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The test winner logo from our comparative tests is particularly coveted. Because in a direct comparison with competitor models, you can't afford any weaknesses. Only the crème de la crème of e-mountainbikes that impress in the test lab as well as on the trail and off-road can proudly call themselves e-bike test winners. This glorious accolade shows that the product managers of these brands really know their stuff when it comes to these e-MTB models and that the overall package is just right. Here we present the 10 bikes from the 2023/2024 model year that performed particularly well in our tests. Click directly on the individual e-bike models to find out their strengths and weaknesses or scroll through our overview in this article!
Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT: Test winner 2023 - Light e-bike
Are you looking for a racy trail bike with E-assist that is as close as possible to a non-motorised bike in terms of looks and handling? Then the Fuel EXe could end up at the top of your wish list. Like no other bike in our test of eight light e-MTBs (EMTB issue 1/2023), the Trek combines take-charge qualities on rough descents and playfulness on shallow trails. The whole thing is garnished with a sporty touch and a whisper-quiet riding experience.
Our test bike is the quietest E-MTB we've ever ridden! Does the bike have any disadvantages? Yes and no. If you are looking for striking e-bike power, the HPR 50 from TQ (Click here to test the TQ HPR 50 whisper motor!) is definitely wrong. The range is also only moderate in the test comparison. However, the option of a range extender and the removable battery provide enough options for a full day on the trail. If you value tough uphill challenges, you will need an extra portion of lard in your legs, as the motor is one of the minimalists. However, the traction is really strong.
Facts about the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT
- Price: 9999 Euro >> available here
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, max. 50 Nm torque
- Battery: TQ, 360 Wh, removable
- Frame material: Carbon
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 18.6 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, size L without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 136 kg
The premium enduro bike: Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR
Already the Ur-Shuttle, vintage 2017, was a tip for trail fans. Now, for the first time, the Americans have created a real long-travel bike. The Pivot Shuttle LT also relies on the Shimano motor (EP8), but it gets its power from a 750 battery from Darfon. When you press the ON button (very tough in the cold!) and get into the saddle, the first thing you notice is the enormous size of the bike.
The Pivot Shuttle LT is long and the front end is high up. This makes the E-Enduro feel one size bigger than the competition from Santa Cruz and even more so Evil in our shoot-out of three high-end American enduro bikes. The length is also noticeable on the trail. With its enormous wheelbase, the e-bike generates a lot of smoothness. The same applies to the powerful suspension, which filters out small and large bumps with great aplomb, but is never wasteful with the travel. This keeps the handling very defined and precise. Not a trace of ponderous riding style. The light wheels also play their part in the lively, direct handling.
Facts about the Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR
- Price: 11,999 euros
- Motor: Shimano EP8, max. torque: 85 Nm
- Battery: Darfon, 756 Wh / 4025 g, removable
- Frame material: Carbon
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 22.9 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, size L without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 149 kg
The price-performance cracker 2023: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 750
Word should have got around that Cube is a hot tip in the value-for-money sector. For 2023, the Upper Palatinate company has added the luxury of Bosch's Smart System and the 750 battery to the affordable Stereo 140 models. This was previously reserved for the more expensive variants. But it's not just the drive technology that's new. Compared to its predecessor, the carbon frame is also lighter and has a sportier geometry. What remains is the uncomplicated character, now with a sporty touch. It takes no time to get used to.
The riding position is moderate and comfortable, the steering centre is high. The plush rear suspension makes the ride very comfortable. In addition, the rear end literally sucks itself to the ground, so that there are no traction problems despite the moderately grippy tyres. On really steep climbs, you do have to slide forwards a little to keep the bike on track, but even difficult uphills are quite straightforward.
Facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 750
- Price: 4799 Euro >> available here
- Motor: Bosch Perf. CX Smartsystem, max. torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery: Powertube 750 Wh, removable
- Frame material: carbon/aluminium
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 25.2 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, size L without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
Full throttle at a favourable price: Giant Reign E+ 3
Even with its most affordable enduro bike, Giant makes no compromises. The seat tube is almost vertical, the steering angle is super slack and the wheelbase is extremely long. Pure overkill for price-conscious bikers and e-beginners? Not at all. Because the Giant is surprisingly manoeuvrable on tours and trails.
The compact seating position is pleasing, while the sensitive chassis and thick 2.6-inch tyres give the Reign E+ a comfortable character. The new 800 watt-hour battery is a perfect match. You only have to save battery power on very long tours and the Reign is a force to be reckoned with downhill anyway.
The bike can maintain its comfortable character even on steep climbs. Just stay in the saddle and pedal, the good suspension and modern geometry do the rest almost by themselves. Despite the slack steering angle, the front end handles well through tight bends and the front wheel only rises very late. Despite the slightly weaker motor, this is a strong performer that can seamlessly tie in with the many other climbing artists in Giant's portfolio.
Facts about the Giant Reign E+ 3
- Price: 5499 Euro >> available here
- Motor: Giant Syncdrive Pro 2, max. torque: 85 Nm
- Battery: EnergyPak Smart 800 Wh / 4352 g, removable
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Weight: 25.6 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, size L without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 156 kg
The high-end all-rounder: Simplon Rapcon PMax CX
A powerful all-mountain bike with a Bosch motor, removable battery and still nice and light? Since the switch to Bosch's Smart System with 750 battery, such bikes have been rare for a long time. However, the brand new Simplon Rapcon Pmax CX shows with flying colours that a good weight, Smart System and removable battery are not mutually exclusive after all. If the tyres and wheels weren't so heavy, the Simplon would even be well under the 23 kg mark.
To make the low weight of an e-MTB with a removable battery possible, the engineers at Simplon have come up with a special solution for the integration of Bosch's Smart System. Removing the battery downwards and securing it with bolts is unusual for a Bosch bike, and handling it is not quite as simple as with classic integrated batteries. But the weight speaks for itself.
Facts about the Simplon Rapcon PMax CX
- Price: 9759 Euro
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm
- Battery: Bosch, 750 Wh, removable
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- 23.38 kilos (size L, EMTB measurement)
Affordable entry-level E-MTB: Canyon Grand Canyon:ON 8
The product managers at Canyon know their job. Of course, they are also forced to save money when it comes to creating an affordable e-hardtail. And of course, we can't hide the fact that the Koblenz-based company is pushing our price limit of 3800 euros to the limit, but also to the maximum. Likewise, the fact that the mail order companies save the dealer margin on the way to the customer. Nevertheless, the Canyon PMs make skilful use of their room for manoeuvre and know exactly where savings are acceptable and where you can afford a luxury.
Among the new E-hardtails that we have already tested in 2023, Canyon's Grand Canyon:On 8.0 offers one of the most coherent overall concepts: a powerful drivetrain, a sporty but not too extreme geometry and a spec that makes it clear: everyday use and forest trail tours alone are too boring for the Canyon.
Facts about the Canyon Grand Canyon:ON 8
- Price: 3799 Euro
- Motor: Bosch CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 24.04 kilos (test bike in size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement)
Fluffy freerider for wild descents: Propain Ekano 2 AL
The German distributor Propain is known from freeride videos or the Downhill World Cup. The young brand's focus is clearly on gravity. And the latest e-bike from Lake Constance fits perfectly into this image. The new Propain Ekano AL offers 170 mm travel at the rear and 180 mm at the front (as on our test bike) or even 190 millimetres on request. In terms of wheel size, Propain has opted for a mix of 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels.
For maximum trail strength, Propain deliberately does not go "all in" when it comes to range poker. The comparatively small 626 Wh battery is designed to save weight and give the Ekano balanced handling. On the motor side, the brand remains true to Shimano. The drive is called EP801. However, the Ekano is also available in a second version. The Ekano 2 CF has a carbon chassis and is equipped with Sram's new Eagle PowertrainBrose power and automatic transmission. However, this model is more expensive. The aluminium Ekano, which is the subject of this test, is available in the online configurator from 5000 euros.
Facts about the Propain Ekano 2 AL
- Price: 8109 Euro
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 625 Wh (3.5 kg, removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 180/170 mm (optionally available with 190 mm suspension fork)
- Wheel size: Mullet (29" front / 27.5" rear)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 24.5 kg (test bike in size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement)
Light e-bike for downhill enthusiasts: Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS
Hardly any other brand focusses on the trail characteristics of its bikes as publicly as Santa Cruz. It is therefore almost surprising that the Californians are entering the market with a relatively light eMTB. The choice of the Fazua motor (to the test of the Fazua Ride 60) is less surprising. After all, the PON Group, to which Santa Cruz belongs, is also linked to Porsche, the parent company of Fazua (You can read the background to the corporate network here). The orientation of the Heckler SL is just as logical. With 160/150 mm suspension travel and mullet wheels, it is designed to inspire on descents of all kinds. Just like its "big" brother, the Heckler with Shimano motor (to the test of the Santa Cruz Heckler), the SL also plays on the border between trail bike and enduro.
At 19.3 kilos with a permanently installed battery and full carbon frame, the check on the scales does not trigger any enthusiasm. However, the Heckler SL has implemented the rear suspension with the popular VPP kinematics. Thanks to the compact motor, the engineers were able to place the pivot points even lower on the SL than on the Heckler with Shimano drivetrain. This brings the kinematics even closer to the ideal of the Californians' non-motorised bikes. Top: The Heckler SL is available in five sizes from S to XXL, and the system weight rating of up to 156 kg is also impressive.
Facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS
- Price: 9799 Euro
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm max. torque
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh (non-removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 19.3 kg (EMTB measurement, test bike in size L, without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 156 kg (manufacturer's specification)
Lightweight super sports bike: KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
Fun and light: The 2024 KTM Machina Scarp SX Prime is a powerful all-rounder with a very good motor and removable battery. KTM pulls out all the stops when it comes to equipment to make the weight impressive: carbon frame, carbon wheels and narrow carbon handlebars. Plus an XTR drivetrain and an XC dropper post with a stroke of just 120 millimetres.
The product managers had a good hand with the suspension elements. The fork in particular is a hit! The Grip2 cartridge has not been in the Fox 34 for that long. It used to be reserved for Enduro and DH forks. It allows you to tune the fork perfectly. It works sensitively, but can also cope with high speeds and rough terrain. The damper also works very well and makes the rear end efficient, but easy to swallow. All in all, this is a high-quality bike with equipment commensurate with the price.
At first, we were a little sceptical: the XC foam grips, the low-travel dropper post, the negatively curved stem. It looked like a strenuous test ride on a racing bike. But the KTM surprised us as soon as we got on it: the suspension is very comfortable and the riding position is sporty, but in no way uncomfortable. The Bosch SX hisses away quietly and provides natural but powerful support when required. (Click here to test the Bosch Performance SX!)
Facts about the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
- Price: 8399 Euro
- Motor: Bosch Performance SX
- Battery: 400 Wh (removable)
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 17.4 kilos (measured in the EMTB lab, size L without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 118 kg
Over land and mountains: Specialised Tero X 4.0
With the Turbo Tero X, Specialized is the first manufacturer ever to present a fully that has been specially developed for use as an SUV. Compared to most other SUVs, which are often existing mountain bikes with mudguards and pannier rack, this brings the Tero X some independent advantages. The geometry strikes a balance between trekking and mountain bikes, and the rear triangle with only one joint should be particularly low-maintenance in continuous use. The frame also offers a particularly low step-through, space for good mudguards and tyres of a suitable width. Anyone travelling with a lot of luggage will be pleased with the high weight approval and trailer approval - both of which are a rarity for classic e-mountainbikes.
As an entry-level model, the Tero X 4.0 has to make do with 530 watt hours in the battery. As usual with Specialized, the motor hardware comes from Brose. However, the Specialized 2.0 E in the Tero X only offers 50 Newton metres instead of the 90 Newton metres that we are used to from Specialized's 2.0 drive. If you want more power, you have to switch to the two more expensive models of the Tero X with 70 and 90 Newton metres respectively.
The good news: despite only 50 Newton metres, the Specialized drive doesn't feel powerless at all. Particularly in everyday use, the power is completely sufficient to tackle ordinary climbs with luggage with ease. Only on really steep sections or in mountainous terrain with gradients of over 15 per cent does the lower torque become noticeable. The control unit, the central display and the app are very well designed and offer a wealth of information and setting options. For example, you can also lock the motor via the app. If the bike is then moved, an alarm sounds. This should deter thieves.
Facts about the Specialised Tero X 4.0
- Price: 4200 Euro >> available here
- Motor: Specialised 2.0 E, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 530 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 130 / 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 26.56 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, size L without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 161.5 kg
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
