This bike is part of our huge group test, “The best e-mountainbike of 2026 with 30 of the most exciting eMTBs of the season” – click here for the intro, our key take aways and all the bikes.
23.8 kg in size L | €11,900 | Manufacturer’s website
With the Model One, ABUMS are entering the race with arguably one of the most unusual bikes in the entire test field. The young Spanish manufacturer deliberately takes a different approach, setting itself apart from the rest of the test field with a distinctive steel frame, a radically rectangular styling and a MAHLE drive system. Instead of mainstream carbon frames and crowd-pleasing design, you get character, individuality and a concept that’s guaranteed to divide opinion.
At € 11,900, the Model One is anything but a bargain, which makes the question all the more intriguing: does this extravagant steel machine with its high-pivot rear suspension deliver genuine trail performance, or is it destined to remain a stylish outsider?
The ABUMS Model One in detail
The ABUMS Model One polarises at first glance. Hand-built in Spain, the welded steel frame with sharp-edged and raw design language, inevitably brings to mind a Tesla Cybertruck on two wheels, the kind of look that splits opinion sharply. The aggressive styling is highly distinctive, yet the bike also feels impressively well finished. The smoothed, gold-tinted welds are a particular highlight, adding striking visual accents while emphasising the bike’s handcrafted character. At launch, the Model One is available exclusively as a custom-built version in its distinctive raw finish, with even individual geometry requests possible. From September onwards, the bike will also be offered in standard frame sizes and with painted frame options.
Technically, ABUMS rely on a single-, high-pivot suspension design with an idler pulley, generating 160 mm of travel. The MAHLE Head Unit+ display is elegantly integrated into the top tube and blends discreetly into the minimalist cockpit. Cable integration is equally well executed. The cables enter the frame cleanly through dedicated ports, creating a tidy overall appearance despite the bike’s rugged design language. This clean aesthetic is carried through consistently in the cockpit thanks to the electronic drivetrain and dropper post.
Overall, the ABUMS pursues a radically distinctive approach, both technically and visually. That is precisely what makes the bike so appealing, although it certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. Despite its imposing appearance, the weight is lower than you might expect. At 23.8 kg, the Model One comes in well below the heaviest bike in this group test.
The spec of the ABUMS Model One
ABUMS stay true to their distinctive philosophy when it comes to the component spec, too. Aside from the drivetrain, tires and wheels, the bike relies almost exclusively on components from Hayes Performance Systems. Hayes brakes, Manitou suspension and ProTaper cockpit components reinforce the bike’s boutique character and clearly set it apart from the mainstream. The same applies to the MAHLE M40 drive system, which remains a rare sight in the e-mountain bike world. Delivering up to 105 Nm of torque and 850 W of peak power, the motor ranks among the more powerful systems in this group test.
For the suspension, ABUMS have opted for some genuinely unconventional choices on the Model One, combining a Manitou Mezzer Pro fork and matching Manitou Mara Pro Inline shock at the rear. Both suspension components offer a high degree of adjustability while keeping overall weight impressively low.
Braking duties are handled by Hayes Dominion A4 brakes, a genuine insider tip and the winner of our sister magazine ENDURO’s brake comparison test. They impress with excellent modulation, easy lever actuation and outstanding consistency on long descents.
Shifting on our test bike was handled by a SRAM GX AXS derailleur from the classic Eagle range, meaning it did without the newer T-Type technology. In the final production specification, however, ABUMS plan to fit the electronic ROTOR UNO drivetrain instead, once again choosing to go their own way.
Even if the steel frame might suggest otherwise, the handlebars, cranks and wheels are all made from carbon. This helps keep the overall weight surprisingly reasonable. Less convincing, however, is the tire choice on our test bike. While the front wheel is fitted with a MAXXIS ASSEGAI featuring the robust DH casing, the rear wheel rolls on a significantly lighter MAXXIS Minion with an EXO casing.
The electronic Kind Shock Rage Circuit dropper post also fits neatly into the bike’s distinctive component concept. However, the remote lever takes some getting used to, and the 180 mm of travel could be a little more generous for many riders.
Custom sits at the heart of this bike: from the Manitou suspension components to the steel frame, the ABUMS follows its own philosophy with unwavering consistency.
Abums Model One
€ 11,900
Specifications
Motor MAHLE M40 105 Nm
Battery 800 Wh
Display Mahle Head Unit +
Fork Manitou Mezzer Pro 160 mm
Rear Shock Manitou Mara Pro 160 mm
Seatpost KIND SHOCK Rage Circuit 180 mm
Brakes Hayes Dominion A4 203/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX EAGLE AXS 1x12
Stem ProTaper 45 mm
Handlebar ProTaper C 25 800 mm
Wheelset Prototype Flash Carbon 29"/27.5"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, maxx grip, Dh Casing/ MAXXIS Minio DHR II Exo 2.5"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size fehlt
Weight 23.8 kg
Tuning tip: fit a more robust rear tire.
| Size | M |
|---|---|
| Seat tube | 115 mm |
| Head tube | 115 mm |
| Head angle | 63.5° |
| Seat angle | 78° |
| Chainstay | 460 mm |
| BB height | 340 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,270 mm |
| Reach | 470 mm |
| Stack | 650 mm |
| Travel front | 160–180 mm |
| Travel rear | 160–170 mm |
The ABUMS Model One on the trail
How does the ABUMS Model One perform on the climbs?
On the climbs, the ABUMS Model One impresses with outstanding traction and a high level of comfort. The very softly tuned suspension delivers a plush ride feel and smooths out bumps with ease. As a result, the bike feels relatively heavy and sluggish, but this also makes it reassuringly sure-footed, inspiring confidence even on loose surfaces and technical climbs.
The motor also left a positive impression. Power delivery sits neatly between highly progressive systems such as Bosch and Avinox and the particularly linear characteristics of Maxon and Pinion drives. As a result, the support feels powerful without becoming overly aggressive. Only when tackling successive obstacles in quick succession does the system occasionally suffer from brief interruptions or a slightly sluggish feeling in the assistance. Overall, however, the ABUMS delivers a very solid performance on technical climbs, putting it on par with the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 and the Norco Range VLT CX C1.
How does the ABUMS Model One perform on the descents?
Riding downhill, the ABUMS Model One stays true to its comfort-focused character. The plush suspension generates huge amounts of traction and absorbs even the biggest hits with ease. The bike is particularly impressive in rough, rocky terrain, where it remains impressively composed. Once the Model One has built up speed, it carries momentum confidently through obstacles and is remarkably difficult to unsettle. The high-pivot suspension layout also plays a major role here, effectively taking the edge off impacts and giving the bike an extra layer of confidence and stability in rough sections.
However, the comfort-focused concept also comes with its drawbacks. The plush rear suspension sits deep in its travel, offering little noticeable progression towards the end of the stroke. As a result, the bike lacks support and precision, particularly when ridden aggressively. The overall ride feel remains decidedly plush and somewhat disconnected from the trail.
The handling is equally in keeping with the bike’s character. The ABUMS feels more sluggish than playful. Quick direction changes, which come almost effortlessly on bikes like the Megamo or Propain, require a noticeable amount of input on the Model One, while the unusually low front end also takes some getting used to on the descents. At the same time, the short rear end makes the bike feel more compact than its imposing appearance would suggest.
Acoustically, the Model One is pleasantly unobtrusive. The motor is comparatively quiet on the descents, with only occasional rattling from the cables making itself heard.
The ABUMS rides like a sofa on tank tracks: heavy, plush and comfortable.
Who is the ABUMS Model One the right eMTB for?
The ABUMS Model One is aimed at riders who are deliberately looking for something different from the usual carbon mainstream. The hand-welded steel frame, uncompromisingly distinctive design and unusual component mix make it particularly appealing to individualists and design enthusiasts. If you value maximum comfort, excellent traction and an exceptionally planted ride feel on the trail, the ABUMS offers a truly unique experience. The bike is especially convincing on rough trails and in rocky terrain, where its composure really comes into its own.
At the same time, the heavy system weight and sluggish handling favour a calmer, less playful riding style. Riders looking for an agile, nimble trail bike, or those who love to pop, jump and actively play with the trail, are unlikely to get along with the ABUMS.
The right bike for:
Tesla Cybertruck owners
Angular, uncompromising and unapologetically distinctive, the ABUMS is every bit as visually polarising as the famous electric pick-up.
Individualists
If you’re tired of the endless sea of carbon bikes and want a genuine handcrafted machine with character, you’ve come to the right place.
Not the right bike for:
Flow trail riders
The high weight and sluggish handling make the ABUMS anything but playful.
Conclusions about the ABUMS Model One
The ABUMS Model One is radically different, both visually and dynamically. The hand-welded steel frame, combined with the plush suspension setup, delivers exceptional comfort in every situation. Rather than a playful e-MTB, the Model One is a sledgehammer for rough terrain, impressing with excellent composure and plenty of traction. However, the sluggish handling and insufficient suspension progression noticeably limit the potential of this unusual concept, ultimately leaving the bike near the bottom of the rankings in this group test.
Tops
- High levels of comfort and plenty of traction
- Excellent bump absorption on descents
- Radically distinctive steel frame design
- Premium handcrafted feel
Flops
- Sluggish handling
- Suspension lacks progression
- Indirect, not particularly playful handling
- Questionable tire casings on the test bike
For more information, visit the ABUMS website.
The test field
For an overview of this group test, click here:
The best e-mountainbike of 2026 – The 30 most exciting bikes in the big group test
All bikes in test: AMFLOW PX Carbon Pro, AMFLOW PR Carbon Pro, AMFLOW PR Carbon, Centurion No Pogo R7000, Thömus Lightrider E-MAX, Aventon Current EXP, Atherton S.170E, Haibike AllMtn CF 11 TRN/IQ 2025, Abums Model One, MEGAMO Reason CRB 01, Santa Cruz Vala AL 70, Specialized Levo R, Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4, Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Comp Alloy, Yeti LTE T4.
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker, Lars Engmann
About the Author
Lars Engmann
Lars Engmann is an editor at 41 Publishing. His work is strongly influenced by his background as an engineer and technical writer, with his experience of driving resistance determination giving him sharp analytical skills. He is responsible for operative individual and comparison tests for E-MOUNTAINBIKE and ENDURO, with a focus on range analysis and efficiency measurements. As a specialist in optimisation and system weight, he brings his passion for precision to product evaluation. He combines technical documentation with applied performance analysis in the E-Performance segment.
