Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 Review

Never heard of the Thömus Lightrider E1? No wonder – this full carbon eMTB is currently only available in Switzerland. As our test revealed, this is a crime against the eMTB community! This bike won us over, and we would recommend it to anyone… if not for that one small problem.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head

Thömus leaves the choice up to its customers: with their online configurator you can pick and choose the bike’s components individually. The foundation is always the same carbon frame, either with 130 mm or (as in the case of our test bike) 150 mm of travel, depending on the shock you choose. We would always recommend the 150mm version. The spec of our CHF 10,015 (about € 8,700) test bike left absolutely nothing to be desired. It came with powerful Shimano Saint brakes, sturdy DT Swiss Hybrid wheels, and grippy MAXXIS tires. The Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain works perfectly with the built-in Shimano STEPS E8000 motor, which is powered by an integrated (but removable) 500 Wh battery. The front triangle has enough space for a water bottle. In configuring the cockpit, we recommend you choose a short stem and wide handlebar.

Tissot or Thömus? Both are of high quality, but the bike is more fun!

The geometry of the Lightrider is a jackpot in the lottery. The combination of long top tube and steep seat angle leads to a comfortable, central, slightly stretched seating position. This distributes weight efficiently between the pedals and the handlebar (and therefore the front tyre) – a big advantage, especially on demanding climbs. The rear triangle responds very sensitively to even the tiniest irregularities, which further enhances ride comfort. Fortunately, the Lightrider performs just as well on the descents as it does on the climbs, feeling comfortable and balanced. When cornering, it’s pleasantly agile, changing direction with ease yet remaining predictable at all times. When paired with plush suspension, the geometry makes the bike very composed, inspiring confidence in every situation. Those with an engaged and active riding style, in particular, will want a little more feedback though.

The Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 150 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT DPS Factory 150 mm
Motor/battery Shimano STEPS E 8000 500 Wh
Drivetrain Shimanoo XT Di2
Brakes Shimano SAINT
Seatpost Kind Shock LEV 150 mm
Stem Ritchey WCS Trail BB
Handlebar Ritchey MTN WCS Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline ONE
Tires Maxxis Highroller II 2.8″

**Very plush**
The rear triangle of the Lightrider E1 offers a lot of comfort and impresses with loads of traction. Active riders, however, will want a bit more feedback.

**Lots of power**
With the configurator, you can select the brakes, among other things. We recommend a four-piston model like the Shimano Saint.

**Nice and clean**
The cable inlets fit perfectly into the overall picture.

**Oversized**
The integrated battery requires a lot of space. Accordingly, the down tube looks huge.

The geometry of the Thömus Lightrider E1

Size	S	M	L
Seat tube	410 mm	450 mm	490 mm
Top tube	567 mm	599 mm	635 mm
Head tube	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm
Head angle	66.9°	66.9°	66.9°
Seat angle	75.6°	75.6°	75.6°
Chainstays	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	13 mm	13 mm	13 mm
Wheelbase	1123 mm	1156 mm	1190 mm
Reach	420 mm	447 mm	479 mm
Stack	576 mm	585 mm	594 mm

Conclusion

The Thömus Lightrider E1 is a true Swiss delicacy. It scores with very balanced and agile handling and still masters demanding trails with ease. On top of that, it climbs very efficiently, is comfortable, and impresses with its excellent workmanship. Only the price will leave a typically Swiss, bitter aftertaste.

Pros

– nimble, agile handling
– very light-footed
– comfortable

Cons

– rear triangle doesn’t give much feedback
– price

Uphill | Downhill | Stability | Agility | Value for money

For more info head to: thoemus.ch

The testfleet