First Look | Exclusive & expensive – Haibike XDURO Carbon

Wallet-breakingly expensive, exclusive and sexy: after being pinpointed for a 2015 launch, the XDURO Carbon’s entrance onto the E-MTB market was postponed as Haibike waited for Bosch to further develop their motors. But, finally, the carbon models of the XDURO line, the HardSeven and the HardNine hardtails as well as the FullSeven fully are on their way for 2016. Here’s everything you need to know about these new bikes.

For 2016, Haibike have not only fine-tuned their usual frame design, but they’ve also put significant effort into integrating the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor and its battery into the stylish carbon chassis. The XDURO line models are each available in three build specs, with prices starting from 3,999 € for the most affordable HardSeven right up to an incredible 14,999 € for the top of the range FullSeven. We’ve taken a closer look at the XDURO collection and here’s a run-down of the available models.

XDURO FullSeven Carbon ULT

Auch wenn man sich beim ersten Anblick des FullSeven Carbon ULT aufgrund der Laufräder ein bisschen in die 90er Jahre versetzt fühlt, sind die Daten eher futuristisch – 17,2 kg bei einem 120-mm-Fahrwerk – und der Preis ist astronomisch: 14.999 €. — Stuck in the 90s? The FullSeven Carbon ULT might look like a 90s throwback because of its wheels, but the figures tell another, more futuristic story: 17.2 kg with 120 mm travel and its astronomical price of 14,999 €.

Der Preis kommt nicht von ungefähr: Shimano XTR Di2-Schaltung am 27,5" Bike Ahead Composite-Carbonlaufradsatz, … — The price appears justified: Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain on a 27.5″ Bike Ahead Composite carbon wheelset, …

… Tune Black Foot-Carbonkurbel mit Titan-Kettenblatt, … — … Tune Black Foot carbon cranks with a titanium chainring, …

… sowie passender Leichtbau-Sattel namens „Komm Vor“ der Schwarzwälder Edelschmiede Tune. — … as well as a fittingly lightweight saddle, known as the ‘Komm Vor’ from the renowned Black Forest-based company Tune.

Das Topmodell der RockShox XC-Gabel, die SID XX Worldcup mit Carbonkrone und -gabelschaft, ... — The top of the range RockShox XC forks, SID XX World Cup with a carbon crown and steerer, …

… lässt sich vom futuristischen Carbon-Cockpit mit Nyon-Display aus per Hydraulik blockieren. — … can be locked-out hydraulically from the carbon cockpit, which is featuring Bosch’s Nyon display.

Abgerundet wird die ULT-Ausstattung mit MAGURA MT8-Bremsen, wobei selbst aus Details wie den Steckachsen das letzte Gramm herausgekitzelt wurde. — The ULT spec is rounded off with MAGURA MT8 brakes, where even the thru-axle has undergone intense scrutiny to shave off any excess grams.

The two ‘cheaper’ build specs of the FullSeven Carbon may be slightly kinder to the bank account, but they’re no less exclusive, featuring some of the greatest components out on the market at the moment.

XDURO FullSeven Carbon PRO

Forks: FOX 32 FLOAT Kashima
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT DPS Factory
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1, 11-speed
Brakes: SRAM Guide Ultimate
Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 250 Watts, 75 Newton meter, Nyon display
Wheelset: Reynolds XC Carbon Black Label
Price: 9,999 €

XDURO FullSeven Carbon RX

Forks: FOX 32 FLOAT Kashima
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT DPS Factory
Drivetrain: SRAM X01, 11-speed
Brakes: MAGURA MT5
Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 250 Watts, 75 Newton meter, Nyon display
Wheelset: Mavic Crossmax XL
Price: 7,999 €

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The hardtails within the XDURO Carbon bike line will come with both 27.5″ (HardSeven) and 29″ wheels (the FullNine). Both the HardSeven and the FullNine feature the same build options, and share the same names as the FullSeven – the RX, PRO and ULT – but their components are from the cheaper end of the spectrum and therefore boast a lower overall price.

XDURO HardSeven/HardNine Carbon ULT

Nicht ganz so extravagant – aber dennoch sehr edel ausgestattet: die ULT-Version des HardSeven (im Bild) bzw. des HardNine für 7.499 €. — Not quite so extravagant but still featuring a fantastic spec: the ULT version of the HardSeven (shown) and the HardNine, retailing at 7,499 €.

An unserem Fotomodell war noch ein SRAM X01-Antrieb montiert, in Serie kommt die ULT-Version aber mit dem XX1. Die leichten, aber stabilen DT Swiss XM1501-Laufräder ... — The bike we photographed featured the SRAM X01 drivetrain, but the standard ULT model will have the XX1 setup. Weight is kept to a minimum with the lightweight but stable DT Swiss XM1501 wheels …

... sowie die MAGURA MT6-Bremsen und ... — … as well as the MAGURA MT6 brakes and…

… die RockShox RS1-Gabel halten das Gewicht niedrig. — … the RockShox RS1 forks.

Der edle Tune „Komm Vor“-Sattel wird genau wie ... — The stylish Tune ‘Komm Vor’ saddle makes another appearance …

… der Carbonlenker samt Bosch Nyon-Display auch am HardSeven/HardNine ULT verbaut. — … as do the carbon bars with Bosch Nyon display, all kitted onto the HardSeven and HardNine ULT bikes.

XDURO HardSeven/HardNine Carbon PRO

Forks: FOX 32 FLOAT Performance, 100 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT DPS Factory
Drivetrain: Shimano XT, 11-speed
Brakes: MAGURA MT6
Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 250 Watts, 75 Newton meter, Nyon display
Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 Spline
Price: 5,499 €

XDURO HardSeven/HardNine Carbon RX

Forks: SUNTOUR Axon RL-R, 100 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT DPS Factory
Drivetrain: Shimano XT, 10-fach
Brakes: TEKTRO Gemini
Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 250 Watts, 75 Newtonmeter, Intuvia display
Wheelset: Rodi/XLC
Price: 3,999 €

First Impression

Shaving off 3 kg is no mean feat, and with a total weight of just 17.2kg, the XDURO FullSeven Carbon ULT is making a definitive statement in the world of E-MTB fullys, testament to the irrefutable innovative prowess of the Schweinfurt-based E-bike pioneers Haibike.

Using carbon on E-MTBs strikes us as hugely advantageous, and not just because of the subsequent weight reductions. Of course, 17.2 kg for a full suspension E-MTB is impressive – but we also consider it a new benchmark, posing the question of what else is possible. In reality, the 3 kg weight reduction doesn’t boast any real uses. The handling is now ‘lighter’ and accelerations quicker, but it’s perhaps less competent and confident off-road now. A dropper post or bigger volume and more puncture-resistant tyres would significantly increase comfort and stability. For riders who are looking for a rapid, lightweight bike for fire roads, forest tracks and tarmacked rides, then the XDURO Carbon line should certainly be considered. In general, the advantages posed by the use of carbon aren’t just about the weight, but it also added frame stiffness and allows for more possibilities when it comes to integrating the motor and battery. The rigidity of the bike plays a far greater roll when it comes to durability, fun and stability on the trails.

But we’re still stoked to see Haibike’s advancements to their models when it comes to carbon, and we’re certain that this is just the beginning of an influx of exciting carbon creations. And, if we’re lucky, they’ll boast more travel and a more intense focus on riding off-road.

Further infos on the new XDURO Carbon models can be found here.

Text: Andreas Maschke, Robin Schmitt Photo: Klaus Kneist, PR Haibike

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