25.06 kg in size L | €7,600 | Manufacturer’s website
When the working day ends and the rest of the World reaches for the sofa, the best part of the day is only just beginning for the new Rossignol AFTER HOURS: that one last lap on the trail. Following the MANDATE SHIFT, the French manufacturer, best known for its winter sports heritage, unveils its second eMTB, this time swapping the Shimano drive for a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. With its aluminium frame, mullet setup and modern trail-focused geometry, the AFTER HOURS is built for those rides that always end later than planned. Priced at a reasonable € 7,600, the T-Type flagship model we tested tips the scales at 25.06 kg in size L. We took Rossignol’s latest creation to the trails to find out what it’s capable of.
The new Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type in Detail
The Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type features an aluminium frame, with a design language that clearly takes inspiration from the analogue Heretic enduro bike. Like its non-motorised counterpart, the AFTER HOURS relies on a four-bar rear suspension design with a vertically mounted shock, and even shares the same rear suspension bearings. The machine-finished welds are left exposed rather than smoothed, but they are exceptionally neat and consistent, giving the frame a premium appearance. Combined with the striking pink paint finish, the result is a distinctive, confident look that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
A nice touch is the metal head tube badge, a feature that’s often missing even on considerably more expensive bikes. The battery removal system is another distinctive solution. Whereas most e-mountain bikes require you to remove a separate battery cover before accessing the battery, the AFTER HOURS combines the cover and the removable 800 Wh battery into a single unit. Rather than dealing with two separate parts, you simply unlock it with the key and remove the entire assembly from the downtube in one smooth motion. It’s an elegant and genuinely practical solution. In use, however, the system did reveal one minor drawback: noticeable creaking noises when removing the battery.
The cables are routed internally, disappearing into the frame through bolted cable ports and thus ensuring a tidy-looking cockpit – though they aren’t secured to the frame on the inside. The tool mount on the top tube is a thoughtful addition, and the front triangle leaves plenty of room to work with. Less convincing are the bottle cage mounts, positioned rather high toward the head tube, where they make fitting a large bottle into a conventional cage needlessly fiddly. The charging port is the real letdown: Bosch’s standard rubber cover, underwhelming in both feel and use, in place of what should have been a bespoke solution.
Frame protection is well thought out, too. A rubber cover around the main pivot shields the bearings and shock from dirt, while the chainstays are protected by a generously sized rubber guard that extends far over the front of the swingarm. The seat stay also features additional protection against stray rocks. One charming detail, already familiar from the Heretic, can be found on the non-drive side chainstay. The phrase “It’s After Hours, go ride” serves as a reminder of what this bike is all about, and we were more than happy to take that advice on board. 😉
The spec of the new Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type
Rossignol have opted for a well-balanced mix of proven components. The motor is a fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX drive, which can deliver up to 120 Nm of torque and 750 W peak power with latest Performance Upgrade 2.0. All the system information is displayed on a Bosch Kiox 400C display, which is neatly integrated into the top tube. A practical feature is the bike’s compatibility with both the Bosch PowerTube 800 and the smaller, lighter PowerTube 600. Switching between the two requires nothing more than a different battery clip inside the frame, while the same battery cover works seamlessly with both battery sizes. In addition, regardless of which main battery is fitted, the PowerMore 250 range extender can be used to boost range when needed. The only drawback is the high position of the bottle cage mounts, which leaves rather limited space. It also requires a relatively long cable to connect the range extender to the charging port.
For the suspension, Rossignol rely on a premium FOX Factory combo. Up front, a FOX 38 Factory fork with the GRIP X damper strikes an excellent balance between sensitivity, support and low weight. It has separate compression adjustments alongside an intuitive low-speed rebound adjustment. At the rear, a FOX Float X Factory shock takes care of the rough stuff, featuring rebound and compression adjustment as well as a climb switch.
As the AFTER HOURS T-Type name suggests, shifting is taken care of by a SRAM S1000 Transmission drivetrain, which uses the robust Full Mount interface of the T-Type platform, eliminating the need for a mech hanger. The S1000 is the most affordable electronic option in SRAM’s T-Type range, but it performed flawlessly during our test and is paired with the higher-end GX cassette. SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes do stopping duties. This powerful four-piston brake ranks among the strongest setups currently available on the market, though it’s paired with SRAM CenterLine rotors on our test bike, which don’t quite allow the brakes to reach their full potential on long, steep descents. For maximum performance, we’d recommend upgrading to SRAM HS2 rotors.
Grip duties fall to Continental Kryptotal Fr and Kryptotal Re tires, both fitted with the Enduro casing and Soft rubber compound. The choice suits the bike’s sporty character well, although for hard eMTB use we would recommend the more robust Downhill casing on the rear. The tires are mounted on a DT Swiss H 1900 aluminium wheelset.
The cockpit is rounded off with components from Burgtec. The handlebars, stem and grips all come from the British component brand, giving the bike a premium feel. In size L, the SDG Tellis V2 dropper post has a very generous 200 mm of travel, providing plenty of freedom of movement on steep descents.
Tuning tip: if you want to unlock even more descending performance, upgrade to SRAM HS2 rotors and fit a rear tire with the more robust Downhill casing.
All other spec variants of the Rossignol AFTER HOURS eMTB
Alongside the AFTER HOURS T-Type model we tested, Rossignol offer the bike in two additional spec variants. All three models share the same aluminium frame, Bosch Performance Line CX drive system, 800 Wh battery and 150/160 mm of travel, but differ significantly in terms of suspension and component spec. Each model is also available in a unique frame colour, with no alternative paint options offered.
The most affordable entry-level model is the yellow AFTER HOURS Deore 12, priced at € 5,300. At 25.0 kg, it’s surprisingly the lightest model in the AFTER HOURS range, largely thanks to its comparatively lightweight tires. Instead of Continental tires with Enduro casings, it rolls on MAXXIS Minion DHF tires with the lightweight but highly puncture-prone EXO casing. This is one part we would strongly recommend upgrading.
Suspension duties are handled by a RockShox Domain Gold R fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. Both offer a fairly basic but beginner-friendly range of adjustments. The fork features rebound adjustment only, while the shock adds a climb switch for long climbs. Shifting is taken care of by Shimano’s tried-and-tested DEORE M6100 drivetrain, which has only recently been superseded by a new generation. Braking comes courtesy of SRAM DB8 brakes, which, like every model in the range, are paired with a large 220 mm front rotor. The spec is rounded off by WTB ST aluminium wheels, an Exaform 900i dropper post and a cockpit from Rossignol’s own in-house range.
25.0 kg (Manufacturer’s specifications) | €5,300
Positioned above it in the range is the purple AFTER HOURS Eagle 90, which retails at € 6,500. Marzocchi supply the suspension, with a Bomber Z fork featuring the GRIP damper and a matching Bomber Air shock. Both offer rebound and compression adjustment. SRAM MAVEN Base brakes do stopping duties, while shifting is taken care of by a mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission drivetrain. The wheelset consists of Race Face AR rims and Formula hubs. Like the entry-level model, the AFTER HOURS Eagle 90 comes with an Exaform 900i dropper post and Rossignol’s in-house cockpit. According to the manufacturer, the Eagle 90 is also the heaviest model in the range, weighing 25.7 kg in size M.
25.7 kg (Manufacturer’s specifications) | €6,500
The geometry check of the new Rossignol AFTER HOURS
The Rossignol AFTER HOURS is available in four frame sizes, from S to XL, and features a modern geometry without going to extremes. A flip chip also allows you to tailor the geometry to your riding style. In Flow Mode (High), the bike sits slightly higher, resulting in more agile handling on the trail. Attack Mode (Low) slackens the head angle by 0.3° and lowers the bottom bracket by 4 mm, giving the AFTER HOURS even greater stability on fast and demanding descents.
At 65.0° in Attack Mode, the head angle is comparatively conservative by current standards. The effective seat angle of 77.2° sits comfortably within modern norms, promising a well-balanced riding position that combines efficient climbing with long-distance comfort.
Reach values grow in consistent 25 mm increments, from 435 mm in size S to 510 mm in size XL. Our size L test bike has a very modern 485 mm reach, which places it towards the longer end of the spectrum. Chainstay length is 445 mm across all frame sizes, making it relatively long. This promises plenty of traction and composure, though it may give smaller riders less freedom to shift their weight compared to bikes with size-specific chainstay lengths. The AFTER HOURS comes exclusively in a mullet configuration, pairing a 29” front wheel with a 27.5” rear wheel.
The Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type on the trail
How does the Rossignol AFTER HOURS perform on the climbs?
Riding uphill, the Rossignol AFTER HOURS reveals its comfort-oriented character. The suspension is tuned on the plush side, soaking up roots and smaller impacts with ease. Combined with the pleasantly relaxed pedalling position, this results in a high level of comfort that really comes into its own on long rides.
In technical climbs, however, the AFTER HOURS is not among the class leaders. At around 25 kg, the bike carries a fair amount of weight, which becomes noticeable when tackling tight switchbacks, tall ledges or rock-strewn technical sections. It’s less willing to lift over obstacles and generally demands more input from the rider than lighter or more agile bikes.
Overall, the AFTER HOURS delivers a convincing climbing performance that’s more than capable for the vast majority of rides and trails. Only riders who regularly tackle rocky sections or particularly technical climbs will benefit from a lighter and more agile bike.
The new ROSSIGNOL After Hours downhill
On the descents, the ROSSIGNOL AFTER HOURS inspires confidence from the very first crank spins, integrating the rider centrally and deeply into the frame despite the relatively low front end.
The ride character is largely defined by the bike’s overall system weight, with both advantages and drawbacks. On the plus side, the AFTER HOURS delivers outstanding composure. Once up to speed, it feels exceptionally planted, holds its line with confidence and inspires trust even in rough terrain, although the cables do produce some noticeable rattle. Rock gardens and fast, technical sections are dispatched with a calm, predictable feel. It also remains impressively neutral in the air, making jumps easy to judge while staying well balanced and controlled throughout.
The picture shifts, however, when the trail demands a more active riding style. The AFTER HOURS is intuitive to ride and benefits from its agile mullet setup in tight corners, but overall it feels more composed than playful. Lifting the bike over roots or trail features takes noticeably more effort than on lighter bikes, and while quick direction changes are handled with confidence, they lack a certain liveliness. On really steep descents, the high system weight starts to make itself felt, and this is where the SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes, paired with CenterLine rotors, begin to reach their limits. Larger or more heat-resistant rotors would be a worthwhile upgrade for demanding terrain.
Who is the Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type the right eMTB for?
The Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type is aimed at riders looking for a robust, no-nonsense e-mountain bike with a high level of comfort. Thanks to its relaxed riding position, sensitive suspension and composed handling, it feels just as at home on long rides as it does on fast, rough natural trails. Riders who prefer a predictable bike that inspires confidence even at higher speeds will quickly feel at home on the AFTER HOURS.
The AFTER HOURS is less well suited to riders chasing maximum agility or the very best climbing performance. At 25 kg, it demands noticeably more rider input than lighter competitors on technical climbs and when ridden aggressively. Equally, riders who like to pop off every root, manual over trail features or flick their bike effortlessly through tight corners will find more lively and dynamic alternatives elsewhere on the market.
The right bike for:
The mile muncher
Long rides, big days in the mountains and all-day comfort top the priority list. The relaxed riding position and sensitive suspension make the AFTER HOURS a great companion for long days in the saddle.
The composed rider
Looking for a bike that remains predictable and confidence inspiring on fast, rough trails. With its excellent composure and planted ride feel, the AFTER HOURS stays calm and on line even in demanding terrain.
Not the right bike for:
The jibber
If you love popping off every root, pulling manuals at every opportunity and want the most agile handling possible, the AFTER HOURS’ composed rather than playful character is unlikely to satisfy.
The technical climber
Lives for the most demanding technical climbs and wants to hop effortlessly up ledges and through tight switchbacks. Here, the bike’s system weight and more relaxed handling become noticeable.
Conclusions about the Rossignol AFTER HOURS T-Type
With the AFTER HOURS T-Type, Rossignol have delivered a thoroughly convincing e-mountain bike, one that impresses not through standout headline figures but through its well-rounded character. High levels of comfort, excellent composure and predictable handling make it a capable companion for long rides and demanding natural trails. The high system weight costs it some agility and climbing performance in technical terrain, but it does little to detract from the bike’s overall appeal. Minor shortcomings, such as the creaking battery cover and the need for more capable brake rotors, change nothing: with their second eMTB, Rossignol have hit the mark.
Tops
- High levels of comfort and sensitive suspension
- Excellent composure and predictable handling
- Well-thought-out frame detailing
Flops
- Cable rattle
- Noticeably high weight limits agility and climbing performance
- Battery cover prone to creaking
For more information, head over to the Rossignol website.
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Tim Eckermann
About the Author
Lars Engmann
Lars Engmann is an editor at 41 Publishing. His work is strongly influenced by his background as an engineer and technical writer, with his experience of driving resistance determination giving him sharp analytical skills. He is responsible for operative individual and comparison tests for E-MOUNTAINBIKE and ENDURO, with a focus on range analysis and efficiency measurements. As a specialist in optimisation and system weight, he brings his passion for precision to product evaluation. He combines technical documentation with applied performance analysis in the E-Performance segment.
