Maik Schröder
· 07.10.2023
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An E-MTB with a strong character and an in-house motor - that's the Instinct Powerplay C70 from Rocky Mountain (here in the BIKE test). The pros of the carbon racer include its handling, its powerful rear suspension and its lively motor. Even on challenging uphill trails, this e-MTB is a real joy! Thanks to its light-footed handling, it also flows very smoothly downhill.
Fun, fast and lively: Experienced trail bikers will love this e-mountainbike. Especially as it also runs very quietly. Very powerful motor, high-quality frame - but rather mediocre equipment at a high price. Without exception, all testers were delighted with the bike's handling.
Now in its third generation, the Hightower (here in the BIKE test)The basic key data of the predecessor have remained the same: 145 millimetres of travel at the rear, 150 at the front. 29-inch wheels and the proven rear triangle with virtual VPP pivot point. (virtual pivot point). In terms of geometry, damping performance and usability, Santa Cruz has given the Hightower 3 an update >> available at a reduced price at Fahrrad XXL.
The Santa Cruz Hightower 3 feels really lively on the trail and turns every twitch of the handlebars into a change of direction. Bike test rating: very good
With its 160 mm fork and almost 150 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear, the Ibis Ripmo V2S (here in the BIKE test) between an all-mountain bike and an enduro bike. However, the robust components, such as the massive 38 mm Fox fork and the extremely wide 35 mm aluminium rims, make the Ripmo more of a downhill MTB. The Ripmo V2S including pedals - despite the 2763 gram full carbon frame - just exceeds the 15-kilo mark. On the other hand, it can be ridden really fast downhill.
The Ibis Ripmo offers a little too little travel for a complete enduro bike, but the MTB is a little too wild for an all-mountain bike. However, as a border crosser between these two categories, it is spot on, brings a lot of riding pleasure and impresses with its outstanding rear suspension.
The equipment of the Rocky Mountain Element Alloy 50 (here in the BIKE test)A mix of SLX and XT components for the drivetrain and brakes, Fox Performance suspension and customised components. The components may not be top level, but they are absolutely practical. Although the MTB is categorised as a cross-country bike in the Rocky hierarchy, it could certainly be classified as a trail bike.
With its modern geometry, the Rocky Mountain Element strikes the perfect balance between uphill qualities and downhill performance - a trail bike in its purest form. Only the equipment and ease of maintenance could be better.
There have been major updates to the suspension and frame, while a few useful everyday features have also been added: With the Moterra Neo, Cannondale not only wants to have eradicated the weaknesses of its predecessor - the E-MTB should also manage the balancing act between sporty trail use and moderate touring. We were able to test the Top model Neo Carbon 1 already tested (here in the BIKE test) >> available at a reduced price at Fahrrad-XXL.
The Cannondale Moterra Neo shines as a powerful tourer with a great riding position and smart everyday features. However, the suspension could be more sensitive and the stand and rack mounts could be better integrated into the rear triangle. With its long wheelbase, the Cannondale is also a little bulky, but smooth-running and confident on any terrain.
The Giant Stance E+ 1 Pro (here in the BIKE test) is made for relaxed tours, but also for sporty trails. The large battery also supports the bike on longer tours. The uphill performance is the best in our comparison test. The rear suspension is very sensitive and active, providing a lot of comfort and traction when seated. The bike also inspires a lot of confidence downhill. The long wheelbase of 1274 millimetres in size L provides a lot of riding confidence and smoothness, while the low bottom bracket positions the rider in a relaxed position on the bike.
Relaxed tour or sporty trail ride? The Giant Stance E+ can do both. With a large battery, you can even do extra laps. Very stable and smooth, but not very playful. Top on the climbs!
The Rose Bonero 2 (here in the BIKE test) shines with high-quality equipment in this price range. Together with the riding characteristics and the wide range of applications, we have crowned it the test winner among trail hardtails up to € 1999. The low overall weight in combination with the long-travel dropper post and a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with 510 per cent gear range make the Bonero 2 a real all-rounder >> available at a reduced price at Rose Bikes.
A clear equipment advantage and a detailed, modern frame secure the Rose Bonero 2 the test victory. None of the test bikes offers more riding fun in a comparably wide range of use.
Two years after the presentation of the original Heckler 2020, Santa Cruz has relaunched the all-rounder in its product portfolio. The biggest change: the large 29-inch front wheel and a new frame with new, revised geometry and a larger battery. The Santa Cruz Heckler S MX (here in the BIKE test) is available both as a 29-inch bike for optimised uphill and rollover characteristics and as an MX model with a small rear wheel for more playfulness. All bikes come with the typical VPP rear triangle and a full carbon frame >> available at a reduced price from Liquid Life.
Winner in the under 8000 euro category! The Santa Cruz Heckler S MX owes this to its first-class riding characteristics, top suspension and low weight. A really well-balanced trail bike.
Cube is usually a good tip for high-performance bikes. That makes the Stereo One44 C:62 Pro (here in the BIKE test) is no exception: with its slim carbon frame, the MTB weighs less than 13 kilograms. Nevertheless, it comes with many high-quality details, such as a storage compartment in the down tube and a tool mount on the top tube. The geometry can be fine-tuned using a flip chip >> available at a reduced price from Liquid Life.
The Cube Stereo One44 is a good deal for touring fans. It is wonderfully light, beautifully manoeuvrable and moves quickly. With a short rear end and a wheelbase of the tight variety, manuals and bunny hops are easy. Tight bends also suit the Stereo. On easy flow trails, the good-natured handling provides a good portion of riding fun.

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