Avinox Highlights from Sea Otter: The 7 most exciting e-MTBs from the festival

Conclusion: We’re slowly losing track of things

No one can ignore the Avinox trend. Even many small Spanish brands, which had previously focused exclusively on XC, showcased their own e-MTBs featuring Avinox at Sea Otter. The involvement of Honda and Ducati is also bringing a breath of fresh air to the already highly competitive e-MTB market. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor

Honda and Ducati: Can motorbike manufacturers make e-MTBs?

Ducati’s entry into the e-MTB market isn’t really news. The prestigious Italian brand has already showcased e-MTBs with its branding on several occasions. Unlike in the past, however, the new 160 R and 170 RR models are not simply rebranded bikes from other brands, but are entirely in-house developments. The Italian e-MTB brand Thok is therefore no longer on board as a partner; instead, Gruppo Zechetto – which includes Alé, DMT, the cycling brand Cipollini and the Italian carbon specialist Diamant – is now calling the shots. Diamant manufactures carbon parts for Ducati motorcycles, which is likely how the connection came about.

Ducati DM-160 R and DM-170 RR: Two motorbikes, one platform

Unlike Ducati’s road bikes and gravel bikes, the e-MTBs are not manufactured exclusively in Italy. The All Mountain DM-160 R and the Enduro DM-170 RR share the same frame platform, which can be extensively customised using various flip chips. The DM-160 R, a 29er with slightly less suspension travel and a lower price tag, is designed to remain playful and manoeuvrable. The DM-170 RR, with Öhlins suspension and a ‘mullet’ wheel combination, offers greater reserves for high-speed descents. The geometry on both bikes is more conventional than extreme. The Avinox M2S motor, complete with an 800-watt-hour battery, is housed in the down tube.

Honda unveils e-MTB concept

In recent years, Honda has shown an interest in e-mountain bikes from time to time with various concept bikes. Most recently, a Honda e-MTB featuring a Brose motor and a portable power station was on display at several trade fairs in 2023. The new bike, however, takes a different approach. The enormously voluminous Y-frame with a chunky single-sided swingarm – a nod to motorbikes – remains. At the Sea Otter Girona, however, the down tube housed a Shimano EP8 motor. This would mean the bike is already somewhat outdated even before its market launch.

It’s a shame: although the bike clearly draws its inspiration from the legendary RN01 prototype downhill bike, many of the features that made that bike so special back then don’t seem to have been carried over. The new bike features neither an integrated gearbox, nor an upside-down fork, nor a steel spring. It is currently unclear whether and when the bike will go on sale.

Eiros Empor-E

The little Carbon specialist Eiros, based near Barcelona, has unveiled a new e-MTB featuring the Mahle M40 just ahead of the Sea Otter Festival. Weighing just 18.5 kilos, the Empor-E is said to be the lightest e-MTB in its class, despite featuring a full-power motor, an 800 Wh battery and enduro-spec components. This is made possible by Eiros’ carbon fibre expertise gained from supercar manufacturing. The bike is limited to 100 units, is extremely exclusive, fitted with Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes, and is expected to cost around 19,000 euros.

Lee Cougan Flö: XC brand builds e-enduro bikes

Lee Cougan has so far been best known for sporty, motorless bikes in the cross-country and gravel segments. Basso’s sister brand (road bikes, gravel) exhibited the Flö at Sea Otter. The bike, fitted with the Avinox M2S, offers 160 millimetres of suspension travel. The flat-tube frame features a four-bar rear triangle with a pivot on the rear axle, a vertical shock absorber and classic cable routing. There are set to be two spec options, which can already be found on the website. With a mechanical drivetrain and Select suspension, the bike starts at 6,899 euros. The top-of-the-range model with GX and RockShox Ultimate costs 8,699 euros.

Forestal e-Siryon V2

It’s no secret that Forestal also has a bike featuring Avinox in the pipeline. So far, however, only renderings and concept designs of the bike have been shown. At Sea Otter Europe, the Andorran bike brand is now showcasing the finished bike, as well as a concept for a limited-edition special model featuring EXT suspension. In technical terms, the Forestla is heavily based on the Siryon Enduro, which came out on top in our latest high-end enduro comparison test. Compared to the brand’s previous bikes, the e-Siryon is relatively affordable. The top-of-the-range Diode model, featuring Fox Factory suspension and X0 drivetrain, costs 9,750 euros.

MMR Lyth: Avinox trail bike with a Spanish soul

MMR has actually made a name for itself with fast cross-country mountain bikes. However, after several Bosch e-MTBs, the Spanish brand is now adding an Avinox bike to its range. The Lyth has a sleek design and, even in the top-of-the-range version with an Öhlins 38 fork and steel rear shock, still weighs under 22 kilos. The shock, which is semi-integrated into the top tube, is a real eye-catcher, whilst the geometry – with a 64-degree head angle, 475-millimetre reach, 445-millimetre chainstays and 419-millimetre seat tube – has a modern feel. Available in four versions, ranging from 7,199 to 10,999 euros.

Rali, Kross, Berria, Massi: They’re all joining in

The list of Avinox bikes from Sea Otter could go on and on. The Spanish XC and road bike manufacturers Berria and Massi are both showcasing new Avinox bikes at the event. For Massi, this marks a significant step forward towards a more modern and sleeker e-MTB. Berria is expanding its Nexxen range – which features a permanently fitted Avinox battery – with a new version featuring a removable battery, which is likely intended to cater to a more budget-conscious market segment. We also discovered an Avinox e-MTB from the South American brand Rali. As a classic four-bar linkage bike, it appears fundamentally functional but not particularly exciting. Kross from Poland now also has its own range of Avinox bikes in various versions. The Enduro Moon Boost, with 170/160 millimetres of travel, is set to be the star of the range.