4 New eMTBs (Plus New eMTB Tech) - Eurobike 2019
While there were plenty of odd, clunky, or derivative eMTBs on show as manufacturers rush to add SKUs to the surging category, some of the latest crop of pedelec tech we saw at Eurobike this last week looked promising. Batteries are smaller, ranges are longer, and motors are more reliable. Let's take a look at a few different bikes from Kona, Devinci, and Bianchi along with a drive system from FSA and a few other odds-n-ends from the show.
Kona
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If Kona's new Remote 160 looks a lot like their Process line of bikes to you, that's because it is. The team at Kona wanted to make the Process an eMTB, so it's designed from the ground up based on the geometry of the Process.
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Kona is using Shimano's Steps e8000 motor as it has a more natural feel to it, according to the design team. The bike comes in one model that sells for $5,999 USD and looks well-spec'd for that price. For more info check out konaworld.com.
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Bianchi
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Bianchi's new eMTB line is decidedly e-SUV, but has some interesting design touches. The full carbon bikes took several years to bring to market and integrates as much as possible. The 150mm travel eMTBs have headlights and taillights, a fully integrated cockpit with mounts for navigation devices, a 720 watt-hour battery with a unique cooling vent, and polarizing aesthetics. For more information head to bianchi.com.
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The bikes use Shimano's Steps e8000 motor and come in three sizes, (M, L, and XL) and three models; the Adventure (7,690 EUR), Rally (9,490 EUR), and Racer (10,490 EUR). The Adventure and Rally work with both 27.5" or 29" wheels and the Racer comes with 29" wheels.
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Devinci
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Devinci had their new DC 29 and EP 29 bikes they announced last week on display for all to see. The bikes are designed and produced in Canada by Devinci.
The bikes take some design notes from Devinci's trail bike line but the pivots are moved a good bit to keep things in the proper place given the different weight distribution of an eMTB. The geo is a bit different. The seat angle is steeper to keep riders more over the front on the steeper terrain they're likely to climb. Head tube angles are slacker as well.
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The bikes still use the split-pivot design, but the main pivot location has been moved. The bike is made to be a little more supple as pedaling efficency isn't as important as a bike that's supple off the top when there's a motor helping out. There are chainstay and battery protection built-in. In a now-familiar refrain, the goal was to not be "a futuristic other experience" but a mountain bike that rides like a mountain bike.
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DVO
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FSA
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FSA brings it's cards to the "E" table with it's powered system called the, "FSA System". The FSA system is only available OEM for now but the claimed 4kg hub motor can be easily moved bike-to-bike and produces 250w of supposedly friction-free assistance.
The system is made entirely in-house and uses FSA's own technology and engineering. This system is different than a lot of the e-systems we see now in that the motor is in the rear hub. This adds a lot of weight to the back end of the bike, but is said to decrease a lot of friction. I speculate it could allow for other technologies such as regenerative braking - something we saw on the first generation of Specialized's Turbo eBikes a few years back.
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eMTB Content Filtering
We're testing a feature that lets readers exclude certain kinds of stories from their Pinkbike homepage. Going forward we'll post more eMTB news globally. If you aren't interested in it, just turn on the filter and eMTB content will disappear from your Pinkbike homepage.
We're testing a feature that lets readers exclude certain kinds of stories from their Pinkbike homepage. Going forward we'll post more eMTB news globally. If you aren't interested in it, just turn on the filter and eMTB content will disappear from your Pinkbike homepage.
Kona
If Kona's new Remote 160 looks a lot like their Process line of bikes to you, that's because it is. The team at Kona wanted to make the Process an eMTB, so it's designed from the ground up based on the geometry of the Process.
Kona is using Shimano's Steps e8000 motor as it has a more natural feel to it, according to the design team. The bike comes in one model that sells for $5,999 USD and looks well-spec'd for that price. For more info check out konaworld.com.
Bianchi
Bianchi's new eMTB line is decidedly e-SUV, but has some interesting design touches. The full carbon bikes took several years to bring to market and integrates as much as possible. The 150mm travel eMTBs have headlights and taillights, a fully integrated cockpit with mounts for navigation devices, a 720 watt-hour battery with a unique cooling vent, and polarizing aesthetics. For more information head to bianchi.com.
The 720 watt-hour battery has a unique cooling system to keep the bike running at optimal temperatures.
The bikes use Shimano's Steps e8000 motor and come in three sizes, (M, L, and XL) and three models; the Adventure (7,690 EUR), Rally (9,490 EUR), and Racer (10,490 EUR). The Adventure and Rally work with both 27.5" or 29" wheels and the Racer comes with 29" wheels.
I'm trying to place what futuristic space demon this looks like but I'm struggling.
Devinci
Devinci had their new DC 29 and EP 29 bikes they announced last week on display for all to see. The bikes are designed and produced in Canada by Devinci.
The bikes take some design notes from Devinci's trail bike line but the pivots are moved a good bit to keep things in the proper place given the different weight distribution of an eMTB. The geo is a bit different. The seat angle is steeper to keep riders more over the front on the steeper terrain they're likely to climb. Head tube angles are slacker as well.
The DC 29 has 150mm/160mm of travel
The bikes still use the split-pivot design, but the main pivot location has been moved. The bike is made to be a little more supple as pedaling efficency isn't as important as a bike that's supple off the top when there's a motor helping out. There are chainstay and battery protection built-in. In a now-familiar refrain, the goal was to not be "a futuristic other experience" but a mountain bike that rides like a mountain bike.
The battery button is now on the top tube.
Shimano's steps e8000 motor.
The EP is the shorter travel 29" wheeled bike with 130mm/140mm of travel.
DVO
DVO's Onyx E1fork has taller bushings and a stiffer crown for the extra loads from heavier eMTBs and riders. Travel is up to 180mm.
The eMTB chassis is available in 27.5" and 29". All of DVO's forks are now available in an eMTB version. Nothing stopping people from using them on regular bikes either.
FSA
FSA is the latest player to jump into the motor market.
FSA brings it's cards to the "E" table with it's powered system called the, "FSA System". The FSA system is only available OEM for now but the claimed 4kg hub motor can be easily moved bike-to-bike and produces 250w of supposedly friction-free assistance.
The system is made entirely in-house and uses FSA's own technology and engineering. This system is different than a lot of the e-systems we see now in that the motor is in the rear hub. This adds a lot of weight to the back end of the bike, but is said to decrease a lot of friction. I speculate it could allow for other technologies such as regenerative braking - something we saw on the first generation of Specialized's Turbo eBikes a few years back.
The 250w power unit is currently being advertised for gravel, urban, and road but we wouldn't be surprised to see an eMTB version in the future. Especially, considering that FSA is already making eMTB wheels.
FSA's power-friendly MTB wheels and their "System" eBike hub and wheel.
eMTB Content Filtering
We're testing a feature that lets readers exclude certain kinds of stories from their Pinkbike homepage. Going forward we'll post more eMTB news globally. If you aren't interested in it, just turn on the filter and eMTB content will disappear from your Pinkbike homepage.
We're testing a feature that lets readers exclude certain kinds of stories from their Pinkbike homepage. Going forward we'll post more eMTB news globally. If you aren't interested in it, just turn on the filter and eMTB content will disappear from your Pinkbike homepage.
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Downhill e bike wishlist:
-200 mm travel front and rear
-Regular DH bike bb height
-Adjustable head angle 63-65°
-150 mm cranks
- Weight under 45 pounds
Once the weights come down.
DH bikes will be the standard with a motor.
Even though this though melts your brain.
I remember when full suspension came out, most said it robbed you of energy and would never catch on.
Once there is a 18kg 100nm 1000watt DH bike with good angles that will be very interesting.
Also I've used a dropper post on my Summum before when riding in the Alps. it made getting from Morzine to Switzerland much less effort.
Lot of DH bikes have normal SA angles- now buy a shock with lockout or firm up the compression and youre good to go.
Would love to see more 200mm travel e-bikes to rip around in turbo mode and plough everything on.
180 fox 36s put the head tube about the same place as 40s with the diff size of the lower crown. He's then shortened the stroke on his X2 shock but left the eye the same and had a climb switch added. As it's all carbon the bike is lighter than my mega and climbs nearly as well. It's a beast of a bike
You can even have the Rohloff/Gates carbon drive option if you're also bored of tearing off derailleurs.
en.nicolai-bicycles.com/g1-eboxx-2020
Ebiking is mountain biking now.
The way ebikes and geo are going it pains me to say that he was right about a lot of things.
I’m dying????????????! That is the best description of 90% of the men in my age group.
krankedbikes.com
It's a mid-drive retrofit, and it rips (I've ridden several of them), but it's not gonna come in under the class-1 wattage limits.
Bjorn rides these things up steeps that I am afraid to ride _down_ though.
Most of their frames look like they have some kind of modular motor mount so you could potentially mount any motor brand you wanted with a different adapter or even none at all when you leave the battery at home.
It's like a Billy bookcase on wheels
Maybe Take a look at the Scott Gambler- very adjustable.
I pedaled mine over 1000m just fine.
No offense to anyone, but little bit of aesthetics never hurts.
@Intensevp fair enough, but UK is not the whole world.
i realize that i's more a marketing move than anything else, but maybe the keyboard engineers should keep a slightly more open mind,
Assuming you live somewhere dry and dusty it would work as ram-air moving and in the other direction when resting. It just seems that putting a heat-exchanger with few fins on the outside of the battery in direct airflow would be a better option? Is battery overheating that big an issue on an e-mtb?
have no idea, i ride a normal MTB
The other bikes to respectable though.
I've killed three Fox 36 CSUs in three years. The last one only lasted 4 months, and I am neither super heavy, nor super aggressive (200lbs all geared up, 46 years old and have to go to work on Monday).
DVO has been solid for a year so far though, so fingers stay crossed
Its surprising how the viewpoint is starting to shift in places. You are starting to see more e-bikes out on the trails in the UK. I dont have one but they do appeal to those who only have a few hours on a Sunday to play with. If you can ride up a hill once and get a run in or ride up four times in about the same time then those on a time budget get more fun on the bike. I get it, even thought I havent got it!
The key thing that suprises be however is that the size of the batteries hasnt come down. If you are on a two hour ride, you dont need two hours of pedal assist. If they made e-bikes with smaller batteries for 'that extra couple of runs' rather than 'easy pedalling all day' they might break the back of the cynicism and also the weight issue.
In the UK (with merely two ski lift parks- both in scotland) it will change the landscape of bike parks. Vans and trailers will fade away and bike parks will hike e-bike tickets from 5-10 quid to the 40 quid seen for an uplift.
Whether we like it or not, its coming...
Also, can I just say an emtb is easily the most fun commuter I've tried. Slack and easy riding, but plenty fast enough. People have been banging on for years about 'one bike to do it all', and an emtb comes pretty close. It's obviously not great as a $100 beater pub bike, but neither is most of the bikes on here.
Also that Unior toolbox is fricken hawt
"DVO's Onyx E1fork has taller bushings and a stiffer crown for the extra loads from heavier eMTBs and riders."
Heavier riders.
There you have it, folks. E-biking leads to loads of heavier riders.
www.rideapart.com/articles/369769/e-bike-embarrasses-dirt-bikes/amp
/rant.
Sadly!
*bianchi* - "lets make a real edgy ebike, nobody likes curves anyway."
SMH
- Subtle jab by PB about the "heavier riders" that ride eBikes???
Anyway, look at the history of motorcycles.
First there was bicycles and the same companies making them started putting available engines on them.
at first there where steam engines, followed by gas engines. A lot of them had pedals because the engines where not powerful enough or not efficient enough. Hence the term Mo-Ped, a Motorcycle with Pedals. Engines got better and pedals started disappearing. so how is this different from what is happening now with electric?
Don't tell me you would not want more Watts on your e-bike. All suppliers are working on on more powerful and more efficient motors and better batteries.... 250W is already more than any recreational cyclist is able to put out for more than a short sprint...
If you road your lawnmower to the store you would get pulled over and get a ticket. Because a lawnmower will never be a car. You can't take your lawnmower into the DMV and register it as a car. Just like I can not take my ebike intot he DMV and say I want to register my Mo-ped. Because it is not a Mo-ped. Nor is it a motorcycle.
There are already classifications for ebikes. If a manufacturer makes a bike outside of those classifications then it is not an ebike. Depending on the specs it may be a Mo-ped or a motorcycle. But it wont be an ebike.
Yes, Electrical motors are improving and we will probably see more electric motorcycles in the future. Still doesn't make an ebike a motorcycle. Even if electric mo-peds become a thing, it doesn't make an ebike a mo-ped or motorcycle. Again, they have classifications to separate them.
I will tell you I don't need more watts. I rarely take my ebike out of eco mode. I actually would like an ebike with a smaller motor and battery. One that I could take the battery out and have it weigh close to an alloy mountain bike. That way I could use it with out a battery and pedal assist as well. LaPierre makes one close to this. I think we will see ebikes like this in the near future.
Ebikes are limited to 750w. So if manufactures make one with more watts, it wont be an ebike (Again, there are classification limitations). Otherwise, I don't see anything wrong with manufacturers making more efficient motors and batteries.
Yeah, the industry lobbied well for this classification. The discussions about these classifications are not over though, especially in Europe.
If I go out and put wings on my bike, is it a W-Bike or a plane?
well, if I where to fly around wherever I want I will run into issues with the FAA no matter how often I tell them its a bicycle.
If it has a motor its a motorcycle. End of story
Errrr, no
1. how long are these Ebait battiers going to last? and when they no longer take a charge... then what?
****new battery gonna cost more than just buying a new Ebait?
2. what happen if/when the charger is just broken, then what?
3. doesn't have an odometer, so, the 2nd buyer doesn't know how many miles it has left in that battery
900KM replace rear pads and a tire 2.8 minion dh and or asseagi
batteries are about 20,000 km longevity before they start to lose it-easy to see how much is left in a battery
Ride way more so cost per ride is way less and actually hold value more
ebikes bring in more riders at a commuter level for sure, however to ride fast and hard you have to be a good rider so most come from already being a rider, i have 30 years from north shore to Squamish, trail work etc,
whatever you ride just get out and do more of it.....
As for resale value, I live in The Netherlands where commuting by bike is really common. And of course in recent years, we've been seeing more and more bikes with pedal assist which in turn pull even more people out of their cars. But bikeshops do face the issue that they have a hard time reselling e-bikes people trade-in when they come and buy their second e-bike. Firstly because technology goes so fast that a five year old e-bike really looks dated but secondly because people are afraid to buy a bike with hidden problems they themselves can't fix. More shops now have equipment to read out a battery so they can inform a potential buyer about the condition of the bike, but this obviously doesn't work for bikes that people sell to each other directly. All in all, when buying an e-bike you just need to accept that you're spending more money on the bike (difference between sale and resale) and on wear parts (which includes the battery).
Now by all means don't get me wrong. I'm not saying e-bikes (or even e-mtb) are a bad idea. I responded to the comment stating that in the near future few people will be on normal (by which I interpret unassisted) bikes. I just don't think that's true. Not everyone currently on an unassisted bike will be able (or willing to) afford an e-bike and not everyone will even want one. Not everyone lives near mountains. And not everyone hates climbing so much that they feel the need to rush it. Heck, I even enjoy a challenging climb. Not in order to say I've "earned" my descend, I just enjoy the climb in its own right. Yes I'm daft enough to even session sections of a climb. A switchback section, a root or rock I spin out on. And sure that may just be me. But again there sure must be more than a few who may be willing to spend 1000 euro on a decent hardtail, 50 euros on a helmet and just go out in the woods for laughs. They're not going to spend 4000 on a bike. Really, that's a lot of money and only a few are willing to pay that.
For ME ---- I'd totally rock one for urban commute where I don't want to get too sweaty for my boring desk job, stinking up the office cuz the company doesn't offer job site showers. I might think about Ebaits when the weight comes down... speaking of, what happens if you're 20 miles from home and the battery dies, it's dark it's getting cold and you bonk'd 5 miles ago... man, it's gonna suck when you gotta push your 45lbs bike thru that. ehh, I'll stick to traditional bikes.
But you are correct, emtb as commuting is fantastic! I use mine as one and it's a bloody blast.
@vinay: yeah we're in the tricky thing now that the tech moves so fast because we are at the very early stages of it. I reckon from this year or next onwards the tech will probably slow down a little, but it'll be a decade or more before it stabilizes to something approaching regular bike tech. Which TBH, itsn't that stable either!
For your other stuff, there's no reason at all they can't happily coexist together. I've been riding bikes for nearly 40 years, but this year got an emtb. They are hella fun, and it's the most fun I can remember having since I first got a bike. Yes, fat, old guys like me will be a bit faster on a climb, and sweating less (always a good thing for those around me!) But otherwise it's no different to the other 39 years of riding I've been doing.
Get off your high horse!
Yet, this has little to do with how stupid it is to treat people who use ebikes in a derogatory manner using a female body part for speech (as if it had anything to do with anything here) and later freak out because of the kids here.
E-bikes allow people to ride more, maintain trail centers, commute faster, carry more gear, keep up, or in some cases ride a bike at all.
You at least could have given some arguments (which exist and are good considerations), yet decided that simply saying "pussy" would be more contributing to the whole of mountainbiking.
Hint: there's alot more than just one word to describe you
Things have consequences.
f*ck them indeed.
This is a bicycle site for young kids, why keep showing this trash?