E-MTB highlights from Cyclingworld: Exciting e-bikes from the trade fair

Many manufacturers have been trying their hand at motorised mountain bikes for years. With a constant stream of new motor systems, innovative design concepts and unstoppable technological progress, the market for e-MTBs is growing ever stronger. We wanted to see for ourselves what’s currently all the rage, so we kept our eyes peeled for exciting e-bikes at the Cyclingworld trade fair in Düsseldorf. You can find a round-up of our highlights in this article.

1. Instinctiv Ocelot 135 – Maxon Air S

​Is that really an e-MTB? It’s hard to believe given such a sleek silhouette. A real e-bike highlight at Cyclingworld: the Instinctiv Ocelot 135 with a Maxon Air S motor. This little powerhouse is said to deliver 90 Newton-metres of torque whilst weighing just two kilos. On this Dutch bike, with its unorthodox suspension travel combination of 160/135 millimetres, the discreet drive system is barely noticeable.

2. Aventon Current – Ultro X / Gobao

With the new Current EXP, Aventon is proving that it’s also capable of producing e-MTBs. The American brand has only just signed MTB veteran and all-round cheerful chap Brett Tippie. The e-all-mountain bike is powered by a proprietary motor developed in collaboration with Gobao. It offers 150/140 millimetres of suspension travel and an 800-watt-hour battery.

3. Cube Stereo One 77 C:62 Super TM 600 X – Bosch CX-R

All that glitters is gold: With the Cube AMS Hybrid One77 C:62 Super TM 600X (quite a mouthful of a name, by the way), the German brand has pulled out all the stops, fitting carbon wheels from Newmen and a Fox Podium Factory upside-down suspension fork. The e-MTB, fitted with a Bosch CX-R motor, is said to weigh 21.6 kilos. At 9,999 euros, it’s the most expensive bike in the entire Cube range >> e.g. at Lucky Bike or XXL Bicycle available.

4. Nukeproof – SRAM Powertrain AXS

​Despite having many fans, the British brand briefly disappeared from the scene due to financial difficulties. Now Nukeproof is back with some exciting bikes. These include the Megawatt e-bike with a SRAM AXS Powertrain motor and Mullet tyres. The Carbon Pro version, showcased at the Cyclingworld trade fair, costs 8,499 euros.

5. Nicolai S 16 MGU – Pinion MGU

A low-maintenance beast: the Nicolai S16 MGU not only comes with a drive belt and motor-gearbox unit, but now also features larger battery options offering up to 1,060 watt-hours of energy storage. With 12 gears, a powerful Pinion motor and 160 millimetres of suspension travel, this e-enduro can tackle any terrain, up and down.

6. Specialized Levo R – Specialized 3.1

​Specialized unveiled the brand-new Levo R at Cyclingworld in Düsseldorf. It is a Fullpower e-bike with reduced suspension travel and weight. It offers 140/130 millimetres of travel, and is said to weigh from 21.3 kilos. The S-Works version of this new sporty e-MTB costs €13,999 >> available here.

7. 32-inch e-MTBs

At Cyclingworld, MiTech showcased an e-bike featuring the new wheel size and the Pinion MGU drive system. The bike was even available for test rides and purchase. Alutech presented the E-Pelmo 32 with a Gobao motor and a ‘Mega Mullet’ setup. A 32-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel: is this the future of long-travel e-full-suspension bikes?

Conclusion

The e-bike industry’s drive for innovation and sales is inexhaustible. Motor systems, battery capacity, packaging: as a customer, it’s easy to lose track of what’s on offer in the growing market for e-mountain bikes. It’s good that there are trade fairs like Cyclingworld, where you can try out most of the systems for yourself and have a chat with the manufacturers. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

​>> You can read all the news from the Cyclingworld trade fair on our live blog.

>> This article provides all the information you need about the Specialized Levo R.

>> Rising Star: The Aventon Current in the BIKE review.