The sales figures for e-bikes are rising and rising. The e-mountainbike market is growing the fastest. Good for the bike industry, good for the bike shop round the corner, bad for the e-interested bargain hunter. You might think so. Many models have only just been released and are already sold out again. How can a shelf warmer become a super bargain? Cheer up, because the prospects aren't that bad - you can get your hands on an e-MTB at good conditions in autumn. Some manufacturers had to contend with massive delivery problems in 2018. A bitter setback. In spring, when customers flocked to the shops, many bikes were simply not available. Some of these bikes are now being sold at a discount. After all, the new 2019 models are already being advertised - some customers prefer to wait. In our research, discounts of up to 30 per cent were not uncommon. In individual cases and for single items, even more is possible. In many cases, it's worth it!
Of course, you should keep an eye on technical developments. Shimano, Bosch and Yamaha bikes will still be rolling into the shops in 2019 with the unchanged E8000, Performance CX and PW-X motors. A new development stage is not expected until the 2020 model year. The 2018 bikes will remain fully competitive for the time being.
There is also little need to worry about the availability of spare parts, especially batteries. The widely used standard energy sources in particular will be in stock for many years to come. The classic external Shimano battery or a Powertube battery from Bosch is installed by countless bike companies on a number of different models - the battery manufacturers will know how to secure their sales. The more specialised the battery design and the smaller the bike and battery manufacturer, the more critical it could become in the long term. When Specialized introduced its new Levo, for example, it completely redesigned the shape and structure of the battery. The new energy sources do not fit into old models. But even for the parts of the "old" 2018 model, the Americans guarantee an availability of ten years.
5 TIPS FOR BARGAIN HUNTING
Compare prices online: Even if you don't want to order your e-MTB online, you should definitely check the online prices. If a bike is drastically reduced by several suppliers, the stationary dealer must also follow suit. A good basis for negotiation.
Stay flexible: Bikes are usually only reduced when there is only a certain amount of stock left. This means that not all colour variants and model versions are available in all sizes. If you want to save money, you have to be flexible.
It depends on the size: When it comes to mountain bikes, it is said that very small and very large sizes are shelf warmers. This is not quite true for e-MTBs, as small sizes are sometimes particularly popular. It's a different story with XL frames; large riders have a good chance of finding a bargain, as dealers are more willing to discount in this case.
Treat yourself:
The more expensive the bike, the greater the discount. Looking at a model that is actually beyond your budget can be worthwhile when bargain hunting. The bike of your dreams is within reach.
Old becomes good: In recent model years, many manufacturers have switched to Intube batteries. As a result, some bikes have become massively heavier. If you don't mind a classic build-up battery, you can get a technically better bike for a small amount of money.
E-FULLYS
FOCUS Jam2 Pro 29
The Jam2 from Focus stands out with its slim design and low weight. This is noticeable in the very manoeuvrable riding experience. The Cloppenburg-based company achieves this with a special battery system: a 378 Wh battery is permanently integrated into the down tube, which should be sufficient for short tours and after-work rides. There is also the option of an external second battery, which provides a further 378 watt hours. Of course, the bike is no longer quite as light and manoeuvrable with the extra battery. In 2019, the Jam2 remains unchanged, there are only new equipment variants. This brings worthwhile discontinued models.
Price 2018 5999 euros ➨ reduced to* 4299 euros ➨ 2019 k. A.
CONCLUSION
The Jam2 enters the 2019 season almost unchanged. With its dual battery system, the bike has a wide range of uses - either as a light, manoeuvrable trail bike or as a long-distance touring bike.
MONDRAKER E-Crusher Carbon R+
In the EMTB test, the E-Crusher stood out as a smooth and forgiving bike, thanks to its long forward geometry and generous suspension travel. The carbon chassis exudes a special charm, while the tried-and-tested Shimano drivetrain provides a lively riding experience. For 2019, Mondraker has tweaked the equipment: Fox instead of Rockshox suspension, favourable NX 12-speed drivetrain instead of XT 11-speed, Shimano four-piston brakes instead of Srams Guide RE. Mondraker has also fitted forks with a larger offset, which should make the bike a little more manoeuvrable.
Price 2018 6599 euros ➨ reduced to* 4899 euros ➨ 2019 6299 Euro
CONCLUSION
The E-Crusher is a good bargain. The differences in equipment compared to the 2019 model are largely a matter of taste. However, the successor is 300 euros cheaper. The reduced prices for the 2018 model are still far lower.
HAIBIKE XDuro NDuro 10.0
With 180 millimetres of suspension travel, the XDuro NDuro provides plenty of security for the most demanding terrain. In the EMTB test, the 9.0 model impressed with its balanced riding characteristics and good components. The 10.0 model comes with a tried-and-tested Bosch motor and integrated Powertube battery. Haibike is set to make drastic changes for 2019, with the top models coming with the revolutionary Flyon concept and super-powerful TQ motor. Those aiming for system integration and brute maximum power should wait for the 2019 model. Those looking for a lighter, more classic e-MTB should go for the discontinued bargain. Price 2018 6499 euros ➨ reduced to* 4797 euros ➨ 2019 k. A.
CONCLUSION
Drastic innovations for 2019 increase the chances of a bargain! If the new Flyon concept is too far removed from the normal bike for you, you can confidently go for the 2018 model. Other Haibikes are also available at favourable prices!
MERIDA eOne-Sixty 900E
The eOne-Sixty was one of the first consistent e-enduro bikes and won the enduro test in EMTB in 2017. Although the bike is already a few years old, it is still fully competitive with Shimano's E8000 drive, external 500 battery and low weight. There are no major innovations planned for the 2019 model year either. The equipment of the top model is first-class: Fox Factory suspension, electronic Di2 shifting, powerful Saint stoppers. Blingbling at a low price!
Price 2018 6499 euros ➨ reduced to* 5199 euros ➨ 2019 6499 Euro
CONCLUSION
Successful geometry, strong concept: enduro bikers can't go wrong with the top model from Merida's eOne Sixty series. If you find the bike at a good price, you get high-end equipment at an extremely fair price.
SCOTT E-Genius 920
The E-Genius was voted E-Trailbike of the Year by EMTB readers in 2018, impressing with its strong all-round characteristics. Although some details have been improved for 2019, in the case of the 920 model, these are minor details. The short cranks can be retrofitted and the E-Genius 920 already had the large 29er wheels on board in 2018. They give the bike a lot of smoothness and potential for difficult terrain. The bike comes with Shimano's E8000 drive and Intube battery with 500 watt hours. There is also a balanced chassis with 150 millimetres of suspension travel.
Price 2018 4799 euros ➨ reduced to* 3879 euros ➨ 2019 4799 Euro
CONCLUSION
Hardly any changes for 2019, reasonable prices: Bargain hunters can buy the popular E-Genius without hesitation. Its little brother, the E-Spark with 130 millimetres of suspension travel, is also still available at top prices.
SPECIALIZED Turbo Levo Comp Carbon
Wait, wasn't the new Levo touted as a new super bike a few pages back? That's right. However, Specialized has also raised the prices. The new Levos are around ten per cent more expensive! The predecessor is still one of the top e-MTBs. If you don't need the latest of the new, you might be lucky enough to find a great bargain. At the time of going to press, the discounts were still limited, but the newcomer was still in the starting blocks. By the way: The new Levo also competes with the e-freerider Kenevo, and there's discount potential here too! Specialized promises that batteries and spare parts for the old Levo will be available for another ten years.
Price 2018 5999 euros ➨ reduced to* 4999 euros ➨ 2019 6799 Euro
CONCLUSION
The "old" Levo is still a top e-MTB for those on a budget.
The expensive Levos could thus move into affordable spheres.
*The reduced price is the result of research by EMTB in specialised shops and on the Internet and is not a binding offer.
E-HARDTAILS
GHOST Hybrid Kato S 6.7+ AL
Slack head angle, plus-size tyres, short chainstays: The Kato from Ghost has earned the title of trail hardtail. Provided you have a practised hand, you can ride this sporty speedster on full trail tracks. 130 mm fork, Magura stoppers with large brake discs, 27.5 x 2.6 mm tyres at the front, 2.8 mm tyres at the rear, telescopic seat post: The bike is absolutely trail-ready. Optionally, 29er wheels can also be fitted to the bike. The drive is tried and tested: Shimano Steps E8000 with an external 500 watt-hour battery. There will not be a direct successor to the bike in 2019, as Ghost has thinned out its range. The 2019 Kato X relies on a MX wheel mix of 29 and 27.5 inches.
Price 2018 3999 euros ➨ reduced to* 2796 euros ➨ 2019 k. A.
CONCLUSION
Sporty trail hardtail with sensible equipment and aggressive geometry. If you want to go off-road with an e-MTB at a favourable price, you should go for it.
FOCUS Bold2 29
In our hardtail test (EMTB 1/2018), the entry-level model of the Bold2 secured the handling tip. Thanks to its low weight, low centre of gravity and successful geometry, the bike is a sporty partner for demanding tours. The slim look also stands out. Focus achieves this with the special battery concept: a permanently integrated 378 Wh battery is located in the down tube, while an optional external 378 watt-hour battery pack can double the range for long tours. The Bold2 gets a new name in 2019. However, only the equipment and colours of the Jam2 HT will change.
Price 2018 3999 euros ➨ reduced to* 2799 euros ➨ 2019 3999 Euro
CONCLUSION
The Bold2 impresses with great riding characteristics on after-work rides or short tours. If you don't need the additional battery (500 euros extra), you should go for it. Here you get a lot of riding fun for little money.
RADON Jealous Hybrid 500
25 per cent off a mail-order bike, that's quite an announcement! Typically, Radon bikes already shine at normal conditions with almost outrageously good equipment, now the carbon hardtail Jealous Hybrid is even a quarter cheaper. Very few manufacturers offer an E-MTB for 2400 euros, Radon offers a fully off-road capable 29er carbon bike: Bosch Performance CX drive, Magura brakes, 11-speed XT drivetrain. And best of all, the bike is said to weigh well under 20 kilos.
Price 2018 3199 euros ➨ reduced to* 2399 euros ➨ 2019 3199 Euro
CONCLUSION
If the Jealous Hybrid fits your concept, you should go for it! The price/performance ratio is unrivalled, it doesn't get any better than this. By the way: Even the cheaper e-hardtails are currently reduced at Radon, the entry-level e-MTB has rarely been so affordable.
CUBE Access Hybrid SL 500
Bosch Performance CX motor, slim, integrated Powertube battery: the reduced Access Hybrid SL is a state-of-the-art e-hardtail for women in the shops for € 2400. With slight changes to the equipment, the model will enter 2019 unchanged and the price will not change either. So there's nothing wrong with the discontinued model for e-beginners. Even if the Access Hybrid SL 500 wasn't built for the toughest rides in the most demanding terrain: Beginners will find the bike a solid companion for extended tours.
Price 2018 2999 euros ➨ reduced to* 2399 euros ➨ 2019 2999 Euro
CONCLUSION
Cube has only given its 2019 models a mild makeover, there are no ground-breaking innovations. So if you can get a 2018 model at a favourable price, you can strike! The Access Hybrid SL 500 offers a lot for the money and an affordable entry-level e-bike.
*The reduced price is the result of research by EMTB in specialised shops and on the Internet and is not a binding offer.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
