New Thömus Lightrider E2 2021 – A modular eMTB with Shimano EP8/726 Wh battery

The Thömus Lightrider E2 has big boots to fill. Its predecessor already impressed us several times over. To further improve the bike, the frame has been fundamentally revised, a larger (726 Wh) battery as well as the new Shimano EP8 motor have been fitted and configuration options have been significantly expanded. We took a closer look at the models in the range.

The new Thömus Lightrider E2 is available with two frame platforms and comes equipped with the new Shimano EP8 and up to a 726 Wh capacity battery. The lightest version of the bike is claimed to tip just 18.5 kg on the scales.

If you’re someone who finds it hard to make decisions, the new Thömus Lightrider E2 might be too much for you. Not only is the bike available in two different carbon variants (E2 and E2 Pro), but also in three different travel options (140, 160 and 170 mm) and numerous specs, which can be freely configured on Thömus configurator.
Depending on the build you go for, you’ll also be able to choose between the Shimano STEPS E6100, STEP E8000 or the new, 2021 EP8 motors. The latest EP8 also comes with the new SC-EM800 display and the new motor remote. You can find all the key details about the new Shimano EP8 motor in our exclusive Shimano EP8 special. All bikes have two things in common: 29″ wheels and either a 504 or 726 Wh battery. In addition, Thömus rely on a fast charging technology with a 5.6 Amp charger and special charging electronics, which allow you to charge the large battery from empty to 80% in about 3 hours. Of course, the battery can still be removed from the bike and charged externally.

Thömus claim the lightest version of the bike weighs 18.5 kg. However, Thömus’ slogan of having “potentially the lightest full-carbon eMTB” isn’t completely accurate. Rotwild, with the new EP8-equipped Rotwild R.X375 claim to be just under that at 18.2 kg. In addition, the Specialized S-Works Levo SL is significantly lighter at 16.95 kg (size L), even if it has been designed with a different motor concept in mind.

The Thömus Lightrider E2 is powered by a Shimano E6100, E8000 or EP8 motor depending on what you choose

The down tube conceals a 500 Wh or 726 Wh battery depending on your choice. There’s also space for a bottle cage.

Thömus Lightrider E2 and Lightrider E2 Pro – what are the differences?

The E2 is aimed at riders who want to be able to install a kickstand or pannier rack on their bike – both of these options are possible thanks to special frame mounts. On the Pro version, however, you won’t find these mounting options. The Lightrider E2 is equipped as standard with the cheaper Shimano E6100 motor, which has 10 Nm less torque, but still allows for upgrades to the more powerful E8000 system. All Lightrider E2 Pro models come standard with the E8000 motor.

All bikes share the same elegant integrated cable routing system which relies on a special stem, specifically developed for the Lightrider. All cables run from the stem directly into the head tube and thus allow for a very tidy look cockpit area.

Equipped with low-profile tires, mudguards and a kickstand, the Lightrider E2 is a good option for all those touring riders looking for a comfortable bike for relaxed tours.

All differences at a glance:

Thömus Lightrider E2 Pro

Shimano STEPS E8000 motor
740 Wh battery as standard
high quality, lightweight carbon frame
optimised charging technology
fully configurable
extra Thömus service guarantee package
from CHF 5.490, –

Thömus Lightrider E2

Shimano STEPS E6100 motor
500 Wh battery as standard
frame weighs approx. 500 g more but offers the same stability
Fully configurable
kickstand and pannier rack mounts on the rear triangle
prices starting from CHF 3,990,-

If you go for the EP8 motor, you’ll also get the new SC-EM800 display…

… and the new remote with its improved ergonomics.

The charging port is on the side at the transition between the down- and head tube

The speed sensor is neatly integrated into the disc rotor

You can choose between either 180 mm or 203 mm disc rotors. We’d recommend the latter.

You even have the choice between FOX or DT Swiss for the suspension

Three colours, three travel options, one configurator

Like their predecessor, both the new Lightrider E2 and Lightrider E2 Pro can be fully customised on Thömus’ online configurator. From relaxed touring riders to ambitious trail shredders, everyone can adapt their bikes to their own preferences and needs. First off, you can choose between 140, 160 and 170 mm of travel. There are also different suspension options from FOX, DT Swiss and Manitou. All models come with high-quality DT Swiss hybrid wheels. Customers are also given the option to order their Thömus either with profiled Schwalbe Smart Sam tires for urban use, Nobby Nic tires for more trail-oriented applications or super robust Eddy Current tires for rough riding scenarios. The configurator also lets you choose between two and four-piston brakes. We’d always recommend the more powerful version.

Both models are available either in black or red. The E2 is also available in Aquarium finish and the Pro version in white. Prices start at CHF 3,990 for the E2 and CHF 5,490 for the Pro model. The Lightrider E2 Pro also comes with an extended service and warranty package as standard. This includes, among other things, two free services and the option to have your contact points, i.e. the saddle, adjusted throughout the first two two years as well as free suspension setups within the first two years from purchase date. There’s a five-year warranty on the frame and three years on all components – wearing parts, of course, are not included.

All Thömus Lightrider models are available in Thömus’ signature red.

The Lightrider E2 Pro is also available in black/gray…

With the Thömus Lightrider E2 you can choose between red, all black…

The geometry of the Thömus Lightrider E2

In principle, the geometries of the two Lightrider E2 versions are identical. However, depending on the travel, this will change slightly due to the longer installation length of the fork and longer rear travel. All bikes share the same short 455 mm chainstays. The model with 160 mm travel has a very pleasant head angle of 65.5° and a rather long (and comfortable) reach of 475 mm. And while at 74.7° the actual seat angle may look slack on the paper, due to the straight tube it doesn’t flatten out much further when the dropper is completely extended. On the model with 140 mm travel, the head and seat angles are 0.9 ° steeper than on the 160 version. On the 170 mm version, the angles are another 0.4 degrees slacker. While these are not the only geometry data that change depending on travel, showing all differences in geometry would go beyond the scope of this article.

Below, you’ll find the complete geometry table for the 160 mm version as an example:

Size	S	M	L
Seat tube	400 mm	440 mm	480 mm
Top tube	575 mm	612 mm	648 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm
Head angle	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°
Seat angle	75.4°	75.0°	74.7°
Chainstay	453 mm	453 mm	455 mm
BB Height	353 mm	351 mm	353 mm
Reach	415 mm	445 mm	475 mm
Stack	615 mm	624 mm	634 mm

A proud Thömu Binggeli presents his new Thömus Lightrider E2

Our first impression of the new Thömus Lightrider E2 Pro

In good Swiss style, the Thömus team has without a doubt managed to make a very good product even better. Thanks to the countless configuration options, anyone can put together the Lightrider E2 to suit their own budget and riding style – and the huge battery capacity clears the way for really long tours. The only question that remains open: how does it ride? We’ve got an eMTB on order and will tell you more as soon as we manage to test it.

For more info, visit thoemus.ch

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Words: Photos: Thömus