Forestal Cyon Halo in the Light-E-MTB test: The Forestal shines with great handling

The opulent rear swingarm of the Forestal Cyon is not just a detail for the eye. It actually makes all the difference on the trail. The rear suspension of the bike from Andorra is one of the absolute best in our comparison test of eight Light E-MTBs. Very sensitive and plush, yet with the necessary support, it paves the way on rough descents.

The Forestal Cyon feels like it has a lot of travel. We were pleasantly surprised by the comparatively slender and affordable Pike at the front. The supple character suits the bike well, demanding descents are the most effortless with this combination. The low front end, the thin tyre carcass and the moderately snappy two-piston brakes prevent even better downhill scores. Thanks to the moderate geometry, the Cyon remains manoeuvrable on flat trails. It's easy to pull onto the rear wheel and get airborne on jumps.

Forestal Cyon Halo: Quiet and powerful

Whether it's rough enduro terrain or shallow trails, the Forestal Cyon was one of our favourites on the downhill. Top feature: Even less experienced riders quickly warm up to the bike. The pleasantly quiet background noise on downhills adds to the riding fun. But back to the special features. The Forestal motor developed with Bafang provides the thrust. And this powerhouse is not lacking in power. At low cadences, the drive is unrivalled in terms of power. However, it pushes a little roughly and loudly. When climbing uphill, you sit stretched out on the Cyon, when it gets steep, you pedal a little from behind, and the front wheel loses guidance earlier.

Conclusion on the Forestal Cyon Halo:

Strong chassis, great handling: the Cyon impressed the testers on the downhills and is right at the front. The power of the motor is enormous, but unfortunately so is the noise level. The software seems unfinished.

Technical data and notes Forestal Cyon Halo

Manufacturer information

• Price: 9699 Euro
• Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Carbon

Measured values²

• Reach altitude¹: 1087 (+79)hm
• Weight²: 18.6 kg
• Average speed: 12.8 km/h
• Centre of gravity height: 530 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 176 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 508 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Forestal F60-S1 (by Bafang)
• Max. Torque³: 60 Nm
• Battery³ / weight² / range extender: Forestal, 360 Wh / - / announced for 2023
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle (12-speed)
• Gear ratio (f. / h.): 32; 10-50
• Display: touchscreen in the top tube
• Gross vehicle weight³: 138.6 kg (120 kg rider weight)
• Fork / shock: Rockshox Pike Select / Superdeluxe Select+
• Front/rear suspension travel: 150 / 150 mm
• Telescopic post: Crankbrothers Highline, 150 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Formula Cura 2 / 203 mm / 180 mm
• Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis E29 Aluminium
• Tyres (front / rear): Maxxis Minion DHF / Highroller II EXO MaxxTerra, 29 x 2.3''

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.3 points - very good

¹ The values were determined during standardised rides on an asphalt climb with an average gradient of 8.4 percent. Rider pedalling power 175 watts, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The assistance level was adjusted for this comparison test so that all bikes travelled at approximately the same speed, see average speed in brackets. The motor output was around 250 watts. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. All details about our range test can be found here in the link!

² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

³ Manufacturer's specification

⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵ 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.