Crisis or no crisis: the flood of new e-MTBs in 2025 is greater than ever. And many of the most interesting models are only just rolling into showrooms. At the same time, many of the classic e-top sellers of 2024 will no longer be produced. Cubes Stereo 140 for example (here the successor Stereo One44 in the test!) or the Canyon Spectral:On, which is currently struggling with massive battery problems. Instead of comparing old top sellers once again, as we do have already done in this E-MTB All Mountain Test, for examplewe prefer to look to the future here.
BIKE reader survey: These are the top manufacturers' hopes
According to our large BIKE reader survey, we asked the most popular E-MTB manufacturers Rotwild, Bulls, Propain and Conway - Cube and Canyon are already represented in the test of the classic MTB top sellers asked for the models on which the manufacturers are pinning their greatest hopes for 2025. New models from older best-selling series are included as well as brand new price-performance hits.
The result is four bikes that tend roughly in two directions. On the one hand, in the performance corner, there is the sinfully expensive Rotwild R.EX Ultra. 21.6 kilos, a practically removable battery with a full capacity (800 Wh!), modern geometry and kinematics, plus super-short chainstays. Sounds almost like the key data of the perfect E-MTB, doesn't it? Can the expensive and elegant Rotwild really become a top seller?
The test bikes and motors at a glance
In the price-performance corner, on the other hand: the new Copperhead Evo AM from Bulls. Despite being well equipped, the bike costs barely half as much as the Rotwild and is also packed with plenty of range and practical features. The Conway Ryvon LT with light motor and the new Propain Sresh are located in the centre between the extremes. With the minimalist Bosch SX, Shimano's EP801 and Bosch's large CX, three of the most relevant motors on the market are represented in the four test bikes.
Click here for the individual test articles:
Overview of e-bike range: the practical test
Range is still one of the hardest currencies for E-MTBs. For the top seller test, we let the facts speak for themselves. After all, purely theoretical values such as battery capacity in watt hours are only of limited use in the end. That's why we at BIKE carry out extensive field tests to determine comparable range values in real terms. As metres in altitude consume a particularly large amount of battery, we also refer to range altitude.
To ensure maximum comparability of our measured values, we always determine the reach height on the same steep asphalt climb in Chiemgau and with the same parameters: 90 kilograms rider weight and identical tyre pressure for all bikes. With Garmin's Rallye power meter pedals, we ensure a continuous pedalling power of 150 watts. We ride at the maximum support level. This allows us to use the average speed during the test to make a statement about the motor power at moderate pedalling speeds when touring.
Striking: Bosch's CX in the Bulls Copperhead once again secures the strongest values among the top sellers, while the Shimano in the Rotwild pushes particularly vehemently even at low rider power. This results in a visibly high average speed of over 16 km/h. The Bosch SX light motor in the Conway falls noticeably behind with a smaller battery and lower speed. In addition, Bosch's light drive noticeably throttles the power after a good 300 metres of turbo altitude despite cool outside temperatures. Potential buyers should therefore keep an eye on the issue of derating.
Value for money vs performance: who scores on the trail?
So three power bikes and one light E-MTB, lots of different suspension travel and areas of use: The bikes ride correspondingly differently on the trail. However, one model clearly stood out in the testers' practical ranking. With medium suspension travel and feel-good geometry, the new Sresh from Propain cuts a fine figure almost everywhere downhill and, with top tyres and strong suspension, should meet the requirements of many demanding trail bikers very well.
Does this automatically make the bike a top seller? Our test provides information on objective criteria such as range, performance and workmanship of the four bikes. At the shop counter, however, it is not least the emotional factor that is decisive. Are the four candidates just as convincing here? We can only say: With their very own character, each of the four test bikes has what it takes in its own way.
Tops & flops: what caught our eye
BIKE conclusion: "Something for everyone"
Our four top-selling candidates exemplify how broadly positioned e-MTBs have become. Four bikes from touring to enduro, from power to light motor, all of which have their justification. Long live diversity! - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Click here for the individual test articles:
- Top seller on test: Bulls Copperhead Evo AM5 - all-rounder from trail to everyday use
- Top seller on test: Conway Ryvon LT 4.0 - Is a light enduro bike also affordable?
- Top seller on test: Propain Sresh CF - mini enduro with full-throttle aspirations
- Top seller on test: Rotwild R.EX - superlight bike with a long range
Adrian Kaether
Editor
