Why an E-Bike Hardtail?

Hardtail or e Hardtail - Which ebike Hardtail should I buy?

The E-MTB Hardtail counts as an absolute all-rounder and is the perfect choice for you if you are mainly on solid ground or off road on light to medium heavy trails. Compared to a full-suspension mountain bike with two suspensions, the Hardtail has only one spring/telescopic fork in the front part of the bike to absorb shocks. The rear part therefore remains stiff, resulting in a safer ride and more precise riding technique. In addition, there is a much better and more efficient power transmission, as no power is lost through the suspension. For tours on level ground and uphill rides, the MTB Hardtail can also achieve a higher speed. Also in terms of weight the Hardtail has a considerable advantage over the MTB Fully due to the fewer parts used. On top of that it requires less care and less wear parts, which makes the maintenance of the MTB Hardtail much easier.

Important components of the mountain bike

The frames are made of titanium, steel and preferably, due to the low weight, aluminium or carbon. The hydraulic disc brakes provide improved riding technique and shorter braking distances. For the wheels you can choose between 27.5 inch and 29 inch wheels. 27.5 inch wheels are particularly recommended for downhill-oriented mountain bikers, as they provide considerably greater manoeuvrability and still offer a certain amount of smoothness. However, they offer a disadvantage on longer tours and long-distance excursions, as they have poorer rolling characteristics and therefore a loss of speed. In the meantime even 27.5+ wheels can be used. The slightly wider wheels, whose weight is compensated for by the electric motor, provide a higher grip. From approx. 1.70m height and tour-oriented bikers, 29-inch wheels are recommended, as they offer greater riding comfort and can cover more distance due to the high pedalling energy. In addition, there is better road grip, but also reduced manoeuvrability.

Advantages of a hardtail eMTB:

• Favorable purchase price
• Low weight
• Less maintenance

Disadvantages of a hardtail eMTB:

• Less speed
• Less drive power
• Less stability

Advantages of a fully:

• Full suspension reduces shocks
• More driving power
• Full control off road

Disadvantages of a fully:

• Higher purchase price
• Heavier
• More maintenance-intensive

Which wheel size is perfect for me and my e-bike? 29" or 27.5

What are the advantages of a 29 inch hardtail eBike?

29 inches have been very popular and trendy for years. Initially eyed critically by mountain bike purists and plagued by some prejudice, the bicycle industry has recognized the trend and made it the new standard through constant improvement. The advantage of 29-inch tires is that the ride is very smooth. This offers a great advantage and saves energy on long rides and uphill and downhill. Wheels with a circumference of more than 27.5 inches can overcome just about any obstacle more easily and cover longer distances. Initial problems with trail handling and the small frame appearance have been optimally compensated for by improvements and adjustments in the frame design and component selection.

What are the advantages of a 27 inch eBike Hardtail?

The 27.5 "wheels are a logical complement to the larger 29 "wheels and an ideal compromise for smaller riders and trail enthusiasts. The combination of smooth running and enduring maneuverability meets the demands of all bikers. It is more maneuverable than 29" wheels and is perfect for off-road riding and twisty terrain with fast response times. This category is particularly suitable for changing from 26" wheels. The 27.5" combines the best of two worlds in one bike and its versatility is limitless. Full Tail or Hard Tail - 27.5" is the golden ratio and the perfect tire size for those who want to use their mountain bike as it should.

eBike Hardtail motors with a lot of power - What to look for in the e Bike Hardtail motor?

First and foremost among the most important components is the motor. The heart of every e-mountain bike. This is installed in the modern E-MTBs as a powerful mid-mounted motor directly to the bottom bracket to optimally position the additional weight. This replaces the rear hub motor. This results in a significantly smoother and more track-safe ride. Important issues when it comes to e-bike motors are always the maximum weight and speed. Our manufacturers decide which motor/manufacturer to use in each case depending on the requirements and the bike. In our small comparison, we describe the key differences between the motors we favor. Our consultants will be happy to answer any detailed questions you may have.

E-bike motors in comparison

Features of the Bosch motor:

The Bosch Performance Line CX motor is the absolute favorite of the manufacturer. When it comes to motor selection, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor is made especially for off-road use due to its impeccable performance data and the innovative eMTB mode. A high torque is essential for the drive. Here, a drive of about 85 Nm at 250 watts is used. State-of-the-art technology ensures smooth running of the engine power for comfortable driving in every curve. Sufficient energy is provided by a powerful 625Wh or 750Wh battery. These are located deep in the fully or partially integrated frame for easier handling.

Features of the Yamaha engine:

The most commonly used ST motors of the PW series from Yamaha are equipped with a quad sensor system. This ensures the best possible support in every situation. The support range of the drivetrain is also large and is therefore suitable for high cadence pedaling. The ST tuning of the PW series makes this drive unit the perfect all-rounder. Whether beginner or expert, onroad or offroad, the PW-Series ST offers riding fun and extremely comfortable support.

With a rated power of 250 W, a maximum torque of 70 Nm and a battery capacity of up to 630 Wh, the Yamaha motor is more than enough for any situation and provides plenty of power for almost any trail. In terms of range, we can say that the more watt-hours, the greater the range. However, other factors also play a role here, such as the weight of the e-bike, your weight, the selected riding mode and the surface on which you ride.

The range of the batteries depends, of course, largely on the battery capacity, measured in ampere hours or watt hours, the power of the motor and the selected driving mode. The larger batteries include up to 625Wh and thus achieve a range of up to 140 kilometers when driving on the flat. Under certain circumstances, however, this can drop. This includes, for example, very steep inclines, an uneven surface, very cold temperatures or the rider's weight. If this is 50kg, a greater range is given than with a driver weighing 100kg. The use of lithium-ion batteries results in an extremely long shelf life and easy handling. The battery can be charged from the mains supply in the rider's own home or at one of the now widespread e-charging stations throughout Europe.

Bosch range calculator

What does a good hardtail eMTB cost?

In terms of price, an E-Hardtail is much more interesting than an E-Fully, since an entry is already possible here from 1500€-1800€. The golden mean is around 2500€, which is still in the affordable range. In this price range, much more is offered than in the entry-level models. The motor and battery are often optically appealing integrated into a lightweight aluminum frame. This also protects the sensitive electronics in the event of a fall. The high-end products start at about 3500 € and are almost exclusively equipped with a fully integrated motor and battery in the frame. This is often made of carbon, which makes the E-MTB hardtail significantly lighter.

For more information and an individual consultation, we are happy to help you by phone, as well as in our bike center in Schwäbisch Hall - Hessental.

What types of mountain bikes are there?

Cross Country Bikes, Marathon Bikes

These mountain bikes are mainly used in cross-country racing. They are very light (between 10 kg and 13 kg), have high-quality components and are at home on forest trails, country roads and meadows. Great maneuverability and power transfer are the focus of every cross-country bike. The suspension travel is about 100 mm to 120 mm.

Downhill-Mountainbike

Steep, challenging trails are easy for the bike, it easily masters obstacles. A low steering angle and a fully retracted saddle provide an optimal center of gravity. Grippy fat tires provide the necessary grip. The suspension travel is approx. 1. 180 m - 250 mm.

All Mountain Bikes, Trailbikes und Enduros

All-mountain bikes are suitable for almost everything. Especially on long tours in mountainous terrain (e.g. over the Alps) and in the flat country you will be thrilled by this equipment. The lightly built bikes (approx. 10 kg -14 kg) are the perfect outdoor companions that you can always rely on for climbs, descents and small jumps. On many models, the suspension travel can be locked or reduced to make it easier to ride uphill. The suspension travel is approximately 120 mm to 160 mm. Our enduro bikes are designed for an even wider range of use. With these bikes you can master faster descents, higher jumps and easier climbs. The suspension travel is approx. 140 mm to 180 mm.

Freeride-Mountainbike

Technician in the mountain bike world! Very steep terrain, complex obstacles and long jumps are no problem here. It is a mixture of downhill and cross bike. The suspension travel is about 165 mm to 200 mm.

Fat Bike - Let's have fun

Whether on snow, sand or loose ground, fatbikes are usually recognized by their thick, wide tires. They are twice as wide (4-4.8 inches) as normal MTB tires. This type of bike has no suspension. A little less air in the tire gives you the suspension performance you need.

Dirt-Jump-Bike

As the name suggests, this is mainly the bike variant where you can get on your bike to perform various so-called "tricks" in the air. Meanwhile, the boundaries between hardtail and fully blurred.

What distinguishes an eBike hardtail for ladies? Men's mountain bike or women's mountain bike?

Pay particular attention to the features of the eBike Hardtail for women when choosing a mountain bike. They differ in that they provide a comfortable sitting position without back pain or discomfort on trails and tours.

• short crank arm
• tuned spring element
• Special saddle
• short torso and short arm reach
• Smaller frame size means smaller overhang height
• narrower handlebars and grips
• small handbrake lever adjustment
• Low entry or trapezoidal frame

A women's bike makes sense because of the smaller frame size. The frame size XXS (13.5") is tailored to the ergonomics of women, but also fits well on male models. Most models are already very well made and tailored to the average body type, but there are big differences in body types. If you have smaller hands or are petite overall, the women's model is just right.

Is a push aid on an eBike hardtail useful?

Not all e-bikers need this support. However, with its stately weight compared to a bicycle, this extra feature quickly proves to be very useful. The pushing aid also simplifies handling enormously on steep ramps. Push aids are also very useful on tours. Uphill, many cyclists have major problems. Using a push aid or starting aid makes this task much easier. Like the push aid, the starting aid is also limited to a maximum of 6 km/h, but the support is somewhat stronger.

Pushing aids significantly facilitate the handling of an eBike Hardtail. The advantages of push aids are particularly convincing in the following situations:

• If you like to venture into difficult terrain
• When you need to push your eBike out of basement driveways or underground parking garage driveways
• It is too steep to pedal
• Your driving technique and the engine do not allow you to continue.

Can I attach accessories to my eBike Hardtail?

Of course! You can customize your eBike Hardtail perfectly to your needs and fully equip it with accessories. Whether with bags, lighting systems, racks, bike locks and many other accessories.

How can I make my e-bike hardtail safe for road use?

E-bikes also need some accessories to be allowed on the roads in Germany. Some regulations may be a bit vague, but one thing is clear: problems arise when traffic control does not approve the lighting and it is not certified. That's why we've listed here exactly what you should pay attention to in order to ride legally and, above all, safely at all times.

What do you need for an e-bike with road approval?

• Headlight and taillight
• Reflectors front and rear
• Reflectors on both wheels
• Bicycle bell
• Functioning brakes

e-Bike Hardtail made of carbon or aluminum - Which frame suits me?

Aluminum eBike Hardtail

Instead of pure aluminum, mountain bike frames use a mixture of 95-98% aluminum and other metals called aluminum alloys. Mountain bikes usually use 6061 aluminum, but many companies use different names for this material.

Aluminum e-bike hardtails

Carbon eBike Hardtail

Not so long ago, carbon fiber mountain bikes were pretty rare. The technology is now so sophisticated that carbon bikes can easily catch up with most aluminum bikes in terms of stability.

Because of the different ways in which carbon fibers are woven, it is not easy to define the specific properties of carbon. Because of its excellent malleability, carbon has allowed frame builders to create previously unthinkable frame designs. So if you come across a particularly exotic frame on the trail, you can assume it's probably made of carbon.

eBike Hardtail made of carbon or aluminum - which material is better suited for my mountain bike?

This question cannot be answered across the board. Both materials have different properties that can have advantages or disadvantages depending on the area of application.