You can find these topics in the test of high-end enduro e-bikes from the USA:
We tested these 3 US cult bikes:
(Click to go to the individual rating)
The test report
Two for the price of one! That's the harsh reality when you compare the winner of our test of budget full-sussers with these three hot American bikes from Evil, Pivot and Santa Cruz. And if you were to opt for two budget bikes, you would easily have enough money left over for a week's biking holiday. For example, in the enduro mecca of Finale Ligure. But it is precisely trails such as those found in the hinterland of the Italian coastal town that make the high-end E-Enduros from the USA so desirable.
Nasty steep climbs, fast cornering and high-speed sections - this is where the candidates from Evil, Pivot and Santa Cruz with around 170 millimetres of travel really come into their own. The question of whether this justifies the double price is, of course, more of a theoretical nature. Every biker thinks differently here. Because from a certain price point, the value of an e-bike can hardly be weighed up in factual pros and cons. Which brings us to the decisive question of this test: What makes the three American enduro bikes so special, apart from their iconic brand image?
High-end enduro bikes: Average ranges, despite high price
It's not the drivetrain. All three candidates use Shimano's EP8. It is relatively light and compact, which makes it ideal for fun trail experts and their designers. It is also easy for manufacturers to obtain, even in small quantities. Also less breathtaking: Santa Cruz and Evil fall short of the average range of modern E-MTBs with the small 630 Shimano battery, which Pivot manages better with its 750 battery.
High-quality carbon frames make it easy
The frames of our test specimens exude a good dose of glamour. All three rely on a high-quality carbon construction for the main frame and rear triangle. This is noticeable in the relatively low weight of the bikes. 22.2 to 23 kilos are good values for E-MTBs of this calibre. The workmanship is also really good in many respects. For example, the speed sensors, including their cable connection, are integrated into the dropout in a particularly stylish and secure way.
Top suspension thanks to special kinematics
The suspension is even more exciting. All three American models rely on complex, multi-directional control of the shock absorber. Looking at the rockers and levers and trying to understand exactly what happens when the suspension compresses is a real brain-teaser. The special kinematics are advertised and explained on the manufacturers' websites. But how much of this is actually felt on the trail? In fact, all three e-bikes deliver outstanding suspension performance off-road. And in addition to the geometry, this is an absolutely decisive factor for the riding behaviour. The Delta system on the Evil Epocalypse has enormous, rich absorption capacity, typical of steel spring dampers. It is astonishing how lively, lively and at the same time drive-neutral it remains. The same applies to the two systems with a virtual pivot point. They are particularly good at combining sensitive and forgiving operation with defined counter support in mid-travel and remain active even under braking and drive influences. We found the VPP system on Santa Cruz's Bullit to be even more defined, but also firmer and sportier.
There is still potential in the equipment
But back to the features. If you can call it that in this price range, the Pivot Shuttle LT the price-performance victory in a trio. Full XTR equipment, Fox Factory suspension, carbon handlebars and very light aluminium wheels: apart from electric gimmicks on the gears, seatpost or suspension, everything the market has to offer is actually on offer here. It's a similar story at Santa Cruz, which also offers high-quality carbon rims with a lifetime guarantee. However, the Bullit is even more expensive at 13700 euros. Evil charges the same price as Pivot, namely 12,000 euros. The gears and brakes from the XT range look a little pale in comparison. The tyres with thin EXO carcass are also not a good match for a high-quality E-Enduro.
The aggressive sound of the freewheel of the elegant Industry Nine hub provides that certain something. A detail that is likely to make quite a few bikers' hands wet. Unfortunately, the distinctive rattling of the Epocalypse is just as noticeable on the trail. In addition to the familiar rattling of the EP8, the battery also hums on bigger hits. Pivot and Santa Cruz manage this better. But even these two bikes are far from whisper-quiet thanks to the gearbox in the Shimano unit. A detail that leaves a bland aftertaste, especially in such price ranges.
Special Forces: the special details
Rear suspension on mountain bikes is a science in itself. Our three candidates rely on special, patented systems that are said to have special properties. In fact, the rear suspensions of these three E-MTBS make a huge difference compared to many conventional E-Fullys off-road. The kinematics of Pivot (3) and Evil (2) come from the pen of suspension guru Dave Weagle, incidentally the founder of Evil Bikes. The VPP system on the Santa Cruz (1) is also patented. All three designs are based on a fixed rear frame triangle that works without joints. The DW-Link (pivot) and the VPP system have a virtual pivot point.
Conclusion on the high-end enduro bike test by Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Testing EMTB:
Three excellent downhill bikes with similar ingredients - but very different characters! With harmonious geometries and strong chassis, the elegant E-Enduros achieve top marks in the trail and downhill rankings. With its balanced handling and good range, the Shuttle LT appeals to the widest range of users and also offers the best value for money. Congratulations on winning the test!
Facts, figures and data: A comparison of the high-end enduro bikes
The reach height
The large battery in the pivot gives the Shuttle LT by far the longest range. With the 630 Shimano batteries, the Santa Cruz and Evil are below the average of current e-MTBs. Nevertheless, the batteries of these two e-bikes can be removed quickly. Great for bike park days with a second battery. And the relatively small and lightweight battery also fits easily into the rucksack.
The weights of the Enduro e-bikes in comparison
The Santa Cruz Bullit impresses with the lowest weight despite the most robust tyre combination. The Pivot can keep up despite its significantly larger battery. Evil finishes at the bottom of the list, although it has been put on a diet with tyres that are too light and a small battery. At 23 kilos, it is still one of the lightest E-Enduros on the market.
Valuation in detail
¹Measured in the EMTB laboratory in the tested size, battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
²Set with tyres, cassette and brake discs.
*The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
What the testers say about the US cult bikes:
Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB:
The Pivot is extremely well-balanced: a plush chassis, sporty geometry, track-faithful on full-throttle descents, but by no means sluggish on trails. And it can also climb quite well. It also has the right equipment for the price. If I had 12,000 euros to spare, the Pivot Shuttle would be my choice.
Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor:
What a riding experience! All three e-bikes combine light-footed handling with extreme pedalling qualities. After the descent, no tester got off the bike who wasn't thrilled. Even if the prices are beyond good and evil: If you ever get the chance, you shouldn't miss out on a test ride.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
