If you’re looking to purchase a mountain ebike then you’re probably wondering which one is the best. There are a number of different options to choose from, but they’re not all created equal. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp
The Turbo Levo SL is the lightest electric mountain bike on the market. This mid-motor e-bike weighs less than 38 pounds, and is half the power of a full-power e-bike.
Its 150mm of rear travel and custom-tuned suspension provide a responsive, stable ride. A four-speed drivetrain and a mastermind Turbo Control Unit allow for a smooth amplification of efforts. Whether you’re shredding technical rock gardens or catching your breath after a long ride, the Turbo Levo SL will provide a new riding experience.
Its geometry is designed to help riders finesse through tight switchbacks. With the right size of battery, it can cover up to five hours of trail time. However, range is affected by several factors, including terrain and the rider’s weight.
Specialized has a new model of lightweight e-bike called the Levo SL. It’s based on the Stumpjumper, and features a fast sidearm frame and 150mm of rear travel.
It’s equipped with tubeless-ready wheels and dropper posts. Riders can set their own assist mode and see their bike’s stats through a smartphone app.
It’s also got a battery that can last for three to four hours. It also pairs with some GPS head units via ANT+. You can adjust the pedal-assistance level to maximize your workout. In addition, it decouples from the drivetrain when you don’t need assistance.
There are five models to choose from, with Comp, S-Works, and Founder’s Editions at $7,525 and $16,525, respectively. These bikes use the same full-carbon frame and components, but they’re designed to be more versatile.
The Turbo Levo SL is powered by a Specialized SL 1.1 motor that provides 240 watts of support. It also features a 320Wh integrated battery.
Mondraker Crafty R
Crafty R is Mondraker’s entry level electric mountain bike for 2022. It’s a capable, all-rounder with a strong motor and a good suspension. In its price range, it’s not the most spec-rich model but it’s not the most expensive either.
It’s got a very long wheelbase, which allows the rider to go hammering down gnarly trails. The long rear end also prevents the front wheel from lifting off the trail.
Mondraker Crafty R is equipped with a 750Wh Bosch PowerTube battery and a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. This integrated battery helps extend the e-Mountainbike’s radius of action.
The Crafty’s fork is super-stiff. A triple compound, DT Swiss Hybrid wheelset and a 160 mm FOX Performance fork help ensure precise handling and control.
Aside from the fork, the Mondraker Crafty is packed with performance features. There’s a big motor, a long wheelbase and a wide tire for comfort on steep climbs. Plus, there’s a lot of fun to be had on technical trails.
But the icing on the cake is the Mondraker’s zero suspension system, wrapped around the Bosch battery. Essentially, the e-bike’s fork, seat post, and brakes all work together to provide a smooth and responsive ride.
If you’re looking for a serious e-bike to take you through the roughest terrain, the Crafty is the one for you. However, the bike’s relatively light weight means that you’ll have to be prepared to lean forward in order to reach the position you want.
Compared to other bikes in its class, the Crafty isn’t as comfortable. It has a stiff and punchy front-end, but it doesn’t have the same level of suppleness when pedalling over bumps. And, although the bike has a big motor, the front-wheel weight isn’t as well spread out as other models.
Commencal Meta Power TR
Commencal has been making bikes for over forty years. The company has a reputation for high-idler chain dynamics, low-slung cut-away top tubes, and geometry that encourages riders to push their limits.
Unlike many other ebikes, Commencal’s MetaPower does not use a super carbon mainframe. Instead, the bike features a custom four-bar linkage with a chip that can be adjusted to achieve the right geometry.
It also has a 630Wh battery. This should provide sufficient energy density for long rides. And, despite being on the heavy side, the bike feels powerful and nimble.
The Meta Power TR 29 is a well-rounded trail bike. The geometry makes it suitable for riding tight and technical trails. But it has enough squish for aggressive descents and leaning over in corners. Compared to the 29er version of the Meta Power, the frame has less suspension travel.
A KS Rage-I dropper keeps the seat off the ground and is a handy feature. Also, the down tube has a battery activation button. While it’s not the easiest to read, the display is easy to understand.
The Meta Power TR features a 630Wh battery, which should provide a good range. Moreover, the Shimano EP8 motor delivers 85Nm of torque, which is comparable to the Bosch motor in the Trek Rail.
The Meta Power TR has a long wheelbase. This adds stability on rough trails and helps the bike feel lively on mellow trails.
In addition to the Shimano EP8 motor, the bike uses a Float DPX2 shock on the rear. This provides a slack head angle and a progressive end-curve. On steep terrain, the Meta TR prefers to blast over obstacles rather than sit down.
Focus Jam2
The Focus Jam2 is a good choice for beginners and advanced e-MTB riders. Its lightweight design and strong suspension make it a good option for those who need extra help on bumpy trails.
The Jam2 uses a single-pivot suspension system that maintains high anti-squat levels at the sag point across gears. This ensures that the suspension remains sensitive throughout its travel.
There’s plenty of battery power, too. Powered by a Bosch Performance CX motor, the Jam2 offers pedal support up to 25km/h. In addition, the battery is removable for off-bike charging.
The Jam2 is also equipped with a powerful Shimano SLX shifting system, BR-MT520 four-piston brakes, and specially-selected suspension forks. The RaceFace wheels are designed for rough terrain, and the dropper post is heavy-duty.
Another important feature of the Jam2 is the TEC Pack, which allows you to completely switch your bike’s power source. The TEC Pack consists of a magnetic EnergyBus Rosenberger plug that connects to your downtube. The TEC Pack is an optional upgrade that weighs a little more than the integrated downtube pack, but it doubles your range.
The Focus Jam2 is a good choice if you’re looking for a trail bike with solid features and a fair price. But don’t expect carbon bling or exclusive features.
Focus’s design team put a lot of effort into making the Jam2 a fun and stable mountain bike. Although it doesn’t have the most radical specifications, it has a very well thought-out design that is intended to keep riders in their “happy place.”
While it’s easy to forget that a battery is a component, the JAM2 eMTB features a “Focus Flip Chip” that provides 5.5 mm of BB height adjustment. In addition, a special headset top cap allows the cables to pass through the headset.
Kenevo SL
Kenevo SL is an electric mountain bike from Specialized that is designed to make you feel like you’re riding an old-school enduro bike. It’s a great choice for riders who’ve been tossing around the idea of going e-MTB, but aren’t sure they’re ready.
The Kenevo SL is available in two models, S-Works and Expert. These two models are aimed at riders who want a smooth power delivery and downhill assistance. They can be fine-tuned to suit your driving style and terrain.
Both bikes have a full monocoque FACT 11m carbon fiber frame. This is a marvel of composite construction that is optimized for weight savings.
The Specialized SL 1.1 motor, which is also included, can be paired with a 320 Wh in-frame battery. The SL 1.1 motor delivers 35 Nm of torque.
The SL 1.1 motor is a compact design that allows the bike to be ridden with minimal drag. There’s little reaction when pedaling, but it’s still noticeable if you go past the cut-off point. However, there’s no range extender to help you ride longer distances.
Kenevo SL has a long travel and a low centre of gravity. This combination provides a nimble and agile ride. The frame is designed for aggressive enduro riding and uses raked-out geometry, big brakes and a plush suspension.
The Kenevo SL is a good choice for riders who want a machine that’s both practical and reliable. There are six different settings, and you can adjust the head angle to 62.5 degrees. Also, the shock-stiffening lever is easy to reach.
The Turbo SL system delivers up to 2x the rider input. This is made possible through the integrated controller’s algorithms, which amplify the signal with up to 35 Nm of torque.
