2024 Haibike

AllMtn 2

Haibike has been producing contenders for the best e-bike award longer than most. And by only producing e-bikes it’s not tied to building electric versions of existing analogue bikes in order to make sense in the marketplace. It can also concentrate its resources on developing assisted models, rather than being pulled in two directions. Which should give the brand a unique advantage over traditional manufacturers. That’s the theory, but does this work in reality?  Need to know Full-carbon e-bike with 160mm travel front and rear Yamaha PW-X2 motor with 600wh removable battery RockShox Zeb Charger R fork and Super Deluxe Select shock and full Shimano XT groupset are no nonsense performers Mullet-sized DT Swiss wheels shod with quality Maxxis Assegai/DHR II tyres While it might not have any regular analogue bikes in its range, what Haibike does have is a bewildering choice of electric bikes – from trekking bikes to hardtails and a myriad of “e-Fullys”, ranging from the lightweight Lyke with its Fazua motor, through to the AllTrail and AllMtn ranges. At the burliest end of the spectrum are the big-hit Nduro models, some of which equipped with triple-clamp forks for a true ‘self uplift’ experience.  Somewhere in the middle of this expansive offering can be found this, the AllMtn CF 12, a full-carbon enduro bike sporting 160mm travel front and rear, a mullet wheel set-up with meaty 2.5in/2.8in Maxxis tyres, a rock-solid RockShox Zeb fork up front and a workhorse Shimano XT groupset. It’s all powered by a Yamaha PW-X2 motor, punching out 80Nm torque, wired to a 600wh removable battery. For the money, I think this represents pretty good value, and it sits in a sector of Haibike’s range where choice is aplenty – for example, the same money could also get you the AllMtn10 for example, which foregos the carbon frame but gains the more powerful PW-X3 motor (with 5Nm more torque) and 750wh battery, alongside top-drawer components like Mavic Deemax wheels and Fox Factory suspension. Which, considering most carbon frames only save around 500g, would probably be the smart choice if you’re after the ultimate on-trail performance. But back to the CF 12, and the deep gloss Ferrari-red paint makes this a striking looking bike. The distinctive humpy top-tube is aesthetically divisive and does nothing for standover clearance, but the clean, swooping, sculpted lines and neat details – like the gridded vent holes in the head tube – are appealing. It’s chunky as hell and every tube looks ready to take a beating, so much so that one friend noted that it’s about the only bike that makes a Zeb fork look anorexic.  That big down tube houses the Yamaha In-Tube battery (removable via the supplied key – don’t lose it!), hidden behind a removable plastic flap that snaps into place. This panel needs to be removed for charging, even if you leave the battery in the bike, as the charge port is hidden behind it. With only a pop stud to hold it in …Continue reading »

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We found ourselves thinking, ‘Is this a race bike?

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