For decades, the fundamental debate has filled entire regulars' table evenings: Fully or hardtail - which is faster? Even among racers, 30 years after the birth of rear suspension, the question has not yet been settled. For all the functional advantages of the full-suspension bike, there is one criterion where the hardtail will always have the edge: weight. And with an e-mountainbike? Weight plays a subordinate role, as we all know. Because the extra kilo or two is relativised by the power of the motor. Nevertheless, significantly more e-hardtails are sold than e-fullys. Why is that? Full-suspension e-MTBs are a rare species in favourable price ranges - with many manufacturers, the fun doesn't start until 4000 euros or later. This limits the target group enormously.
We tested these E-Fullys for around 3500 euros:
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPA Pro 500
- Gepida Asgard 1000 FS Comp
- Haibike Sduro Allmtn 6.0
- KTM Macina Lycan 275 (EMTB-TIP: Tour)
- Merida Eninety-Nine 500
- Radon Slide Hybrid 7.0 500 Vario (EMTB-TIP: Test winner)
Nevertheless, there are a few models on the market that could be described as reasonably priced. For our test group, we drew a tight radius around 3500 euros. But this much was clear from the start: in order to be able to put together a relevant test field, we couldn't be too picky: area of use? Never mind. Suspension travel? Any? Wheel size? We'll take anything. Nevertheless, many manufacturers had to pass, as they were unable to supply us with a standard fully that met these specifications. Six brands did succeed, including the good old favourites Cube, Haibike, KTM and Merida. A newcomer: the Hungarian brand Gepida with its Asgard model. And the only direct mail order company: Radon with its Slide model. One thing is clear: at around 3500 euros, the manufacturers have to be prepared with a sharp spring. But where are the savings?
Savings potential 1: The drive
The motor and battery are the most expensive parts on an e-mountainbike. It is clear that this is where the most savings potential lies dormant - but what compromise does the customer have to accept? Merida uses the tried-and-tested Shimano Steps E6000 drive. In contrast to the new and more powerful Steps E8000, the Japanese only release this for moderate mountain bike use. Shimano fails to define exactly what this means. The most noticeable differences: The cheaper unit provides less support and the operation is not quite as comfortable as the more expensive successor. Haibike relies on the Yamaha PW drive, which only provides strong support at low crank speeds. The Gepida uses the cheaper and weaker cruise version of the Bosch - similar to the Merida, you only notice the difference when things get steep. There are no compromises to be found on the other bikes when it comes to the motor: Cube, KTM and Radon rely on the powerful Bosch Performance CX. The winner in the altitude discipline is the Haibike - it climbed to an altitude of 1538 metres. Cube managed a rather low altitude in comparison - we suspect a fault with the battery. In the previous test, a more expensive version of the Stereos, which was also equipped with the Bosch Performance CX, managed over 1400 metres in altitude. The weaker Cruise version of the Bosch drive in the Gepida achieved a decent 1200 metres in altitude despite the small 400 watt-hour battery. Important to know: We always test the bikes on the highest support level. The Xduro only travelled at an average speed of 13 km/h, while the Bosch systems travelled at around 16 km/h. If you were to reduce the assistance, you would achieve similar values. The drives are therefore at a very similar level in terms of efficiency.
Savings potential 2:
Of course, there are also differences in the quality of the add-on parts - here, too, manufacturers have the opportunity to tighten the price screw. Haibike and Radon in particular equip their bikes lavishly, from plus-size tyres to a telescopic seat post with handlebar remote control - there are few wishes left unfulfilled by the customer. Some manufacturers are cutting back on the brakes, for example with groupless Shimano stoppers on Gepida, KTM and Merida. Fortunately, no manufacturer installs discs smaller than 180 millimetres. A few euros can also be saved on the wheels without the customer having to sacrifice noticeable performance. However, the quality of the wheels often only becomes apparent during continuous use. Radon once again draws on the full potential here: a complete set of Sun Ringlé system wheels is impressive in this price range. The shifting components are at a reasonable level across the board. Shimano shifts the gears on all bikes. Cube, KTM and Radon rely on SLX, the others use the cheaper Deore groupset.
Although the price can be adjusted via the add-on parts, the equipment says little about the character of a bike - the geometry and suspension set the tone here. At first glance, two different approaches catch the eye: Gepida, KTM and Merida build their bikes as classic tourers: short suspension travel, narrower tyres and feel-good geometry do not indicate overly sporty off-road use. Cube, Haibike and Radon have sent out potent E-MTB bikes whose chassis are also equipped for rough alpine terrain. The Haibike comes with an upright, very relaxed riding position and thus differs significantly from Radon and Cube. On both of these bikes, you sit in a more sporty position and are better integrated into the bike. While the Radon, with its extremely long chainstays and wheelbase plus slack steering angle, is trimmed for straight-line stability, the Cube remains more agile.
Conclusion by Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Ottmar: Full-suspension e-mountain bikes are hard to find cheaper: For around 3500 euros, you can already expect an E-Fully that is ready to take you off-road. Depending on the manufacturer, compromises tend to be made with slightly weaker motor versions or add-on parts. However, the frame geometry and suspension are much more decisive when it comes to suitability for sporty trail use - and our small test field of six models shows a wide range here.
THE DETAILS OF THE TEST BIKES
The devil is in the detail. But even pleasant surprises can often only be recognised on closer inspection.
