Steppenwolf Tundra 10.0 with DJI Avinox on test: Does the DJI motor revitalise a classic?

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, models such as the Tundra and Tycoon from Steppenwolf were firm favourites in the mountain bike segment. However, the brand from the Munich area had almost completely disappeared from the scene for some time. For the 2026 model year, there is a completely new attempt. Especially in the slipstream of the hyped DJI Avinox e-bike motor. Incredibly powerful, yet light and compact - that's how the DJI Avinox M1 (test here) shook up the bike industry.

And the e-mountainbike also climbs in this style Tundra 10.0 in the ring. It looks super slim. And the scales also show a pleasantly low weight. Our test bike in size M weighs 21.8 kilos. With 800 watt hours and a whopping 1000 watts of peak power, this is absolutely remarkable. This is due to the full carbon frame, but also to the weight-optimised equipment, which does not focus 100% on robustness and take-away qualities. When choosing the tyres and suspension fork, the product managers probably also had the scales in mind. The full 29er set-up and the thick shock, on the other hand, speak for off-road expertise. This also applies to the generous 160 mm travel at the front and rear.

In this test, we look at the top model. For 7999 euros, you get a very good spec including high-quality Ultimate suspension from Rockshox and Sram's X0-Transmission wireless drivetrain. However, Steppenwolf does not go all out for 8000 euros. There is still room for improvement in the brakes and wheels, for example. Good: The DJI quick charger is included with the Tundra 10.0 ex works. Incidentally, the Tundra is also available in the more affordable Trim 9.0 for 5199 euros.

>> More cheap bikes with DJI Avinox? Click here for an overview. Starting at 3590 euros.

On the trail, the Tundra reveals clear strengths - but also weaknesses. Even leisurely bikers need not fear the 160 millimetres of suspension travel. The Tundra is not a blatant enduro bike that only reveals its qualities in a nosedive. On the contrary. The Steppenwolf clearly has easy, manoeuvrable handling to its credit. Whether it's a moderate tour on flat terrain or easy trails, this bike is lively and uncomplicated to ride.

The riding position is very compact. Thanks to the very steep seat angle, you sit very far forward on the bike. That's a big plus on steep climbs. This is because the front wheel maintains contact with the ground even on steep stretches and follows steering movements directly. The immense power of the Avinox motor makes extremely steep climbs almost child's play. Only the traction on the rear wheel could be better. On the flat, however, the forward-facing riding position puts a lot of pressure on the wrists.

Measured against the bike's generous 160 mm travel, the brakes are applied a little earlier than you would expect on difficult downhills. As I said, we're not dealing with an extreme downhill artist here. In addition to the geometry, the somewhat stubborn rear suspension also limits the downhill fun on rough slopes. Traction and traction could be better. However, if you use the bike on trail and all-mountain terrain, it convinces with a lot of riding fun and agility. The low weight of the bike is definitely noticeable. There is little to criticise about the off-road equipment. However, the Maxxis tyres with their thin EXO casing should be replaced with more robust models for more puncture protection and off-road competence. Also nice: the bike remains quite quiet on the trail, only the subtle freewheel rattle of the Avinox M1 can be heard.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Light
• Agile, fun handling
• Strong climbing performance
• Extremely powerful motor
• Approved for 150 kg system weight

Weaknesses

• Moderate rear suspension
• Permanently installed battery
• Slight engine rattle on the trail
• Only three sizes