If you value easier handling and more riding fun, you have to find the right balance less is often more. We are looking for the best all-rounder that can take on any trail!
Just because you have the range doesnt mean youll have fun riding!
The next time you buy a cross-country mountain bike, consider buying an electric bike. You want a bike that delivers more motor power than a Bosch system? It delivers cross country geometry with 130mm front and 120mm rear suspension travel. As you can see, tires are a complex issue. The Specialized S-Works Kenevo SL is a special case.
On the bikes with Specialized and Dyname 4.0 motors, the display is elegantly integrated into the top tube. In our search for the all-rounder with the best overall package of handling, motor performance, battery capacity, weight and trail performance, we have also considered the questions you should ask yourself before buying. However, due to current production and delivery difficulties, some manufacturers, including Haibike, CUBE and BULLS were unable to provide a bike.
Even though many eMTBers love to discuss the latest trends and isolated parameters such as wheel size or torque, individual factors are only of limited help in the search for the best eMTB and should be treated with caution. However, you dont have a free choice with every manufacturer. )!
The best eMTBs are able to combine seemingly contradictory characteristics, like being agile yet composed. The problem: if you exceed the maximum permissible weight, this can have consequences for warranty and guarantee claims. The rakeon the Haibikes headtubefor cross-country riding is about68. You can find out how to figure it out here. What does the best eMTB have to be capable of in 2022? When it comes to trail fun, eMTBs with large batteries quickly fall behind. Rocky Mountain, Shimano and Specialized use a minimalist handlebar remote to ensure that you always hit the right button in the heat of battle. the 3C MaxxTerra rubber compound from MAXXIS or ADDIX Soft (orange) from Schwalbe. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves which handling compromises they want to accept in favour of more battery capacity. Usability is poor, because too many buttons have to be operated with only one finger.
This isnt possible with the MERIDA, SCOTT and ROTWILD. with an optional additional battery. If you only ride it at moderate speeds or on easy trails, you wont feel much of this. There are also differences between the individual motors and bikes when it comes to motor noise under full load. All bikes with Shimano EP8 or Bosch Performance Line CX motors have a design-related motor rattle when the chain is loaded (under suspension compression), which usually occurs on the downhill or on flat or rough ground. Does it suit you or not? And what type of rider wont? Dry, boring, complicated: numbers have a bad reputation. Braaaaaap: this time the test field includes a bike that unrelentingly pulls away from any Bosch or Shimano motor uphill, but also engenders its own pitfalls! For us, stone-baked pizza, a fresh ocean breeze and good espresso are just as much part of a successful day on the bike as flow on varied singletrack, the occasional adrenaline spike and high-fives at the end of the trail. In addition to the options that you expressed an interest for, our know-how and expertise also played a role in the selection, with many exciting new models on the market that contribute to making this test so interesting.
Spread over 270 pages of high-quality print, we offer you a comprehensive buyers guide, reviews and details of 27 bikes. Do you want a minimalist display or an unobtrusive Shimano Bluetooth connector (EW-EN100 dongle)? All in all, its all about the right balance and set-up. Our reader survey showed that three brands are particularly interesting and important to you: Specialized, Haibike and CUBE. While it has a specific use in mind with its unique character, it does what it is aimed at well. In general, it is important to choose a tire that suits the area of use and your personal needs, so that it fits you and your bike.
Thats why we invited two bikes from each of these manufacturers to the group test. What good are the best gears or the best motor on the trail if the suspension and geometry are no good? If you want a navigation aid, you should take a closer look at our navigation device group test. From Light eMTBs with limited motor support to powerhouses with plenty of grunt, everything was represented. If your favourite brand isnt included, thats no reason to throw in the towel. One of the bikes uses the old Bosch 2021 system. As you can see, we have invited many different bikes. Instead of always riding with a large battery capacity and the associated weight, its very practical to be able to increase capacity with an additional external battery, whenever you need greater range. The discrepancy between motor displays couldnt be greater: The test field has everything on offer, from year-old displays with the sparse functionality and look of a Tamagotchi, to modern displays with numerous features, to minimalist, fully integrated concepts where the display is no longer present at all. What are the different mountain bike categories? And thats a good reflection of the market! However, in technical terrain and at high speeds it is severely limited by its spec. It is unbeaten in technical uphill terrain and also feels most comfortable downhill on challenging and fast trails. There are sliding scales at the end of each review, giving you a visual representation of the bikes handling. However, there is no navigation system that comes close to the Bosch Nyon in this test field. However, its important not to confuse price with the real value i.e. As part of our annual reader survey, more than 16,520 E-MOUNTAINBIKERS answered around 90 questions, helping us to make this test as relevant as possible!
The future of eMTBs doesnt just look promising, it also looks versatile. That cant be true!
The most powerful motors delivers 108 Nm of torque, the weakest just 35 Nm.
In reality, the freedom of movement is limited, just like on the SCOR, despite the apparently short seat tube. Smartphone apps that can do this are available from (almost) all motor manufacturers. In general, availability still poses major challenges for the industry in 2022. Software topics such as connectivity or motor customisation/tuning also played an important role. Upright geometry, integrated headlight, and lots of mounting points make this a versatile platform.. It is the perfect all-rounder that covers the whole spectrum from touring to bike park visits, scores with enormous riding performance and convinces with almost perfect and sensible equipment, even if it comes at a hefty price of 13,790. After all, a bike is only as good as the interplay of all its components in the real world! With one exception (Orbea), the bike manufacturers in this test see it the same way. But is more always better? Unfortunately, far too many people are still blinded by individual components that look good on the shop floor. Most eMTB hardtails simply arent made for the trails! Despite its reduced torque, the EP8 RS motor provides enough power at high cadences to easily keep up with the standard Shimano or even the current Bosch motor. Thats why in our group tests we look at the value of the overall package and focus on the overall performance, not individual components. If you want to delve deeper into the super exciting and complex subject of suspension, you will find a complete reference in our sister magazine ENDURO. They have very long 470 mm seat tubes, limiting the choice of sizes. We think giving points according to a rigid scoring system isnt the most helpful approach since it oversimplifies this very complex topic and doesnt do it justice. As a result, an arms race for larger batteries has been taking place for years.
10 people spent 9 days in Tuscany, including sun, sea, awesome trails, arm pump and dolce vita. The battery and motor are built into a removable drivepack that can be swapped for an empty storage box so you can ride as a lightweight acoustic bike at just 30.1lbs.. High quality Fox Factor air shocks front and rear. In terms of ergonomics, Bosch bring up the rear. The trendsetters of 2023: full-suspension off-road step-through ebikes from CONWAY, Corratec, Victoria, Malaguti and ZEMO, Hype This Outdoor essentials for overnighters and adventures in the wild, FAZUA Ride 60 versus TQ HPR 50 the two new light-assistance eBike motors in direct comparison, New Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS 2023 with TQ HPR 50 motor first ride review Smooth Operator, Most expensive bike in the 2021 group test: Specialized S-Works Levo/Levo SL for, Most expensive bike in the 2022 group test: Specialized S-Works Levo/Kenevo SL for, Cheapest bike 2021: FOCUS JAM 6.9 NINE for, Cheapest bike 2022: SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 for, The Norco Sight VLT C1 has the largest internal battery capacity at, The fact that only 2 Bosch-equipped bike are represented in the test field is due to the limited availability of Bosch bikes with the new Smart System at the time of the test and the fact. YT have the highest payload in the test field at 127 kg. SCOTT sent in the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910, which is almost unchanged for 2022. With this in mind: forget about the numbers! But FOCUS, MERIDA and Orbea also offer a considerable margin with 124 kg and 117 kg respectively. Nonetheless, it resoundingly leaves the Specialized SL 1.1 behind on climbs. Thanks to the small internal 360 Wh battery and the additional 252 Wh range extender, which is placed into the bottle cage, weight remains centrally positioned even with a total 612 Wh capacity. Impossible? We dont re-invite such bikes every time. They incorporate new technologies, new motors and in some cases huge batteries that will make the 2022 bike season more exciting than ever. Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind.
*with range extender
Whats the best eMTB of 2022? Become a supporter now! In terms of connectivity and customisability of the motor system, it sets the tone in the test field together with the Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL. Our test field only featured tires from Schwalbe or MAXXIS. Whichever is your favourite, its important that the display and remote are in a protected position and that they are intuitive and ergonomic to use. However, it reveals weaknesses in steep terrain and at high speed. Efficient and quiet SyncDrive motor is a collaboration between Giant and Yamaha.
Although you dont necessarily need the biggest disc rotors as a 70 kg flyweight, you will still benefit from them. Feature-complete with fenders, rear rack, and lights. No matter which you choose, the conversion is simple and the connectivity options remain unchanged.
At 95 kg, am I already too heavy for my eMTB? Powerful 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with large dual piston calipers and electronic motor inhibitor switches on both levers.. In the future, we expect to see huge internal battery capacities only on touring and trekking ebikes. Read the new issue of E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine now. Besides chain and drivetrain maintenance, your brakes, tires and suspension are the most important candidates for being serviced regularly. However, were very fortunate that we get to work where others go on holiday, i.e. It impresses with the best system integration, high stability on fast descents while maintaining manoeuvrability and agility, as well as its modular battery concept. There are even models that can compete with downhill-focussed bikes and with which you can hunt Strava KOMs. If you mostly ride on gravel, forest and meadow trails, a less heavily treaded tire with a thinner casing is sufficient. There are huge differences not only in motor power, but also in battery capacity for bikes that are aimed at similar applications: models like the Specialized Kenevo SL Light eMTB with a 360 Wh battery and 35 Nm torque output, take a different approach with less battery capacity and sometimes less motor power, while manufacturers like Norco, packing 900 Wh, exhaust all possibilities to integrate as much juice into the down tube as possible. Rubber compound, tread, tire width and casing all influence performance and each decision has specific advantages and disadvantages. We are convinced that more than 700 Wh in the tank isnt necessary for a trail all-rounder like the one we are looking for in this test. For the front we recommend a tire up to 2.6 wide with puncture-proof MAXXIS Doubledown or Schwalbe Super Gravity casing and 3C MaxxGrip or ADDIX Ultra Soft (purple) respectively. For the 2022 season, the bike industry has come up with numerous technical developments as well as exciting new approaches and battery concepts that influence performance and that you have to consider before buying.
Shimano provide the most options here.
The two most expensive bikes in the test field, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo and Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL, cost 15,000 each. Only the Specialized Levo is truly quiet downhill. As you can see, just an annual inspection isnt enough. Software also has a huge influence on the riding experience and on the differences between the motors. What is the difference between SDURO & XDURO, $100 off KAT bike racks with ebike purchase! Anything else would be misleading and besides being unfair to some brands, we would be patronising our readers. You have a lot of models of electric bikes to choose from if youre looking for a cross-country-style mountain bike. FOCUS Jam 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | OrbeaRise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | Rotwild R.E375 ULTRA (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti160E (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX Core 4 (Click for review). Buy an electric cross-country mountain bike at High Country E Bikes today. Cross-country races are typically more than 2-hours long. All in all, it is a good all-rounder with sacrifices to the range and high speed. It's functional in urban and off-road environments. **** #pandemic #deliverycosts: The massive bike boom and the consequences of coronavirus have resulted in huge challenges for the whole bike industry. No! Available in two frame sizes, and a third XS version with 26" wheels for youth A feature-complete hardtail cross country electric mountain bike outfitted with outstanding fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights available in four frame sizes and three trim levels (3.0, 4.0, 5.0).
They are for endurance-athletes. To help you answer all these questions and more, we present the most important battery concepts in detail in. Do you run out of juice? Attention, spoilers ahead: the size or capacity of the battery increasingly determines handling on the trail. The motors have an average torque of 81 Nm.
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