Take a deep breath, we’re going to talk to you about e-bikes and why the future of mountain biking is electric. Once exclusive to those with injuries, the older and less fit, and Dutch commuters, now there are mutterings about professional e-bike racing as manufacturers put more care and attention into combining motors with performance attributes. Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting products on the market and the events where they will be raced.
Specialized
Specialized have been working hard to put ‘performance’ into their ebikes, pitching their Turbo Levo and Kenevo mountain bikes at the best in the sport. Emphasizing the merits of longevity, efficiency and, most importantly, fun, their top-of-the-line e-bikes won’t come cheap, but they will without doubt convert any sceptics to the magic of motor-assisted riding.
Check out the Turbo Levo in action and browse the range below:
Giant
Whereas Specialized have focussed on hybrid and mountain e-bikes, Giant have had a broader approach, adding high-spec road bikes to their hybrid and mountain bike offering. Giant’s E+ MTB range is designed to take your off-road adventures to a new level with performance-tuned motors, long range batteries and top-spec components. Have a look at a few of our favourites below:
Trek
If you’re looking for a neat, no-nonsense piece of kit that could be easily be mistaken for a ‘normal’ bike, thanks to its super streamlined battery pack, then the Powerfly should have you drooling. Trek are very good at balancing good looks with performance and they do so again with this range of electric-assist mountain bikes which not only amplify your pedalling power but also the amount of fun to be had on the trail.
“Go further, go faster and go to more places. Enjoy more of everything that makes mountain biking great.â€
Check out this video of the Powerfly ‘shredding’ the trails in Corsica:
E-MTB racing
Last year, the popular UK Mini Enduro series introduced an e-bike racing category with a unique stage designed especially for the capabilities of an e-bike. By doing so, they opened up an ordinarily energy-sapping discipline to a far larger field of competitors. E-bikes are not just popular with amateurs looking for an upgrade in longevity, but also with retiring riders looking to extend their careers, like Nico Vouilloz, widely regarded as one of the most talented mountain bikers ever to have lived. Here are some events to keep an eye on:
1. Haibike Mini Enduro Series
With four rounds commencing on 17th March and ending towards the end of the year, the Mini Enduro Series tours the country’s best enduro courses including Bike Park Wales and the Forest of Dean.
2. eEnduro Powered by Specialized
Organised to resemble the pro Enduro World Series, the eEnduro series comprises of six events from 17th March to 13th October, all held in some of the best-loved enduro locations in Italy. Sponsored by some of the biggest brands in the sport including Specialized, Vittoria and Öhlins, this series is as close to professional as you can get without official sanctioning from one of cycling’s governing bodies (it’s coming!).
3. Haibike eMTB race at Sea Otter Classic
The Sea Otter Classic is a weekend cycling festival which takes place in Monterey, California every April which holds events for all disciplines, including e-bikes. Powered by Bosch, the e-MTB race has attracted riders of all shapes and sizes, including former world champion mountain biker Christoph Sauser who powered to victory on his S-Works Turbo Levo in the very first edition.
