Top5 | The hottest E-MTB’s for 2016

Set to be an incredibly exciting year for the world of E-mountainbikes, 2016 will witness bikes that are irrefutably better than ever before, with specs and designs that have had real thought put into them. The days of just chucking a motor onto a regular mountain bike are now (thankfully) behind us. We’ve compiled a list of the most promising bikes for 2016.

After we harped on about the benefits of plus-size tyres on E-MTBs, it appears that many bike companies were struck by a similar mindset. No surprise then that our Top 5 list includes 3 massively exciting plus-size tyre-touting bikes. Equally as exciting is the appearance of even more innovative motor and drivetrain set-ups as well as a widening of the bikes’ competencies over different terrains. From hardtails with 100 mm travel and giant battery capacities to fully-automatic pedal-assist controlled trail bikes with their own App, right through to downhillers with 200 mm travel, this is the definitive list for 2016 and beyond, giving you a glimpse into the very promising future of E-MTBs.

SCOTT E-Genius 710 Plus Bike 2016

The most popular SCOTT model, it comes as no shock to see the Genius now has a motorized counterpart, and above all, that it is one of 11 models that is kitted out with plus-size tyres. In this case, the Genius will roll on 3″ Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres with 40 mm Syncros rims. The bike also features the Bosch Performance CV motor, which boasts a full cover designed by SCOTT themselves. Exactly like the regular Genius, the E-Genius has 130 mm rear travel and forks with 140 mm, controlled by the TwinLoc lever. It’ll be available in three build specs, including a female-specific model.

We’ve taken the SCOTT E-Genius out for its First Ride to cement our already excited attitude, and here’s where you can discover exactly why it has landed on this Top 5 list.

ROTWILD R.X1+

As pioneering as ever when it comes to integrating the motor into an E-MTB, ROTWILD’s latest trail bike beauty is the R.X1, which features a fully integrated Brose motor. The R.X1+ is kitted out with a very plush 150/145 mm suspension set-up, coming as stock with ‘regular’ wheels, but each of the three build specs do boast the FOX 34 Float 27+ forks. Moreover, the rear axle mount has been designed to enable a simple and affordable conversion to plus-size tyres.

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie

Behind this tongue-twisterly long model name, this bike boasts a stack of wildly innovative developments for 2016. Like the ROTWILD, the Turbo Levo’s motor also hails from Brose and the battery is fantastically integrated into the frame – but that’s as far as the similarities go. In terms of controlling the bike, Specialized have carved their own trail, opting to do away for a exposed display and bar-mounted remote lever – this bike is all about the smartphone and App combo. This allows for wide-ranging configurations and post-ride analysis, and you can control the amount of pedal-assist based on route, time or battery usage. Welcome to the future!

In the same vein as SCOTT, Specialized also went exclusively for 27.5+ wheels for the Turbo Levo, combining these with a 140/135 mm suspension set-up. Whilst in Leogang we took this bike out for some serious testing; our first ride impressions of Specialized’s first E-MTB can be read here.

Haibike XDURO Dwnhll PRO

The Haibike XDURO Dwnhll PRO marks an entirely novel but no less interesting new addition to the E-MTB world. A pure downhiller with 200 mm travel and a 63.5° head angle, the PRO takes a Bosch Performance CX motor. The obligatory battery has been brilliantly integrated into the design of the bike. ‘Bye bye shuttle’ is the motto – providing, of course, that you’ve got 7,999 € to shell out for the luxury.

Despite not having ridden this bike yet, a superb downhill performance looks like a given thanks to the geometry numbers and great components like the FOX suspension and the Shimano Saint groupset. All the stats of this new addition to the Haibike E-MTB family have been covered in this article.

FOCUS Jarifa i29

For the fifth and final bike on our list, we’re not only jumping right to the other end of the travel spectrum but we’re also adding a third motor concept to the story. The FOCUS Jarifa i29 is powered by an Impulse EVO RS motor and has an entirely downtube-integrated battery (hence the i for integrated in the name) with a giant 17 Ah (612 Wh) capacity. The display links with your smartphone via Bluetooth and can double as a GPS using the free Impulse navigational App. Clever: the smartphone can also be charged using a USB.

The Jarifa i29 comes in three build specs, each with 100 mm forks. Primarily intended for long-distance riders and commuters, you can find more detailed photos and information here.

Text: Andreas Maschke Photo: Christoph Bayer, Markus Greber, Klaus Kneist, Wolfgang Watzke

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