Euro
- Weight: 24.5 kg (test bike in size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement)
Conclusion Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor
With plenty of motor power and lots of suspension travel, the fluffy Propain is a really successful and beginner-friendly bike. But that's not all: hardly any other e-bike cuts such a fine figure in the park and on jumps. A clear tip for freeriders!
Hermaphrodite: Cannondale Moterra SL
Whether it's the Lefty fork with just one leg, a downhill bike with two shocks or asymmetric special wheels - Cannondale rightly has a reputation for being unconventional. Compared to this, the American company's e-bikes have so far been surprisingly ordinary. But with the Cannondale Moterra SL, Cannondale has once again come up with a little surprise. Instead of the expected Bosch SX, there is the new Shimano EP801 motor. And instead of a mini battery, it has 600 watt hours. At less than 20 kilos, the bike still rides like a real light e-MTB, just with more motor oomph so that the fun doesn't come up short on the climbs. The ideal light bike for anyone who doesn't want to miss out on a real turbo boost. In the hands of experienced riders, the stiff and direct Moterra SL is a real rocket, and the range of use is wide with 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel. However, the rather long chainstays and super slack head angle need to be consciously tamed. Even the cheapest model comes with top suspension, so prices only start at 7999 euros.
The facts about the Cannondale Moterra SL
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: Darfon, 600 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm with Flexpivot rear triangle
- Wheel size: Mullet (29 / 27.5 inch)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Three models between 7999 and 13,999 euros
- Weight: between 19.5 and 20.6 kg depending on the model (manufacturer's specification, size M)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg (wheels; chassis approved for up to 150 kg)
Conclusion Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor
A special concept that works! Cannondale builds a lightweight e-MTB, but not a light e-MTB. Ingenious!
Race DNA: Canyon Strive:On CFR
The Strive:On CFR was built for the race track. None other than downhill and enduro champion Fabien Barel had a hand in this. The result: long, flat, fast. The electrified Strive feels particularly at home on demanding enduro trails, where it scores with massive traction and defined handling. The racer is also ideal for tricky uphills. Top control, even more traction and in the top version there is even Bosch's CX Race motor with super long trail. For 8999 euros, you really get everything that ambitious (race) enduro bikers need. But even in the cheaper versions, experienced enduro riders will find a defined tool with which they can really let rip downhill. And all at a fair price. Despite the full carbon frame, the Strive:On CFR is no lightweight. The buyer can choose the battery size: 625 or 750 watt hours.
The facts about the Canyon Strive:On CFR
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (LTD model available with Race version)
- Battery: Bosch Powertube, either 750 or 625 watt hours
- Suspension travel: 170/165 mm
- MX wheel mix (29/27.5")
- Full carbon frame with extreme enduro geometry
- Three equipment variants between 5799 and 9699 euros
- Weight: from 23.3 kg (manufacturer's specification, top model with 625 Wh)
- Bosch Connect module (GPS tracking, theft protection)
- Four sizes S to XL
Conclusion Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test manager
With the Strive:On CFR, Canyon has created an uncompromising race enduro bike. This package includes plenty of riding safety for high speeds in demanding terrain!
Super sports bike: Conway Ryvon LT
The German bike manufacturer Conway earns its money with mass-produced goods from the city and trekking sector rather than with high-end mountain bikes. However, the company from Lower Saxony has already made a statement here and there, especially in the e-MTB sector. The latest addition, the slim Conway Ryvon, definitely stands out from the bike portfolio. Even for a light e-MTB, the model is particularly sporty. Ambitious trail riders could therefore find the concept, which the developers have built around the Performance Line SX motor from Bosch, very appealing. At under 19 kilos, the Conway Ryvon LT is very light for an enduro bike, well equipped and has a consistent chassis with sporty geometry. On the trail, it manages the balancing act of riding safety on wild descents and fun handling even on flatter trails with flying colours. This fully convinced us in the test. Thanks to the lively Bosch SX, the Ryvon even cuts a fine figure on the climbs. Compared to classic e-MTBs with a large battery, the range is naturally limited due to the system. All in all, it's still a winner in the light e-MTB category!
The facts about the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0
- Price: 9999 Euro
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170 / 170 mm
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: 18.9 kilos (LT 10.0, size L, EMTB measurement)
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch Compact Tube, 400 Wh
- Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transm. 12-speed
- Permissible total weight²: 140 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Float X2 Factory
- Cheapest model: 6500 Euro
Conclusion Josh Welz, EMTB Editor-in-Chief
Uphill, trail, downhill: Even with a lot of suspension travel and fat tyres, the Conway cuts a fine figure on almost any terrain and is impressively light, even with a removable battery. In short: Bravo Conway! The Ryvon LT is a real hit.
Sensitive: Pivot Shuttle AM
The Pivot Shuttle has a long development history behind it. The first generation came onto the market 6 years ago. Back then, the elegant vehicle polarised with a 500 Wh battery from Shimano that was virtually permanently installed in the down tube and was actually intended for external mounting. Thanks to this design and full carbon frame, it weighed just under 20 kilos even back then - and was already exorbitantly expensive at 9999 euros. Nothing has changed in this respect, but everything else has. Almost, at least. The E-MTB has retained the now classic DW rear triangle. In the Shuttle AM, it offers 148 millimetres of travel, which is accessed via the Fox Float X air shock. The rear suspension works brilliantly, it has to be said, skilfully soaking up small bumps and at the same time offering plenty of pop to get you airborne. This means that today's Pivot Shuttle AM hits the sweet spot perfectly: it's manoeuvrable enough to be a lot of fun on the home trail. And yet it still has enough grip for high speeds in the enduro rumble. Part of the secret is also: thanks to the permanently installed battery, the carbon speedster is one of the lightest Bosch CX bikes on the market. The top model with 750 battery weighs less than 22 kilos! But unfortunately super expensive!
The facts about the Pivot Shuttle AM
- Carbon frame with 160/148 millimetre stroke
- 29er wheels
- Bosch Performance Line CX motor
- Bosch Powertube 750 permanently installed in the down tube
- Optional 625 power tube possible, standard on the entry-level model
- Flip chip for 0.4° geometry adjustment (low/high)
- Weight 22.27 kilos (Pro X0 model, measured in the EMTB lab, size L)
- Three models from 8599 to 14,399 euros
Conclusion from Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Test Manager
Really light for a Bosch bike and on top of that, the perfect mix of riding fun and pedalling qualities. The Shuttle AM is an extremely successful all-rounder - but unfortunately super expensive!
Race-ready: Lapierre Overvolt GLP III
Visually, the Lapierre e-bike polarises like perhaps no other enduro bike on the market. The external battery mounted in the bottom bracket area is reminiscent of the e-MTB generations before the industry made the switch to system integration. But if you prioritise form over function, you will hardly find a better E-Enduro. Long geo, high-quality suspension elements and a balanced geometry that Downhill pope Nico Vouilloz has optimised it personally. And the calculation works. The chassis is extremely responsive and sensitive, the handling is ingenious: the front is surprisingly light thanks to the weight distribution, the handling is almost reminiscent of a light e-bike despite weighing over 23 kilos. Dynamic, precise, balanced: that's what we want! The race motor in the two top models is a real joy to ride uphill, the front climbs late even though the chainstays are rather short. A real insider tip for racers who don't mind the looks and have the necessary cash.
The facts about the Lapierre Overvolt GLP III
- Carbon frame with 173 millimetre stroke
- Mullet 29/27.5 wheels
- Bosch Performance Line CX motor (race version in the Team model)
- Bosch PowerPack 725 Wh, external, removable
- Flip chip for 0.5° geometry adjustment (low/high)
- Weight 23.4 kilos (GLP III Team model, weighed with hand scales at the press camp, size M)
- Three models for 8999 and 11,499 euros (Team and SE)
Conclusion Christian Schleker, EMTB author
Form follows function - nobody does this as consistently as Lapierre. A successful full-throttle enduro!
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
