Editorial Issue #015 – Dreams Come True

Back in 2014 the first issue of E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine was published, emblazoned with the title ‘Dreams come true’. Five years and 15 issues later, that same name is on the front of this anniversary issue – but it’s taken on a whole new dimension. Five years in turbo mode with pioneering, dreams and visions.

Happy Birthday, E-MOUNTAINBIKE!

Let’s keep it brief! At the beginning we really didn’t know where this journey would take us: e-mountainbikes were new, they’re still new, and in the future they will continue to develop at a rapid pace. But even now they are a real success story for the whole bike industry. Now it is up to us to write about this history: for you, with you, and about you![…]

In all honesty, we surprised ourselves a little bit with this edition: the endless knowledge and experience that we have gained during the production will surely cause some heated discussions. Pioneering work couldn’t come much better!

Because for e-mountainbikes, other rules (of nature) apply. The definition “e-mountainbike” needs to be redefined, and above all, properly understood. The demands and possibilities are quite different from normal MTB’s. Instead of maximum efficiency, fun, handling, and safety should be the main priorities. So the know-how gained by the bike industry over the past decades can be both a help and a hindrance in creating the perfect e-mountain bike.[…]

E-mountainbikes make a future possible where new rules apply: groups with different fitness levels, families, young and old, or just different friends can all ride together. The e-mountainbike overcomes the barriers of yesterday and brings together what counts: fun and action, families and friends – quite simple. And best of all: nothing really changes. Real mountains, real trails, and real action.

Sounds like part of the current editorial, right? Those words were actually published in the very first issue. While a lot still holds true, our standards and expectations have risen since then, as dreams and goals are wont to do. Back then, ‘Dreams come true’ referred to the exuberance we felt when we launched the very first eMTB magazine to promote eMTBs. These days, eMTBs aren’t just the bike industry’s biggest trend, they’ve also changed the lives of many to varying and often inconceivable degrees. Over five years, the leaps in performance, image and acceptance of eMTBs has been extraordinary – so hat’s off to all the riders, brands, dealers and the media who have contributed to this.

On a personal level, we’ve had our own dreams come true: publishing the world’s leading eMTB magazine, turning our passion into a career, and clocking up countless amazing moments – be it on, with, or thanks to an eMTB. The active dialogue with you as our readers and the industry is really exciting too, and it puts us right in the midst of decisions and trends in the scene. When it comes to feedback, yours is invaluable. This year saw more than 10,000 readers respond to our E-MOUNTAINBIKE Readers’ Survey, with you guys spending an average of 25 minutes answering our questions. A few years ago we wouldn’t have dared to dream of figures like this. A thousand thank yous won’t suffice; so here are ten thousand!

The issue unpicks the most exciting results of the survey, and is packed with the usual array of inspiration, test reviews, and know-how. Next season’s hottest trends are naturally high on the agenda, and we’ve curated a guide to what’s in, including testing new bikes (provided, of course, that they’re already available). The new Specialized Turbo Levo is one such nugget of excitement – we’ve given it a thorough test and explored its history in the pages of this issue. Unfortunately we didn’t get our hands on a ride-ready Haibike FLYON in time for our print deadline, but there’ll be an exclusive First Ride review appearing on our website in the coming weeks.

For those who are curious to throw a glance behind the curtains of the magazine and find out about our next projects, you’ll get your fill of insider insight in this three-part anniversary special.

Let’s round off this editorial with some of my own news: less road biking, more eMTBs! My double-pronged role as editor-in-chief of GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine and of E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine has reached its tenure. GRAN FONDO has got a brand new editor-in-chief, which clears up my calendar for you guys: even more eMTBs! So on that note, here’s to a great future and to fun reading this issue.

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Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: E-MOUNTAINBIKE Team