First class, Lightweight e-mountainbikes more than ever before in model year 2023! However, some manufacturers have also introduced outstanding new models for the new bike season for e-bikes with classic e-drives. Especially in the e-bike classes with more suspension travel, i.e. the E-enduro and all-mountain e-bikes. So that you don't forget any exciting models in your selection when buying an E-MTB, we have compiled the Top e-bike innovations for 2023 summarised in this article. From the exclusive Light E-MTB to the hottest E-Enduro. Here is an overview of the individual models. Click on the link to go directly to the e-bike:
Exciting e-bikes 2023: The new, lightweight light e-mountainbikes
New light engines such as the TQ HPR50 and the Fazua Ride 60 have acted like an accelerant on the e-MTB sector. There are now six notable models on the market. Above all, these units are light and compact. On the one hand, this enables very low overall weights, but also slim frame shapes that increasingly resemble those of classic mountain bikes. But the New generation of light motors can do much more. Example: TQ HPR 50 - the new unit from the Upper Bavarian electronics company is not only the most compact e-bike drive in its class, in practice it also impresses with its natural, discreet characteristics and is barely audible. There has never been a more classic mountain bike riding experience with e-MTBs. Another example: the new Fazua Ride 60. Ride 50 laid the foundation for light development six years ago. Its successor, the Ride 60, sets a new milestone in the light assist motor category: not only is it very compact and very light at 2.02 kilos, it also delivers performance that is almost on a par with classic e-MTB drives.
So it's hardly surprising that the light e-MTB category is becoming increasingly popular with this new generation of motors. We have compiled the most exciting light e-MTB models for 2023.
Scott Lumen: Weight record holder with TQ motor
The Scott Lumen is definitely a top innovation among the e-MTBs for 2023. It redefines the boundaries for light e-bikes: 15.5 kilos total weight, maximum integration and extremely quiet thanks to the new TQ HPR50 motor. Visually, the Lumen is also almost indistinguishable from its non-motorised relatives in the Scott model portfolio. The Swiss company has also set a precedent for a new category: down-country e-bikes. This bike class has already established itself among motorless bikes: Light weight and limited suspension travel on the one hand, sporty geometries with slack steering angles on the other - this is how efficiency and trail characteristics can be combined.
Scott uncompromisingly transfers the down-country concept from non-motorised mountain biking to the E-MTB sector. The category is aimed at riders with sporting aspirations who are prepared to put in a lot of effort. In return, they get a very light, powerful overall system. The Scott Lumen should also be able to be ridden above the support limit on flat and undulating terrain. To save energy, the bike can also be ridden over longer distances with the motor switched off. The visual aesthetics of the Lumen are also special: thanks to the compact dimensions of the TQ-HPR50 motor and a permanently installed 360 Wh battery, the developers have succeeded in realising the unique design with integrated shock - patented by the Bold brand, which Scott recently purchased - into the e-bike segment. For weight reasons, the bike has no hinges at the dropout - the carbon struts flex. All in all, the Scott Lumen makes a great visual impression and was also convincing on the trail in the EMTB test.
Facts about the Scott Lumen
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, max. 50 Nm, 300 watts
- Battery: 360 Wh, permanently installed
- Optional range extender: 160 Wh
- Suspension travel: 130 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 15.5 kilos (top model)
- Price: 4 models from 6999 to 15,999 euros
Focus Jam² SLLight bike with Fazua motor
Who built the first E-MTB with a light motor in history in 2017? That's right, it was Focus! The Hardtail Raven² was the first e-mountainbike with the then brand-new Fazua Evation motor. However, the Stuttgart-based company later became quiet in the light e-bike category. Now that the category has been revitalised with the new Fazua Ride 60 drive is getting a real boost, Focus is also back in the game. With the Jam² SL, the Swabians are presenting a Fazua bike for 2023 that straddles the trail, all-mountain and enduro categories.
The Jam² SL is a racy trail bike with a full carbon frame, 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels. A special feature is the extensive geometry customisation. The brand new Ride 60 is a huge step forward compared to its predecessor for use on E-MTBs. In particular, the strong power-to-weight ratio makes the compact motor stand out. Compared to other drives in the light league, the Fazu pushes really hard. This could cause some advocates of classic e-MTBs to ponder. The relatively large battery with 430 watt hours also makes the Ride 60 - and therefore also the Focus Jam² SL - a strong all-rounder.
Facts about the Focus Jam² SL
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm, 450 watts
- Battery: 430 Wh, removable
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheels: 29 inch
- Weight: from 17.9 kg
- Max. permissible system weight: 135 kg
- Four equipment variants between 6199 and 11,499 euros
BMC Fourstroke AMP LT: Race genes
With the BMC Fourstroke AMP LT, the Swiss race specialists are also presenting a light e-MTB with a TQ HPR50 motor for the coming year. And this can also be categorised as part of the new down-country category. The Fourstroke aims to land somewhere between fun trail speedsters and fast cross-country racers. 120 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels fit well into this category. In addition, the Fourstroke should weigh less than 16 kilos. Anyone aiming for such weights will be able to avoid the TQ drive HPR50 hardly around. At 1.89 kilos, the Bavarian mini motor is the lightest of its kind. And in the BMC, it is barely visible at first glance - it is so discreetly integrated into the design of the down-country e-bike. Only the slightly thicker down tube and the two-inch display in the top tube hint at the power hidden in the frame.
The e-bike motor delivers a maximum of 300 watts of extra power and works particularly quietly and smoothly. With a capacity of 360 Wh, the battery is firmly integrated into the frame and can be extended by 160 Wh with a range extender if required. This is simply attached and locked to one of the two bottle cage positions using FidLock. The Fourstroke AMP LT takes over 95 % of the geometry of its non-motorised brother Fourstroke LT. The chainstays have been lengthened by three millimetres to accommodate the motor and continue to guarantee manoeuvrability. The shorter reach and higher stack make the bike even more suitable for touring. The long front and the 66.5° slack steering angle should ensure a sufficiently smooth ride.
Facts about the BMC Fourstroke AMP LT
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, max. 50 Nm, 300 watts
- Battery 360 Wh, permanently installed
- Optional range extender: 160 Wh
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Weight: from 15.9 kilos
- Four equipment variants from 6899 to 13,999 euros
Pivot Shuttle SL: Fazua premiere
The first market-ready e-mountainbike with the new Fazua motor came from Pivot - the Americans were a touch earlier than the German manufacturer Haibike. Less motor power, less weight, more fun on the trail: the Americans took a very consistent approach to this goal when developing the light e-bike. With a carbon frame, permanently integrated battery and super-short chainstays, the Pivot Shuttle SL is uncompromisingly designed for light-footed handling. Light fans who still enjoy motor power will be delighted with the new Fazua drive. This powerful little guy has 60 Newton metres of torque and delivers up to 450 watts of peak power for short periods. The battery, which is firmly integrated into the down tube of the Pivot Shuttle SL, offers 430 watt hours. An e-MTB ready for the 2023 bike season.
Impressive: Despite small production quantities, Pivot also relies on a rear triangle that grows with the size. The chainstays measure 432 millimetres in frame sizes S and M, 434 millimetres in size L and 438 millimetres in size XL. If you like it even more playful, you can adjust the steering angle half a degree steeper and the chainstays two millimetres shorter with a flip chip. There are two model variants of the Pivot Shuttle SL. The weight-optimised top model "Worldcup" relies on a Fox 34 with 140 millimetres of travel and should therefore weigh less than 16.5 kilograms. All other models come with a sturdier Fox 36 with 150 millimetres of travel.
Facts about the Pivot Shuttle SL
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, max. 60 Nm, 450 watts
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, permanently installed
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm front, 132 mm rear
- Wheels: 29 inch
- Weight: from 16.5 kg
- Price: 4 models between 8999 euros and 12,599 euros
Haibike Lyke: Made in Germany
Full e-bike feeling with low weight: that's what Haibike promised for its Lyke e-MTB. And the Schweinfurt-based company was able to fulfil its promise - not least thanks to the new Fazua Ride 60, which the company from Lower Franconia was the first German manufacturer to install in an e-mountainbike. For e-MTB pioneer Haibike, this project was not only a real milestone in the company's history. At the same time, the Lyke marks a paradigm shift in Haibike's corporate philosophy as a new product for 2023. Until now, the brand has tended to Power bikes has drawn attention to itself. The Lyke is now the complete opposite: slim, light and minimalist. And yet the Lyke also stands for real e-bike feeling and does not disappoint the user with a lack of pedal assistance.
This is guaranteed by the Fazua Ride 60, thanks to which the Lyke can even convey something like uphill flow. Manufacturers who install the new Ride 60 from Fazua have the choice between two battery variants: permanently installed or removable. The latter usually puts pressure on the weight, but has practical advantages. In order to reconcile lightweight construction and practical use, the Haibike engineers have installed the 430 Wh battery intended for fixed mounting in such a way that it can be removed from the bottom bracket area. This is only possible because the Ride 60 was planted upright in the bottom bracket area. However, the e-bike motor and battery integration alone do not make a convincing overall package. In terms of geometry, the developers of the Haibike Lyke have orientated themselves to current trends without drifting into extremes. They gave the Lyke 140 millimetres of suspension travel and gave it a long reach of 480 millimetres (size L). The seat angle is very steep at 77.3 degrees, the steering angle is moderately slack at 65 degrees and the chainstays are moderate at 450 millimetres. All in all, the Schweinfurth-based company has achieved a real feat: with the Lyke, they have created a lightweight e-MTB with a compact but powerful motor and an extremely wide range of uses.
Facts about the Haibike Lyke
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, max. 60 Nm, 450 watts
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, removable
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Permissible total weight: 120 kg
- Weight: from 18.6 kilos
- Price: Three models for 6499 euros, 7499 euros and 9999 euros
Trek Fuel EXe: Pioneer with new TQ drive system
Building e-MTBs that are confusingly similar to normal bikes - that is the declared goal of many manufacturers. Trek and motor manufacturer TQ have been working on this in secret for years. When the curtain came down on the Fuel EXe, this top innovation in the e-bike sector, it was clear why. Because you have to look very closely to realise that the Trek is not a classic mountain bike, but has an e-drive in the bottom bracket area. It is not visible at all on the chainring side of the Trek Fuel and is barely visible from the left. The background noise is also barely noticeable. In many riding situations, for example on gravel, the whirring of the mini motor is completely drowned out by the ambient noise. The overall concept of the trail bike is geared towards sporty bikers: The front is low, and the extra-wide handlebars additionally stretch the rider over the bike. Added to this is a long reach and a plush, plush suspension with 140 millimetres of travel - all in all, the Fuel EXe definitely has the characteristics of an enduro bike.
Of course, Trek and TQ have also thought about smart networking. The HPR50 e-bike motor can communicate with the smartphone via the new Trek Central app. This allows the three U-levels to be fine-tuned to individual preferences in terms of support, maximum power and response behaviour. At 18.8 kilos in size L and lavishly equipped with carbon parts, the Fuel EXe is not one of the weight record holders like the Scott Lumen or the BMC Fourstroke. At least Trek has a removable battery on its credit side. A weight-critical luxury that some lighter competitors don't allow themselves. However, the price is record-breaking: 14,999 euros for the top model. However, Trek already offers the Fuel EXe 9.5 for 6499 euros, which already has a high-quality carbon chassis.
Facts about the Trek Fuel EXe
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, max. 50 Nm, 300 watts
- Battery: 360 Wh
- Optional range extender: 160 Wh
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 18.8 kg
- Permissible total weight: 136 kg
- Price: 6499 to 14,999 euros
Ghost Path Riot: a riot in the making
The first light bike from the Waldsassen-based company is not a quiet pedaller, but rather a riot: With tyre inserts and extreme geometry, the Ghost Path Riot is trimmed for full throttle downhill riding despite its moderate suspension travel. From its motorless brother, the brand new Riot CarbonThe only difference between the Lightbike and the Fazua is the thicker down tube. This is where the Fazua Ride 60 drive unit with a permanently installed 430 Wh battery is located, which provides powerful propulsion uphill. The Path Riot has even adopted the geometry of the carbon chassis from its non-motorised counterpart in the Ghost range. And that hints at it: You can really let it rip downhill with the Ghost. A 38 mm Fox fork with 160 mm travel, 140 mm travel at the rear, 1300 mm wheelbase in size L, a 492 mm reach paired with a super-slack head angle (63.5 degrees) and low bottom bracket, plus aggressive tyres on 29-inch wheels - it's clear that the Path Riot is no run-of-the-mill bike, but a daredevil for demanding mountain bike terrain.
Special feature: The chainstays grow with the frame sizes. The VPP rear triangle, called "Traction Link", is well established in the Ghost programme. However, it has been revised once again for the Path Riot. The Waldsassen-based company offers three models of the Path Riot, starting at 7000 euros with the Advanced model. The secret star in the portfolio is the Full Party: for 8500 euros, it comes with XTR components, Eightpins supportFormula Cura 4 brakes, Fox Factory suspension and lightweight Syntace aluminium wheels. The most expensive model, the Ghost Path Riot LTD, costs €10,000 and is designed for touring and is fully focussed on lightweight construction. Instead of the 38, the front is fitted with the lighter Fox 36 Factory Fit4 with only 150 instead of 160 millimetres of travel. The bike rolls on super-light EXC-1200-Spline carbon wheels from DT Swiss.
Facts about the Ghost Path Riot
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, max. 60 Nm, 450 watts
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, permanently installed
- Optional range extender: 210 watt hours
- Suspension travel: 160 / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Carbon frame
- Weight: 17.46 kilos (Ltd), 19.79 kilos (Full Party))
- Three models for 7,000 euros, 8,500 euros and 10,000 euros
Exciting e-bikes 2023: E-Enduros
Fast and safe downhill - that's the motto for the Enduro eMTBs. The downhill specialists for tough terrain have generous suspension travel of between 160 and 180 millimetres and long, flat geometries. All add-on parts are designed to be robust, and the wheels with extra-thick tyres in particular are equipped for rough terrain and hard landings after jumps. Logically, E-MTB enduro bikes are slightly heavier on average than their touring counterparts. The long geometries with very slack angles require an active riding style, a lot of physical effort and a relatively high level of riding ability. Pleasure bikers will not be happy with an E-Enduro despite its comfortable suspension.
Orbea Wild: Basque character head
Orbea has relaunched the Wild E-Fully for the 2023 bike season. The Bosch e-bike is now consistently trimmed for downhill speed, with the top model weighing just 20.9 kilograms - making it a classic enduro e-MTB that is already knocking on the door of the light enduro segment. However, a painful compromise has to be made in favour of the low weight: The Orbea Wild only has a permanently installed battery. A clear edge for an e-bike whose predecessor was appreciated not least for its qualities as an all-rounder. The new Wild e-bike is much more extreme, although the key data of the new model is still very similar to its predecessor. As before, the Orbea rolls on 29-inch wheels and provides 160 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear. The battery - either Bosch's 750 or the new 625 Powertube, which is around 800 grams lighter - sits particularly low and is now firmly installed in the new frame. After all, the frame is already prepared for a range extender.
This has not yet been presented for Bosch's Smart System, but should give the new Wild a noticeable increase in range. The chassis is made entirely of carbon, even the shock rocker and the cover of the charging port on the new Wild are made of carbon fibre. The frame of the e-MTB is said to weigh just 2.75 kilograms. In addition to the low weight, the increased stiffness should also have a positive effect on the handling. The Orbea developers claim that the new Wild bike is 50 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. The geometry has also been modernised - it is now flatter, sportier and more aggressive. To ensure that the new Wild still climbs well, the seat angle has been made quite steep at 77.5 degrees. In terms of suspension, Orbea has stuck with the classic four-link rear suspension and only optimised the kinematics in the details. In addition to the model with a full carbon frame, the new Orbea Wild e-bike will also be available with an aluminium chassis - in a total of three model versions starting at 5700 euros.
Facts about the Orbea Wild
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart, 85 Nm, 616 watts
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 625 or 750 Wh, permanently installed
- Suspension travel: 160 millimetres, optional 170 mm fork
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- From 20.9 kilos
- Three aluminium models from 5699 and 6999 euros
- Four carbon models between 7299 and 11,999 euros
Radon Deft 10.0: fat E-Enduro at a fair price
Visually, the Radon Deft looks like its little brother, the All-Mountain-Bike Rendervery similar. But the Deft E-MTB has a whopping 170 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear. But beyond the external similarities, there are other similarities: Carbon fibre main frame, Bosch Smart System29er wheels and a geometry with fairly long chainstays and a flat cockpit. On the trail, the determined character and plush suspension are striking. Rather than making lively hooks or getting airborne on edges, the Radon Deft prefers to take the straight line. In typical Radon fashion, the equipment is very generous considering the price. The high-quality Fox Factory suspension elements stand out in particular.
There are also snappy Magura MT7 with a large 220 brake disc and good Sram Eagle components. As the icing on the cake, the Radon Deft 10.0 comes with high-quality and very light Newmen wheels. The Maxxis tyres with EXO+ casing are just as light. On rough, rocky terrain, the light sidewall doesn't hold up for long. Uphill there is light and shade: The comfortable rear suspension of the Radon Deft is a little low in its travel, which makes the riding position a little rear-heavy on steep ramps. On the other hand, the traction on this e-bike is great and the powerful Bosch drive helps considerably on climbs. The Radon Deft 10.0 has earned its place in the top ranking, firstly because it offers a lot of bike for the price and secondly because it is up to date with all assets: drive, geo, equipment.
Facts about the Radon Deft 10.0
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart, 85 Nm, 616 watts
- Battery: Powertube 750 Wh
- Weight: 24.6 kg
- Suspension travel: 170 / 170 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
- Price: 6,799 euros
Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay: Downhill skiers
Shimano, Bosch or Yamaha? No, Rocky Mountain is relying on its very own drive system for its E-MTB for 2023: the Dyname 4.0. With this e-bike motor, the geometry could be copied almost one-to-one from the non-motorised Enduro Altitude take over. Another special feature of the Canadian: the high pivot point of the rear triangle construction. This high pivot is all the rage in downhill and enduro racing, but has so far been the exception on E-MTBs. The fact is: the suspension works first-class. The rear triangle combines sensitive response, full absorption capacity and poppy counter-pressure. The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Altitude also hits the sweet spot: massive smoothness, extreme cornering pleasure, playful character - the Altitude Powerplay is in a league of its own on demanding trails. The pilot is deeply integrated behind the high cockpit, which provides a lot of safety. And best of all, you don't have to be a brilliant enduro racer to have fun on this e-bike. The C70 version of the Powerplay weighs 24.4 kilos, the cheaper aluminium versions weigh over 25 kilos - but even these are surprisingly unobtrusive.
Are there any weaknesses? The Rocky E-MTB needs to be ridden actively on extreme climbs. With the very short chainstays, the front wheel loses its grip early on. If you ride the chainstays in the long setting, you will have fewer problems here. The motor is the most powerful in the test field, but only unleashes its full power when the rider puts their foot down. Even in the strongest support level, the thrust remains surprisingly tame with moderate pedalling power. Only when you really put power on the pedals do you notice the enormous thrust of the e-bike motor. But don't worry. Anyone who loved the motorbike feeling of its predecessor will also be satisfied with the latest version of the Dyname. This is made possible by the boost setting, which can be found in the fine settings of the U-stages.
Facts about the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay
- Motor: Dyname 4.0, 108 Nm, 683 watts
- Battery: 720 Wh
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- 29 inch
- Weight: from 24.4 kg
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Price: from 6900 Euro
Exciting e-bikes 2023: The hottest all-mountain e-bikes
All mountain e-bikes are the all-rounders among E-MTBs. They are equipped with powerful chassis, 140 to 160 millimetres of suspension travel and robust components. Compared to enduro bikes, the geometry is more balanced and the riding position more relaxed. Here you can simply be a passenger and enjoy the scenery without the e-bike developing a life of its own. Nevertheless, the all-mountain bike models have enough reserves to master even rough Alpine trails with confidence. The métier of this category is extended tours with many metres of elevation gain. It goes without saying that manufacturers in the all-mountain category are the first to pick up on the trend towards large batteries with plenty of range. Capacities in excess of 700 watt hours are the order of the day for the 2023 generation of these e-mountainbikes.
Rotwild R.X 735 Ultra: Sports companion
With the top innovation R.X735, Rotwild 2023 closes the gap between the Lightbike R.X375 and the Big mountain model R.X750. While the Hesse-based company is positioning the R.X750 primarily for steep, alpine terrain, the new 735 is aimed at a more trail-orientated target group. The weight of the Rotwild R.X735 played a central, but not the decisive role: at 21.39 kilos, the bike is extremely light in this suspension travel class and with this battery capacity, but is only just under 500 grams less than its bigger brother, the R.X750. The main differences lie in the geometry and motorisation. While the big mountain bike is characterised by the beefy Brose unit the 735 is powered by the more filigree and lighter Shimano EP8. The sporty orientation of the E-MTB R.X735 is obvious: The front is quite low, the front frame long.
On climbs, the rather low cockpit helps to prevent the e-bike from rearing up too early. The sensitive rear suspension generates plenty of traction. The Rotwild R.X735 shows a lot of temperament in trail and downhill use: The e-MTB is lively and agile as it circles over trails, steers precisely through corners with a lot of pressure on the front wheel and craves speed. The sporty all-mountain bike also scores plenty of points on fast downhills: The fairly low front end does require a little courage on very steep sections, but the suspension offers excellent traction and control. The price for the top model is steep: for 12,499 euros, you can get the Rotwild with a full carbon frame, XTR complete equipment, Fox Factory suspension, Crank Brothers carbon wheels and Eightpins dropper post. The entry-level R.X735 Core model starts at € 7999.
Facts about the Rotwild R.X 735
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm, 486 watts
- Battery: 735 Wh
- Suspension travel: 150 / 144 mm
- 29 inch
- Weight: 21.39 kg
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Price: 12,499 euros
Santa Cruz Heckler: Power-All-Mountain
It's not even three years since Santa Cruz started its first project with the Heckler. very first E-MTB presented. With its small 27.5 mm wheels and battery capacity of just 500 watt hours, it was already an oddity at the start of 2020. However, the less popular dimensions also gave the bike very special characteristics. At 21 kilos, it was very light, and in terms of liveliness and handling, it ranked right at the top. The lively trail bike has been transformed into a powerful all-mountain e-bike for 2023. Instead of the standard Shimano battery, the new model features a Darfon battery with 726 watt hours in the down tube and a 29er wheel at the front. At the rear, there is a choice of a 27.5 or a 29er wheel.
The geometry also follows the trend: a significantly slacker head angle, for example (64.5/64.8°, depending on the flip-chip position), as well as a slightly longer reach (475 mm in size L). The top model with MX wheel mix remains just under 22 kilos in size L. For an e-MTB in this category and with 726 watt hours, this is a very good value. However, at € 12,999, the Santa Cruz Heckler is also in the top price league. Even the entry-level model is rather expensive for the Americans at 7999. In this version, the frame comes in a heavier carbon construction (a good 300 grams), and the elegant carbon parts give way to cheaper components. All in all, the bottom line is a plus of a good kilo. However, the entry-level model also has the Heckler's biggest trump card on the plus side: the excellent rear suspension.
Facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm, 486 watts
- Battery: Darfon, 726 Wh
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: MX (29/27.5) or 29 inch
- Weight: from 22 kg
- Price: 7999 to 12,999 euros
Husqvarna MC6: Outlier
Husqvarna made a confident appearance with the new Mountain Cross. The Austrians presented three E-MTB models: the MC6, MC5 and MC4. The avant-garde design of the two-part main frame and openly displayed Shimano EP8 motor was not only intended to polarise the look, but also to give the frame a high degree of rigidity and the motor optimum cooling. To allow the 720 Wh battery from Simplo to be removed from the bottom, the unit was turned upwards - this created the necessary installation space to be able to place the battery in front of the e-drive.
A battery suspension made of elastomers ensures that the energy carrier is protected against shocks. Even if the overall appearance appears bulky, the weight of the top model MC6 is quite low for an all-mountain e-bike with a 720 Wh battery at 23 kilos thanks to the carbon chassis. The geometry and kinematics are also new. The rear triangle should remain stable in its suspension travel when pedalling and provide plenty of counter-pressure when climbing. If you look at the geometry data of the Husqvarna MC6, the differences to its predecessor are rather marginal: the chainstays, reach and head angle have remained roughly the same. Only the seat angle is slightly steeper and the bottom bracket is a few millimetres lower. Overall, Husqvarna wants to position the rider a little more centrally and lower on the e-bike compared to the previous models. While the shock ran through the seat tube on the previous models, it is now attached to the top tube. This arrangement leaves more space for integrating the retractable seat post, and there is now also room for a water bottle in the frame.
Facts about the Husqvarna MC6
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm, 486 watts
- Battery: Simplo Core S3 720 Wh
- Wheel size: 27.5 inch rear, 29 inch front
- Suspension travel 150 / 150 mm
- Weight: approx. 23 kilos (MC6)
- Prices: MC6 8899 Euro, MC5 7899 Euro, MC4 6799 Euro
Canyon Spectral:On CFR LTD: King of range
Canyon has set a real benchmark in the range arms race: 900 watt hours are packed into the down tube of the Spectral:On. The special thing about it is that the handling of the e-bike was still the top priority for the development department. However, a large number of e-MTBs on the market suggest that low weight and high battery capacity are hardly compatible. To solve this problem, Canyon has taken a big step from mountain bike manufacturer to e-bike specialist: the battery of the Canyon Spectral:ON was developed by the Koblenz team itself - an enormous investment.
Also 100 per cent Canyon: the battery mount. Canyon is focussing on variability with the Spectral:On: in addition to the 900 mm battery, there is also a 720 mm battery - both variants fit into the same down tube without adapters. The small version saves 900 grams and makes the bike flexible for different requirements. Nevertheless, the new frame is around 800 grams lighter and at the same time more stable than the frame of its predecessor. In total, the € 11,299 top model Canyon Spectral:On CFR LTD with the thick 900 mm battery weighs in at 23.2 kilos in size L. This combination is unrivalled on the market. The travel of the Spectral:ON has remained the same: 150 millimetres are available at the front, 155 at the rear - in the usual MX wheel combination with 29-inch wheels at the front and 27.5-inch wheels at the rear. All in all, the Spectral:ON has become more mature and even more versatile than its predecessor. In the EMTB test, the e-bike impressed with its outstanding all-round characteristics. It has retained its playful character, but on rough descents it now conveys much more confidence - mainly due to the very strong rear suspension.
Facts about the Canyon Spectral:On CFR LTD
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm, 486 watts
- Battery: Canyon 900 Wh
- Suspension travel: 150 / 155 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Weight: 23.2 kg
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Price: 11,299 euros
Trek Rail: Smart update
The Rail from Trek is a real all-rounder. Now the E-MTB Bosch's new Smart System with the large Powertube 750, the new app and the new display-remote combination of Kiox 300 and LED Remote. This has made the super all-rounder even more versatile and durable for the upcoming 2023 bike season. But that's not all that characterises the Trek Rail.
The new Rail is designed to be even more fun to ride than its predecessor. The geometry has also been thoroughly revised: The seat angle has been steepened by a whopping two degrees. With an angle of 77 degrees, the rider is now positioned more centrally on the bike. The Trek E-MTB has also become longer. The reach increases by one to 2.5 centimetres depending on the size. In Large, it ends up at a very modern 490 millimetres. That's really long by E-MTB standards. The head angle is slack at 64.2 and 64.6 degrees (flip chip low and high respectively). The new frames are also based on a thicker head tube for forks with the new 1 1/8 to 1.8 inch dimension. This provides more stiffness and a more elegant transition from fork to head tube. Anyone looking for off-road fun will definitely be well served by this noble carbon bullet.
Facts about Trek Rail
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart, 85 Nm, 616 watts
- Battery: Powertube 750 Wh from model 9.8 (8999 euros)
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch, option for mullet conversion (29 front, 27.5 rear)
- Price: from 8999 euros
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
