Mountain Biking UK 01.2022

All the power
Free of charg

Fuse Flex #LightsForLife

Up to 1400 lumens Up to 3300 lumens Built to last. Serviced to endure*
Handlebar mounted Handlebar mounted
Reflex technology Reflex technology *Lights can be serviced from 2008 onwards

Lumen output varies with di erent motors models, please
visit www.exposurelights.com for more information

Trevor Porter, Squamish. Photo: Caleb Smith

REMOTE i30

In today’s world, the one thing we can count on is how good
it feels to ride a bike and escape the everyday. The Remote
130 puts the freedom back in the palms of your hands. With
140mm/130mm of Fox Suspension, a Shimano E7000 motor,
and a chassis based around our beloved Process 134, the
Remote 130 is THE ticket to clear your mind.

konaworld.com

ENDURO FIRST RIDES

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£4,999 NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT 297 COMP

An incredible ride for the money

Based on their EWS-winning Mega V4 enduro bike, Nukeproof's first e-MTB
incorporates Shimano’s latest EP8 motor into a four-bar linkage frame layout
that the UK brand have spent years refining. If the 170mm-travel design looks
familiar in other ways, it’s because it shares its huge, triple-butted alloy front end
with Wiggle/CRC-owned sister brand Vitus’s latest E-Sommet, reviewed on p28.

Mountain Biking UK

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THE FRAME ENDURO
The blocky frame is seriously beefy up
front, where a massive 1.8in-to-1.125in
tapered head tube – a new e-bike
standard – aids frame rigidity and steering
precision. This Comp model doesn’t
get a fork with a matching 1.8in tapered
steerer tube, though. Instead, it comes
with a (presumably cheaper) converter
lower headset cup and a standard 1.5in
tapered fork. The big-diameter head tube
allows use of a funky Acros headset with
holes in its top cap to run cables through.
Unfortunately, these also give dirt and
damp access to the bearings, causing ours
to creak prematurely.

From there, the top tube slopes back to
a gusseted seat tower, giving good
standover room. A vertical rocker link
actuates the RockShox Super Deluxe
shock, which has a custom, high-flow
damping tune. The bike is powered by
Shimano’s latest EP8 motor, with 85Nm of
max torque. Inside the huge down tube is a
504Wh battery. You can flip a mount to fit
a larger 630Wh one (as specced on the
Elite and Factory bikes), should you wish,
but it’s worth considering that less power
also equals less (and better-positioned)
weight, which can be felt when riding.

Nukeproof pair a 29in front wheel with
a smaller 650b rear to keep the chainstays

Mountain Biking UK

short (442mm) for nimble and reactive and the Charger RC damper has a very FIRST RIDES
handling. A super-low 338mm BB amplifies basic feel. It just about gets away with these
this playfulness. The bike has an upright shortcomings thanks to the Megawatt’s SPECS
seated climbing position, with the seat tube sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio –
angle varying (up to 78 degrees) across the something that makes all e-bike suspension Frame Triple-butted
five sizes (S to XXL) to ensure riders of all feel better than it would on a regular bike. 6061 aluminium
heights stay centred on steep ascents. alloy, 170mm travel
THE RIDE Fork RockShox ZEB
THE KIT The rear suspension is a whole di erent Select, 170mm
For your five grand, you’re looking at mostly story. If it doesn’t make you exclaim, ‘what Shock RockShox
mid-range Shimano Deore kit, including the hell?’ on the very first descent, you SuperDeluxe Select R
a 12-speed drivetrain that’s smooth-shifting haven’t ridden enough bikes to know just Motor Shimano
and has plenty of range for the steepest how smooth and incredibly sensitive the STEPS EP8
climbs. The Deore M6100 brakes have two Megawatt is. The back tyre tiptoes and Battery Shimano
rather than four pistons per calliper, but floats over bumps of pretty much any size, STEPS 504wh
feel solid and only get rinsed by the extra but the rear end provides a surprising Drivetrain Shimano
e-bike weight on the longest descents. With amount of support too, to the point that Deore M6100 (1x12)
a spongy feel, the Brand-X dropper remote you can barely believe you aren’t using full Wheelset SUNringlé
isn’t the best, and the SUNringlé Duroc travel with a ride feel this plush. There are DUROC SD 37
SD37 wheels are heavy, but they do come zero problems with absorbing big hits or wheels, Maxxis
dressed in arguably the ultimate Maxxis landing deep either, even at the speeds that Assegai 3C MaxxGrip
tyre selection. The 2.5in-wide MaxxGrip having such good suspension on a stable DD 29x2.5in (f) and
Assegai and MaxxTerra High Roller II, both e-bike encourages. Maxxis High Roller II
with the brand’s tough Double Down casing, 3C MaxxTerra DD
would be a welcome sight at any price Not only is the hyperactive suspension 27.5x2.5in (r) tyres
point, and provide the security to hit trails exceptionally good, but it also improves Brakes Shimano
of any level flat out. the overall handling of the Megawatt. Deore, 203mm rotors
The Nukeproof has similar geometry to Bar/stem Nukeproof
Unfortunately, the RockShox ZEB Select many of its competitors, but in terms of Neutron V2,
fork is considerably less suited to hard- responsiveness and fun factor, it’s miles 800mm/Nukeproof
charging than the tyres and the exquisitely- ahead. Like most e-bikes, it’ll help any Neutron AM, 45mm
tuned rear shock. The 38mm stanchions beginner feel safe, but the rider position Seatpost/saddle
make for good steering accuracy and the and exceptional front-to-rear balance Brand-X Ascend,
rebound adjustment works fine, but the mean that you never feel like you’re just 150mm/Nukeproof
compression dial doesn’t seem to do much smashing down the trails as a passenger Sam Hill Signature
on an unstoppable vehicle. There’s so much Weight 23.6kg
bounciness (without feeling mushy) and (52.03lb), large size
manoeuvrability that experienced riders without pedals
can chuck this weight-defying machine all
over the place. HIGHS

Getting to the top and bombing along One of the best-
flatter trails, the Megawatt also wins, by handling e-bikes
having a perfect seated climbing position we’ve tested
that’s not over-the-top too far forward, –
as on some ‘modern’ enduro rigs, so never Incredibly silky
sucks the life out of gentler terrain. There’s rear suspension
plenty of fizz and cockiness to make it
worth a few flicks and small jumps, without LOWS
feeling like you’re just wasting energy.
Comp model has
The Comp’s smaller battery and less battery range
lower-spec fork point to a more expensive and lower spec than
Megawatt being a better choice if funds some price rivals
will stretch. However, in terms of overall
handling and ride experience, Nukeproof’s
first e-bike feels perfectly tuned and
sweated over. Rather than riding like some
identikit machine chucked together from
a kit spreadsheet and ought-to-work
computer design, the Megawatt absolutely
rips and stomps all over most similarly-
priced, long-travel e-bikes. Mick Kirkman
www.hotlines-uk.com

With incredible suspension, the Megawatt
is one of the most fun and well-rounded
e-bikes on the market, at any price

Mountain Biking UK

An Electric Powered Orange is the ultimate in all-mountain e-bike
performance. For the new 2022 range there’s more power and more travel.
We’ve raised the bar with revisions to the new 6061-T6 aluminium frames
with a raft of detail and structural enhancements. The geometry is bang-on-
point, as you would expect from Orange, handbuilt with precision in the UK,
naturally.
Our all new 2022 models feature powerful, state-of-the-art Shimano EP8 drive
units coupled with 630Wh integrated batteries. Available in 27.5, 29 and MX
wheeled options.
Choose your flavour and enjoy the superpower to go further, faster, for longer.

E.P.O. THE HIGH PERFORMANCE ALL-MOUNTAIN AND TRAIL E-MTB CONCEPT FROM ORANGE

ORANGEBIKES

ENDURO FIRST RIDES ENDURO

ENDURO ENDURO

£11,899 YETI 160E T1

Colorado brand’s debut e-bike is ready to race

“While everyone else was racing to make an e-MTB, we were making an
e-MTB for racing,” say Yeti. The result is the 160E, designed to dominate the

emerging e-enduro scene with its carbon fibre frame, modern geometry,
Shimano EP8 motor and new Sixfinity suspension design. A spec like this

doesn’t come cheap, though.

Mountain Biking UK

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SPECS O ENDURO ENDUR

Frame ‘TURQ Series’ O ENDUR
carbon fibre,
160mm travel THE FRAME only compatible with a 34t ring, though). On
The 160E is built from Yeti’s TURQ-series the way back down, the E160 rides unlike any
Fork Fox 38 Factory carbon fibre and tested to DH bike standards. other e-MTB. Despite its almost implausible
GRIP2, 170mm travel While it’s sold as a 29er, you can fit a 650b suppleness, the suspension is marvellously
rear wheel and run a ‘mullet’ set-up. Pedalling poppy, so you can pick the bike up over roots
Shock Fox Float assistance is provided by a Shimano EP8 and rocks, pump it through holes and throw
X2 Factory motor with 630Wh battery. Yeti’s new six-bar it around the trail with incredible accuracy.
Sixfinity platform looks di erent to their twin-
Motor Shimano shaft Switch Infinity system, but functions Because the rear end is so supportive, the
STEPS EP8 similarly. The lower Switch link initially Yeti encourages active line choice, where the
rotates upwards as the suspension loading and unweighting of the bike makes it
Battery Shimano compresses, then changes direction. This feel like you’re riding a rolling wave. You can
STEPS 630Wh allows Yeti to tune the anti-squat and anti- also switch direction without any chassis-
rise figures. An adjustable leverage rate upsetting changes in dynamic geometry. A
Drivetrain Shimano (25/30/35 per cent progressive) makes the brilliant mix of rigidity and compliance means
Deore XT (1x12) 160mm-travel frame compatible with both you can hold lines with serious accuracy, and
coil and air shocks. The 64.5-degree head reduces fatigue on rough trails. This isn’t just
Wheelset DT Swiss angle isn’t particularly slack, and the large down to the bike’s suspension and geometry,
EX 1700 wheels, size’s 480mm reach and 446mm chainstays but also its sprung-versus-unsprung mass
don’t shout ‘extreme’, but they combine with ratio, with the mainframe being significantly
Maxxis Assegai EXO+ a steep 78-degree seat tube angle and low heavier than the swingarm.
3C MaxxTerra 350mm BB to form a cohesive package.
Unfortunately, the EP8 motor on our 160E
29x2.5in WT (f) and THE KIT stopped giving assistance part way through
Maxxis Minion DHR II Although the T1 is one of the priciest eMTBs one wet test ride, displaying an E010 error
out there, you get alloy DT Swiss EX 1700 and refusing to turn back on. We sent the
DoubleDown 3C wheels and a second-tier Shimano XT bike to a Shimano service centre, where the
MaxxTerra 29x2.4in drivetrain. It does have Fox Factory dampers, problem was diagnosed as a faulty motor.
though – a 170mm-travel 38 fork and a Float Shimano said the failure was covered under
WT (r) tyres X2 shock – along with a wireless RockShox warranty and they’d replace it free of charge.
Brakes SRAM Reverb AXS dropper post. Braking is handled Having ridden countless other EP8-equipped
by SRAM Code RSCs, and the bike rolls on bikes without any problems, it seems this is
Code RSC, a Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR II tyre combo. an isolated issue, beyond Yeti’s control. Up
220/200mm rotors to this point, we’d been having a riot aboard
THE RIDE the 160E, its suspension, geometry, chassis
Bar/stem Yeti It’s the sensitive yet supportive suspension and spec combining to create an enjoyable,
carbon, 800mm/ that dominates the 160E’s ride. On climbs, controllable and predictable bike to ride on
Race Face Æ ect, it delivers an enormous amount of grip, yet the harshest, gnarliest terrain. Alex Evans
resists sagging into its travel. The steep seat www.silverfish-uk.com
50mm tube distributes your weight evenly between
Seatpost/saddle the wheels, too, reducing the need to lower Masterful performance (assuming our motor
yourself over the bar to stop front-wheel lift. issue is a one-off), impeccable suspension
RockShox Reverb We eked out 2,145m of climbing over and great geometry, but very expensive
AXS, 170mm/ 48km on a single charge, using 50 per cent
WTB Silverado assistance (it’s a shame the suspension is

Weight 23.45kg
(51.69lb), large size

without pedals

HIGHS

Super-supple,
supportive and

progressive
suspension sets
new benchmark

–
Well-considered

geometry
–

Downhill capability
is hard to beat

LOWS

Value for money
isn’t great
–

Our EP8 motor
failed after just
a month of use,

through no
fault of Yeti’s

Mountain Biking UK

ANOTHER REASON TO NEVER SAY
“ONE LAST RUN”

FOR REAL RIDERS

ENDURO ENDURO ENDURO

VITUS E SOMMET VRS ENDURO

£4,799.99 Big-travel bruiser with a steamroller ride

Vitus remodelled their beefy, long-travel e-bike this year, giving it an all-new
chassis with a properly-integrated battery, a mixed-size ‘mullet’ wheel set-up and
other tweaks. What hasn’t changed is that the direct-to-customer brand continue

to deliver seriously high-quality kit for your dosh.

Mountain Biking UK

FIRST RIDES

THE FRAME A functional mix of Shimano SLX and Deore- SPECS

The E-Sommet’s fat, squared-o down tube level kit handles stop and go duties. Up front, Frame Double-
butted 6061-T6
is shared with Nukeproof’s Megawatt (see an Acros headset routes the cables and rear aluminium alloy,
167mm travel
p21). It conceals a large-capacity 630Wh brake hose into the frame under the stem. Fork RockShox ZEB
Select, 170mm travel
battery, and joins a huge 1.8in head tube – It looks neat, but the pierced top-cap allows Shock RockShox
Super Deluxe Select
the industry’s latest attempt to sti en up the crud and moisture to enter the bearings Motor Shimano
STEPS EP8
steering on heavy e-bikes – fitted with an more easily, causing creaks, and prevents Battery Shimano
STEPS 630wh
internal steering limiter to stop fork crowns you from slamming the stem right down to Drivetrain Shimano
SLX with E600
striking the frame. Standover clearance balance the Vitus’s relatively low BB height. cranks and Deore
cassette (1x12)
is excellent, thanks to the short seat tube. Wheelset DT Swiss
H 1900 wheels,
Another bonus is oversized bearings and THE RIDE Maxxis Assegai 3C
MaxxGrip DD
hardware, for improved durability in soggy Once you get shifting, this burly bike 29x2.5in (f) and
Maxxis High Roller II
UK conditions. Shimano’s latest EP8 smashes through any earth and rocks that 3C MaxxTerra DD
27.5x2.5in (r) tyres
motor provides the aren’t geologically Brakes Shimano
SLX M7120,
THIS BURLY BIKE SMASHESpedalling assistance. grafted into the 203mm rotors
A new suspension ground. The chassis Bar/stem Nukeproof
Horizon, 800mm/
THROUGH ANYTHING THATlayout sees the rear is so rock-solid that Nukeproof Neutron,
any components with 45mm
shock driven by a four- Seatpost/saddle
Brand-X Ascend,
bar Horst-link set-up, a capacity to twist or 170mm/WTB Volt
flex will accede to the Weight 24.8kg
ISN’T GEOLOGICALLYrather than ‘floating’ (54.7lb), large size
without pedals
between two links, GRAFTED INTO THE GROUND frame’s superiority,
as on the skinnier and at all times the

previous-generation suspension remains

E-Sommet. The 64-degree head angle is controlled and planted, allowing you to

the same as you’ll find on many modern hammer tracks of any level and feel totally

‘analogue’ enduro bikes (and slacker than secure. The upright rider position sees you

most electric rivals), while the bang-up-to- standing tall on the trail, with feet low and

date seat tube angle centres your weight hands high. This lets you plough safely

while climbing and steepens as you go up down properly gnarly terrain, then milk the

the size range (77-78 degrees) to keep taller motor and sorted seated climbing position

people equally well-balanced. to rinse and repeat.

Unlike some e-bikes with low BBs, the

THE KIT Vitus’s ride isn’t very dynamic. Weighing

This mid-range E-Sommet represents nearly 25kg and with a suspension feel

exceptional value for money. You get a sti that’s on the more-damped, duller side,

RockShox ZEB fork and SuperDeluxe air there’s minimal bounce or pop from the HIGHS
shock, albeit in lower-tier ‘Select’ guises that back end, even with the rebound damping

don’t have quite the same adjustability and left wide open. This means the E-Sommet Sensational value
silkiness as the top-level versions on the works best when you hold on tight, trust –
£700 pricier VRX. Fast-rolling and sti DT the grippy tyres, pick the best straight line Smash-through-
Swiss wheels are shod with a great Maxxis between A and B, and enjoy steamrolling anything security

tyre combo, with reinforced casings at both through the terrain with momentum and

ends and super-sticky rubber up front. security, rather than try to shift direction

rapidly or skip over holes. All this muscle

means more experienced riders may find

the E-Sommet a bit too thuggish when LOWS
the trails get tight. The handling didn’t get

our juices flowing in the same way as the Not the most nimble
Nukeproof Megawatt it shares some pieces or playful, even for
with, and the main reason for this is its an e-bike

more subdued suspension. The Vitus is less

responsive to smaller vibrations and less

lively overall, which translates to the whole

bike feeling heavier and less reactive.

Since the E-Sommet is such good value,

we tried swapping in a RockShox Super

Deluxe Ultimate coil shock, to see if this

upgrade would transform the suspension

feel without adding too much to the price.

The VRS’s ride was noticeably improved,

with better tracking and increased grip,

but it still didn’t feel as nimble and playful

as some rivals

through linked turns

and on narrower

trails. Mick Kirkman

www.chainreaction

cycles.com The E Sommet can handle it all and is

excellent value, but other e-bikes feel more

inspiring on twistier, mellower trails

Mountain Biking UK

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Does Italian lair give the TK01 R an edge over the competition? ENDURO

£5,899.95 Unlike most brands, e-bikes don’t just make up part of Thok’s range, but all of
it. The Italian company was founded in 2017 by BMX world champ and ex-World
Cup downhill racer Stefano Migliorini, and then bolstered by the arrival of former
Moto GP team manager Livio Suppo. With this kind of racing pedigree behind it,

Mountain Biking UK

THE FRAME traditional on paper, it doesn’t feel too slack FIRST RIDES

The TK01’s angular aluminium frame and on the trails, where it works with the top tube, SPECS

removable fender/rock-strike guard are chainstay and wheelbase measurements to Frame 6061
aluminium alloy,
clearly moto-inspired. Up front is a big 1.8in create an upright and comfortable seated 170mm travel
Fork RockShox ZEB
head tube. You get a single bottle mount ascending position. Rider weight feels well- Select, 170mm travel
Shock RockShox
inside the front triangle, plus internal cable balanced between the wheels, with a slight Super Deluxe Select+
Motor Shimano
routing. Thok spec Shimano’s latest EP8 forward bias that makes it easy to keep the STEPS EP8
Battery Shimano
motor, with an impact-resistant cover. The front wheel on the ground when the hills get STEPS 630Wh
Drivetrain Shimano
630Wh battery is concealed within the down steep. Add the chunky 2.6in rear tyre, and it SLX M7100 with
Deore XT M8100
tube. There’s 170mm of rear wheel travel, feels like there’s no incline it can’t get up. mech and FSA
cranks (1x12)
courtesy of a four-bar Horst-link system. The This is helped by the predictable power Wheelset Mavic
E-XM 430 rims,
Italian brand have opted for a ‘mullet’ wheel delivery and plentiful, controllable low-down Maxxis Assegai
3C EXO+ TR
set-up (29in front, 650b rear). torque of the Shimano motor. Aside from 29x2.6in (f) and
27.5x2.6in (r) tyres
There are four frame its widely-reported Brakes Shimano
Deore XT M8000,
sizes. Geometry is and slightly o putting 203mm rotors
‘death rattle’ over Bar/stem Thok,
THE THOK IS ONE OF THEneither super-long and 780mm/Thok, 37mm
Seatpost/saddle
slack nor properly rough terrain, the EP8 Thok, 170mm/Thok
is a great drive unit. It Weight 23.73kg
BEST CLIMBING E MTBSold-school. Key figures (52.31lb), large size
without pedals
include a 64.5-degree feels like it has more
power and torque than HIGHS
OUT THERE... IT FEELShead angle and
Great-feeling
75.5-degree e ective the Specialized 2.2, but EP8 motor
isn’t quite as punchy as –
LIKE THERE’S NO INCLINEseat tube angle, Higher-capacity
630Wh battery
paired, on the large Bosch’s Performance –
Line CX, especially Good spec for
IT CAN’T GET UPsize we tested, with a the cash
–
conservative 464mm when you’re putting Fun on easier trails

reach and 453mm chainstays. While Thok in hard e orts. The Thok is happy to either LOWS

cite a 355mm BB height, ours was 366mm. chug up climbs at low rpms or spin rapidly Getting the most
from it requires
to the top, but does have a cadence sweet careful set-up and
lots of commitment
THE KIT spot – get your legs moving at this speed and –
Tyres not suitable for
This range-topping R model comes with ascending is a truly enjoyable a air. the bike’s intended
‘enduro’ use
a host of high-performing parts. You get a Thanks to the relatively high BB and short –
Geometry could
170mm-travel, 38mm-stanchion RockShox 165mm crank arms, you can power around be improved

ZEB Select fork, with the brand’s mid-level turns and along rock-strewn singletrack

Charger RC damper. At the rear is a Super without fear of pedal strikes, increasing

Deluxe Select+ shock, with a custom-tuned climbing speed and flow. The suspension

lockout. Shimano provide the 1x12 XT/SLX also feels supple and well-controlled,

drivetrain and four-piston XT brakes. Mavic absorbing smaller chatter while remaining

rims are wrapped in Maxxis Assegai tyres. supportive through larger holes and dips.

Finishing kit is own-brand. Point the Thok downhill and there are

situations where it shines, but plenty where

THE RIDE it doesn’t. In making the TK01 climb so well,

The TK01 is one of the best-climbing e-MTBs compromises have been struck. It’s great

out there. While its seat tube angle is fairly in a straight line, especially on high-speed,

trail centre-style runs, where its weight helps

it feel calm and fairly composed. However,

around turns, whether flat or banked, we

found the front end had a tendency to push

and understeer instead of gripping. We put

this down to the bike’s short front centre

and steeper-than-we’d-prefer head angle

causing us to hang o the back, shifting

weight o the front tyre. To mitigate this, we

increased shock sag to 35 per cent, which

slackened the head angle, lowered the BB

Mountain Biking UK

ENDURO

ENDURO ENDURO

ENDURO

and increased the wheelbase slightly, DON’T EXPECT TO BE ABLE MaxxTerra compound meant the tyre lacked
improving the dynamic geometry. After chemical traction (how the rubber ‘sticks’
adding an extra volume spacer to the fork TO JUMP ON IT AND SHRED to the terrain), while its 2.6in width gave it a
for more bottom-out resistance, we were tendency to glide over the trail surface, not
then able to weight the front end much more THE TRAILS INSTANTLY. YOU claw into it. This made picking and sticking
confidently, without feeling like it was going to lines tricky. We’d spec 2.4in or 2.5in,
to tuck under, and could hit turns with more HAVE TO WORK HARDER MaxxGrip Assegais in DoubleDown casings
commitment – albeit still less than on a bike front and rear, and accept the weight penalty.
with more modern geometry. It doesn’t help THAN ON OTHER BIKES HERE
that the long seat tube (450mm, large) and As an overall package, the Thok isn’t bad,
a dropper post with a tall stack height some o -the-top suppleness. While the rest especially when you consider the price. Once
combine to create a high-feeling rear end. of the spec generally impressed, the tyres set up well, it’s great to cruise about on, with
Our 5ft 10in (178cm) tester wasn’t able to get were the weak link. Set up tubeless, it wasn’t a stable chassis and parts – bar the tyres
the saddle low enough on steep trails without long before we punctured the rear Assegai, – that work cohesively together. If you take
manually dropping the post into the frame. a rock slicing through its EXO+ carcass. We the time to learn how to get the most from it,
also found that, unless inflated to 29psi or there’s little it can’t handle. However, the way
On the plus side, the rear suspension higher (in the process, sacrificing grip), the the TK01 rides isn’t hugely intuitive. Don’t
is impressively supportive in the mid- midweight casing squirmed and deformed, expect to be able to jump on it and shred the
stroke, not diving around turns or through burping air when pushed hard through trails instantly. To go quickly and commit to
compressions, and has plenty of bottom- turns. This was much less of a problem on turns, you have to work harder than on other
out resistance, even with the extra sag we the front, but here, the not-particularly-soft bikes here, and it isn’t as rewarding to ride at
were running. The custom-tuned shock its limits. Alex Evans
did feel a little overwhelmed at times, www.windwave.co.uk
though. We couldn’t open up the rebound
damping enough for our preferences, and An unintuitive ride detracts from the solid
over chattery terrain the rear end felt like it price-versus-performance ratio and top
was packing down in its travel and unable climbing ability of the TK01
to recover in time for the next bump. This
meant grip wasn’t as abundant as we’d
normally expect from an e-bike.

Up front, the ZEB refused to dive or flex,
although this did come at the expense of

Mountain Biking UK

SDKRILILLLSS& NEW RIDER SKILLS

01 03

One of the first things any mountain biker must learn is When people are new to mountain biking, it’s common
how to comfortably stand up on a bike while it’s rolling for them to have their eyes down watching their front wheel.
along. Imagine you’re standing on the ground, and you
want maximum balance and stability. What do you do? However, this won’t stop you crashing – in fact, it makes
I assume you’d find level ground, your legs would be accidents more likely because you won’t be looking where
energised (ready to move) and you wouldn’t stand on your
tiptoes. If you transfer this across to standing on the pedals, you’re going. Practise looking further down the trail so
the first point is to keep your cranks level (your flat ground), you can see what’s coming next and start preparing for it.
then apply weight through your heels (not standing on your For example, if you see a climb ahead you’ll know to select
tiptoes) plus keep your legs energised and ready to move. the correct gear for pedalling up it, or if there’s a corner
Once you’re balanced and comfortable standing up while coming up you’ll need to apply the brakes to slow down
rolling along, the next step is to practise standing up and before you reach it. How far down the trail should you look?
pedalling. It’s useful to pull on the handlebar to help Focus on whatever the next ‘obstacle’ is, so if you’re riding
along a straight and can see a corner, that’s what you want
you balance and give you some leverage to focus on. It can take some time to do this consistently,
when applying power to the pedals.
so practise consciously until it becomes the norm.
You’ll find keeping your eyes up helps
you ride trails with more ‘flow’.

Coach to the pros Olly Morris shares 01 PRO F LE
his top tips for aspiring shredders
The key here is to stay light, JOB Sk lls coach f r Pro R de
It’s fantastic to see the world of loose and relaxed. Grip the CREDENT ALS As we l as
mounta n b k ng growing at the rate t bar tightly enough that your be ng he co owner f
is wi h people of all abilit es and ages palms don’t slip, but not so Pro R de B stol b sed O ly
gett ng involved The amazing th ng about much that your hands get s he erformance coach
our sport is that you can buy a bike and fatigued. If you’re gripping of downh l st r Lau ie
immediately start riding off-road – with hard then you’ll tense up Gre nland and also rac s
no training, you can just pedal off into the DH himse f at nat onal and
woods to have fun. However, there are through your arms and Wor d Cup level
some basic pointers that’ll help improve shoulders, too. Also, make
your experience (and make riding a little sure you’re not leaning on www pror dem b com
safer) if you’re new to mountain biking. your bar – this makes it
I’ve broken these down into Key Skills, hard to balance because 1001 Mountain Bike Tips
which is what you need to do on the bike, your weight on it makes the
and Key Controls expla n ng how to set up bar move. Instead, use your
your brakes gears and dropper seatpost. core to support your upper
body. The bar is there for
1001 Mountain Bike Tips directional control and the
pedals are there to provide
a platform. To help you stop
leaning on the bar, keep a
bend in your elbows. This
can be tricky, but if you make
it second nature from the
outset, it’ll help immensely as
the technicality of the trails
you’re riding increases.

SKILLS ADVICE FROM NOVICE TO EXPERT

TFIRTANIENSINSG& BIKE FIT

The fastest and most effective way to PRESS UP SIDE BRIDGE WITH LEG RAISE
get bike fit is to ride as hard as poss ble
If you struggle on rough g ound or long Want a torso and glutes of steel? This is the
as often as possible, with recovery descents, it could be due to a weak one for you! Start by supporting yourself on
periods in between. But you can t your elbow and foot, straight and strong from
always do that, so here’s a selection of upper body. With your hands just outside head to heel. Then draw in a deep breath, fill
bike-free exercises that can shortcut shoulder width, keep your body straight
and extend your arms, p vot ng f om your your belly and, as you exhale,
and complement strength toes. Lower yourself back down unt l your lift your top leg as high as you can.

and fitness gains upper arms are parallel w th the floor

SQUAT BUNNYHOP ONE LEG SQUAT

With feet just over shoulder w dth apa t Stand in a jump posit on engage your Stand on one leg with the other leg slightly
and chest upright, ease your hips down core, sink to a quarter-squat then push in front and off the floor. Keep your chest
as if sitting on a chair until your h ghs are up through the balls of your feet w th max upright and core engaged, and bend the
parallel with the floor. Push back up slowly supporting leg, keeping the other straight.
force. Absorb and control the land ng

Here’s a range of easy ways to
get yourself n better shape

PLANK ‘V’ SIT UP CRUNCH

With your feet as close together as poss ble Lie flat, with both of your hands above your Raise your feet, with hips and knees at 90
and only your toes and forearms in contact head. Sit up and raise one leg stra ght up degrees. With fingers on head, chin tucked
with the floor, hold the rest of your body o f in and legs still, engage your core muscles
so that you touch your ankle with bo h
the ground, in a straight l ne hands. Repeat with the other leg to bring your elbows to your knees.

CLOSE ARM PRESS UP DIP LUNGE

Put your hands under the centre of your Put your hands on a step or a low table Standing tall, with your shoulders back and
chest. Keep your body stra ght and extend with your fingers facing forwards Bend core engaged, step forward and lower your
your arms, pivoting from your toes Lower at the elbows, lowering your body back body, under control, until both knees are
straight and chest upr ght Bend your
yourself back down unt l your chest elbows to 90 degrees and then return flexed to 90 degrees, then return to the
touches your hands start position. Repeat on the other leg.

1001 Mountain Bike Tips 1001 Mountain B ke Tip

FITNESS TIPS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR RIDING

UP&GTREACDHES 2 CHECK ONE, TWO 3 STOPPING POWER WORKSHOP BIKE CHECKS
Months of winter riding can Ensuring your brakes work
work bolts loose. So, properly is critical. Even if 4 SEALED WITH A…
arming yourself with a torque wrench hey don’t need bleeding, you still Pull the tyres o the rims
and all the relevant torque settings, need to check pad and rotor wear. and check to see how much
work methodically from the front to Remove the pads from the callipers sealant is left in there (providing you
the back of your bike, checking all and check they’re not close to run a tubeless set-up, of course!)
the bolts. It’s worth double-checking worn out or worn unevenly. If there’s and whether it’s coagulated and thus
stem, rotor and calliper hardware, enough pad left, give them a quick essentially useless. If there isn’t a lot
and wheel axles, because if these bu up with some sandpaper. Check left in there, be sure to clean out any
loosen o while riding, the he rotors for wear – are they lumps before topping the tyre up
consequences could be horrific. worn hin or grooved? – and spin the with fresh sealant – we recommend
wheels to see if the discs are as close 100-150ml per tyre. It’s also worth
1 CREAKY BACKSIDE to t ue as possible. If not, carefully removing the valves from the rims
A di ty poorly maintained tweak them back straight (Park Tool because they can gunge up with
seatpost can cause have a great tool for this). sealant. Remove the valve cores and
irr ta ing c eaking when you’re check for any blockages, clean them
Give your steed some TLC with put ing down the power seated thoroughly and then replace them
these 10 easy but important Carefully emove he post f om he before you lose them!
home workshop checks frame and give it a clean (take care
with internally-routed droppers – be
10 HAPPY HOOPS sure to release the cable from the
Carefully and slowly rotate remote if you don’t have enough
your wheels to inspect the slack to remove the post). Check for
condition of the tyres. You’re looking signs of damage then apply a thin
for cracks or splits in the sidewalls, layer of grease before sliding the
holes in the carcass and worn or post back into the frame and
ripped treads. Don’t forget to check torqueing it up to the manufacturer’s
both the front and rear tyres. If specified setting. Next, loosen o
they’re looking rather tired out the seat clamp and remove the
(sorry), it’s time to buy yourself saddle. Give the clamp a thorough
some fresh rubber. clean and examine it for signs of
damage. Check the saddle rails too.
Once clean, replace the saddle,
tightening the clamp bolts to the
specified torque setting.

9 CHAIN GANG 8 GREASE MONKEY 7 REFRESHING 6 SMOOTH OPERATOR 5 FEELING TENSE
It may be a bo ing job but Whip out our wheels pu l REVOLUTIONS Using a clean, dry cloth, To check for even spoke
degreasing your drivetrain your headset apart and give the fork stanchions, tension, work methodically
is hugely beneficial, both on the tra l emove our bottom b acket Check Your pedals are subject to shock shaft and the dropper section around the wheel (starting and
and on your wallet, becau e t’ l last he hub bearings headset bearings a severe pounding, so use this of your seatpost a good clean, finishing at the valve), pinching
longer if it isn’t covered in gr t t’s and BB for signs of wear or damage opportunity to breathe new life into making sure to remove any built-up together pairs of spokes that are
best to remove the chain and Befo e put ing them back toge her them. Following the manufacturer’s grime/mud/dust from the wiper parallel with each other. If you find
cassette, and give them a proper give e e ything a horough clean and guidelines, strip the pedals down and seals. Once clean, use a suspension- the odd loose spoke, carefully tighten
soaking in degreaser to get them apply some f esh grease whe e carefully clean and inspect each specific spray lube (being careful not it at the nipple, a quarter of a turn at
sparkling. Give the rear mech a good necessa y ( f you’ e not sure g ea e component for damage. If all that’s to get it on the brake pads or rotors) a time, until the tension feels the
clean too. Check for chain wear wherever the manufactu er needed is some fresh grease, then and give the seals a blast. Cycle the same as that of the other spokes. Be
chain-wear tools don’t cost a fo tune spec fies) Once you’ve eassembled great. If the innards are looking a fork/shock/seatpost up and down careful not to overtighten it. It’s also
and will give you an indication of how he hubs and head et and eplaced little worn, now could be the time to a few times, then use another clean worth giving your wheels a spin and
stretched your chain is and whether he BB tighten them to the brands’ invest in a pedal-refresh kit cloth to wipe o any grime and viewing them from above to check
it needs replacing. Leave it too long spec fied to que set ings (assuming the brand you have can residue from the seals. Apply another how true they are. A little bit of
and you’ll need to buy a new cassette supply one) to fully overhaul their light coating of lube. deviation isn’t the end of the world
too. Finally, lubricate your chain internals. Once rebuilt, smear some but a big buckle needs addressing
dripping the lube onto the ins de of grease on the axle threads before (a job for your local bike shop).
the links, where they make contact tightening them back into the cranks,
with the cassette and chainring turning them towards the front of the 1001 Mountain Bike Tips
teeth. Wipe the excess o gently bike on both sides.

1001 Mountain B ke Tips

EASY TO FOLLOW MAINTENANCE GUIDES

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

www.buysubscriptions.com/MOUNTAINTIPS21

or call 03330 162138 and quote ‘1001 Mountain Bike Tips 21 Print 1’

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TRAIL TRAIL T RAIL TRA

MERIDA EONE SIXTY 700
IL TRAIL
Top all-rounder for those who ride a mix of trails
£5,300
As well as manufacturing frames in Taiwan for many leading brands, Merida have
their own range of bikes, designed in the e-bike heartland of Germany. Among the
first to go deep into e-MTBs, they’ve built a solid reputation with models like this
eOne-Sixty. It’s a slightly more trail- than enduro-focused machine, with a ‘mullet’

wheel set-up and 150mm of rear wheel travel.

Mountain Biking UK

FIRST RIDES

THE FRAME aren’t alone in speccing 2.6in rubber (here, SPECS

Made from Merida’s ‘Racelight 61’ alloy, on the rear only), these tyres aren’t ideal in Frame ‘Racelight 61
aluminium’ (6061
the second-generation eOne-Sixty frame wet UK conditions. Unless you run them on alloy), 150mm travel
Fork Marzocchi
gets double-pass welds for a seamless super-wide rims, they tend to blow up with a Bomber Z1 Ebike+,
160mm travel
look. The oversize head tube incorporates rounded profile, which can make them ‘surf’ Shock Fox Float
DPX2 Performance
an internal steering limiter, while the huge, over grease and mud rather than biting in. Motor Shimano
STEPS EP8
triangulated down tube houses a 630Wh Battery Shimano
STEPS 630Wh
battery, which not only powers the Shimano THE RIDE Drivetrain Shimano
Deore with Deore XT
EP8 motor, but also an included headlight. A true all-rounder, the eOne-Sixty is lively, mech (1x12)
Wheelset Merida
A single-pivot swingarm keeps things simple easy to ride and packs enough juice to feel Expert TR rims on
Shimano SLX hubs,
out back, with a linkage to actuate the shock zestier than duller, soggier and heavier rigs. Maxxis Assegai
3C MaxxGrip DD
– here, a shorter-stroke Fox Float DPX2 It’s one of the easiest e-bikes on which to 29x2.5in (f) and
Maxxis Minion
mounted to a frame brace above the motor. manual or loft the front wheel over obstacles, DHR II DD
27.5x2.6in (r) tyres
Merida have and it also cuts from Brakes Shimano
SLX M7120,
positioned the drive IT’S ONE OF THE EASIEST side to side on the trail 203mm rotors
unit so the crank quickly, with reactive Bar/stem Nukeproof
Horizon, 800mm/
arms are 17.5mm and precise steering. Nukeproof Neutron,
The Merida’s middle- 45mm
E BIKES ON WHICH TObelow the wheel axles, Seatpost/saddle
Merida Expert eTR,
giving the eOne- MANUAL OR LOFT THE of-the-road sizing and 780mm/Merida
Sixty a marginally geometry, and taut Expert eTR II, 40mm
Weight 23.92kg
higher BB than some suspension, gives (52.75lb), large size
it a more agile and without pedals
WHEEL OVER OBSTACLESrivals, but also great

standover clearance. responsive attitude

A 65.5-degree head angle is combined with than you get on some longer, lower, slacker

a traditional-by-today’s-standards 460mm bikes. This is really felt when cornering – it’s

reach and 1,234mm wheelbase on the mega fun ripping through linked berms, with

large size, although the latter is reduced by weight on the super-grippy 2.5in front tyre

439mm chainstays – very short for an e-bike. and the back end slinking and snaking to

mirror shifts in body weight.

THE KIT While the rear suspension is active, it

The mixed Shimano XT and Deore drivetrain doesn’t feel quite as deep or smooth as

shifts smoothly, and is decent quality for on some other e-bikes with similar travel

the cash, while four-piston SLX brakes pack when things get really chunky. Conversely,

plenty of grunt to halt a hauling e-bike if you the 160mm fork is crazy-supple, and tracks

overcook it. Marzocchi’s Bomber Z1 fork is every nuance of the terrain. This creates
essentially a Fox 36 with more basic GRIP a slight imbalance on steep downhills and

damping. The Merida wheels aren’t so good, means it’s harder to dial in enough support HIGHS
though – even with a 36-spoke build, the if you like a more propped-up front end.

rear got seriously bent during testing. They Compounding this is a tendency for the back True do-it-all
at least come with top-notch Maxxis Assegai end to bind or sti en slightly under heavy e-MTB
and Minion tyres, in the right compound (3C braking down steep chutes and DH tracks. –
MaxxGrip front, MaxxTerra rear) and with Nimble and well-
durable Double Down casings. While Merida Climbing grip is great in the dry – one rounded ride
area where the fatter rear tyre excels – but

the 75.5-degree seat tube angle and stubby

chainstays pitch your weight back marginally

on the steepest uphills. Even with the saddle

inched right forward, this can cause the front LOWS
wheel to lift, reducing power and traction. In
common with every other Shimano EP8 bike Occasionally feels
here, the pedalling assistance is smooth, but unbalanced on
there’s also an annoying motor clack when steep terrain, in
freewheeling. Merida either got lucky or their both directions
frame is better acoustically-damped than

some rivals’, though, as the eOne-Sixty is

quieter than some.

If you regularly ride a mixture of terrain,

from bridleways to trail centre loops and

occasional enduro tracks, the Merida will

be a perfect ally that feels light and rides

naturally. Hard-charging, DH-focused riders

will soon find the limits

of the geometry and

suspension, though,

and may be better o

looking elsewhere.

Mick Kirkman

www.merida-

bikes.com Less ‘enduro’ and more ‘trail’, the eOne-Sixty

isn’t super-aggressive but perfectly suits

a ton of UK terrain

Mountain Biking UK

ENDURO ENDURO ENDURO

INTENSE TAZER 279 EXPERT ENDURO

£5,199 Boutique e-bike at a surprisingly low price (and weight)

California-based Intense Cycles are now selling direct over the internet. This is
a big turnaround for a company with a storied racing history, used to selling top-
end kit in shops with prices to match. It does mean value has, er, intensified, with

this carbon fibre e-enduro bike with Fox suspension costing just over £5k.

Mountain Biking UK

FIRST RIDES

THE FRAME Maxxis’s Minion DHR II tread is grippy as SPECS

Launched in 2018, you’d be forgiven for hell in the dry. Elsewhere, Intense nail the Frame Carbon fibre,
155mm travel
assuming the Tazer is dated, but it’s still parts spec. You get Fox’s latest 38 fork – with Fork Fox 38
Performance,
totally contemporary in terms of looks oversize stanchions, well up to handling 160mm travel
Shock Fox
and geometry. Its motor tech is slightly e-bike forces, plus their seriously supple and Float DPX2
Motor Shimano
longer in the tooth, though – it uses an comfy GRIP damper – and a DPX2 piggyback STEPS EP8
Battery Shimano
older-generation Shimano E7000 drive shock. Four-pot Shimano brakes and STEPS 630wh
Drivetrain Shimano
unit and a 504wh battery. This is stashed in 12-speed SLX gears get the job done, and it’s SLX with e*thirteen
e*spec cranks and
the belly of the down tube, where it can be great to see an SDG saddle and ODI grips. Shimano Deore
cassette (1x12)
easily accessed for o -bike charging. While Wheelset DT Swiss
H 1900 wheels,
lower-capacity than some, it’s lighter, with THE RIDE Maxxis Minion
DHR II EXO+
a blockier shape (designed for external use) The Tazer is considerably lighter than 29x2.6in WT (f) and
27.5x2.8in (r) tyres
that keeps the heaviest e-bike component most rivals for the same cash, and that’s Brakes Shimano
Deore M6120,
low down for better immediately 203mm rotors
Bar/stem e*thirteen
handling. There’s noticeable. Whether Base, 800mm
you’re firing o rapid bar/e*thirteen,
FLICKING OFF LIPS OR155mm of rear wheel 40mm
Seatpost/saddle
travel, delivered by twin lefts and rights, Intense Recon,
flicking o lips or 150mm/SDG Bel-Air
MANUALLING ROLLERS,counter-rotating‘JS’ Weight 22.40kg
(49.4lb), large size
links that create manualling rollers, it without pedals
rides way closer to
IT RIDES WAY CLOSERa virtual pivot point.

The oversize chassis a ‘normal’ bike than
most e-MTBs. While
TO A ‘NORMAL’ BIKEis full-carbon, which

saves a ton of weight this is partly down

over alloy. Geometry is modern, without to its weight, the mullet wheel set-up and

being extreme, with a 460mm reach on the taut, solid-feeling carbon chassis add to the

large size and a relatively long wheelbase, fun and flickable feel. The Intense handles

thanks to the slacker-than-advertised direction changes with a nonchalant ease,

64(ish)-degree head angle. and smashes through rock gardens and root

webs. While the suspension is pretty dialled,

THE KIT the Tazer has a firmer touch than some rivals

Shimano’s E7000 drive unit is actually newer and doesn’t iron out every trail ripple or stay

than the (more common) E8000, but only glued to the ground. The tighter o -the-top

has 60Nm of max torque, compared to the feel keeps the handling lively, though, and

85Nm of their latest EP8 motor. This isn’t deeper in the stroke there’s still a sweet

a deal-breaker, though, and is only really felt spot of DPX2 suppleness and fluidity as you HIGHS
when pushing a too-firm gear while setting hammer through chop.
o or up steep climbs. A bonus is that there’s Nimble, reactive
no EP8 rattle. Another nod to previous- Slinking up steep climbs, even with full and fun
generation e-bike trends grates more – the assistance, the front end stays planted, and –
‘plus-size’ 2.8in rear tyre and 2.6in front there’s so much grip in the dry with the 38 Rides more like a
tyre aren’t the best choice for moist UK fork and fat Maxxis tyres that it’s ridiculous normal enduro rig
how hard you can lean in corners. The Tazer than most e-bikes

conditions. They are, however, mounted to feels fantastic on easier, loamy o -piste and

top-quality DT Swiss wheels, and at least singletrack, and climbs longer grades really

well, with no quirks and stacks of traction.

Chuck some moisture or steeps into the

mix, however, and it can be a di erent story. LOWS
The rounded tyres don’t cut in enough, so

can slide or spin, especially in higher-power Older-generation
modes. Additionally, the fork feels softer motor and battery
and livelier than the shock, so there’s a bit –
of imbalance on tracks where weight is ‘Plus’ tyres don’t
continually loaded onto the front end. work well in the UK

Fit a new set of tyres (2.5in Maxxis rubber

works fine) and tune the fork support (or

upgrade to Fox’s more supportive and

controlled GRIP2 damper), and the Tazer

can o er a sorted ride. Both are relatively

easy and cheap fixes to deliver a responsive

carbon e-bike with more spark than plenty of

duller and harder-to-manoeuvre alloy rivals.

There’s not much you can do about the

older motor and lower-range 504wh battery,

though, especially

if riding mates are

packing more power.

Mick Kirkman

https://uk.intense

cycles.com One of the only e-bikes this light for this kind

of money, the super-manoeuvrable Tazer

rides closer to a normal bike than most

Mountain Biking UK

KIT ! MUC OFF E BIKE
DRY WEATHER
ESSENTIAL GEAR OR A TRIUMPH OF ERGON SM CERAMIC LUBE
MARKETING? WE’LL LET YOU DECIDE!
E MOUNTAIN SADDLE £14 for 2 | www.muc-off.com
ONEUP E BIKE CHAIN GUIDE
From £92 | www.extrauk.co.uk With all that extra strain
From £54 | www.oneupcomponents.com on the drivetrain, keeping
Ergon reckon that e-biking means extra
Designed for use with Shimano STEPS climbing and have designed this seat your e-bike’s chain
systems, this guide mounts accordingly (yes, you’ll be doing more properly lubricated is vital
directly to the motor descending too, but you shouldn’t be
without having to sat down for that). It’s got a rear ramp to avoid premature wear.
remove the cranks. and wide, flat nose to keep you comfy Muc-O do a whole range
It’ll help keep your on long seated ascents, a relief channel of e-specific cleaners and
chain on over rough terrain, to take pressure o your delicate bits
and can be flipped and ‘OrthoCell’ inlays to distribute maintenance products.
open for easy pressure across your sit-bones.
chain main- Available in men’s and women’s HOPE E BIKE CRANKS
tenance. versions, it comes in two sizes with
a nylon- or carbon-composite shell. £190 | www.hopetech.com

The name says it all – these
are Hope’s usual lovely-
looking, CNC-machined
aluminium cranks, but
with a Q-factor (distance
between the pedal threads)
optimised for most
frame/motor combinations.

FOX 38 FLOAT
FACTORY GRIP2
E OPTIMISED FORK

£1,349 | www.silverfish-uk.com

With large-diameter
38mm upper legs for
strength and sti ness,
and Fox’s top-end GRIP2
damper and slippery
Kashima stanchion coating
for a plush, controlled ride,
the 38 can handle any
terrain. This E-Optimised
version features custom
spring and damper tunes

for e-bike use, plus
a beefed up CSU (crown,

steerer, uppers) unit.

SWYTCH UNIVERSAL E BIKE
CONVERSION KIT

From £499 + shipping | www.swytchbike.com

As used on our ‘super commuter’ build in
MBUK 401, the Swytch kit is easy to fit and
gives any bike an electric boost, as long as
it has a QR fork. The hub motor and bar-
mounted battery aren’t designed for serious
o -road use (for that, look at a mid-drive
kit), but work fine for smoother forest roads,
towpaths and urban rides.

SRAM EX1 1X8 DRIVETRAIN HUNT E_ENDURO
WIDE WHEELS
£721 (without cranks) | www.zyrofisher.co.uk
£399 | www.huntbike
You can get e-bike-friendly steel chainrings and single-click shifters for wheels.com
SRAM’s other groups too, but EX1 has been designed for e-MTB use from
the ground up. Its eight-speed E-BLOCK cassette is machined from a These feature a wider
single block of steel and has fewer sprockets with bigger steps between rim than Hunt’s standard
them for improved shifting precision and reliability under power.
enduro wheels (37mm),
FI’ZI:K TERRA a higher spoke count
ERGOLACE X2 (32/36) and thicker
FLAT SHOES triple-butted spokes,

£129.99 | www.extrauk.co.uk plus e-specific hubs with
heat sinks and beefed-up
What makes a shoe
e-bike-ready? According internals at the rear.
to fi’zi:k, it’s a balance
of flat-pedal grip and PRO KORYAK E PERFORMANCE
easy foot removal just in HANDLEBAR
case you mess up while
powering up a steep £499.99 | www.freewheel.co.uk
technical climb.
Yep, it looks bonkers, and so is the price,
but PRO reckon this is the future of
e-bike cockpits. This integrated carbon
fibre bar and stem has a recess for
a Shimano STEPS head unit, internal
cable routing and comes with grips
designed to fit perfectly next to one of
Shimano’s mode selectors.

TOPEAK PREPSTAND EUP VAUDE EBRACKET 14 BACKPACK MAGURA MT5 ESTOP BRAKES
WORKSTAND
£140 | www.vaude.com £196.98 | www.magura.com
£769.99 | www.extrauk.co.uk
If you’re going to be doing long rides, a pack Fast, heavy e-bikes need powerful
Let’s face it, one of the worst things with room for a spare battery is a must. This stoppers. These are essentially four-
about e-bikes is their weight. This one has a dedicated compartment, plus piston Magura MT5s, but with even
space for a charger, too. Even better, it’s more e ective rotors (up to 220mm)
foot-operated pneumatic workstand made from eco-friendly materials. and more durable pads – which can
should let you get your bike to an be bought as an upgrade kit if you’re
an existing MT user.
easy working height for maintenance
without breaking your back.

DATATAG ELECTRIC SYSTEM VITTORIA E MAZZA TYRE
SECURITY MARKING KIT
£59.99 | www.freewheel.co.uk
£29.99 | www.chickencyclekit.co.uk
When it comes to tyres, e-bike-specific generally
E-MTBs aren’t cheap, so don’t skimp means harder-wearing, and often heavier. Vittoria take
on security. Datatag’s tamper- a di erent tack, testing their existing o erings – in this
resistant marking system makes bikes case, their most aggressive Mazza tread pattern with
less attractive to thieves. This new quad-compound, graphene-infused rubber – on e-bikes
e-bike kit contains additional labels and marking them with a green lightning bolt of approval
for motors, batteries and controllers.
if they make the grade for motor-assisted use.

FEATURE FEATURE


FEATURE FEATURE A


We sent regular MBUK snapper and tester Mick Kirkman, C
no stranger to competing between the tape, to try out EH
RE
the new-fangled sport of e-enduro racing
A
Words Mick Kirkman Pics Enduro World Series & Phill Rodham D

Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking UK

FEATURE lectric bikes are such big
news now that in many areas
Previous page they outsell machines you
Local lad Reece need pure muscle to pedal.
Wilson – last year’s This hasn’t escaped the
DH world champ, attention of Enduro World
no less – was in the Series race organisers, who’ve
running until a hefty responding by plugging
crash drained the motorised machines into the
Scot’s power and schedule. That’s how I found
cut his day short myself joining the latest
Opposite, top generation of super-fast
At the EWS-E, the racers and several multiple-
climbs can be as time world champs on the
challenging as the start line of the EWS-E Tweed Valley, preparing to use a mix of
descents – although skill, muscle and motor assistance to swerve trees and ping off
Aussie enduro/DH/ roots on the steep, tight and technical trails of the classic
4X ace Jared Graves, downhill race venue of Innerleithen.
back racing after
beating brain EEBS AIN’T FOR DWEEBS!
cancer, looks to be
making light work I signed up as a long-time e-MTB fan, turned on to the benefits
of this one way back. It’s no secret that not everyone feels the same,
Opposite, bottom though, and most of us will have witnessed some pedalling-
Our man Mick assistance resistance – especially in the UK, where a vocal
powers through the minority hate on the things with a passion. However, the pattern
Scottish slop, tested of one riding buddy getting an e-bike and the rest seeing how
to his limits by a many extra laps get rinsed and subsequently falling like
course that caused dominoes tells me these machines aren’t going anywhere soon.
even the world’s
best some issues None of the ‘you’re cheating, mate’ voices have put off the
world’s best either, and we’re not just talking older guys like
10-time world downhill champ Nicolas Vouilloz, all-round gravity
racing legends Sam Hill, Tracy Moseley and Jared Graves, and
UK MTB heroes Rob Warner and Nigel Page, who all lined up
on their e-bikes in Scotland. Younger riders such as Reece
Wilson – a local lad, who’s apparently pretty handy on a bike –
love a shred on the old ‘eeb’ as well.

You can ditch any expectations when it comes to e-bike
racing, too, because an EWS-E round isn’t like your typical
‘analogue’ enduro. One common armchair-pundit assumption is
that it’s just a longer lap round the same kind of terrain, made
easier with a motor. This couldn’t be more wrong; it’s a totally
new mountain bike discipline, in its infancy and so gnarly that
2020 downhill world champ Reece called this year’s race, “one
of the toughest days I’ve had on a bike in a good few years”.

A NEW KIND OF COMPETITION

The expanded technical climbing potential of e-MTBs has driven
a distinctly different form of stage racing, taking in the whole hill
in both directions. With no need to stick to the same boring
fireroads used by the regular EWS racers to get to the top of
their timed stages, the EWS-E organisers can make their
courses unique and super-long. In Scotland, this saw difficulty
and physicality ramped up to a seriously savage challenge as
racers were sent up through dense trees on logging tracks and
weird cut-throughs and paths. These were tough enough to ride
even without having to race down a combination of the area’s

Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking UK

FEATURE

I EVENTUALLY POPPED OUT AT THE VERY TOP, Opposite, top Above, top Nico
Aussie DH legend Vouilloz’s e-MTB
DRIPPING IN SWEAT, AFTER A COMBINATION OF and three-time EWS experience paid o ,
champ Sam Hill winning him the
WHEEL SPINNING, PUSHING AND DRAGGING MY dominated on the race and series title
descents in his first
BIKE FOR 40 MINUTES, WHEN I COULD HAVE e-bike race, but lost Middle Every
time on the climbs second counts when
TURBO MODE’ED UP THE FIREROAD IN 15 you’re battling
Opposite, bottom multiple world
rock-hard downhills straight after. It was a proper adventure and France’s Laura champs! Hill sprints
felt like one part motorbike enduro and one part MTB ride. Charles fought hard, for the line
but couldn’t stop
Stages were spread between the Caddon Bank side of the the UK’s Tracy Bottom Nico
valley, home to Innerleithen’s original downhill tracks, and the Moseley winning showing just how
new-school ‘Golfie’ side. The latter zone has helped redefine UK every stage of the physical things
mountain biking with its labyrinthine network of enduro runs, women’s race got on some of
hand-crafted, below the radar, by passionate locals. There’s the ascents
a phenomenal range of trails here, with constant left/right and
back/forth action, roots, more roots and steeper passages, all
peppered with flat-out sections in the open. Speeds are slower
than at most EWS rounds, but typically wet and greasy
conditions spice things up. There’s enough grit that you can dig
up some grip away from the root webs, making the tracks still
work in the wet. In fact, if you can stay dynamic enough, they
even seem to improve the more it rains.

The EWS-E has both harder and steeper descents than the
regular EWS. Add the sheer distance, the number of timed
sections – including uphill ‘Power Stages’ – and the physicality
of the untimed linking ‘liaisons’, and it’s a real challenge,
especially when you’re dragging a 25kg e-bike around. Plus, you
regularly have to race above the motor cut-off speed, mashing
the pedals on a heavy beast shod with tacky downhill rubber.
Pile this lot on top of how Inners is a very physical place to race,
requiring constant body inputs, and with your tyres and
suspension rarely not being assaulted by 10cm roots or
repeated furrows that pummel hands and feet, and the event
was knackering, to say the least. Even the best-conditioned
racers were cramping and groaning by the last few stages. For
those of us in the amateur field, “a good day out, once it’s over!”
seemed to be the consensus.

MUD, SWEAT AND CHEERS
My day was summed up by a couple of stages on the Golfie side,
linked by a ridiculous climb up the whole height of the hill in old
logging ruts, with deep puddles, slippery brash, dead wood and
some sections so steep they were unridable. I eventually popped
out at the very top of the moor, panting and dripping in sweat,
after a combination of wheel-spinning, pushing and dragging my
Whyte E-180 for 40 minutes, when I could have Turbo-mode’ed
up the fireroad in 15. I’m sure it was a bit more palatable when
recced in the dry! Not long after this was one of the hardest
stages, down a locally-infamous track called ‘Liver Damage’.
By the time I got there, I had zero battery left and had eaten
nothing, after a Formula One-style pitstop at the Bosch EZ-UP to
swap out the motor when I should have been recharging the bike
and myself. (Cheers guys – you were legends!)

The crux of Liver Damage is a super-steep chute with multiple
kinks that no amount of braking really moderates speed down.
Fall off a high root ledge into your controlled skid and, even on
a normal bike, it’s a mission to salvage control and make two
turns at the bottom. Add a 26kg e-bike into the mix, along with
mud, soggy stones and the fast boys cutting a too-speedy-and-
straight-for-me groove, and my bike literally dragged my
backside down the hill. It was so sketchy that even during much
drier practice I had limbs flailing, but somehow on race day

Mountain Biking UK

FEATURE

Left, top Not all the separated amateur Opposite, bottom
climbs were timed, E100 racers from Sam Hill (right) won
but even the linking the EWS-E pros seven stages but
sections required couldn’t match
good technique Opposite, top e-racing specialists
Multiple-time Nico Vouilloz
Left, below Only enduro world champ (centre) and his
a higher-numbered Tracy Moseley Lapierre teammate
race plate and open shows her mastery Kevin Marry (left)
stage start times of the Scottish mud on the climbs

EWS E: THE swap batteries and grab some I managed to nail it, with eyes glued together with grit, in the
LOWDOWN food and drink. With riders stinking rain, amid an amazing wall of sound created by the
covering 53km and 3,500m of hardcore heckling spectators. Being so many hours deep into
Mick raced the EWS-E100, climbing, and the ascents being the struggle already, nothing was going to faze me!
the longer of the two publicly- a mission even in max power,
accessible races (the shorter Mick got through three GOING UP!
option being the EWS-E50). batteries on his Whyte E-180.
This follows the exact same Thankfully, he had support Another key difference to the ‘normal’ EWS is the brutal uphill
route and has the same from Bosch, but two of his Power Stages. The first one lurked in moss-covered, rooty, rocky
downhill and uphill timed mates had to downgrade to the woods and essentially saw us ride up a DH track. The difficulty
stages as the pro EWS-E, the EWS-E 50 after it became clear wasn’t just the technical, moto trials-like balance and delicate
only concession to Joe Public they wouldn’t make it round touch required to inch up the hardest bits without wheel-
being that you don’t have to with only one spare battery spinning or toppling back, but the size of human engine needed
meet specific stage start times. each. Ideally, you need help in to continuously power up these things. No matter how good
The racing lasts literally all day. the pits, to keep on top of the your gear choice (often, three down the cassette) or mode
Not only do you face the usual bike, get your own fuel and selection (no Boost or Turbo, to limit wheelspins), trying to surge
timed descents found in the water on board, and simply up multiple root webs while pedalling at a high cadence and
regular EWS, but also two uphill survive the frantic nature of wriggling like an Eighties breakdancer to maintain grip will put
‘Power Stages’, which ramp such a time-limited day. huge strain on your aerobic capacity.
your heart rate up to maximum
in just a few minutes. The EWS-E visits the Tweed Any of the top riders can confirm this, and while they might
Valley again on 4-5 June 2022, not max out at 180bpm and need to stand still for 10 seconds for
At the Tweed Valley round, alongside the opening EWS fear of a heart attack like I did, the timed climbs were so hard
there were 14 stages, with the race of the season. For more that the difference between e-bike specialists and the rest of us
course split into two distinct information on entering or was huge. Even Sam Hill essentially spent the rest of the day
loops, giving you the chance spectating, visit www. ripping down the descents in the mud trying to claw back the
to return to base in between to enduroworldseries.com. minute-and-a-half he lost to Nico Vouilloz on stage one, and
Sam’s balance on a bike isn’t exactly renowned as being crap.
Once you’d blown your lungs to pieces on this stage, there were
only 13 more to go and another seven-odd hours on the bike!

A NEW DIRECTION

No prizes for guessing the EWS-E was an incredibly tough event,
then, but I loved it, and will be back for more next year. Even
after sliding on my side for 10 metres at the start of a stage
called ‘Jeff’s Rocket’... It’s fantastic the EWS is developing a new
format that’s genuinely different. Not just using fireroads to
climb adds a huge sense of adventure, and not doing the same
stages as the regular EWS is great, too. What’s totally unique,
though, is that this is an event you could only complete on an
e-bike. You wouldn’t want to ride the downhills on a motorbike,
and a regular enduro bike wouldn’t make it up the Power Stages,
so it’s genuinely a fresh new direction for the sport. There are
a few things to iron out – I got through three batteries, which is
more than most riders will have, and could be addressed with
shorter stages and a longer lunch break (more charge time), and
perhaps the Power Stages could be tweaked so that lighter,
specialist e-bike riders don’t have such an advantage. But it was
still a privilege to be part of what feels like a completely new
direction for enduro racing. Let’s see where it takes us next!

THE DIFFICULTY WASN’T JUST THE TECHNICAL,
TRIALS LIKE BALANCE AND DELICATE TOUCH
REQUIRED TO INCH UP THE HARDEST BITS,
BUT THE SIZE OF HUMAN ENGINE NEEDED

Mountain Biking UK

Mountain Biking UK

USE YOUR
E MTB

TO BECOME
A BETTER

RIDER

ELECTRIC BIKES CAN BOOST YOUR SKILLS AS WELL AS SAVE YOUR
ENERGY, SAYS COACH-TO-THE-PROS ALAN MILWAY

Mountain Biking UK

HOW TO

PRO-FILE

ALAN MILWAY

JOB Professional MTB coach
CREDENTIALS
Alan has more than 13
years of experience
training some of the
world’s best racers,
including the Athertons.
He’s also part of the
holistic coaching brand
+3 MTB, so while he has
the knowledge to train
those operating at
the highest level, he
understands the needs
of everyday riders, too.

E-bikes are often 1 REPEAT SECTIONS benefits of this are huge. A number of
seen as a way to turns on my local trails used to be my
go further or faster If your riding time or variation is ‘dodgy corners’. I wasn’t any good at
for less e ort, but limited, your trail rides probably tend them for one reason or another, so
this is just the tip to follow a similar format each time – I rode them once a ride and never went
of the iceberg when a cross-country loop, an out-and-back back to see why I was bobbins at them.
it comes to their or a repeated fireroad climb to the It was a hassle, why would I bother?
capabilities. They’re top of a series of di erent descents. With an e-bike, however, it’s easy to
fantastic tools for The days of pushing back up to hit turn around, ride up the side of the
improving your a section over and over again may trail or safely back the other way, and
technical riding, too. be confined to childhood memories. have a look and repeat – and repetition
Looking at e-bikes in However, the e-bike can resurrect this is the way we improve. Suddenly, those
this way may reframe way of riding and allow small technical corners that I used to ride poorly once
the way you ride sections to be repeated until you a week, I can now repeat several times
them. Here are just get them right, with no need to push each ride, and I’m riding them better
some of the things up that steep bank or ride that long and more confidently as a result.
you can do with them climb just to hit that corner again. The
to help make you

a better rider.

Mountain Biking UK

HOW TO

MASTER 2 RIDE MORE STEEP DESCENTS

THE MODES On a normal ride, the physicality of the
route is a key consideration. Your choice
Resist the of where to go, which tracks to ride and
temptation to leave how many times to repeat them has to be
your bike in Turbo! underpinned by the endurance to get there,
slog back to the top each time and then
After purchasing an make it home. An e-bike reduces the power
e-bike, the first few output requirement, so you can change the
weeks are often spent structure of your rides and seek out steeper
hooning around in tracks more frequently. This exposes you
Turbo/Boost mode, to more technically-challenging terrain and
as it feels so new and allows more frequent practice of riding it.
I know a World Cup downhill racer who has
fun to have this an e-bike set up for aggressive trail riding
unexpected and uses it to do 10 to 12 runs within a couple
acceleration. of hours. Riding at high speed and with full
commitment, it’s a great way for him to make
However, this is far improvements. To get the same number of
from e cient in runs in on his DH bike he’d have to wait for an
uplift truck and it’d take all day. This way, he
terms of grip, control does a much higher volume of riding, all on
and battery range. technical and challenging tracks.
Turbo won’t
3 DON’T FORGET THE ASCENTS
necessarily give you
enough traction on Upon reaching the bottom of a descent, many e-bikers will give a happy sigh and start
loose climbs, and if spinning back up, with the motor doing much of the work. But why not make the uphill
you leave it in this fun, too? As a keen (but very amateur) trials rider, I enjoy the challenge of finding grip,
shifting my weight and counter-balancing the bike to ascend tricky banks on my trials
mode on the bike – and you can do exactly the same on your e-bike, to conquer climbs that would be
downhills, the bike impossible on a regular bike. You’ll be surprised how much you need to use the modes,
may feel jerky out of gears and dropper post as you try to negotiate a steep uphill turn over roots! And these
tight corners. Select skills are transferable to any section where weighting the tyres is critical and grip is at
the right setting and a premium, whether your bike has a motor or not.

you’ll be able to
ascend otherwise

insurmountable
terrain, with enough
power to help drive

you up, but not so
much that you lose
grip at the rear wheel.

It’s well worth
experimenting with
the various modes,
and trying them all
with di erent gearing,
as this a ects the way
power is delivered.

Many motors now
come with apps that
allow you to control
the way each mode
delivers its power, so
time and e ort should

be spent testing
how these changes

a ect the ride.

Mountain Biking UK

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CONNECT & DISCONNECT

NEW CRAFTY CARBON

From the moment we wake, we interact and connect with dozens
of devices. But what if we switched on, to switch o and pressed
the connect button to disconnect?
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