Marc Strucken
· 03.05.2024
While at the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda - We will of course be there for you and report back - When the bike manufacturers' hot goods are presented to the public for the first time, the online editorial team can only look wistfully at the many pictures that the manufacturers send us at the launch of new mountain bikes. But what a 2nd May it was! It started at 9 a.m. with the first bike to be presented to the (internet) public.
The Bosch Performance Line SX is - once again - in the spotlight here, as e-bike pioneer Flyer presents its first light e-MTB. With an elegant carbon frame and a sporty focus, the Uproc SL:X aims to dominate the trails. The Swiss company is focussing on innovative approaches to equipment and frame geometry. Whether the new Flyer Uproc SL:X is a downcountry, trail or simply a lightweight bike is not so easy to determine. What is clear, however, is its sporty design: equipped with the Bosch SX and a permanently installed 400 battery, it is aimed at those who are prepared to put in the effort to get their bike uphill. You won't find a turbo shuttle for effortless distances here.
The cult brand Nicolai from Lower Saxony presents the Saturn 16 MGU, an E-Enduro that is characterised by an integrated gearbox and a strong emphasis on German manufacturing. Nicolai has been manufacturing bikes with Pinion gearboxes since 2012 and has continuously introduced new models with gearboxes since then. With the E14 models, which utilise both Bosch and Rohloff components, Nicolai has already successfully battled against conventional derailleur gears on E-MTBs. It therefore comes as no surprise that Nicolai is now launching the Saturn 16 MGU, a bike that utilises the new Pinion motor with integrated gearbox. This makes the renowned manufacturer one of the first to present a bike with a Pinion MGU.
With the Bonero Plus, Rose presents a carbon trail hardtail that is not only light, but also impresses with its extremely quiet TQ motor and low weight. The first light e-MTB from the Bocholt-based company impresses with fair equipment at an attractive price. A bike like this is currently unique on the market: the weight, price and riding characteristics are just right. The TQ motor blends seamlessly into the design, as it is very inconspicuous for an e-bike and still offers support when needed. It may not be the right bike for everyone, but those who love the pleasure of long, relaxed rides and want to have fun on flowing trails will find the new Rose model an appealing and lightweight bike that is also affordable.
Propain has expanded its range: the Terrel CF is the company's first gravel bike and offers a versatile platform. With four different configuration options starting at a price of 2599 euros, the bike can also be customised according to personal preferences. The Propain Terrel CF is intended to represent the flexibility and versatility of modern gravel bikes and is ideal for fast riding on gravel paths, for bikepacking tours and on easy trails. The carbon frame with its dynamic geometry, inspired by mountain bikes, guarantees a stable ride thanks to a flat steering angle of 70.5 degrees and a long wheelbase of 1063 millimetres. The frame is also designed so that it can be fitted with a 40 mm suspension fork instead of a rigid fork with mounting points, which promises additional riding comfort.
When it was launched, the Orbea Rise revolutionised the market for lightweight e-mountainbikes and quickly became popular. The model for 2025 has been improved in many ways: It should offer more power, a longer range, better downhill capabilities and more choice. Orbea has made big promises for the new Rise, and after an initial review of the facts, these promises appear to have been kept. With a more powerful motor, bigger batteries and an LT version with more travel, the Orbea Rise has evolved significantly. However, some things have remained the same, such as Orbea's decision to continue to rely on a customised Shimano motor.
A decade ago, the YT Tues, a big bike from the Forchheim-based manufacturer, began its career as an affordable freerider. Now YT presents the fourth generation of this award-winning downhill bike and continues its impressive history! The developers from Forchheim have revised the Tues once again and, of course, trying to improve an already good product always harbours the risk of making it worse. But as usual with the Tues: you immediately feel comfortable on it. The bike remains true to its character. The handling is excellent. The Tues is made for manuals, especially thanks to its short tail. A slight turn of the wrists is all it takes to glide down the mountain on the rear wheel.
Liv has unveiled the Liv Lurra E+, a hardtail e-mountainbike specially developed for adventurous women. The series comprises three models: the pure E-MTB Liv Lurra E+ 2 and the fully equipped variants Liv Lurra E+ 1 EX and 2 EX, which are additionally equipped with mudguards, a pannier rack, a kickstand and lights, making them more versatile. Two motors provide the drive: the SyncDrive Sport2 with a torque of 75 Nm and the more powerful SyncDrive Pro2 with 85 Nm. The battery can be easily removed and is integrated in the down tube. All models in the Liv Lurra E+ range have an SR Suntour XCR 34 suspension fork with 130 mm travel and an aluminium frame that is designed to be both stable and lightweight.
Giant has completely redesigned its Fathom e-bike hardtail. It now has the latest generation of battery and motor as well as a redesigned frame. The good-natured character of the e-bike has been retained. The frame as well as the motor and battery are brand new, and the equipment and geometry have also undergone significant changes for 2024. The modern look is the result of the newly developed geometry. In detail, this means The head angle has been reduced by two degrees to 66 degrees, while the seat angle has been steepened by one degree and now stands at 75 degrees. The main part of the frame has been lengthened. These welcome adjustments bring the Giant Fathom E+ technically up to date and offer the rider both a more comfortable riding position for longer tours and improved riding characteristics off-road.

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