When did you last impress yourself by pushing your limits? When was the last time you felt the satisfaction of doing something for the first time? What about the last time you were giddy with nerves ahead of something new? Whenever it was, you’re probably due another rush.
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This is the year E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine turns 10! That’s one whole decade of electrified fun, trail parties, crashes, feats of bravery (and stupidity, at times), and pedal-assist madness. We’ve met new people, tested hundreds of eMTBs, ridden at the forefront of the e-revolution, set up think-tanks, bringing the industry’s key stakeholders together. But that’s not all. Disappointments, setbacks, haters, and criticism have all been a part of it. It’s been great and not-so-great at times – and that’s still how it rolls.
Think of it like a video game. New levels, skills, and bosses. This constant drive to progress is exactly the same as how we grapple with new topics and trends in the industry, not passively letting them pass us by, but jumping our way through them. But each time you think you’ve got there, the princess has been moved to another castle (sorry, Mario!) But unlike Mario’s world, we gain a wider perspective and vision of our role each time we go up a level.
If you think that life can be measured and you’re already embracing experiences which you feel are a ten, take a chance, push your limits and before you know it, there’ll be an 11 popping onto your radar. Not everyone will get Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap’s explanation of why we need to turn it up to 11, but you can’t disagree with the fact that 11 is bigger (and better) than 10. So – What are you waiting for?
The highlights of this issue
- What’s the best eMTB for 2023? – 30 exciting models in our mega group-test
- Grip! Don’t slip! – 16 clipless and flat pedals in comparison
- Is this the future of van life? – On tour with the VW ID.BUZZ and FOCUS Jam² SL
- Forestal – From niche Brand to innovation leader?
- The Extra Mile – The Specialized Turbo Unit
- Shaking off your demons – What does riding have to do with wellbeing?
Our free, digital magazine is the centrepiece of our work and definitely the best way to experience our content, with interactive features as well as beautiful photography and videos all packed into a unique design. If you like our website, we’re sure you’ll love our magazine app. By the way: the app even gives you access to all of our back issues – hours upon hours of first-class content!
All the bikes in this issue
Berria Mako Hybrid GT LTD | Bulls SONIC EVO SL EN-1 | Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT1 | Flyer Uproc X 9.50 | Focus SAM² 6.9 | Focus JAM² 6.9 | Focus Jam² SL 9.9 | Forestal Siryon Diōde | Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Ltd | Haibike Lyke CF SE | Ibis OSO | KTM Macina Prowler Exonic | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 975 | Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 | Orbea Rise M-Team | Orbea WILD M-LTD | Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 | Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR | Radon Deft 10.0 | Rotwild R.X735 Ultra | Santa Cruz Heckler MX XO1 AXS RSV | SCOTT Lumen eRide 900 SL | Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ | Specialized Turbo Levo Expert | Transition Repeater AXS Carbon | Thömus Lightrider E Ultimate | Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS | UNNO Mith Race | Yeti 160E T1
What to expect in this issue:
30 hot and trendy eMTBs, 26 brands and 12 motor systems go head-to-head in our biggest eMTB group test yet. Our search for the best eMTB of 2023 held many surprises, providing exciting insights and an unprecedented market overview. We cover everything you need to know about buying an ebike and finding out which is the best eMTB for you.
Pushbike aficionados and intolerant future refuseniks take note: It’s getting electric! Ebikes, e-bus, and three e-nthusiastic ENDURO editors. We drove almost 4,000 km with three FOCUS ebikes aboard the brand new VW ID.BUZZ: saw a lot, experienced a lot, and learned a lot. About life, about ourselves, and about the charging infrastructure in southern Europe. And about how little modern ebikes lose out on classic MTBs.
Hardly any other bike brands have as much ebike development capacity as the US giant Specialized. But what does it mean to develop your own motor system, and what advantages does this offer the end user? We had the exclusive opportunity to visit the Specialized Turbo development centre in Cham, Switzerland to find out, and we didn’t pass up the opportunity to test the latest bikes and features, and hit the trails with the brains behind the Turbo Unit.
Pedals are the only point of contact with your bike besides the grips, and are essential for control and safety on the trail. While many underestimate them when they get started, they ultimately turn out to be one of the bike’s most important components. We put 16 clipless and flat pedals through the wringer over several months.
Helicopters, supercars and bikes – situated between France and Spain, in the tax haven of Andorra, sits the small bike brand Forestal, who have dedicated themselves to the development of high-tech ebikes. We visited the exotic and extravagant bike brand and had a look behind the scenes for you.
Ever feel like a dark cloud has swept in and clouded your mood? Whether it’s for a matter of days or longer, you don’t want it to last. But when helpfully titled books and well-intentioned conversations with friends don’t help, we’ve got the perfect panacea: your bike. Spin the pedals and leave your negativity in the dust.
Excited? These (and many more) stories are just a few clicks away. If you’ve already installed our free app, simply open it and download the latest issue right now. If not, first download the free app from the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets) and then download the latest issue in the app. All you’ve got to do then is sit back and enjoy (ideally with a cold beer or a delicious cup of coffee)! #qualitytime
Have fun reading!
Cheers
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Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Various
