Engineered through six meticulous prototypes over years of development – The Trailblazer has taken a whole load of ‘wires, grit and gears’ from the HPC team.
There may be some costs for the end product, though.
It caters to adrenaline junkies as well as the weekend wanderers; it glides effortlessly through both intense and casual trails.
You ready to feel this ride, all thrill and precision in a build without compromise? This beast was made to make the best out of every trail for those who demand nothing but the best.
HPC Trailblazer Review
Peaks:
- Powerful motor
- Durable frame
- Advanced suspension
- Impressive range
- Competitive pricing
Troughs:
- Aggressive power delivery
- Display visibility in sunlight
Weight/Frame
Constructed from carbon fibers, HPC Trailblazer is both strong and agile. Designed to weigh in around 51 lbs, or 23.14 kg, it’s light enough to dominate trails with strength, not weight.
A wee bit of weight was felt in non-assisted maneuvers or transport, noticeably compared to some of the ‘lighter’ category competitors.
It has the geometry of a frame designed to accommodate an aggressive riding stance so that one can ride through technological terrains and have full control.
Battery
Also, the Trailblazer shares flexibility in power sources with three battery options: 546Wh, 728Wh, and 910Wh.
In our long-haul test with the 910Wh battery, we enjoyed up to 45 miles of throttle-only range, a ride where the miles flew by before needing a recharge. Range on the different batteries available means you’ll have no shortage of power, whether riding short distances or going long.
Major high points included the quick-release design of the batteries-an asset in swapping them in seamless, efficient fashion-and one that’s highly valuable when you plan on doubling back on extended trails.
This thoughtful design element helps up the practicality quotient on the bike but also ensures you’re never off for long.
Motor
The HPC Trailblazer leaves us in a position where we can fine-tune our adventure with a choice of the powerful motors, each unlocking different speed dynamics. If we hold to Class 1 e-bike regulations, we can choose the 750 W and really enjoy an easy cruise at 20 mph (32 km/h).
Of course, if you do want to go off-road, that would be the 1200W model; the surge is palpable in speed up to 32 mph (52 km/h).
However, it’s really this 1800W motor that made us speechless. Apart from the fact that it could deliver a 150 Nm of torque and its top speed would reach up to 40 mph (64 km/h), this motor gets us up inclines effortlessly.
It’s not just the raw power of the Trailblazer that makes it versatile but rather how each motor complements the restoratively robust design. We soon discovered that the better the power, the steeper the learning curve, as what drives you over hills can be a handful on technical trails.
It is a beast to master but, in its handling, precision is balanced with power through deft handling. With every configuration, we truly enjoyed the synergy of responsive torque sensors paired with multiple pedal assist settings to give a silky smooth power delivery every time.
ℹ️ Be cautious with your assistance use on hazardous technical sections – the bike’s heavyweight, combined with its immense power, could lead to a nasty accident if you aren’t careful or don’t have the strength to cope with it.
Display and Controls
The onboard display of the Trailblazer lets us know how much battery we have remaining, how fast we are going, and the distance we have traveled – all using a very intuitive interface.
While simplicity is very much a strength, we did find that it caused some visibility problems in direct sunlight.
Suspension
The suspension system of the Trailblazer is simply magnificent, with a DVO Diamond E2 fork holding things tight up front, and a DVO Opal shock in the rear.
It’s very effective at gobbling impacts whether we ride over bumpy trails or navigate ruts. The dynamic setup makes bump-and-ruts almost a blur, and we’re enthusiastically encouraged to go seek out tough patches to find out how good it really is.
This characteristic adjustability enabled us to fine-tune the ride so that it was confident-inspiring in control and ultimate comfort. Our suspension would allow us to harness all the power of the bike on steep, rocky paths and just cruise through uneven terrains for descents.
Wheels / Tires
The 27.5″ wheels of the Trailblazer revealed plenty of agility and sure fire grip over various terrains.
EXTRA. The tyres were great, with gripping and agility, especially when riding through the narrow forest trails.
For those who want more, there is a 29-inch x 2.4 configuration that will just provide a better performance for even aggressive rides. Riding various paths felt easy, as the tires did not fear to grip the ground even at greater speeds.
Brakes
The Trailblazer features Magura MT7e hydraulic brakes, riding in tandem with commanding 203mm rotors. Thus, you’ll be able to stop on any descent you go down-no matter its steepness or technical difficulty.
When the stopping gets extreme enough to raise your heart rate, these brakes deliver extreme stopping power to keep you in control. Ideal for thrill-seeking riders who want performance to be uncompromised.
Drivetrain
The Trailblazer’s SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain comes with an expansive 11-50T cassette. It is not only a drivetrain; it is your friend in the dirt.
When it comes to shifting, this setup is invaluable for steep climbs and flat-out sprints.
This model can boast a huge gear range for maximum versatility, permitting accuracy for tight technical maneuvers but also providing the strength needed for a fast, open stretch.
Price
Starting at an attractive $6,400 for its base model, the HPC Trailblazer represents spectacular value in the e-MTB space.
If capability is what you’re seeking, so too is the Pro from $9,000, this time upgraded components that really do work towards enhancing an overall riding experience.
For instance, the Orbea Wild M20 shares the same weight as the Trailblazer, has a supposedly worthy price tag of a relatively hefty $7,299, and perhaps doesn’t necessarily carry better features. Saving you that extra $899 bucks is a whole bike’s worth to shave off the price.
This great price essentially means that no matter the model, the Trailblazer gives unimaginable value to hard-charging adventure seekers who want the very best riding experience without breaking their budgets.
HPC Trailblazer Facts & Figures
Geometry
| SIZE | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel F/R | 6.3″ / 6.1″ (160 mm / 155 mm) | 6.3″ / 6.1″ (160 mm / 155 mm) | 6.3″ / 6.1″ (160 mm / 155 mm) |
| Wheels | 27.5+ (27.5 x 2.8”) | 27.5+ (27.5 x 2.8”) | 27.5+ (27.5 x 2.8”) |
| Stack | 24.5″ (623 mm) | 24.9″ (632 mm) | 25.2″ (641 mm) |
| Reach | 17.4″ (442 mm) | 18.5″ (470 mm) | 19.2″ (488 mm) |
| Top Tube | 24.1″ (612 mm) | 25.1″ (637 mm) | 26.1″ (662 mm) |
| Seat Tube Length | 17.7″ (450 mm) | 18.9″ (480 mm) | 20.5″ (520 mm) |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° |
| Head Tube Length | 4.7″ (120 mm) | 5.1″ (130 mm) | 5.5″ (140 mm) |
| Head Tube Angle | 64.9° | 64.9° | 64.9° |
| BB Drop | 0.8″ (20 mm) | 0.8″ (20 mm) | 0.8″ (20 mm) |
| BB Height | 13.7″ (349 mm) | 13.7″ (349 mm) | 13.7″ (349 mm) |
| Chainstay Length | 18.1″ (460 mm) | 18.1″ (460 mm) | 18.1″ (460 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 48.5″ (1232 mm) | 49.5″ (1258 mm) | 50.6″ (1285 mm) |
| Standover Height | 30.0″ (762 mm) | 30.5″ (774 mm) | 31.0″ (788 mm) |
Full Specifications
| SPECIFICATION | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Full Carbon Fiber |
| Motor Options | 750W (standard), 1200W, 1800W (upgradeable) |
| Torque | 100 Nm (750W), 120 Nm (1200W), 150 Nm (1800W) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (32 km/h) – 750W, 32 mph (52 km/h) – 1200W, 40 mph (64 km/h) – 1800W |
| Battery Options | 546Wh (48V), 728Wh (52V), 910Wh (52V) |
| Max Range | Up to 27 miles (43 km) – 546Wh, 36 miles (58 km) – 728Wh, 45 miles (72 km) – 910Wh |
| Suspension Travel | 160 mm front, 155 mm rear |
| Fork | DVO Diamond D2 |
| Rear Shock | DVO Opal |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed, 11-50T gearing |
| Brakes | Magura MT4E oversized dual-piston brakes |
| Weight | Approximately 51 lbs (23 kg) |
| Wheel Size | Standard: 27.5 inches |
| Dropper Post | PNW dropper seatpost |
Base vs Pro: What Sets Them Apart?
The HPC Trailblazer comes in both e-bike formats and brings two special models: the Base and the Pro. Both these are built on a solid carbon fiber frame with robust durability, and optimal performance can be assured across rugged terrain. The shared foundation will ensure a reliable experience irrespective of which one is brought home.
Both models feature high-power motors (750W standard, with 1200W and 1800W upgrades) and identical battery options (546Wh to 910Wh), so customization is again available based on riding style and environment. This is one area where you can concentrate on performance rather than power concerns, as the range reaches up to 45 miles (72 km) depending upon configuration.
Differences are mainly in components.
This Base Model does much to offer with rather solid specs for most terrains: DVO Diamond D2 front fork and DVO Opal rear shock. The Pro Model bumps this with a DVO Topaz Prime rear shock for technically tougher trails, premium elements like an SRAM EX1 drivetrain, and four-piston Magura MT7e brakes for added control and stopping power.
Essentially, this will do well for Base Model riders who want aggressive performance yet at a more affordable price. For those demanding the absolute summit of e-MTB performance, with top-of-the-range components for a silky smooth, open, and intuitive ride across any terrain, this would be the Pro Model.
HPC Trailblazer Pro Review: Ride Quality
The ride quality will differ more, but it’s pretty fast. There’s a certain crowd you appeal to with this bike. If you’re coming from a dirt-biking background, you’ll transition really well into something like this.
There’s a lot of comfort built in. The suspension is very supple, yet extremely good at having fun bouncing about. It is a nicer DVO setup with plenty adjustment options built in to get it to your liking.
The carbon frame and bar make handling feel fairly light for such a powerful eMTB. We were a bit surprised to see alloy rims on it, so that’s one upgrade we’d possibly look to make after we’ve worn out the set it comes with.
We love the fact that ordering a Trailblazer Pro you may choose various options. It is such a nice detail to select your battery size and motor power. If they were to allow the changeability of the front 27.5″ tire to 29″, we think that would be awesome because mullet setups are becoming more common all the time.
With the geometry of this bike, it was kind of a versatile ride. This is between an enduro and a trail setup, so it doesn’t feel out of place in anything.
We really only encountered two minor idiosyncrasies that we could mention about the build. The dropper post is a little on the small side at 125mm on our large frame, and the chainstays could be a mite shorter to make the bike feel even more agile. These are pretty minor complaints, however, and didn’t deter us from having a good time.
Final Thoughts
The HPC Trailblazer is a powerhouse that delivers an exceptional blend of speed, agility, and comfort, making it ideal for both thrill-seekers and casual riders alike.
With its impressive motor options, advanced suspension, and ample range, it rises to meet the demands of any trail.
Although aggressive power delivery and display visibility in direct sunlight are relatively minor issues, they are easily overcome for hungry adventurers.
