Bikefestival Riva means: time for a software update from Bosch! Just like last year, the Swabians presented their innovations in the e-MTB sector for the upcoming season at Lake Garda. At the centre is the Performance Upgrade 2.0 software update, which makes the Performance CX and CX-R e-MTB motors even more powerful. Up to 120 Newton metres and 600 percent support will be on the data sheet in future.
In addition to the comprehensive software package, the Swabians have also presented a fast charger that is designed to charge three times faster than the classic 4A charger with 12 amps and 500 watts. And it weighs less than a kilo. Another new feature is the open interface, which makes Bosch drives compatible with end devices such as Garmin. Here are all Bosch innovations in detail.
This e-bike was presented for the first time at the Bike Festival: The brand new Sierra platform was on display at the Fantic stand. The bike is based on a completely newly developed carbon frame, is equipped with Bosch's latest CX motor and is aimed at ambitious trail and all-mountain riders.
With 160 mm front and 155 mm rear suspension travel and modern geometry, the Sierra is ideally equipped for demanding tours. Construction details such as the so-called Cobra design and a coaxial Horst link rear triangle are intended to increase rigidity and ensure maximum traction of the rear triangle when braking. The new model is available in several equipment variants - from the entry-level bike to the high-quality high-end version with Fox Factory suspension, electronic shifting and carbon wheels. The Sierra starts at around €5,800 and goes up to just under €9,000.
The Swiss motor Maxon Bikedrive AirS receives far too little attention. This is because the super-compact powerhouse refuses to join the race for more and more power - instead focussing on low weight and a slim design. A good 2 kilos with 90 Newton metres are the facts about the sporty motor. There were plenty of bikes to marvel at in Riva. Although there have been no big brands so far, the bikes from smaller brands are all the more special. But take a look for yourself!
The new Pole Hiisi is a real eye-catcher - and an e-MTB that deliberately sets itself apart from classic categories. The Finns consistently pursue their own concept: a completely CNC-milled aluminium frame that is not welded but assembled from precisely manufactured half-shells. The result is a particularly high level of manufacturing accuracy and a design that clearly stands out from the carbon mainstream.
Pole has opted for a flexible platform approach with the Hiisi: one frame should cover several areas of use from trail to gravity, supported by 150 to 200 mm of suspension travel and different wheel setups from full 29 to mullet. The drive is a lightweight Maxon motor with an integrated 600 Wh battery and optional range extender. The model is very limited, initially with only 40 complete bikes and ten framesets, with prices starting at 15,000 euros. The lightest bodies are expected to weigh 19.6 kilograms.
With the Faster, Dedicated presents a consistently well thought-out E-Enduro concept that is clearly designed for lightweight construction and integration. Developed and manufactured in Germany, the bike combines a hybrid frame construction made of carbon and CNC-milled aluminium with a very clear, functional design approach.
The bike relies on a compact Maxon Bikedrive Air S with a weight of around 2 kilograms, up to 90 Nm torque and 620 watts of power, which is integrated almost inconspicuously into the frame.
The focus is on a natural riding feel, high agility and a low overall weight. With 170 to 190 mm of suspension travel and a modular battery system from 400 to 600 Wh plus an optional range extender, the Dedicated Faster positions itself as a modern big mountain enduro bike with e-support. Overall, it is a deliberately reduced, technically orientated performance bike with an individual character instead of a mass market orientation.
Another real lightweight highlight with Maxon drive is the Instinctiv Ocelot. The bike consistently realises the concept of a "full-power-light" e-MTB and combines a very low weight with impressively high performance. The Ocelot is therefore clearly aimed at riders who are looking for the most natural riding experience possible.
Depending on the model variant, the platform covers a wide range of uses - from trail to light enduro. The carbon frame with the PUMA kinematics typical of transalpes offers 125, 135 or 145 mm of suspension travel depending on the version. According to the manufacturer, the weight starts at 16.5 kilograms - a very low value for an e-MTB in this performance class. Instinctiv deliberately favours efficiency over maximum capacity when it comes to the battery: 400 Wh are permanently integrated, with the option of adding a range extender.
With the Transalpes E3, the Swiss are consistently pursuing the slimmest possible, almost "bio-bike"-like e-MTB concept - despite the full-power drive. The e-bike will be available from 16.5 kilograms. Depending on the trail or enduro version, the E3 offers between 150 and 170 millimetres of suspension travel and relies on a lightweight carbon frame with a neatly integrated motor unit.
Striking: The drive unit disappears almost completely into the frame, giving the bike a particularly tidy, unobtrusive appearance. The Swiss also have their own approach to the battery: instead of maximising capacity, the focus is on efficiency. An internal 400 Wh and an optional range extender offer sufficient range at a very low weight. Overall, the Transalpes E3 looks like a counter-design to the current high-power bikes: less mass, but maximum efficient support - a clear lightweight construction statement in the E-MTB segment.
One of the few coveted test bikes with the new Avinox M2S was on display at the Raymon stand. However, this is not the only reason why the Tarok is a special Avinox e-MTB. It is also one of the lightest in its class. The top model is said to weigh well under 21 kilograms - without any cheat parts, but with robust tyres. The suspension travel is 160/150 mm and the slim chassis is of course made of carbon. Also noteworthy: Raymon is one of the few manufacturers to use the particularly slim new 700 series battery. This means that the full 1500 watts and 150 Nm are available.
As usual with Raymon, the price-performance ratio also takes centre stage. The entry-level model is available for €5,999 and offers a full carbon frame, the Avinox M2S and a 700cc battery. The aforementioned top model costs €10,000 and is equipped with high-quality components, including Fox Factory suspension.
The Unno Mith with DJI drive is undoubtedly one of the most exciting dream builds to be seen in the Expo area. The elegant carbon enduro bike from Barcelona remains true to its radical design language, but has made noticeable technical improvements: with the new DJI Avinox M2S motor and up to 150 Nm of torque, the Mith 2026 is currently one of the most powerful e-MTBs ever.
At the same time, the bike remains pleasantly slim despite its full-power approach - not least thanks to the comparatively compact motor and well thought-out integration. The exclusive high-end construction at the DT Swiss stand emphasises the boutique claim of the Spanish label: first-class components, the benchmark drive and the unmistakable design make a statement - both technically and visually.
At the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda, Radon presents its latest E-MTB offensive with the new Recap. The bike comes as a lightweight trail platform with a full carbon frame - a first for Radon - and relies on the latest fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor. The 600 Wh battery is permanently installed in the down tube to minimise weight.
With 150/140 mm travel, modern geometry and an integrated 600 Wh battery, the Recap is positioned between trail and all-mountain. The focus is clearly on low weight and agile handling rather than maximum range, which can be extended to up to 850 Wh with a range extender. The bike thus epitomises the trend towards powerful drives, clever integration and versatile, lighter platforms.
With the Vamok, Raymon will be presenting another new e-mountainbike at the stand alongside the DJI-powered Tarok. Thanks to its aluminium frame and Bosch motor, it is said to be particularly attractively priced. The three models start at 4,799 euros. The polished weld seams on the main frame, which give the chassis a high-quality carbon look, are particularly elegant.
Even more from the Bonn-based mail-order company: Radon has revised its tried-and-tested Render for the new season and equipped it with the latest fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX and a larger 800 Wh battery. The bike continues to be positioned as an all-rounder and relies on 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels. One positive aspect: despite the higher battery capacity, the frame looks significantly slimmer. There are four models to choose from with prices ranging from €4,499 to €6,999.
At Cube, there were not only an incredible number of test bikes from all categories, but of course also numerous attractive exhibits. The particularly light E-Enduro AMS 177 Hybrid came out on top in our shoot-out of affordable E-Enduros for 6000 euros. Here we see the top model with Bosch's CX-R motor and the very sensitive Fox Podium.
New product alert: The Bazalto Monto from HoheAcht officially launches at the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda. According to the manufacturer, it is a versatile e-MTB for sporty trail use. The Mahle M40 drive takes centre stage. The compact mid-motor delivers up to 105 Nm of torque and impresses with powerful propulsion and sensitive control. The system is supported by a fully integrated 800 Wh battery, which offers sufficient reserves for long days on the trail.
The bike has a carbon frame with 150 millimetres of rear travel, a 160 mm fork and 29-inch wheels front and rear. The top model with Fox Factory suspension costs 6,999 euros - that seems fair!
The Abums E-001 should not be missing from our Mahle highlight show - if only because of its unique design language. The Spanish custom label combines a handmade steel frame with state-of-the-art e-bike technology, creating an exciting alternative to the usual high-end enduro bikes on the trail.
With its high-pivot rear triangle, Spanish craftsmanship and small production run, Abums is clearly focussed on traction, control and exclusivity. With a price tag of over 10,000 euros, the brand is clearly positioned in the boutique segment.

Editor CvD