Husqvarna Hard Cross 9.0 Review

Husqvarna are one of the big newcomers to the eMTB market and the brand has gotten off to an impressive start. The team has managed to offer a complete product portfolio by its second season. At the top of the range, they’ve got the Husqvarna Hard Cross 9.0.

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

**Husqvarna** Hard Cross 9.0 | 24.72 kg | € 7,199

The Husqvarna Hard Cross 9.0 stands out from the crowd. While most manufacturers try to integrate the motor into the frame as inconspicuously as possible, the motor on the HC 9.0 stands at the forefront of the design. The Shimano STEPS E8000 motor is visually separated from the front triangle by a thick band of colour, but it still looks like it belongs on the bike. The motor receives its power from a removable 630 Wh battery integrated into the down tube. As is suitable for an eMTB for demanding off-road use, Husqvarna relies on sturdy components. The HC 9.0 comes with FOX Factory suspension with plush 180 mm travel, powerful Shimano XT four-piston brakes and eMTB specific DT Swiss HX 1501 wheels.

Full steam ahead! Even the most demanding trails seem tame on the HC 9.0.

The large battery capacity and the sturdy components bring the total weight of the € 7,199 bike to a whopping 24.72 kg. We didn’t like the unergonomic position of the dropper post lever or the mediocre workmanship on the frame. Since the bike sizing tends to be on the larger side, riders who are in between two sizes are better off choosing the smaller option.

Husqvarna Hard Cross 9.0 in Detail

Fork FOX 36 Factory 180 mm
Rear shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 2-Position 180 mm
Motor/Battery Shimano STEPS E 8000/Simplo 630 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XT Di2 11-speed
Brakes Shimano XT 4 piston 200/200 mm
Seat post Husqvarna Enduro Dropperpost 150 mm
Stem Husqvarna Performance MTB 40 mm
Handlebar Husqvarna Performance MTB 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss HX 1501 SPLINE
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary 27.5×2.6″

**Visible integration**
While the battery disappears completely inside the down tube, the Shimano motor is deliberately emphasised under the front triangle. The design concept is beautiful.

**Poorly protected**
The neoprene chainstay protector not only looks very cheap, but it’s also far too short, resulting in ugly paint chips after only a few rides.

**Upside down**
The dropper lever was mounted upside down on our test bike, making it difficult to operate. We recommend mounting it on the other side

**Super plush**
The rear suspension offers enormous reserves. As a result, the wheel literally floats over rocks and gnarly roots.

Geometry of the Husqvarna Hard Cross 9.0

Size	42	44	46	48
Seat tube	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm	480 mm
Top tube	589 mm	609 mm	633 mm	654 mm
Head tube	120 mm	120 mm	140 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Seat angle	76°	76°	76°	76°
Chainstay	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm
Wheelbase	1212 mm	1232 mm	1260 mm	1280 mm
Reach	435 mm	455 mm	475 mm	495 mm
Stack	618 mm	618 mm	636 mm	636 mm

Husqvarna Hard Cross 9.0 in Review

**Helmet** MET Roam | **Backpack** EVOC STAGE 12L | **Jersey** Dainese Awa Jersey 2 | **Shorts** Dainese Hg Shorts 2 | **Shoes** ION Rascal

The bike’s heft and the long travel is noticeable on the trail. The Husqvarna HC 9.0 is extremely composed and still has reserves when other bikes are at their limit. Yet the bike isn’t all too cumbersome. The rear suspension offers plenty of feedback which means that quick direction changes can be implemented directly and precisely. On challenging descents, the bike holds its line with confidence, no obstacle big enough to upset it.

**Tuning tip:** Shorten the cable on the handlebar and adjust the dropper lever according to your own preferences

However, you can feel the bike’s weight as soon as you try to jump anything or actively pump it. Tight sections of trail also require a bit more muscle. When things get really steep, you have plenty of room to move on the bike, thanks to the low standover height of the top tube, providing you with a bit more composure and confidence. The Husqvarna surprised us on the climbs too. The Shimano motor provides a powerful push, and thanks to the comfortable sitting position even the longest climbs are easy to master. In technical sections, the assistance of Trail mode is easy to modulate and even on steep sections, the front wheel always remains in contact with the ground.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Technical Data

Size: S M L XL
Weight: 24.73 kg
Perm. total weight: 130 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment): 105 kg
Motor torque: 70 Nm
Battery Capacity: 630 Wh
Travel (f/r): 180/180 mm
Wheel Size: 27.5"
Price: € 7,199

Rider type

Touring Rider 1

Trail rider 2

Extreme rider 3

Conclusion

The Husqvarna scores with lots of stability and comfort. Those who like to go fast and put a lot of emphasis on composed handling will find the right bike here. However, due to the plush suspension and the hefty weight, the bike lacks some agility. Finally, the price also seems a bit steep with regards to the quality of the finishing and workmanship.

Tops

confidence inspiring
bold, unique design
very plush suspension with lots of reserves

Flops

heavy
poor finish
pricey

For more information head to: husqvarna-bicycles.com