Proudly a Haibike, the black and yellow plus-size XDURO HardSeven Plus RX has the same distinctive frame and unmistakable details as all of their other models. The bike runs on a powerful 250 W Bosch Performance CX drive unit. Thanks to its high power and consistent delivery, it’s a definite benchmark within the industry. The Haibike’s spec is also a great read: the Shimano XT drivetrain shifts quickly and precisely, the RockShox Reba fork offers sufficient stiffness and guarantees precise handling, and large rotors on the XT brakes produce reliable braking on long descents.
In Haibike style, the riding position is quite upright and comfortable. It’s likely that a shorter stem would improve the handling on descents, but it would make the position even more compact. The HardSeven is a great bike for long rides too, as the 2.8″ Schwalbe Rocket Ron Plus tires on wide 40 mm rims add to the comfort. These help to even out bumps in the trail and provide traction on the ups and downs. The XDURO HardSeven has a really balanced feel on the trails, and even with those big wheels it has great agility and corners with a grin. Upgrading to a dropper post would be a sure-fire way to boost its trail prowess.
The Haibike XDURO HardSeven Plus RX in detail
Fork RockShox Reba 100 mm
Motor / Battery Bosch Performance CX / 500 Wh
Brakes Shimano XT
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seat post XDURO Alu
Stem XDURO Alu
Handlebar E-Performance Lowriser Alu
Tires Schwalbe Rocket Ron
Wheels XLC Evo Rodi Ready 40
In order to protect the exposed display, Haibike have selected high rise bars and a stem that dips down.
The fork’s lockout lever is unnecessary and crowds the cockpit. A selling point in the shop, but redundant on the trails.
Haibike haven’t tried to bury their integration, deliberately choosing to keep the motor and battery on show – why try and disguise the fact you’re riding an E-MTB?
The wide 40 mm rims provide an optimal base for the 2.8″ tires, meaning that you can ride them with less air pressure without the risk of burping.
Conclusion
An instantly loveable E-hardtail with superb riding characteristics, a great motor, and brilliant manufacturing, the Haibike XDURO HardSeven Plus RX hasn’t taken any risks, but instead has chosen to rely on the tried and tested! It works – but we’d recommend a dropper post.
Strengths
- Agile handling
- High-quality frame
- Plus-size tires boost comfort and confidence
Weaknesses
- No dropper post
For more information head to the official website of the manufacturer!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best E-MTB you can buy for less than € 4000? We test 6 leading bikes
All bikes in test: BH Revo 29 ER746 | FOCUS Jarifa Fat Pro | Giant Dirt-E+ 0 | SCOTT E-Aspect 910 CX | Specialized Turbo Levo HT Comp 6Fattie
Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Noah Haxel
