Electric mountain bikes (e-Mountain Bikes) are becoming more popular every year. What’s up Vital MTBers, we’re going to walk you through our Shreddy-award-winning favorite e-mountain bikes as we head into 2022. We’ve selected a full-sized, heavy-weight e-bike, and a lighter-weight option, even though e-bikes are still very much a wild frontier in terms of technology, bike styles, and design.
These tech-heavy, high-end two-wheelers can be expensive. If you are looking for a trail-ready e-bike for less than a used Yaris, then you should be prepared. You can find links to full reviews below so that you can further research which e-bike is right for you. Remember that the prices and availability of these bikes can change quickly.
Also Read: Best Electric Mountain Bikes
Marin Alpine Trail E2
Marin’s Alpine Trail E2 e-MTB was our favorite full-sized e-bike this year at $6,299 The bike was $5,999 when we got it early in the year. However, the value-to-performance ratio is still very good. The Alpine Trail E2 is a simple bike that we love. It has a no-frills aluminum frame, mixed-wheel dimensions, and a Shimano EP8 drive motor and system. FOX Performance Elite 38 fork, DHX2 coil suspension, and Shimano SLX/XT 4-piston brakes, paired with Shimano SLX durable components, are able to withstand the toughest trails. The big Maxxis tires and Shimano SLX drivetrain combination, paired with Shimano SLX 4 piston brakes, were a great match. We did eventually swap the EXO+ Assegai front tire for a DoubleDown version.
We want to ride our e-bikes on the mountain, and we don’t need them to be big and heavy. We don’t have time to mess with charts, algorithms, and gadgets. Shimano’s app allows you to easily set your drive system preferences, and then let go of electronics while you pound the dirt. Alpine Trail E2’s mixed wheel geometry and 150/160mm travel on the single-pivot suspension platform, which is linkage-driven, felt right at home with the big-hitting, squishy bits. This makes it the ideal full-sized mountain bike. Marin, you’re amazing! We are still sad that we had to return this bike.
Orbea Rise
Some people don’t want an e-bike over 50 pounds, and not all players offer eMTBs under 40 pounds. Orbea has been focusing its efforts on the ultralight electric mountain bike. The carbon Rise that Vital tested last year exceeded our expectations. The $10,000 Rise M-Team was a huge success, despite the fact that it cost PLENTY of coins. The M-Team’s beefier FOX36 fork with 150mm travel and DPX2 fork for 140mm was a big draw, compared to the lighter Rise models which use a FOX34 fork and DPS shocks for 140mm front- and back. Orbea’s MyO program allows for component and paints customization.
Our Rise weighed in at just 40 pounds even with our stiff suspension and Maxxis Minion DHR II front and rear tires. Our testers were impressed by how light the Rise was on the trail. There was no difference in maneuverability between the Rise and a regular mountain bike on descents or in corners. The Orbea was able to climb, albeit not with the same power as a full-sized electric bike, and it did a lot of the work without having to compromise on distance. Orbea’s custom-tuned Shimano E8 RS motor, which has 60nm of power instead of 85, is able to deliver a maximum power output of 60nm. It also comes with a 360wh lithium battery. Our testers were never without any juice, despite the fact that it only has 360wh. Compared to other riders on full-sized electric bikes, the difference in battery consumption was negligible after a ride.
We love the simplicity here at Vital. The Rise checks all of these boxes without any extra gadgets, blinking lights, or buttons. This electric mountain bike is simple and extremely efficient for those who want a more regular feel.
Orbea Rise Hydro – the Disrupter
Want to know what the kicker is going into 2022 The Rise Hydro, an alloy version of the Rise, was unveiled 3 days ago. The frame geometry and travel are identical. Overall weight is 41 to 44 lbs heavier. However, Rise Hydro has a 540wh lithium battery, which gives you more mileage. Orbea offers a 252wh range extender that can be purchased. This will allow you to ride all the way back to the moon. Did we mention that prices for the Orbea Rise Hydro start at $5,299, and go up to $7,299? Although we have only been able to ride this bike once, all indications point out that it performs almost as well as its carbon sibling. Orbea may get a “new phone who dis” response if they call asking for the Rise Hydro back in the next year. Orbea, you are on a roll lately.
We appreciate you tuning in. Although e-bikes and regular mountain bikes can be expensive and difficult to afford, Vital wants you to enjoy your ride and not the bike. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails.
