8 new bikes in one dayMayday, mayday! These are the first new MTBs in May

Marc Strucken

 · 03.05.2024

At 9 a.m. we were able to present the Flyer Uproc SL:X.
Photo: Flyer AG
There was a state of emergency in the editorial office on 2 May. 8 hot new bikes came onto the market - some of which we had already had the chance to test. But we've rarely had an entire test lab on the market at the same time. Alarm, alarm for the 8 Mayday bikes from gravel to downhill.

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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.

2 May, 9 a.m.: Flyer Uproc SL:X

Flyer Uproc SL:XPhoto: Flyer AGFlyer Uproc SL:X

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.

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All models have Bosch's system controller in the top tube, which displays the U-level and battery status via coloured LEDs. The system is controlled via the wireless mini-remote on the handlebars.Photo: Flyer AGAll models have Bosch's system controller in the top tube, which displays the U-level and battery status via coloured LEDs. The system is controlled via the wireless mini-remote on the handlebars.
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2 May, 10 a.m.: Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU

Nicolai Saturn 16 MGUPhoto: Hanna RetzNicolai Saturn 16 MGU

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.

The Pinion MGU with integrated gearbox offers 85 Newton metres, twelve gears and 600 percent bandwidth.Photo: Hanna RetzThe Pinion MGU with integrated gearbox offers 85 Newton metres, twelve gears and 600 percent bandwidth.

2 May, 11 a.m.: Rose Bonero Plus

Rose Bonero PlusPhoto: Adrian KaetherRose Bonero Plus

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.

The TQ motor in the Bonero Plus delivers a maximum of 300 watts and 50 Newton metres. In return, the drive is really small and super quiet both uphill and downhill.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe TQ motor in the Bonero Plus delivers a maximum of 300 watts and 50 Newton metres. In return, the drive is really small and super quiet both uphill and downhill.

2 May, 3 p.m.: Propain Terrel CF

Propain Terrel CFPhoto: PropainPropain Terrel CF

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.

There's still room for improvement: having learnt from the MTB, the Terrel has plenty of tyre clearance up to 50 millimetres.Photo: PropainThere's still room for improvement: having learnt from the MTB, the Terrel has plenty of tyre clearance up to 50 millimetres.

2 May, 4 pm: Orbea Rise SL & RISE LT 2025

Orbea Rise LT M-Team customPhoto: Adrian KaetherOrbea Rise LT M-Team custom

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.

The geometry of the Rise LT can be adjusted using the flip chip on the shock mount.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe geometry of the Rise LT can be adjusted using the flip chip on the shock mount.

2 May, 4 pm: YT Tues Mark 4

YT Tues Mark 4Photo: YTYT Tues Mark 4

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.

Well thought-out suspension: The rear suspension of the YT Tues manages the balancing act between traction and pop, between comfort and pleasant counter-pressure.Photo: YTWell thought-out suspension: The rear suspension of the YT Tues manages the balancing act between traction and pop, between comfort and pleasant counter-pressure.

2 May, 5 pm: Liv Lurra E+

Liv Lurra E+ 2Photo: Tom JoyLiv Lurra E+ 2

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.

The Liv Lurra E+1 model variant - the top model comes fully equipped, including lighting.Photo: Paul MasukowitzThe Liv Lurra E+1 model variant - the top model comes fully equipped, including lighting.

2 May, 5 p.m.: Giant Fathom E+

Giant Fathom E+Photo: Paul Masukowitz

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.

The new generation of Giant motors is significantly leaner than its predecessor. Up to 75 Nm (Sport 2) or 85 Nm (Pro 2) are possible.Photo: Paul MasukowitzThe new generation of Giant motors is significantly leaner than its predecessor. Up to 75 Nm (Sport 2) or 85 Nm (Pro 2) are possible.

Marc Struken is a passionate bike journalist and editor at Delius Klasing Verlag. After working in radio, radio, TV and online marketing, he has been contributing his experience to digital content for BIKE, EMTB, FREERIDE and MYBIKE since 2022 - whether mountain bike, gravel or road bike.

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