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From 3000 euros: Reduced top e-MTBs with full motor power
Santa Cruz Heckler C GX AXS - from 4999 instead of 8999 euros
Not all hype is justified. However, they do exist. The few really good bikes that deliver even with mid-range parts. And the Heckler from Santa Cruz is just such a bike. In our last test of high-end E-MTBs the bike cost almost a five-figure sum and was awarded the all-round tip. In the meantime, this fine product is even available at an entry-level price.
First presented in 2020, the Heckler impressed with its dream handling. The new versions with a large front wheel, more battery power and more suspension travel from the start of 2022 are even better. Only slightly less playful, but the all-round capabilities have increased significantly. The suspension of the Heckler in particular is a real success and combines sensitive response behaviour, first-class traction and sporty support in an inimitable way. With 150 millimetres of travel at the rear and the 160 mm fork, you can also let it rip downhill.
However, the Heckler never becomes a nasty enduro tank. Then there's the feel-good geometry. With a not-too-long reach, high handlebars and low bottom bracket, the rider is perfectly integrated into the bike. The rather short chainstays for an E-MTB and the weight of under 23 kilos, even without high-end parts, propel the bike nimbly round tight bends. The Darfon battery with 720 watt hours delivers a good range in the Shimano system and can be easily removed from the bike.
For a long time, the biggest disadvantage was the high price. With the new Santa Cruz Vala the spiritual successor with a Bosch motor is already in the starting blocks, and the EP8 motor in the Heckler is no longer the current model. Neither makes the bike any worse than before, but both lead to substantial discounts. The Heckler C GX with Fox Performance Elite fork is already available for a good five thousand euros instead of nine thousand euros, while the expensive CC X01 only costs around six thousand euros in the relevant online shops instead of the original price of well over ten thousand euros.
Strengths
- Super chassis
- Dynamic all-rounder
- Warranty & weight release
Weaknesses
- Engine not very dynamic and rattles downhill
Centurion No Pogo F - from € 3099 instead of € 5099
The perfect entry-level bike? With the classic No Pogo F, Centurion should come very close to this ideal. The bike offers 150/135 millimetres of travel, climbs superbly and provides a lot of confidence on the descents. The aluminium frame is not super light, but the pop of the suspension makes it fun to ride even on flowing trails. The premium version 2000i with Rockshox suspension and XT parts costs just over 3000 euros, the top model 3000i with electronic XT Di2 and Rockshox Ultimate suspension is available for around 4000 euros. The disadvantage is the small battery.
Strengths
- Balanced driving characteristics
- Good-natured handling
- Good price-performance ratio
Weaknesses
- Low range
- somewhat heavy
Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM - from €4599 instead of €5799
For a long time, the Cube Stereo 140 TM was THE authority in the all-mountain segment. With the 140, the Waldershofen-based company has managed a remarkable balancing act: with its forgiving suspension and relaxed riding position, it is extremely comfortable on tour and remarkably easy to ride, even for beginners.
Nevertheless, it remains absolutely reliable when the going gets tough downhill. This was already demonstrated by our High-end test with the Action Team variant And also at the beginning of 2021. The 140 TM was the winner in our comparison of e-all-mountain bikes up to 6000 euros. All in all, hardly any other e-bike in our tests has such an exemplary record as the Cube.
With the Stereo Hybrid One44, the successor with a new Bosch motor is now in the starting blocks. That's why the supposedly old, but still highly functional, TM is available at an entry-level price.
Strengths
- High driving safety and uncomplicated handling
- Good range
- Powerful equipment
Weaknesses
- No off-road extremo
- Tele support could be longer
Canyon Neuron:On CF7 - from € 3999 instead of € 4999
Canyon struck a radical note last year with the Neuron:On. Instead of Shimano, the Koblenz-based company switched to Bosch. The new chassis was only available in carbon and with a permanently installed battery. Not everyone might have liked this, but the bike's riding characteristics benefited significantly. The current Neuron:On CF is still a sporty, fun and strong climbing bike that has no real weaknesses apart from its class-limited handling qualities. The discount of 20 per cent is not enormous, but it improves the price-performance ratio of the bike noticeably.
Strengths
- lively trail bike
- Good range
- Relatively light
Weaknesses
- weak tyres
- Permanently installed battery
Light E-MTBs: Handling wonders at a low price
Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT - from € 4999 instead of € 9999
An e-MTB that looks like a normal mountain bike? Visually, Trek hit the bull's eye with the Fuel EXe when the Americans unveiled the bike in the summer of 2022. On board for the first time: the small and super-lightweight HPR-50 motor from TQ (tested here)which makes the slim look possible in the first place. And the All Mountain from Trek also leaves nothing to be desired on the trail.
The engine is still in a league of its own in terms of volume and responsiveness, and the bike's downhill handling characteristics are still brilliant. The suspension is sensitive, sporty and poppy, even if at 140 millimetres it is no comfort miracle. The handling of the Fuel EXe is extremely direct.
This means that the bike is a real mouthful on flowing trails and is also in its element on easy enduro trails thanks to its good reserves and successful geometry - provided the rider grabs the fun bike by the horns properly.
This is how the Trek the test victory in our large comparison test of lightweight high-end eMTBs. The bike's biggest weakness: the range with the 360 watt-hour battery is mediocre at best. However, if you want, you can use TQ's range extender to add another 160 watt hours in a practical water bottle format.
And the best thing is: although the bike was originally very expensive and the model is still current, dealers are now offering substantial discounts. The price of our test-winning bike from 2023, the Fuel EXe 9.8 XT with luxurious equipment including top suspension and carbon wheels, only 5000 euros - instead of the original 10,000 euros.
Tuning tip: We would shorten the super-wide cockpit a little and it's also worth upgrading the Bontrager tyres. If you want something even cheaper and don't need quite as much luxury, go for the basic Fuel EXe 9.5 carbon model, which is available online from € 3600.
Strengths
- Direct handling
- slim silhouette
- Motor very quiet
Weaknesses
- low range
- Not very suitable for beginners
Haibike Lyke CF11 - from € 4299 instead of € 7999
The Lyke was the first production e-MTB with the Ride 60 motor from Fazua and was an immediate success. Not only was the motor fairly quiet on the climbs, yet powerful and with a long range, the bike also scored points with its slim chassis, removable battery and low weight. With its modern geometry, the Lyke is lively and direct. The well-tuned rear suspension also offers potential for more difficult trails. At four and a half thousand euros for the Lyke CF 11, for example, this is a clear recommendation. Tuning tip: retrofit more downhill-orientated equipment.
Strengths
- Light-footed and powerful
- Good range and motor power in a light comparison
Weaknesses
- Tyres, handlebars, dropper post; equipment limits downhill potential
Ghost Pathriot Full Party - from € 5490 instead of € 9000
Light e-MTBs are often tuned to minimise weight. This also makes sense in order to promote the agile handling that is so characteristic of this category. However, in rough terrain and with aggressive riders, the lightweight equipment quickly reaches its limit.
Ghost therefore takes the opposite approach and equips the Light E-MTB Pathriot with absolute bomb-proof equipment. Tyres with plenty of puncture protection and inserts ex works, a thick 38 mm fork, high-quality Newmen wheels and brakes from Formula make the bike with its elaborate VPP rear end a mini enduro par excellence. Originally, the "Full Party" version was quite expensive. However, the bike now only costs a good 5000 euros.
Strengths
- High suspension qualities measured by the spring travel
- Good range and motor power in a light comparison
- Robust equipment
Weaknesses
- No lightweight construction miracle
- Challenging handling due to flat steering angle and less rear suspension travel
Specialized Levo SL Expert - from € 6399 instead of € 9600
>> Available e.g. here, at Liquid-Life for 7799 Euro or as Alloy for 4599 euros
When it comes to handling, no other E-MTB has such a good reputation as the Specialized Levo SL. And rightly so. The cult bike from the Americans is super light and has the shortest chainstays of all E-MTBs. Perfect for manual fans!
As the model is still current and will probably remain unchanged in 2025, real super deals are rare. However, Specialized has just introduced the new version with Genie shock and thus pushes the prices down a little. So if you want a Levo SL, you can strike here. The performance tip: the Expert model with top suspension from 6400 instead of 9600 euros.
Strengths
- unrivalled, quirky trail handling
- Strong chassis
- light
Weaknesses
- Little motor and battery power
- Permanently installed battery
- not an ace climber
>> Note: The prices in this article are based on offers from reputable online shops. Remaining stock in individual sizes has not been taken into account. Offers may change on a daily basis, BIKE assumes no liability for the prices shown. Prices last checked at the editorial deadline on 14/11/2024
Adrian Kaether
Editor
