Enduro system comparison Light vs. Power: What role does weight play for e-bikes?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 24.10.2023
Bosch or Shimano? 29 or 27.5 inches? Lots or little suspension travel? There are countless questions on the way to buying an e-MTB. But at the moment, a very fundamental decision is forcing itself to the fore: light or power e-MTB? In other words: How powerful does the motor need to be? And how much capacity does my battery need? And is it even worth skimping on watts and watt hours? Or are the expensive light bikes just a marketing ploy to promote sales?
However, enduro bikers in particular, who focus on having fun on the descents, are often unfamiliar with heavy e-MTBs. How are you supposed to experience flow on the trail with an e-bike weighing over 25kg? Even if we can clearly say from experience that it works excellently, the question is justified as to whether less weight does not mean significantly better riding characteristics on the trail.
And this is precisely the question we want to answer in this test. How do lightweight e-enduro bikes differ from their bulky siblings? What are the advantages and disadvantages? And how big are the differences really? To find out, we asked two representatives from each of the Light and Power classes with 170 millimetres of travel and an uncompromising enduro design to take part in a double duel. It also became clear that there are different orientations even within the categories. This doesn't exactly make it easier to make a purchase decision and orientate yourself on the market. Our system comparison brings light into the darkness.
Contents
We tested these four enduro e-bikes:
Advantages and disadvantages of the categories
Handling
If you switch from the mighty Cannondale Moterra LT to the slim Simplon Rapcon TQ, there's a world of difference. The handling of a successful light bike is closer to that of a non-motorised MTB than that of a classic power e-bike. What does that mean in concrete terms? The bike is easy to manoeuvre on the trail. It's easy to change line spontaneously, throw the bike from one direction to the other in turns or pull it into the air on off-road edges. The ride is also more precise and direct, as the lightweight bike develops less of a life of its own. Heavy E-MTBs tend to push due to their own weight, which requires more strength and familiarisation to hit and hold the desired line. The Simplon shines here. The M1, on the other hand, is halfway between the two e-bike worlds. In other words, it's not just the weight that is decisive, the geometry, chassis and wheels must also support the light factor.
Light vs. Power 1:0
I rarely ride an e-bike, but mostly on an enduro bike without a motor. The Simplon really impressed me with its excellent handling. I would almost say that it even rides better downhill than my YT Capra. That's a drastic difference to the three other bikes in this test. The heavy E-MTBs in particular are too sluggish for me. - Nic Dörpholz, EMTB test rider
Driving stability
The counterpoint to light-footedness is riding safety. This primarily depends on the geometry, chassis and equipment. But even here there are fundamental differences between the two categories. In our four-way battle, the two power bikes from Cannondale and Flyer were significantly more stable on the trail. The bike's own weight provides a lot of traction and smoothness - regardless of the suspension quality and geometry values. Tearing the handlebars on a hard-to-see root or being thrown off track in a rocky field - this is less likely to happen with the bulky E-MTBs. Especially with a somewhat passive riding style, this promotes riding safety enormously. This also applies to dynamic manoeuvres such as jumps. Although heavy E-MTBs are not as easy to pull up into the air and tricks also require more power, the flight phase is more stable. All in all, you are less likely to get into trouble with a power E-MTB.
The power enduros equalise: 1:1
Regardless of the range: In difficult terrain, I would always go for a power bike. However, familiarisation also plays a role here. I ride classic power e-bikes a lot and find their smoothness and riding safety downhill a clear plus. Especially for less experienced riders. Bikes like the Simplon are often a bit too lively and unsteady for me on downhill sections. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB Magazine
Sound
The drive noise of an e-bike is inextricably linked to the riding experience. Anyone who rides with non-motorised friends or wants to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature will love the HPR 50 from TQ. Although the sound is perceptible, in many situations it is completely drowned out by ambient noise. No other E-MTB motor is this quiet! It is also rattle-free downhill - unlike the two Bosch drives. Bosch's SX also sounds quite pleasant at low thrust, but it becomes significantly louder when a lot of power is called up. The Bosch CX is not quiet even in Eco mode and its whirring is a constant companion.
Intermediate score after the sound check: Light vs. Power 2:1
Uphill
The story is quickly told: If you want to master the nastiest steep sections and technical climbs, a powerful motor gives you significantly more reserves and makes things easier. The feeling of flow also increases with the momentum and ease that a powerful motor provides. The Performance SX motor can keep up much better than the HPR50 with its considerable power. At low cadences, however, even the lightweight Bosch clearly lacks traction - which limits demanding uphills. Compared to a non-motorised bike, you can fly up the mountain at record speed with the two lightweight drives. But the point clearly goes to the Power class.
Intermediate score after the Uphill: Light vs. Power 2:2
Weight
Where should a light eMTB score if not in terms of weight? Of course, the two minimalist candidates with their smaller batteries and lighter motors are clearly ahead here. A good five kilos on average. However, both light bikes are anything but ultimately weight-optimised. Thick 38 mm forks, consistent enduro components and, above all, really puncture-proof tyres. Here they even outperform the two power bikes - so there is tuning potential for weight fetishists. Critics will say: There are also significantly lighter power eMTBs in this price and suspension travel range. This is true, but firstly it is the exception rather than the rule, and secondly this also applies to the light candidates. And even the lightest power enduro bikes with comparable equipment are nowhere near the 21.1 kilos of the M1.
You can also clearly feel the wheel weight in the handling. The M1 in particular, with its favourable wheels and fat Eddy Current, lacks liveliness. The round tyres on the Flyer are even heavier. In addition to the robust Onza tyres, the heavy Mavic wheels have an impact here. Tuning pays off here! The Maxxis tyres with thin carcass make the wheels of the Cannondale light - but they are undersized for the handling qualities of the powerful enduro bike.
Intermediate score after the check at the scales: Light takes the lead - 3:2
Every pot has a lid. The saying also applies to e-mountainbikes. Between minimalist light e-MTBs, for example with a TQ drive, and classic power bikes, countless approaches and intermediate forms are emerging. The best example is the powerful Bosch SX. This makes test rides all the more important for buyers - ideally at a test event. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Reach
Smaller battery, less range. There's nothing to shake about this simple logic. The extra pounds of the power bikes only have a marginal effect on the range. If you ride all bikes with comparable motor support, you can get almost twice as far with the large Bosch batteries with 750 watt hours as with the minimalist light drives. That is a fact. But even with the light bikes, longer trips are possible. But then you have to reduce the assistance even more and pedal hard yourself. Or you can rely on a second battery (only possible with the M1) or range extender (160 Wh for the Simplon, 250 for the Bosch in the M1). You can read a detailed range test with some current light motors in direct comparison to a Power-E-MTB here.
The range comparison brings the equaliser for the Power class: final score 3:3
Weight and fitness: the rider decides
Stable or manoeuvrable? How you personally perceive the two categories naturally has a lot to do with your own preferences and physical condition. A 100-kilo rider with a strong upper body will be less bothered by the slightly higher effort required by a 25-kilo bike than a lanky 60-kilo biker. Motor power and range are also influenced by your physical condition. Light and fit riders get by much better with less motor thrust and battery power.
The EMTB conclusion
Nothing is more boring than a draw? Perhaps. But for this system comparison, the following applies more than ever: a matter of opinion! If you're rolling down the mountain on a trail, successful light enduro bikes usually have the edge. But other factors also play a role for downhill junkies. There are good arguments for both categories, light and strong. If you realise what requirements you have of your E-Enduro, you are not far away from deciding in favour of one of the two concepts.
The motors in comparison
Bosch Performance Line CX
Massive power, ample range, strong modulation: The Performance Line CX is the benchmark for demanding uphills and powerful E-MTBs. The lively power delivery makes riding uphill fun. However, the system with its large battery (750 watt hours) is heavy and comparatively loud - unfortunately also on descents (rattling).
Bosch Performance Line SX
Not fish, not meat? Or rather the golden mean? That's in the eye of the beholder. One thing is clear: the Performance SX delivers a lot of power for its low weight. You can almost keep up with a power motor and even climb difficult uphills. However, a very high cadence is required, otherwise the SX only pushes moderately. The volume is midway between the CX and TQ, as is the ride feel. Unfortunately, the small Bosch also rattles downhill. Here you can find the detailed test of the Bosch Performance Line SX motor.
TQ HPR 50
The TQ HPR 50 is the absolute alternative to the classic E-MTB power motor. Discreet, light, small and super quiet! With this drive, you get as close as possible to the classic MTB, but still get a significant additional boost for extra laps. Range and power are clearly limited in comparison. On the other hand, the drive is super quiet, both uphill and downhill. Click here for the detailed test of the TQ HPR 50.
Light enduro bikes in a duel - who benefits from lightweight e-bikes?
Effortlessly and quickly uphill to then plunge carefree into breakneck descents. This is the field of application of lightweight e-enduro bikes. We tested two light bikes, each with mullet wheels and plenty of suspension travel. At first glance, the data suggests a boring duel. But far from it. Our two candidates from Simplon and M1 show how differently the light category can be interpreted.
Let's start with the motor. While the Bavarians from M1 rely on the Swabian Bosch SX drive, the Vorarlberg Simplon comes with a Bavarian motor from TQ. With its more powerful motor, the M1 lands somewhere between the worlds of the Light and Power classes. The thrust is sufficient to keep up with more powerful motorised bikes. And to extend the range, there's the option of a quick battery swap or the 250 range extender from Bosch. Simplon's concept, on the other hand, appeals to minimalists. The power of the TQ HPR 50 is lower. The smaller 360 Wh battery is permanently installed in the bike, so you can't extend the range with a second battery. And the 160 Wh clip-on battery is more of a small update than an enormous range boost.
Simplon's objective is clear: bikers who are happy with minimal support and are fully focussed on downhill qualities and riding fun on the trail will be happy here. The M1, on the other hand, is much more broadly positioned and can also be interesting for e-bikers who don't really want to do without motor power and uphill flow. Without giving too much away: In enduro use, however, the EN.400.SX from M1 cannot keep up with the Simplon Rapcon PMax TQ. Details on the riding characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the bikes can be found in our detailed tests. In terms of equipment, both bikes are uncompromisingly designed for tough terrain - which has a slight impact on weight. On the trail, the difference in weight between the two candidates would be even greater, as the 1.2kg lighter Simplon rides much more nimbly.
Conclusion on the light enduro duel
This duel is a clear-cut affair, as it pits the minimalist enduro specialist against the versatile all-rounder. Downhill, the Simplon outperforms the M1 in all respects and scores top marks. However, the range and motor power are only moderate. If you are looking for an all-rounder that is not too heavy, but also not too weak on the chest, the M1 is a sporty and versatile bike for tours, trails and detours into rougher terrain. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Editor EMTB
Power enduro bikes in a duel - what are the powerhouses capable of?
Long Alpine tours, bike park runs or fast after-work laps: powerful e-enduro bikes are all-rounders for tough terrain with an integrated shuttle. Get on, ride off and seek adventure in difficult terrain. Isn't that the basic idea behind enduro mountain bikes? If you agree, you could find fulfilment in a classic E-Enduro. Because the fun doesn't just start at the start of the trail. Even the way up can be turned into a playground with riding technique challenges. Climbs are no longer a necessary evil that has to be destroyed with sweat or sat on a shuttle.
Metres in altitude become a guarantee of fun - both uphill and downhill. Because the powerful motors provide uphill flow and make almost impossible climbs possible. And thanks to the large batteries, the power of the e-drives can also be utilised. If you're not completely wasteful with the energy, and recharge a little at lunchtime if necessary, 750 watt hours will fill an entire trail day. The flip side of the coin: the power and range reserve adds to the weight. Our two enduro candidates weigh well over 25 kilos. And that despite carbon frames and lavish prices of almost 9000 euros.
Both the Flyer Uproc Evo:X and Cannondale's Moterra LT rely on the popular Bosch Performance CX. The heavy Powertube 750 in particular puts pressure on the weight of the two Bosch enduro bikes. These two candidates cannot keep up with the light-footed character of classic light eMTBs. On the other hand, in addition to their all-round strength, they also have a lot to offer in terms of handling and smoothness. The new Uproc Evo:X manages the balancing act of comfortable handling and riding stability better than the Moterra LT. With lighter wheels, the Flyer could score even more points here. On the other hand, the Cannondale's strong handling doesn't lose its composure so quickly.
Conclusion on the power enduro duel
The two power enduro bikes in our comparison share the fate of most current E-MTBs: Large batteries put pressure on the weight! If you then add robust equipment, the bikes often end up at over 25 kilos. Neither Flyer nor Cannondale can score points on the scales. However, both have a lot of range, good climbing ability and plenty of pedalling skills. The Uproc Evo:X is better at mixing some manoeuvrability into its handling. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Editor EMTB
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
