BUYER'S GUIDE
While full-suspension e-bikes are available in this price range, we wouldn’t fancy taking them off-road, so you’re looking at an e-hardtail. Cheaper models will often have a rear-hub motor, external battery and budget parts. Spend a bit more and you should get a mid-drive motor from a big name, a semi- or fully-integrated battery and better kit. With no rear bounce, all that motor/battery weight and some spec compromises, we’d stick to less full-on trails.
EG. CARRERA VENGEANCE E www.halfords.com
Full-sus e-bikes now start to creep into the line-ups of ‘superstore’ brands such as Carrera (Halfords) and Rockrider (Decathlon). You won’t get such good components as on an equivalent e-hardtail, but they often share their motor tech with pricier models, and that rear bounce should mean a more controlled, less rattly ride, even if the damping is likely to be fairly basic. Look for a Bosch or Shimano motor and a good mid-range fork and shock.
EG. ROCKRIDER E-EXPL 520 S www.decathlon.co.uk
This is where bigger names enter the full-sus fray, including Canyon, CUBE, Giant and Marin. That means sleeker looks, plus geometry proven on the brands’ trail and enduro bikes. The motor and parts won’t necessarily be any improvement on their budget counterparts, but test rides become an option and manufacturer back-up is often better if something goes wrong. Again, prioritise a decent fork and shock.
EG. MARIN RIFT ZONE E1 www.marinbikes.com
For this much money, you should get a sorted bike with the latest motor tech, suspension from Fox or RockShox, and 12-speed gearing. We start to see specialisation, too, with a choice of shorter-travel ‘trail’ or burlier ‘enduro’ models, and varying battery sizes. This is where the first ‘SL’ bikes begin to crop up, as well as some with lightweight carbon fibre frames. There’s often a choice of wheel sizes, too (29in, 650b or a ‘mullet’ mix of the two).
EG. CANNONDALE HABIT NEO 3 www.cannondale.com
Above £8k, you’re paying for small refinements in frame construction, weight and more, plus ‘best of the best’ parts such as Factory/Ultimate-series forks and shocks, the latest electronic shifting and suspension-adjustment systems, and super-light carbon fibre wheels. On top-end bikes, we’re also beginning to see integrated touchscreens to control the motor. You don’t need to spend this much on an e-bike, but if you’ve got the money, why not!