Abums E-001 with Mahle M40: A tough steel enduro with a lightweight super engine?
Adrian Kaether
· 15.06.2025
The new Spanish manufacturer Abums is entering the e-bike stage with an unusual concept. The San Sebastián-based company is presenting its first model - a crazy steel E-Enduro with a high-pivot rear triangle and the new Mahle M40 motor. This makes the E-001 the first ever ready-to-ride bike with the new motor.
Steel frame with integrated battery
The centrepiece of the Abums E-Enduro is a handmade steel frame. The custom manufacturer is deliberately offering an alternative to the predominant carbon and aluminium frames in the E-MTB segment. According to the manufacturer, the steel tube construction should dampen vibrations better than aluminium or carbon and thus ensure more comfort and control on the trail. With better durability at the same time.
The bike is welded by hand and the battery is fully integrated into the down tube. The new Mahle M40 system offers a choice of batteries with 534 or 800 watt hours. The batteries power the M40 mid-engine, which, at a weight of just 2.5 kilograms, is said to deliver a whopping 850 watts of peak power and 105 newton metres. This would put the new Mahle on a par with DJI's Avinox super motor, not including the boost function.
High-pivot rear triangle for more performance
In addition to the steel frame, the first M40 bike surprises with another special feature: The high-pivot rear triangle. With this concept, which has been en vogue in the gravity sector in recent years, the main pivot point of the rear triangle is clearly above the bottom bracket. As a result, the rear wheel moves in a rearward arc during compression.
Instead of moving forwards and upwards, the rear wheel can avoid bumps by moving backwards and upwards, which in principle improves traction and control. Abums wants to have disadvantages such as chain elongation and pedal kickback well under control with a "sweet spot" in the design.
Handmade in Spain
Abums says it attaches great importance to local production. The frames are welded and assembled by hand in the workshop in San Sebastián. The company is backed by four experienced mountain bikers - three mechanical engineers and an industrial designer. With steel as the frame material, the custom forge wants to turn away from industry standards and emphasise the riding experience rather than bare data. A luxury that you have to be able to afford, however. The hand-welded bike is expected to cost 11,900 euros and will probably only be produced in homeopathic doses at first.
Abums Model One: The E-001 at a glance
- Frame: Handmade steel frame
- Rear triangle: High pivot system
- Motor and battery: Mahle M40
- Area of application: Enduro
- Weight, suspension travel, geometry, wheel size: n/a A.
- Price: 11,900 euros
Adrian Kaether
Editor
