The Year in Review E-MTB 2019 – our personal highlights
What a year! As the Gregorian calendar winds up, it’s time to take a look back at the goings-on in 2019 and pass on the most genuine of thanks to you guys, our readers, friends, and colleagues.
So, own up, who predicted that the eMTB market would change so drastically in the space of 12 months?
New eMTB categories, new players, new technologies and a throng of bikes sporting new drive units, new battery concepts and new, innovative features that make them better and more versatile than ever. 2019 has been anything but settled. Of course, no brand has solved every problem, and there are still certain inadequacies floating around that you’ll have seen crop up in our most recent group test. But one thing is clear: the sector is on the right path and the scope for development is far from over.
What also makes us stoked is seeing how much savvier eMTBers are becoming, our hard work is bearing fruit as the riding community grows less interested in the basic card game of ‘which bike is the lightest’ or ‘which has the biggest range.’ Many bike brands are adopting a revised understanding of what modern eMTBs actually need to do. That’s why we’d like to give a huge thank you for your contribution on the matter, especially for participating in our yearly readers’ survey, which had more than 11,000 respondents in 2019. As the world’s biggest eMTB community together we can shape the sector, its products and the developments.
In 2019 we’ve had a hell of a lot of fun, tested many new products and learnt even more. With exclusive stories, inspirational trips, research, as well as being referenced in mainstream media giants, there’s been no shortage of exceptional moments throughout the season.
One of the biggest highlights for us was the launch of the latest Bosch Performance CX motor, which we covered in a major exclusive.
In addition, we must mention our trip to Taiwan, the heart of the cycling industry, where we visited the world’s second-biggest bike producer MERIDA and followed the production cycle of the new eONE-SIXTY. That trip ended with a memorable road ride to Sun Moon Lake, documented in our sister magazine GRAN FONDO. Heading out on tour with Dropkick Murphys is another story worth retelling, as they taught us what really matters in life.
Speaking of GRAN FONDO, we put thirteen e-road bikes to test for this magazine earlier this year and pitched the five most significant motors directly against each other – with eye-opening results that apply equally as well to tarmac as they do to trails.
Our biggest ever group test also threw up a lot of interesting findings: throughout autumn 2019, we put 25 of the most promising eMTBs to the ultimate test in one mammoth comparative test so that you can enter 2020 with the confidence to make a considered purchase that’s right for you.
Insider topics from within the bike industry should have deepened your understanding when it comes to permissible total weights, the evolution of eMTB geometry, batteries and the political landscape. Live from EUROBIKE we reported about exciting software and digital trends.
Through our series of E-MOUNTAINBIKE City Escapes powered by Haibike we hope that you learned just as much as us about these urban hotspots, which include Barcelona, Vienna and Zurich. We’ll be wrapping up the next metropolis before the clock strikes twelve on New Years’ Eve, bringing some urban inspiration in the first issue of the year.
So, now it’s your turn, how’s 2019 shaped up for you? What have been your standout moments? Just write us a mail at hello@ebike-mtb.com.
For now though, have a great festive season and a Happy New Year. See you on the trails in 2020!
Here you will find our personal highlights of 2019:
An exclusive behind the scenes look at MERIDA Bikes in Taiwan – where do our bikes actually come from?
Taiwan is the unofficial centre of the global bike industry and is home to some of the largest and most well-known manufacturers. But what exactly does that mean? We had the exclusive opportunity to accompany the development process of the new MERIDA eONE-SIXTY and have learnt a surprising amount at the headquarters of the second largest bike manufacturer in the world.
Full article: An exclusive behind the scenes look at MERIDA Bikes in Taiwan
The best eMTB of 2020: We’ve compared 25 eMTBs in our biggest group test ever
It looks like 2020 will be the best year in eMTB riding yet! We put 25 of next season’s most exciting eMTBs head to head in our biggest group test ever. Read on to find out the trends of the new season, and which bike comes out on top.
Full article: The best eMTB of 2020: We’ve compared 25 eMTBs in our biggest group test ever
The best E-road bike of 2019! – 13 of the most exciting models on test
Unloved outgrowth or promising new trend? The E-road bike market has been gaining momentum for the 2019/2020 season, not least because of a wave of new models and innovative concepts – at this point, all of the big players have an electric road bike in their portfolio. To us, that can only mean one thing: it’s time for the first E-road bike group test!
Full article: The best E-road bike of 2019! – 13 of the most exciting models on test
The best E-road bike motor – The 5 most important E-road bike motors on test
Which drive system is the best for E-road bikers? The big differences in terms of power, torque, battery capacity, noise, usability and riding characteristics show that manufacturers have many different interpretations of what makes the perfect E-road bike. Nonetheless, there are still some unifying trends. We tested the five most important E-road bike motors on the market and found out which one is right for you.
Full article: The best E-road bike motor – The 5 most important E-road bike motors on test
Touring Europe with Dropkick Murphys – Rockstars, Dads & Roadies
What do pro road cyclists and tattooed rockstars have in common? What does it mean to be a dad and a rockstar? And how do you raise 26 million dollars for charity? We joined Dropkick Murphys on their European tour, rode bikes with their manager Jeff Castelaz, rocked out at their gigs, and learned what really matters in life.
Full article: Touring Europe with Dropkick Murphys – Rockstars, Dads & Roadies
Software trends and developments from EUROBIKE 2019 that have the potential to revolutionise the eMTB market
The halls of EUROBIKE were full of tech, both weird and wonderful. One hall that was particularly interesting was A1, reserved mainly for e-bike software and motors. We had a look around, and bring you the most exciting software trends and developments that could shape the future of the e-bikes we ride today!
Full article: Software trends and developments from EUROBIKE 2019
E-MOUNTAINBIKE City Escape powered by Haibike
Each E-MOUNTAINBIKE City Escape Guide inspires in its own unique way. Get to know a new side of global cities, meet interesting locals, and pick up the best insider tips, such as the local lingo, the dos and don'ts, as well as the must-visit cafes, bars, restaurants, and bike shops. Naturally, GPX files of selected routes are included. In each City Escape feature, we also present the bikes that we used for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Full article: E-MOUNTAINBIKE City Escape powered by Haibike
New Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 Motor in Test
At last the much-anticipated Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 motor is here! In this article you’ll find the most relevant information, 10 exciting facts about the new drive as well as a comprehensive test of Bosch’s new powerhouse – because we’ve had the exclusive opportunity to test the new motor for you over several weeks.
Full article: New Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 Motor in Test
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