The affordable alternatives to our mega group test

The models in our group test are the cream of the current eMTB crop. However, many readers might find their dreams of a new ebike shattered when they look at the price tag. The big question is whether there are more affordable alternatives. Of course, there are! We show you three affordable yet sensibly specced alternatives to the top-end models of our group test.

Click here for our mega eMTB group test 2021.

Blown your savings on fine wine and expensive clothing? Or you just can’t or don’t want to spend over € 10,000 on an eMTB? Then we’ve got what you’re looking for.

In our group test, the prices range from € 5,499 to a whopping € 14,000. Those who can’t or don’t want to pay that much for an eMTB will find three exciting alternatives priced at the lower end of that range: the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8, the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE and the Whyte E-150 RS 29ER V1. Nonetheless, to offer you even more choice we’ve selected three other affordable yet sensibly specced alternatives. They may not score with the best and finest components, but you don’t always need the most high-end spec to have fun on the trails.

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 8000 – The alternative best in test

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K sets the bar in our group test, outperforming the competition with ease. No other bike on test is as versatile or as suited to so many types of riders. However, if you don’t want to spend € 9,899, the € 6,099 MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 8000 is a good, affordable alternative.

Almost everything about these two models is identical, including the beautiful carbon frame, motor, battery, travel, lighting system and mixed wheel sizes with a 29” wheel up front and 27.5″ at the rear. You also get a multi-tool tucked beneath the saddle and a stylish headset with integrated cable routing on both models. Now for the differences: there’s a Marzocchi Z1 ebike fork on the front of the eONE-SIXTY 8000, replacing a FOX 38. Instead of a FOX FLOAT X2 shock, you get a FOX FLOAT DPX2. Almost all drivetrain and braking components come from Shimano’s SLX range, including four-piston SLX callipers paired with 203 mm rotors. The wheels are no longer supplied by DT Swiss and aren’t made of carbon. Instead, the 8000 model comes specced with aluminium, house-brand wheels. MERIDA also provide the dropper post on the eONE-SIXTY 8000, offering the same amount of travel as the flagship model: 170 mm in sizes L and XL. You don’t get that bling factor but you’ll save a lot of money. The performance remains good and the overall build is well put together! If you want to go easy on your wallet without forfeiting the performance of the Best in Test, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 8000 is the perfect alternative.

More info merida-bikes.com

SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 920 – High performance at a low price

The flagship SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 stands out in our group test for its excellent all-round performance and value for money. If you’re looking for something even more affordable, you might want to consider the slightly slimmed-down SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 920. This option is sure to get the blood of the frugal among us pumping!

If you go for the 920 model of the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE instead of the 910 in our group test, you’ll save a whopping € 1,500. That said, the flagship model already offered excellent value for money. A RockShox ZEB replaces the FOX 38 fork, while the FOX FLOAT X2 shock and thus the performance of the rear suspension, remain unchanged. Keeping your speed in check is a pair of Shimano BR-MT520 four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors. A SRAM SX/NX Eagle combination takes care of the shifting, saving you money but adding weight. SCOTT’s in-house brand Syncros supply the Duncan dropper post. Sizes L and XL come fitted with a 170 mm version, offering only 5 mm less travel than the dropper post on the flagship model. To keep the price low, SCOTT also rely on Syncros for the saddle and wheels. Our verdict? For only € 5,499, it’s a hot candidate!

More info scott-sports.com

Trek Rail 7 – The wallet-friendly aluminium version of the versatile Trek Rail 9.9

The Trek Rail 9.9 can take on any trail, offering a superb compromise between playful handling and composure at speed. Anyone who’s been eyeing the Trek Rail but doesn’t have € 10,499 in their piggy bank, or doesn’t want to spend it, can save a lot of money with the € 5,999 Trek Rail 7.

While the top of the Trek Rail range relies on a carbon frame, the Trek Rail 7 features a high-quality aluminium one instead. It previously proved itself in our 2020 budget group test, where its excellent handling and suitability for a wide range of applications earned it the top spot. Instead of the capable RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork as on the Rail 9.9, you get the brand’s simpler Yari RC. The shock also gets a downgrade, with the RockShox Deluxe Select+ making do without a reservoir and fewer adjustment options than the Super Deluxe on the Rail 9.9. That’s not to say the suspension’s performance isn’t good! Bontrager supply the wheels on both models but on the Trek Rail 7 they’re aluminium. We feel that might even offer an advantage in certain situations. Instead of shattering when you hit a rock or a root, you can usually keep on riding with a dent. Instead of high-end SRAM components for the brakes and gears, Trek rely on Shimano’s DEORE four-piston brakes and an SLX 12-speed drivetrain with an XT derailleur. For the remaining Bontrager components, Trek don’t reach for the top drawer either, speccing slightly lower-end parts, which usually come with a weight penalty but still perform well. However – as with the flagship model – we recommend swapping the tires before rolling it off the shop floor!

More info trekbikes.com

The test field of our eMTB mega group test

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Valentin Rühl, Manufacturer