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E-infusedElectric parts on mountain bikes: To buy or not? It doesn't get any clearer than this!

Laurin Lehner

 · 15.04.2025

The compression lever is the first evolution of customisation, the second is called electric suspension.
Photo: Rockshox
Battery-powered components are conquering the mountain bike. Useful little helpers or expensive bells and whistles? Three test editors answer the question: Would you buy this yourself or not?
Topics in this article

E-chassis

No vehicle has such a wide range of requirements as a mountain bike. It has to ride well uphill, along and downhill. The suspension must be correspondingly versatile in order to adapt to the terrain. The compression lever is the first evolution of adaptation, the second is called electric suspension, in which sensors scan the ground and adjust the suspension within a millisecond or so. Firm uphill, sufficient counter-pressure for up & down and maximum comfort for rumbling di-pump. The suspension giants offer innovative systems such as Flight Attendant from Rockshox and Live Valve from Fox. Price: From around 1300 euros.

Plus: Innovative, saves reaching for the platform

MinusPrice (!), weight, battery that needs to be charged.

The compression lever is the first evolution of customisation, the second is called electric suspension.Photo: RockshoxThe compression lever is the first evolution of customisation, the second is called electric suspension.

The verdict: to buy or not?

It couldn't be clearer. None of the test editors would buy an e-suspension privately. Their criticism: Very high price with little added value.Photo: BIKE GrafikIt couldn't be clearer. None of the test editors would buy an e-suspension privately. Their criticism: Very high price with little added value.

E-circuit

The Bowden cables are getting the glue. Here, too, the electronics want to be able to do many things better. For example, more precise shifting, no wear and tear and therefore no need to replace the shift cables, easy installation, less susceptible to faults caused by dirt. The other side of the coin: the price. Conversion kits with remote shifters and rear derailleur are available from e.g. Sram from 595 euros. Plus another battery that needs to be charged. Because when the juice runs out, single-speed action is the order of the day in the exact gear before the battery runs out.

Plus: Function, assembly, less maintenance

MinusPrice, battery that needs to be charged.

Ssssss. However, if you run out of juice, single-speed action is the order of the day.Photo: SramSsssss. However, if you run out of juice, single-speed action is the order of the day.
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The verdict: to buy or not?

The opinions of the testers differ. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages for Max, who is not a fan of assembly and adjustment. He would invest the money, Peter is unsure and Adrian would rather invest the money elsewhere, e.g. in an E-Variostütze, see further down in the article.Photo: BIKE GrafikThe opinions of the testers differ. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages for Max, who is not a fan of assembly and adjustment. He would invest the money, Peter is unsure and Adrian would rather invest the money elsewhere, e.g. in an E-Variostütze, see further down in the article.

E-Vario telephone support

Scene insiders agree: the telescopic seat post is one of the great innovations in mountain biking. Finally, no more annoying stops before setting off: release the quick release and lower the saddle. The first models were initially available in the mid-2000s with a lever under the saddle. Then came the remote lever on the handlebars. Now it works via radio transmission. The biggest advantage apart from the clean cockpit: easy installation. No more fiddling with cables through the frame. Disadvantages: Weight and price (from 580 euros). The battery lasts for Magura Vyron up to one year.

Plus: Assembly, operation

MinusPrice, weight, battery that needs to be charged.

The biggest advantage apart from the clean cockpit: easy assembly.Photo: MaguraThe biggest advantage apart from the clean cockpit: easy assembly.

The verdict: to buy or not to buy?

Boys, the question is to buy or not to buy? Not "Thumbs to the side because I'm not sure." At least tester Adrian has a clear opinion, thanks Adrian! He likes the easy assembly. What's more, the support is quickly fitted from one bike to the next.Photo: BIKE GrafikBoys, the question is to buy or not to buy? Not "Thumbs to the side because I'm not sure." At least tester Adrian has a clear opinion, thanks Adrian! He likes the easy assembly. What's more, the support is quickly fitted from one bike to the next.

E-tyre pressure

The Suitable tyre pressure is crucial when mountain biking. Electric assistants or floor pumps with digital displays help to set the correct air pressure in the tyres before setting off. Products such as the Tyrewiz tyre pressure monitoring system from Sram go one step further. They deliver the tyre pressure to the smartphone app in real time. Unfortunately, the device cannot deflate or even inflate tyres. Price: 145 euros per valve.

Plus: Precise air pressure measurement

Minus:Price, manageable function, battery that needs to be charged, additional app on the smartphone

No, unfortunately the appliance cannot deflate or even add air.Photo: SramNo, unfortunately the appliance cannot deflate or even add air.

The verdict: to buy or not to buy?

Clear edge! No further questions. The conclusion of the testers: A normal tyre pressure gauge is the cheaper and better choice.Photo: BIKE GrafikClear edge! No further questions. The conclusion of the testers: A normal tyre pressure gauge is the cheaper and better choice.

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Laurin Lehner

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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