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Trend Light or minimal assist bikes
There's no question that the hottest trend of the last two years has been the lean models among e-MTBs. These light or minimal-assist bikes can now be found across all categories: from down-country and trail bikes to suspension-boosting e-enduro bikes. In 2022, the two Bavarian motor manufacturers TQ and Fazua acted as catalysts for the trend. The TQ HPR 50 is smaller, lighter, quieter and smoother than any other e-MTB motor before it. The Fazua Ride 60 is also super compact and quiet, but with a propulsive power that almost equals that of classic e-MTB motors.
These two high-tech drives are representative of the two main trends in the flourishing light market: on the one hand, anorexic minimalists who are moving ever closer to the classic mountain bike. On the other hand, moderate light bikes that strive for a good compromise between weight, propulsion and range.
The most spectacular examples from the world of skinny models can of course be found in the shorter suspension travel regions. For example, the Scott Lumen, which was presented in autumn 2022, and the brand new Rotwild R.X 275. Both bikes weigh between 15 and 16 kilos and combine the TQ HPR 50 with small batteries and lightweight add-on parts. Objective: These bikes should be easy to pedal on flat terrain even without a motor boost.
No weight records for the Enduro
In the enduro sector, however, other qualities are required: fat tyres and generous suspension travel demand more motor support. And as the engine power increases, so does the hunger for energy. So it's no wonder that you won't find any weight records here. And the variety of models is still limited: Until 2021, there was just the Specialized Kenevo SL and the Rotwild R.G 375, followed last year by the Forestal Siryon and the Transalpes E1 Enduro, and this year the Simplon Rapcon. But even the light enduro bike from Transalpes, with 150 mm at the rear, was a frontrunner in the all-mountain category. And this is exactly where enduro riders will find some exciting alternatives: Because if you're not just after nasty downhills, you'll find a wide selection of light bikes that promise a lot of trail fun.
The second alternative: power enduro bikes - fat suspension travel, powerful motors, large batteries. There is no better way to collect downhill kilometres - at least if there is no gondola or shuttle nearby.
PRO: Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB
Uphill trail fun and maximum downhill performance: you can't have both in a single bike. So everyone has to find the optimum compromise for themselves. Mine is: I prefer a light, fun bike, even if I have to work harder uphill.
CONTRA: Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB
The handling of light e-bikes is fun, no question about it. But with more motor power and the range of classic e-enduro bikes, completely new dimensions open up. Nasty uphill challenges or endless trail explorers are hardly possible with the mini drives.
Some light bikes that we find exciting
Orbea Rise | from 5155 Euro >> available here
29 inch | Spring travel 150/140 mm | Shimano EP8 RS / EP6 RS | 360 or 540 Wh
The Rise from Orbea is special in two respects: Firstly, the Shimano EP8-RS drive is relatively powerful and the battery is relatively large with up to 540 Wh (optionally 360). This means that the bike covers a wide range of applications. On the other hand, it is comparatively inexpensive. With an aluminium frame, the bike is available from 5155 euros. But then with a heavier EP6-RS motor and a small battery. Character of the Orbea Rise: more of a lively and agile trail bike than a racy enduro bike. Fixed battery. Astonishing: Despite the heavy drive unit, the Spaniards don't need to hide from the Fazua or TQ competition in terms of weight with their carbon models! The top model with trail equipment weighs around 18 kilos.
Trek Fuel Exe | from 6999 Euro >> available here
29 inch | Spring travel 150/140 mm | TQ HPR 50 | 360 Wh | from 18.5 kg
The Fuel EXe from Trek is the prime example of a light trail bike: poppy, direct, lively - the focus is entirely on trail fun. If you want to speed through berms and over jumps, this is the bike for you. With defined suspension and a low cockpit, the Fuel EXe cuts across the trail like a Japanese knife. The bike is powered by the quiet TQ motor. The natural, discreet thrust will make bikers happy who don't want to make friends with bold e-bike power. The 360 Wh battery can be removed from the bottom of the closed down tube. With a second battery, you can also tackle extra-long trail days with ease. A rare option in the light e-bike segment.
>> Tests for Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT and Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS <<
Statement from Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB:
Trail cutter: lively, precise and quiet: The Fuel EXe is a great trail bike with a minimalist drive. Top for sporty riders.
Simplon Rapcon TQ EN | from 8999 Euro
29 inch | Spring travel 170 mm | TQ HPR 50 | 360 Wh
Simplon also relies on the minimalist drive from TQ: super quiet, extremely smooth, but also with only moderate thrust. The battery is firmly installed in the down tube, so you have to pedal hard on longer rides to avoid running out of battery too quickly. The modern geometry and fluffy suspension promise excellent handling on demanding enduro tracks. And thanks to the motor boost, you can easily plan an extra lap or two. If you're not looking for an e-bike, but a first-class enduro bike that pumps a portion of extra lard into your calves, then you've come to the right place with this classy machine from Vorarlberg. Visually one of the slimmest E-MTBs ever. Available as a 29er or in a mullet set-up with a smaller rear wheel. Also available in an AM version with 150 mm travel. For both: unfortunately expensive!
Statement by Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB:
Smoother Ride: Quiet, natural and super potent: The Rapcon TQ is a modern enduro bike with top suspension and minimalist support.
Forestal Siryon | from 9699 Euro
29 inch | Spring travel 170 mm | Bafang/Forestal Neodrive | 360 Wh | 18.8 kg
Are you looking for an unusual bike that isn't found on every other trail? Then the young brand Forestal from Andorra could be just the ticket. The 29er enduro Forestal Siryon impressed us in our test with its outstanding suspension (170 mm, plush and yet poppy!) and successful feel-good geometry (fun and safe at the same time!). However, the powerful Bafang drive is quite loud and power-hungry. The 360 battery is firmly integrated into the down tube. Elegant carbon frame with a fancy giant display on the top tube - if you order a Forestal, you're definitely getting something special, but you'll have to dig deep into your pockets.
Statement by Christian Schleker, EMTB author:
Speciality: Geometry and chassis are everybody's darling - but the Forestal drive has its rough edges. A rough chap!
Ghost Path Riot | from 7500 Euro
29 inch | Spring travel 160/140 mm | Fazua Ride 60 | 430 Wh
With the successful Ride 60 from Fazua, the Ghost Path Riot has a relatively powerful light drive that is nevertheless light and quiet. The 430 battery is permanently installed in the down tube. Ghost combines 160/140 millimetre suspension travel with a racy enduro geometry and robust tyres with sticky rubber on the Full Party (9000 euros, pictured) model of the Path Riot. Ready to shred, you could say. Despite only 140 millimetres of travel at the rear, this is a real enduro package with a fat Fox 38 at the front, super-slack steering angle and long wheelbase. The full-party version of the Ghost Path Riot is therefore ideally equipped for excursions over rough and demanding terrain. 19.8 kilos, but with robust components.
Full-power e-MTBs that have inspired us
Modern power e-enduro bikes not only make the lift ticket superfluous. Thanks to modern geometry with short chainstays, there's no stopping downhill either. Three proven candidates from the EMTB test.
Vitus E-Sommet | from 4499 Euro
29/27.5 inch | Spring travel 170/167 mm | Shimano E7000 | 504 Wh
Good e-enduro bikes are often expensive. Vitus, fahrrad.de's own brand, makes a commendable exception with the E-Sommet. Because here you can get a really fun downhill bike for just 4500 euros. The handy geometry with short chainstays and the successful suspension make the bike lively, the low bottom bracket and the high stack ensure good cornering and a lot of safety downhill. On the other hand, the somewhat older motor system with a small battery is not up to scratch. If you mainly use the e-bike as a shuttle uphill, this shouldn't matter.
Pole Voima | from 7668 Euro
29 inch | Spring travel 190 mm | Bosch Performance CX Smart | 750 Wh
With its frame milled from the solid, the Pole is a real eye-catcher. However, the riding characteristics of the radical E-Enduro are even more special. With its super steep seat angle, Bosch motor and top rear suspension, it is one of the strongest climbing bikes we have ever tested. Downhill, 190 millimetres of finely tuned suspension travel make even big drops seem like small hops and transform nasty downhill tracks into flow trails without the Pole ever feeling bulky or unwieldy. Not a designated playmate, but a real superbike.
Pivot Shuttle LT | from 9999 euros
29 inch | Spring travel 170/166 mm | Shimano EP8 | 756 Wh
Do you want full motor power, a large battery for a decent range and still a light and handy bike? Then the Shuttle LT from the American high-end manufacturer Pivot is exactly the right choice. Admittedly: The price is unfortunately a real hurdle. But in our last high-end test, the Pivot came out on top. This is not least due to the great DW-Link rear suspension, which encourages a direct line with massive reserves and ensures a defined yet very comfortable ride. The handling is also really fun with short chainstays, light wheels and good weight. With the Pivot, you can plunge into wild descents without having to familiarise yourself with the bike and will always be safely caught. The Pivot is only out of its element on very steep climbs. Attention: The bike is big.
Statement by Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB:
Noble Enduro: Still manoeuvrable, but at the same time maximally confident straight ahead. Pivot's Shuttle LT shows what makes a good full-power e-bike.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
