Haibike XDURO Dwnhll 9.0
The XDURO Dwnhll comes from the stable of the E-MTB pioneers Haibike, and ushers in a new era as the first downhill-specific series model with an electric motor. It bears super high-end FOX air suspension, with a generous 200 mm front and rear travel, plus downhill-tuned components like the Mavic Deemax DH wheels, MAXXIS HighRoller II tires with a 2.4″ width, as well as reliable Shimano Saint brakes with 200 mm rotors. At first glance, it all gets an approving nod. The Kind Shock LEV DX dropper post is fully in tune with this uphill-capable downhill bike too. Once we start riding, there are a few observations: the combination of the narrow Deemax wheels with the really slender 2.4″ Maxxis tires seem somehow out-of-proportion with an E-Downhiller that weighs a full 24.38 kg. A burlier, more voluminous wheel-tire combination would contribute more stability to the bike. The testers are still out on whether plus-size tires would be an asset on an E-Downhiller (although there isn’t actually any space for them here). The bigger Continental tires on the Rotwild are proof that ‘upsizing’ on an E-Downhiller is a bonus. The FOX suspension works sublimely, and our initial fears that the air-sprung suspension would overheat proved unfounded and the damping performance remained consistent throughout the day.
There are certain limitations when it comes to the XDURO Dwnhll due to the substantial size of the Bosch Performance CX motor and the frame and suspension design. There’s a short seat tube (so limited drop) and the Kind Shock LEV-DX sticks out quite a lot over the top tube, which lends limited space to your body and doesn’t help the bike’s handling on both the uphills and the downs. The XDURO Dwnhll also has quick-release thru axles that repeatedly loosened on their own.
The components on the Haibike XDURO Dwnhll 9.0
Fork FOX 40 Float Factory 200 mm
Shock FOX Float X2 Factory 200 mm
Motor / Battery Bosch Performance CX / 500 Wh
Brakes Shimano Saint
Drivetrain Shimano Saint
Seatpost Kind Shock LEV-DX
Stem Thomson SM-E162
Handlebar Thomson Downhill
Tires MAXXIS Highroller II
Wheels Mavic Deemax DH
More Info haibike.com
No rocks – pedal to the metal!
Hitting the downhill track on the Haibike is immediately fun, and the bike’s high cockpit and lively and willing suspension are able to unleash a good time. On gnarly high-speed sections, the long chainstays and super long wheelbase lend the bike smooth stability. When pedaling is required, the high bottom bracket zone means there’s little likelihood of catching rocks or roots. There’s still a need for muscle to maneuver around tight turns, but the XDURO Dwnhll is definitely keen on airtime.
