The test victory of the Cube Elite almost seems a little "bought": after all, the bike costs twice as much as the other test participants, and we rate it independently of price. However, the developers have done everything right with the geometry of this bike. Thanks to the exquisite Rockshox RS 1 fork and the low weight, the Cube handles well on the trail, as expected. However, the weight doesn't have as significant an effect on the riding characteristics of an e-bike as you would expect from bikes without a motor. The Merida Big Nine Elite 900, which is 2.5 kilos heavier than the Cube, also makes a good riding impression. Compared to the Cube or Focus Jarifa, however, you sit much more stretched out on it; this creates a lot of pressure on the pedals, but makes it a little less manoeuvrable on the trail. On the Jarifa, you sit well integrated with a lot of bike control; unfortunately, the XC32 from Rockshox limits the performance somewhat. The Conway and Wheeler are a little more sedate and favour a calmer pace. The undisputed test winner is the Cube. However, there is hardly any way around the Merida when it comes to price-performance.
Conway EMR 629
3,149 euros | mid-engine
Test summary: Solidly equipped individualist bike with a distinct touring character
The Conway impresses with its unique design. The battery is stowed in the bulky case, and there is also space for a rain jacket, spare inner tube or other small items. The hydroformed aluminium frame completely dispenses with a seat tube, yet the bike remains stiff enough to withstand off-road terrain. However, the voluminous tube composite increases running and motor noise. Instead of the L-frame we ordered, we received an XL bike, which was slightly less manoeuvrable than the other smaller bikes in the test. Unfortunately, the large 20 mm sprocket on the Bosch Active motor reduces the bike's climbing talent - when asked, Conway confirmed that the production bike will come with a performance motor and 18 mm sprocket. This would improve the bike's drive rating from 2.7 to 2.4.
Cube Elite Hybrid HPC SLT 29
5,999 euros | mid-engine
Test summary: With the SLT, Cube shows what's possible: the hybrid bike sets standards in terms of handling and weight - regardless of cost
The Elite is like a well-engineered sports car: top geometry, top components, fast and agile. It's fun to sweep round the corners - and the low weight is pure pleasure. But even this racer can't push the limits of physics: One tester's crash in the blocked section of the track happened for the most obvious reason - too much speed. The Cube is the undisputed test winner in this comparison - not only because of the high-quality components and the weight of just 17 kilos, but also because of the great geometry, the balanced character and not least the highly sensitive Rockshox RS-1 fork. If we had to find a
If we had to find a fly in the ointment, it would be the tyres: a little more traction would raise the limits of the 29-incher to an even more fun level.
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27R
2,999 EURO | mid-engine
Test result: The agile and affordable trail bike scores with good handling, but reveals weaknesses in the control of the drive system
The Focus has a compact feel-good geometry, everything is in the right place, the angles and levers fit. Both uphill and downhill, you feel well integrated into the bike, although the Focus tends to show its strengths more downhill, with playfully easy handling. The choice of components is inexpensive but harmonious: wide handlebars, good tyres. The frame also looks high-quality and solid, with well thought-out details. Two exceptions spoil the picture: firstly, the inexpensive suspension fork reaches its limits early on and transmits the ground profile to the arms with hardly any filtering. Secondly, we found the motor control of the Impulse drive annoying: long coasting times and intermittent shifting made it difficult to get used to the character of the drive. However, the basic performance of the motor is fine.
Giant Talon E+ 0
2,599 EURO | REAR WHEEL HUB MOTOR
Test conclusion: A competitive mountain bike with rear motor at a favourable price
Actually atypical for a rear-wheel drive: The Giant SyncDrive motor provides plenty of power even at low speeds, making it possible to start off even on steep sections; a triple crank is even fitted for very steep sections. The additional thrust at the rear wheel hub is clearly noticeable from around 5 km/h, although the maximum power is then rather low. Due to its design, the rear-wheel drive puts more load on the rear wheel (41 per cent front, 59 per cent rear), but the Giant is still easy to handle on moderate terrain. But: "Technical passages are not the Talon's preference," noted one test rider. The price-consciousness in the choice of components is reflected in an unrivalled low purchase price. Giant charges just 2,599 euros for its Talon - and it doesn't look cheap at all.
Merida Big.Nine E-Lite 900 DX
3,349 EURO | mid-engine
Conclusion: The delicate aluminium frame of the Merida is well equipped, the bike convinces with good performance
You take a seat on the Merida with a slightly stretched posture and a lot of pressure on the front wheel. Despite the e-drive, the geometry and components show the genes of a race bike. The Rockshox Reba suspension fork likes a firm set-up and can be completely locked out if desired. Thanks to 100 millimetres of suspension travel and large 29-inch wheels, the bike is fully suitable for off-road riding. The Crossmark tyres from Maxxis generally suit the character of the bike well, but quickly reach their limits in wet conditions. The tested DX version has the huge Bosch Nyon display on the handlebars. It doesn't get in the way on the trail, but on long tours in unfamiliar terrain you'll be grateful for the clear, easy-to-read display with maps and GPS navigation. A slightly shorter stem and slightly wider handlebars would improve the bike's suitability for touring.
Wheeler E-Proton
2,799 euros | Rear wheel hub motor
Test conclusion: Comfortable touring bike for moderate off-road excursions
The Wheeler had its problems on our demanding test ride. Although the new, large-volume BionX rear motor did not show any overheating problems, it only develops its power above around 10 km/h - on steep sections, you only overcome this limit with a lot of effort. The frame geometry reveals some minor weaknesses: The steep head angle and narrow handlebars, together with the very narrow 27.5-inch tyres and the less potent suspension fork, result in a somewhat wooden ride feel. This bike is better ridden a little slower. The Tektro brakes decelerate well, but the lever geometry prevents a sensible positioning of the levers on the handlebars. The bike is therefore aimed more at comfort-orientated touring riders who only occasionally take short trips into easier terrain.
