8 all-mountain e-bikes up to 6,000 euros put to the test: How much e-MTB do these all-rounders offer for the money?

Top seller. This is the term we’ve come to use here in the editorial team for e-mountain bikes in the €5,000 to €6,000 price range. Why? Because this is where most bikes are sold. And because this price range offers the best balance of value for money. If you’re looking for an e-MTB for off-road use on tours and trails, you’ll find a solid package here – and a huge selection. Our major comparison test brings together eight exciting contenders for the title of best all-round e-bike.

Review: 8 full-suspension e-bikes costing up to 6,000 euros

Click here to go straight to the in-depth review of the bike

• Cannondale Moterra 3 >> e.g. available here
• Canyon Spectral:On CF8
• Centurion No Pogo F3000i
• Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM >> e.g. available here
• Uproc X 2.10 leaflet
• Marin Rift Zone E2
• Rose Root Miller Plus 3 >> e.g. available here
• Trek Rail 7 Gen3 >> e.g. available here

Huge discounts on the latest e-mountain bikes

In the current market climate, price figures are relative. RRP figures are being adjusted up and down at will. And whatever price tag is attached to the bike at the dealer is, in any case, a completely different matter altogether. It’s difficult to put together a consistent test line-up in this situation. With Marin and Centurion, two bikes have made it into our comparison that we would have had to reject a few months ago with the comment ‘too expensive!’. However, the manufacturers have permanently reduced their official prices. As a result, the spec of these two aluminium bikes really stands out.

The additional discounts offered by retailers are likely to be somewhat more modest in this case. The fact is: at present, hardly any bikes are changing hands at the stated RRP. It is therefore worth comparing current high street prices thoroughly. For example, at the time of going to press, online retailers Canyon and Rose are offering their all-mountain bikes at drastically reduced prices in their web shops. The Root Miller Plus 3 for 4999 instead of 5999, at the Canyon Spectral:On CF8 the discount is even higher: 4,799 instead of 5,999 euros.

In terms of suspension travel, the bikes range from 140 to 160 millimetres. However, their intended use cannot be determined by travel alone. Interestingly, the Marin Riftzone With its 140 mm suspension travel, it is one of the bikes with the best downhill performance, whilst the 150 mm models from Cannondale Moterra and Rose Root Miller are more geared towards touring. Even the Trek Rail 7 With its 160 mm fork, it’s more of an all-rounder than a mini enduro.

More reviews on all-mountain e-MTBs:

• Canyon, Conway, Radon, Scott and YT: A comparison of five all-rounders priced up to 6,300 euros
• Who makes the best all-mountain e-MTB? 11 bikes ranging from 7,499 to 9,999 euros in a high-end comparison test
• Entry-level range: Six all-mountain e-bikes costing up to 5,000 euros put to the test
• Can you get one on a budget? Four exciting e-full-suspension bikes under 4,000 euros put to the test

The batteries on the test bikes – is less more?

Another thing that stands out is that the batteries are, on average, smaller than in tests carried out in recent years. Two Shimano bikes are fitted with the Japanese manufacturer’s lightweight 630 battery, which, however, does not offer a particularly long range. And no fewer than three bikes with Bosch drives are fitted with only the 625 Powertube. However, one cannot infer a market trend from this. In many cases, the smaller battery is more a result of price or design.

It’s a shame that, despite their small batteries, the bikes aren’t really any lighter. Only Canyon and Rose manage to stay under 24 kilos. Still, the Rose achieves a truly impressive figure of 22.8 kilos – a level you’d normally have to dig much deeper into your pockets to afford. And the majority of the group at least stay under 25 kilos.

A comparison of weights

The Rose Root Miller is over 1.5 kilos lighter than average – that’s quite a claim! The Canyon Spectral:On also manages to stand out slightly from the crowd. The mid-table bikes are bunched closely together. The two bikes fitted with the heavy 750 Bosch battery (and offering the best range!) come in at the bottom of the weight rankings. One thing that stands out is the heavy wheels on the Marin. Even without the Cushcore puncture-protection insert, they’d still be the heaviest. The Trek’s lightweight wheels make it the lightest aluminium bike.

What the testers say

Bosch or Shimano? It’s a matter of personal preference. The motors offer very different riding experiences. One thing is clear, however: on challenging climbs, the Bosch CX is significantly better. The Shimano EP801 runs out of power too soon at high cadences, which makes it feel a bit sluggish, and acceleration then becomes difficult. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager at EMTB Magazine

Marin’s Rift Zone E2 is a real surprise in the test line-up. This bike really has character: it has limited suspension travel, yet is fully geared up for downhill riding. That makes it a fun little runabout for your local trails. Anyone who likes to ride actively and aggressively through the terrain will love it. A real success! - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief of EMTB

The Flyer offers the greatest potential for off-road riding. With its super-progressive geometry and well-designed kinematics, the new Uproc:X is a true off-road all-rounder. However, the entry-level model’s basic spec does limit its capabilities somewhat. This is where there’s scope for customisation. - Adrian Kaether, Test Editor at EMTB

Range – this is how long an e-bike battery lasts

How far can I go on my e-bike? Despite our extensive range tests, we cannot, of course, give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, our testing procedure provides an ideal basis for comparing the bikes we’ve tested and their drive systems. In our standardised field test, we cycle up an asphalt incline with an average gradient of 12.2 per cent until the batteries are flat. The climb has an elevation gain of 412 metres. We keep the rider’s power output constant and record the values with Garmin Rally XC Powermeter Pedals The rider pedals at 150 watts with a cadence of 80 revolutions per minute. The rider’s weight, including kit, also remains constant at 90 kilos for every ride. In short: the same test conditions for all bikes. The ride is carried out at the highest assistance level.

Cube and Cannondale are clearly at the top of the range rankings – the two bikes, fitted with a high-capacity 750 Bosch battery and a CX motor, clocked by far the most metres of elevation gain in the field test. Even the Bosch bikes with the smaller 625 battery performed above average. They are roughly on a par with the nominally better-equipped Canyon Spectral:On (720 Wh). However, a high-capacity 900 battery is available as an option for the Canyon (+400 euros, +900 g); with this, the Spectral:On would clearly be number one in the range rankings.

The two bikes fitted with the Shimano 630 battery lag behind in the rankings. The low charging output suggests that the Shimano 630 battery simply delivers fewer watt-hours than stated. To their credit, the Shimano bikes achieved high riding speeds. This demonstrates the enormous level of assistance that the EP801 provides even with minimal rider input. Bosch’s CX operates more progressively and, with our 150-watt pedalling power in the field test, is more restrained – and therefore more economical – in its operation. To achieve maximum power on the CX, you have to pedal harder.

A comparison of the engines

Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System

The most popular e-MTB motor impresses with its reliability, excellent modulation and lively acceleration. This makes the Bosch CX (see our in-depth review here) Unbeatable on tough uphill sections. Plus, it has excellent range. Unfortunately, the batteries are very heavy. Going downhill, the motor rattles when rolling over obstacles.

Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4

The Rose is still fitted with the older generation of the CX motor, which doesn’t feature the SmartSystem. The components aren’t compatible with one another, and there’s no app for this motor. What’s more, the battery capacity is limited to 625 Wh. However, the power and responsiveness are top-notch here too.

Shimano EP801

The Shimano EP801 (see our in-depth review here) is a lightweight and compact high-output motor. Even with minimal input from the rider, it delivers extremely strong assistance and offers more support in this respect than Bosch’s CX. Weakness: at high cadences, it runs out of power too soon. The EP801 also rattles noticeably when going downhill.

Hits and Misses – Tips for Choosing an E-Bike

It’s often the little things that make the difference between enjoying your new bike and finding it frustrating. During our test, we noticed lots of details – both positive and negative. In the photo gallery here, you’ll find the most important tips on what to look out for when making a purchase.

Results at a glance: These are the best e-MTBs in the test

Downward ranking

1. Canyon Spectral:On CF8
2. Marin Rift Zone E2
3. Uproc X 2.10 leaflet

Up the rankings

1. Uproc X 2.10 leaflet
2. Cannondale Moterra 3
3. Centurion No Pogo F3000i

Ranking Tour

1. Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM
2. Cannondale Moterra 3
3. Trek Rail 7

All-round tip – Canyon Spectral:On CF8

A leisurely ride or a wild trail ride? The Spectral:On CF 8 is one of the absolute favourites in both disciplines. A high-quality frame, low weight and the option of a massive battery are further plus points. Weakness? Extreme climbs. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, test editor at EMTB Magazine

Tip Trail – Marin Rift Zone E2

A bike with character! The Marin Rift Zone E2 won over all our testers with its superb handling, massive traction and downhill prowess – despite its limited suspension travel. Riding enjoyment is a top priority here. Top-spec equipment at a fair price. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief of EMTB Magazine

Top pick – Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM

Seasoned trail riders might turn their noses up at it – but for everyone else, Cube has put together an outrageously comfortable package. Effortless handling, massive range, top-notch spec: a confident all-rounder with off-road capabilities at a fair price. That’s the test winner in the major EMTB comparison test. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Testing and Technology at EMTB Magazine

The EMTB Verdict

The top sellers live up to their name: the standard in the test group is high. The differences between the e-bikes are most evident in their character. Cube tops the points table and secures victory in the test, although it won’t fully satisfy seasoned trail riders. However, with its comfortable and straightforward ride, it appeals to a broad target audience. On trails and descents, Canyon, Marin and Flyer stand out. Those who enjoy racing sportily across the terrain will find three strong models here, each with a very different character.