What Style of Bike is Best for Trail Riding?
The Bakcou Storm Jäger stands out as a versatile tool for those who seek an exceptional hunting companion. This burly beast is crafted to handle the toughest terrains with highly effective electrical power. Its chunky design is not only visually striking but also ensures impressive weight-bearing capabilities, making it a reliable choice for extended day outings. As an e-MTB that offers raw power, this bike is hard to beat in terms of performance and ruggedness. Whether navigating rough trails or carrying gear, the Storm Jäger proves to be a nimble and dependable hunting partner.
Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1
Weight: 24.06kg
Battery: 625WH Bosch Power Tube
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX – 85Nm torque
Suspension: RockShox Zeb Ultimate front forks, RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shocks (160mm front & rear)
Wheels: WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS
Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 27.5in
Brakes: Magura MT7
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
Peaks:
- Rapid charge
- Agility
- Versatility
- Maneuverability
Troughs:
- Price
- Not ideal for downhill
Summary
Not too far from the big guns of the world in e-MTB trail riding, that would be the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1.
Not only is it absolutely dripping in high-spec components, including the best Bosch motor available, and one of the best brake setups you can find in the form of the Magura MT7s, but it also has handling that is simply extraordinary, making it a joy to ride out into the trails.
You achieve great reach with the Bosch battery, yet it doesn’t bring a lot of dead weight round and is very robust; it can take some serious punishment out on the tails yet still allows for a light touch feel when riding.
One of the best electric mountain bikes you’ll find today and is coming in much cheaper than some of the top models. Well done, Cannondale on the all-rounder gem. You can read our full review of the bike, here!
Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Gen 3
Weight: 22.54kg
Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX – 85Nm torque
Suspension: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, RockShox Super Deluxe (160mm front, 150mm rear)
Wheels: 29in Bontrager Pro
Tyres: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue
Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle XG-1299
Peaks:
- Range
- Motor power
- Motor display
- Suspension
- Strong brakes
- Adjustable geometry
Troughs:
- Price
- Battery rattle
Summary
There’s never been a case of holding back in any area when it comes to Trek and this beauty. The Bosch PowerTube has an all-day range – you’ll be enjoying hours of fun out on trails and not weighed down by the overall weight.
It comes with what we feel is the best e-MTB motor currently in the market; the Performance Line CX packs a serious punch to get up some of the trickiest climbs yet doesn’t feel weighty or hard to maneuver.
The bike, despite its electrical hitting componentry, feels very playful out on trails and has ultra-customizable geometry to provide bespoke riding experience. On top of that, it is coupled with AOSR components in brake as well as drivetrain departments, added by plush suspension to take all the hits you throw at it.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert
Weight: 19.2kg
Battery: 320Wh Specialized SL1
Motor: Specialized SL1.1 – 35Nm torque
Suspension: Fox 36 Performance Elite forks, Fox DPX2 rear shocks (150mm travel front & rear)
Wheels: 29in Traverse
Tyres: Butcher Grid Trail
Brakes: SRAM Code RS
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
Peaks:
- Weight
- Price
- Natural ride feel
- Maneuverability & agility
- Brakes
Troughs:
- Forks limited
- Small battery
- Small motor
Summary
The Turbo Levo SL Expert is an ultra-light trail bike, which feels very similar to a conventional, non-battery powered, mountain bike. It’s incredibly nimble and one of the most playful e-MTBs available right now, descending like a pro and climbing just as well.
The power-to-weight ratio isn’t insignificant and you’re certainly offered a helping hand by the battery and motor, however, there is more emphasis on the rider. The bike has a serious suspension setup, which is made to be put through some punishment out on the trails, and it has some of the best brakes available in the SRAM Code RS.Specialized has managed to accomplish all this for the very respectable price of $7,900 – nothing short of an achievement for a ride on our list of best electric mountain bikes for trail riding.
Full review of this bike will be up soon. Read our other reviews of the Turbo Levo SL range here and here.
Orbea Wild M-LTD
Weight: 19.2kg
Battery: 625Wh Bosch PowerTub
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX-R – 85Nm torque
Suspension: Fox 38 Float Factory forks, Fox Float X2 Factory Trunnion rear shocks (170mm front, 160mm rear)
Wheels: 29in OQUO Mountain Control
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF
Brakes: SRAM Code RS
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
Peaks:
- Motor power
- Agility
- Forks
- Brakes
- Handling
- Weight
Troughs:
- Price
- Battery could be larger
Summary
Orbea certainly did an incredible job with the Wild M-LTD.
It’s one of the best balanced e-MTBs we’ve ever ridden-offering a huge amount of range for absolutely serious power but keeping the whole ride feather-light.
It dances through the hills quite agile and yet can take an absolute battering down the descents thanks to its long travel suspension, robust frame, and top end SRAM brakes.
It’s a light e-MTB, but far from flimsy: this is designed to stand its ground at aggressive riding, with tough terrain no problem for it.
It is a real beauty, worth noting that it’s not the cheapest out there. To learn more about the bike, keep reading.
Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR
Weight: 22.5kg
Battery: 756Wh Darfon
Motor: Shimano EP8 – 85Nm torque
Suspension; Fox 38 Factory Float forks, Fox Float X Factory shocks (170mm front, 160 mm rear)
Wheels: 29in Newmen Evolution
Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C
Brakes: Shimano XTR
Drivetrain: Shimano XTR
Peaks:
- Handling
- Motor power
- Battery
- Brakes
Troughs:
- Motor display
- Not the lightest
Summary
One of the most fun e-MTBs that you will find in the market is the Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR. Geometry of the thing goes horizontally pretty much in a progressive manner, and ease of handling just hollers to be thrown around trails.
It also packs a whopping 756Wh battery, meaning you can keep spinning pretty much all day without any range anxiety. That big battery does not bring a lot of weight, and you have a punchy Shimano EP8 motor to get you up the climbs.
LT stands for long travel, and you have plenty of give in the suspension to take on some big hits and drops, yet come out the other side shining.
It also carries Shimano’s high-end XTR brake and gear set, reliable, responsive, and and shines brightly when you need it. Another one of the best electric mountain bikes available right now.
Learn more about the bike, here.
Final Thought
We hope you liked our best electric mountain bike list that features trail riding. We wanted to provide options that suit every budget and different ride style-from fully juiced Big Battery bikes to ultra-lightweight new wave rides.
It’s quite an exciting time to be in the e-MTB world – the technology is accelerating at a pace, and manufacturers are continually pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. The improved riding experiences along with exciting new developments will drive prices down in some cases, but the healthy competition is giving users much better experiences.
We’ve narrowed the choices to our favorite five trail monsters at the moment-now go get out there and take some of these beauties out for a test ride for yourself.
