E-Mountainbike Review: Haibike eQ Xduro RX 29
Haibike is the ancestor of all E mountain bike fullies, however today, we are testing a Haibike in a classic hardtail guise. Don’t worry: we didn’t stick to simple country lanes nor did we take the dog along at all times.
First impression: The Haibike impresses with its clean and functional design and a high-quality frame with integrated chain guides.
Powertrain: The bike is equipped with a Bosch drive system with a maximum power of 250 watts and 50nm and boasts a 400 watt-hours battery service pack, guaranteeing long tours. In this case, the drive system was turned upside-down and then mounted to the frame. This leads to a nice look, greater ground clearance and also protects the drive system from damages caused by obstacles. The assist mode (Turbo – Sport – Tour – Eco – Off) can safely and easily be adjusted via the control unit without letting go of the handlebar. Zipping through the menu to get information on things like reach, average speed, time, or maximum speed is a positive feature.
Equipment: The high-quality Shimano XT drivetrain components and firm Magura MT4 brakes with 203mm disks confirmed our first impression. The total package is completed with a high-quality Fox 32 CTD fork with 100mm at the front and a remote lever unit. This allows locking the suspension fork out via the handlebar, which although not a necessity is a ‘nice feature’. The only shortcomings were the Ralph tires, which, because of their high likelihood of ruptures, could not win us over.
Handling: The Haibike eQ Xduro RX 29 combines the qualities of a classic mountain bike with some modern features: large 29-inch wheels are the current trend in the mountain bike world, offering more traction, comfort, smooth running, and braking power in comparison with smaller conventional 26-inch wheels. The slight additional weight and the extra inertia are not noticeable thanks to E assist. On the trail, the large 29-inch wheels have a positive impact on the riding qualities when hitting potholes or other bumps. It also leads to significantly smoother running in rough terrain. Forest roads and country lanes are the bike’s true home. Here, it can show off its strengths true to the motto “bigger is better”. This is also confirmed by its rear length of 500mm and a wheelbase of 1182mm with a frame size of 50cm.
To sum up: The Haibike Hardtail eQ Xduro 29 is a perfect companion for a trip to work, on meadows, and in forests, for a sportive tour after hours or a longer excursion on the weekend.
Facts:
Link to the distributor’s website: www.haibike.de
Words: Max Schmitt | Photos: Patrick Sauter
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