Even if they greet you in a friendly manner and ride in an adapted manner, mountain bikers often receive rude comments from hikers. This doesn't seem to apply to e-bikers. At the photo shoot in Nauders in Tyrol, we were amazed at the friendliness and open interest with which the pedestrians inspected our motorised bikes. And many left us with the words: "Yes, I have to try that out, it might be something for me!"
Thanks to the broad social interest, the model range of manufacturers is also growing at breathtaking speed; even the American company Trek, which had previously ignored the boom, has jumped on the bandwagon. Together with new market participants, a colourful range of products with a wide variety of concepts has emerged. For this special, we chased 16 e-mountainbikes - 6 hardtails (from page 36) and 10 fullys - around the test tracks on Lake Garda. Over the same trails on which our sister magazine BIKE has been analysing the suitability of pedal-only mountain bikes for years.
The full-suspension bikes include short-travel bikes with 100 millimetres of travel as well as potent downhill specialists with 160 millimetres. Interesting: All full-suspension bikes roll on 27.5-inch wheels; the only exception is the Moustache Samedi. In their interesting enduro concept, the engineers of the young French e-bike brand pair a 29-inch front wheel with a 27.5-inch rear wheel. And it works: No bike was faster downhill.
When it comes to drive systems, more and more models are pushing onto the market and sawing away at the Bosch throne. However, the automotive supplier and household appliance giant still equipped the majority of the bikes in the test. With a quota of 10 out of 17, there can hardly be any talk of an end to the Swabian supremacy. The drive surprise in the test was the Cleanmobile drive in the M1 Spitzing. At the highest support level, no competitor can keep up when the bike is flying up the mountain. Despite the small installation space, a fat 48 mm chainring and a total weight of 25 kilos, the power delivery of the 250 watt motor was impressive. Another interesting motor alternative can be found in the Haibike Sduro (hardtail test). The Yamaha motor offers very homogeneous support and also scored well in the second criterion in our test - control. In short: How does the motor behave when the rider starts or stops pedalling? Also important is the interruption when shifting gears, as the chain transmits the motor power to the sprocket set in addition to the rider's muscle power. In all three disciplines, the Yamaha motor is on a par with Bosch. However, the speed range of the Yamaha is somewhat narrower. The power flow from the motor cuts out more quickly and the rider has to shift gears a little earlier. But thanks to the two available chainrings, a suitable gear can always be found. We also liked the performance of the MPF mid-motor in the E-Lom hardtail. The control is excellent, but the assistance is a little meagre. The Univega is powered by an Impulse 2.0 motor developed in-house. The power output is high, on the same level as Bosch. However, we were annoyed by steering effects such as a long overtravel with short pressure on the pedals.
Four of the bikes in the test are extremely suitable for off-road riding. Haibike and Cube rolled to the start with 150 millimetre suspension, M1 and Moustache with 160 millimetre suspension. The Moustache came out on top in the downhill category thanks to its high-quality equipment and sophisticated suspension. With the Cube, the focus is not quite so much on the downhill. It has a slightly more upright geometry, which favours touring suitability and therefore all-round use; the same applies to the Haibike - although the riding position is even more upright here. With its low centre of gravity and Fox 36 fork, the muscle bike from M1 Sporttechnik irons out a lot and remains surprisingly agile. We wouldn't have expected that from a bike with a total weight of 25 kilos.
The suspension travel class between 120 and 140 millimetres is shared by Centurion, Corratec, Lapierre, Trek and Univega. A direct comparison between these bikes is a little difficult as they are not in the same price bracket. Trek charges 4499 euros for its Powerfly, while the Corratec costs 1000 euros less.
The concepts also appeal to different types of riders. While the Trek is fully geared towards fast terrain with lots of load changes, the Lapierre likes it more rough and demanding. The Centurion with its upright, somewhat rear-heavy riding position is a relaxed tourer, while the Corratec lets the rider fly over the trail in a racing position.
The BH Evo Jumper is undoubtedly the test loser. Of course, a 100-millimetre chassis is hardly a match for the longer-travel competition. But that wasn't the problem: the geometry, components and function simply don't meet the expectations of a high-quality current bike; in addition, there is a rear wheel hub drive that quit working several times after a few metres of climbing. A disappointing overall package.
What actually distinguishes pedelecs from mountain bikes without a motor? In fact, one criterion that normal mountain bikers often prioritise over everything else hardly plays a role when it comes to e-bikes: weight.
The e-mountain bikes all weigh around 20 kilos, some hardtail bikes a little less. And the resulting effect is as unexpected as it is astonishing. With good suspension components, the downhill performance of these bikes is tremendous. Due to the extremely low centre of gravity of the vehicle, the wheels roll over obstacles without transmitting the impacts to the rider with the usual intensity. This provides an extremely high level of safety. The higher the speed, the more firmly the bike lies on the ground. This behaviour is also the reason why stable wheels and tyres are so important on e-mountainbikes. The high weight only has a negative effect on tight angles, especially when the rear wheel has to be turned.
The greater rolling resistance of thick tyres does not interfere with uphill riding - and suspension bobbing, an important evaluation criterion for muscle-powered mountain bikes, also loses importance with pedelecs.
The field of participants in this test is extremely diverse. In addition to the price, you should therefore also keep an eye on the desired area of use of your dream bike. E-mountain biking is a hobby for higher earners - the air is very thin for fullys under 3000 euros. On the other hand, you get bikes of a high technical standard and also score some favour with hikers.
How to test an e-bike
Laboratory test The laboratory test provides key elements for evaluating e-bikes. The recorded geometry data is an important aid in evaluating riding impressions. Special focus is placed on the wheelbase, top tube length and chainstay lengths. However, the steering angle and seat angle also provide important information about the characteristics of a bike. The equipment is recorded and the bikes are weighed - including front/rear wheel weight distribution. To measure the stiffness, the bikes are partially dismantled and measured on a special test stand. We determine the energy consumption of the drives using special measuring devices for power consumption. This enables us to measure exactly how much energy fits into a completely empty battery.
Practical test For many years, our colleagues from the BIKE editorial team have been riding their mountain bikes around the test track at Parco Bussatte in Torbole. The reason for this is that a wide variety of surfaces and trail sections follow one another: fast and winding, steep and blocked, uphill, downhill. On this lap, we compare the riding characteristics of the bikes. The range of the drives follows in a separate test ride. The assistance provided by the rider is limited to 130 watts. We then ride uphill on the defined route until the motor stops because there is no more juice coming from the battery. If the motor fails three times or the speed falls below 5 km/h (e.g. due to overheating), we abort the test.
BH Evo Jumper 27.5
www.bhbikes.com 3099 Euro
The BH is an undercover e-bike. Thanks to the battery in the down tube and hub motor, it is barely noticeable that there is a drive in the frame. Visually, it looks like it's all of a piece. However, we can hardly say that the Evo Jumper is suitable for trails; it is more of a trekking bike than a mountain bike. The Spaniards have designed their bike very classically, with extremely steep angles, a low bottom bracket and a long 100-millimetre stem in combination with very narrow handlebars (620 mm). Added to this are inexpensive components and a less potent chassis with undersized tyres. This setup leads to a fluttery ride behaviour. On our descents, we had to slow down considerably to avoid taking any risks. Last but not least, the engine
was far from up to the challenge of the climbs and already
on the test track - presumably due to overheating.
From a biker's point of view, we can confidently describe the BH Evo Jumper as a flop. It is more suitable as a comfortable trekking bike for flat terrain. It is not a mountain bike.
it is not.
+ Clear and simple design language with integrated battery
- High weight, weak engine and unimpressive equipment.
Centurion Numinis E
www.centurion.de 4149 Euro
Even before you sit on the bike, the elaborate rear suspension kinematics of the Numinis E catch the eye. The shock sits in the centre of an elaborate construction with a so-called "virtual pivot point". We counted no less than nine bearing points. The levers and joints create a sensitive suspension behaviour that feels very linear and is extremely comfortable. The downside of the elaborate construction: even when new, our test suspension creaked audibly. The rear triangle and suspension fork harmonise well, and the 120 millimetres of travel are easy to adjust. The riding position on the Centurion is shifted far to the rear and is upright and relaxed for touring. For angled courses, the rider has to actively shift their weight onto the comfortably wide handlebars to keep the front wheel on track. The cassette with 11-42 teeth harmonises well with the Bosch drivetrain, and in this combination even steep ramps can be climbed effortlessly.
Relaxed Bosch comfort tourer with good climbing characteristics and complex linkage of the 120 millimetre rear triangle.
+ Harmonious chassis and frame with solid touring geometry, very light
- Tyres too weak in this class
Corratec E-Power Two Circle 25
www.corratec.com 3499 Euro
Corratec builds its e-bike like a race fully for marathon use. It is trimmed for maximum directional stability and forces the rider into an aerodynamically stretched position. The Raubling designers achieve this by combining long chainstays, the longest wheelbase in the test and a steep seat angle. However, as with all standard pedelecs, the Corratec also stops racing above 25 km/h. The high internal friction of the Bosch drive and the high weight cause the lactate to shoot into the legs as soon as the motor support is missing. This is probably the reason why Corratec also offers this model as a 45 km/h version - it simply fits the concept better. The appearance of the bike is high quality: the cables run inside the clear lacquered aluminium frame, giving the bike a very tidy appearance. The choice of components is price-conscious but harmonious.
This e-mountainbike clearly draws its geometry genes from racing. Unfortunately, the drive still switched off at 25 km/h.
+ Frame with beautiful finish and internally routed cables
- Very stretched seating position
Cube E-Stereo Hybrid HPA
www.cube.eu 3999 Euro
The testers immediately felt comfortable on the Cube: a relaxed riding position with a sporty touch that takes the edge off even hours of pedalling. With the E-Stereo, you immediately want to go trail scouting. And if the trail ends in a dead end? Never mind! Motor on and back up again. You can get down to business: At the front, the RockShox Pike smoothes out the trail, while the 27.5-inch rims are fitted with a very well thought-out tyre combination consisting of Hans Dampf at the front and Rockrazor with additional puncture protection at the rear. We think this is currently one of the best tyre combinations on e-bikes in this class. The rear suspension is slightly firmer than the fork. The overall package is well thought out down to the last detail. The seat post can be lowered from the handlebars, making it easy to switch to downhill mode, and the XT brake system allows you to control the bike with just one finger on the lever.
An e-bike for extended tours, peppered with technically demanding passages. Top-level equipment.
+ Everything you need
Lapierre Overvolt FS
www.bikes-lapierre.de 3999 Euro
The Overvolt was already one of the testers' favourites last year. In terms of equipment, everything remained the same apart from the decor. The downer: the shock absorber did not match the performance of its predecessor. We suspect either a dispersion in the series or a defect in the damping of the absorber, which came with Lapierre's own label. As a result, the Overvolt didn't quite reach the performance of the past. The riding position suited us well - a feel-good character both uphill and downhill. The long top tube has no negative influence on this. The direct steering - thanks to the 740 handlebars and thru-axles - makes it easier to choose a line. Also pleasant: the raised chainstay makes a chainstay protector unnecessary and there is no rattling. The cable routing runs inside the frame and the cockpit is very tidy. A remote seatpost would also emphasise the variable character of the bike. Not very stiff frame.
A bike in the 140-millimetre suspension travel class for any terrain. Well-rounded equipment, good looks and beautiful workmanship.
+ Stiff main frame
- Insufficient damping in the rear triangle
Haibike Xduro AM RC
www.haibike.de 3999 Euro
Haibike's name already reveals which motor is installed: an Xduro bike comes with a Bosch drive, the slightly cheaper Sduro line with a Yamaha drive. In addition to the Bosch drive, the AM RC is equipped with 150 millimetre suspension from Fox, which sensitively swallows every pebble. The combination with thick Hans Dampf tyres offers plenty of potential for fun and games off-road. Rolling resistance is not an issue on e-bikes, which is why thick tyres are the first choice. The riding position is relaxed and upright with the high front end, so the rider has to actively apply pressure when cornering. In practice, we noticed that the handling was a little spongy, the reason being the loose spoke tension in the rear wheel. Unfortunately, the performance of the 200 mm Shimano Deore brakes was not up to the usual standard and was unable to realise its full potential.
The fact that the staff at Haibike are working intensively on the subject of e-mountainbikes is immediately apparent on the Xduro. The equipment is very well thought out.
+ Great tyre and chassis combination
- Lug spoke tension in the rear wheel
M1 SportTechnik Spitzing
www.m1-sporttechnik.de 6199 Euro
The M1 bike looks martial. And yes, 25 kilos is no mean feat. The positive surprise when riding: the compact Cleanmobile mid-mounted motor pushes the bike with a power that made us doubt whether it could be a 250-watt motor - the competition flew out of sight at the back. The steering is sporty and harmonious, only the brake cut-off took some getting used to. On the trail, the Spitzing was unimpressed by high gradients and rough terrain and remained surprisingly manoeuvrable. Conveniently, the compression damping of the Fox 36 can also be adjusted, allowing the setup to be adapted to the weight of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the battery lost contact several times during heavy impacts and the system switched off for a moment; however, the battery was still a prototype. The testers could not cope with the long Magura multi-finger brake levers.
The performance of the drive was surprising, beating all other systems in terms of power. But please don't look at the price.
+ Very powerful motor, customised look
- Tyres too weak for this chassis class, high price
Moustache Samedi 27.9 FS Race
www.moustachebikes.de 5519 Euro
The bike from the young brand Moustache is the first bike in the E-BIKE test to roll onto the test track with a
29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel on the test track. It also has 160 millimetres of suspension travel. The fully equipped Fox 36 is at work at the front, while the brakes are provided by Magura's brute MT7 stoppers. "No compromises!" seems to have been the brief for this thoroughbred enduro bike. The test riders fought over who would be the first to ride the trail on this marvellously equipped bike with its great looks. There it became clear that the enduro concept with a 29-inch front wheel works perfectly: Thanks to the short and flat frame, there is always enough pressure on the front to keep the Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres on the ground. At the same time, the bike is playful and manoeuvrable without appearing nervous. The cassette with a large 42 sprocket helps effectively on rough or steep climbs.
If the entire French collection performs at this level, we predict a rosy future for Moustache. The Enduro impresses with its well thought-out, high-quality construction and great riding characteristics.
+ Harmonious combination of 27.5 and 29-inch wheels
- Slightly squat posture for longer uphill sections
Univega Renegade Impulse 2.0
www.univega.com 3599 Euro
Univega is another Bosch denier in the full-suspension bike segment alongside the M1 and BH. The Impulse 2.0 drive has Bosch-level power. However, in order to utilise it, the rider has to make a greater contribution. We like this concept - after all, e-biking is not like riding a motorbike. However, the drive loses out when it comes to control. The long interruption in shifting is particularly unpleasant on steep gradients, while the long motor lag was more of a nuisance on technical terrain. The 120-millimetre suspension lags slightly behind the competition in terms of potential. The RockShox XC32 fork made us feel the price pressure when choosing components. On the other hand, the riding position is centred on the bike and gives you a lot of control. The rather inexpensive components are cleverly chosen and harmonise well: wide handlebars, 180 mm brake discs, thru-axles. The Nobby Nic tyres look good on a bike of this class.
For 3599 euros you don't get a top-level bike, but a solidly equipped tourer.
+ Pleasantly wide handlebars
- Very long chainstays
Trek Powerfly+ FS9
www.trekbikes.com 4499 Euro
Squeak! - The Trek immediately catches the eye, with the bright yellow FS9 equipment variant standing out from the field. The frame under the paintwork shines with loving details. The cables are routed internally and cables are concealed behind small covers, making it possible to connect lights directly to the battery. A sturdy motor plate under the Bosch drive prevents damage caused by impact. The centrepiece is the large-volume RockShox Monarch Debonair shock, which, in combination with the sophisticated, firm rear triangle, manages to reach speeds that other bikes need more suspension travel for. In terms of handling, the riders attested to the bike's playful appearance and excellent cornering dynamics. The frame size certainly played a part in this: while the other bikes in the test field started with L-frames, Trek was only able to supply an M-bike for the test.
If you can spend the 4499 euros that Trek is asking for its top model, you hardly need to worry about tuning parts. Everything is included.
+ Beautiful detail solutions on the frame with a great chassis.
- Interfering cable routing to the seat post
