2024 Lightweight E-MTB Shootout: Which Were Our Favorites?

E-MTBs have evolved more than just about any cycling category over the past few years, and over the past couple weeks we pitted five of the best against each other in a head to head test. In this video we share our high level thoughts and comparisons of each. Check out the links below to watch the full reviews of each bike;
• Pivot Shuttle SL Revie...
• Santa Cruz Heckler SL ...
• Specialized Turbo Levo...
• Transition Relay PNW R...
• Trek Fuel EXe Review: ...
See how the bikes compare on our website: 99spokes.com/compare?bikes=sa...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:30 What is a "SL" E-MTB?
02:31 Our Favorites From the Test
05:18 Comparing Drive Systems
08:59 Range Test Results
10:30 Our Biggest Takeaway
14:47 Bike Weights Compared
#emtb #mtb #mountainbike

[@lforrest14]

I absolutely like this review, I like the breakdown and the honest thoughts. I do wish I could find a review of the lower cost models of these bikes. Each one of these were the top end bikes, that cost close to 10k or more for some of them. I believe most viewers are not spending that much on their e-bike, especially when there are lower cost options for each bike. I would love to see reviews of these brands with the models that fit in the price range most commonly purchased.

[@99spokes]

Glad you liked it! We can only review what companies send us, and in most cases they like to show off their flashy flagship bikes. That said, we’re always trying to feature as diverse of a collection of bikes as possible! Let us know if there’s any specific model you’d like to see and we can try to get our hands on one 🤞

[@lforrest14]

@@99spokes Ahh, great point about what they send you, I can fully understand why they do that. I currently have a full power Rocky Mountain Instinct PP and have been debating which SL model bike I want to get, as I do want to move to a lightweight. I have tried two of the brands you featured, the Specialized and the Trek, though both lower cost models. I really want to get on a Santa Cruz, so hearing your comments and comparison with the others really help. If Rocky Mountain came out with a SL model, then that will be a must for your next vid, hopefully next year.

[@TK-pv6qu]

I have the aluminum Relay and love it. My other bike is a carbon Transition Sentinel. The Relay has convinced me that I never need to spend the extra money on carbon. The geometry of bikes these day make bikes so efficient and confidence expiring. Unless you ride cross country, carbon is way overrated and overpriced.

[@99spokes]

I'm guessing its only a matter of time, that would be cool to see!

[@KurtRWalker]

I need to come ride Bend, what are the best 3-4 trails(networks) I should consider coming and riding coming from Utah/AZ/Vegas techy ledgy chunk? Orbea Rise for now.

[@99spokes]

Sadly Bend isn’t super e-bike friendly (this was filled in Bellingham, WA). The best legal spots near by Bend are Oakridge and Post Canyon

[@KurtRWalker]

@@99spokes They dont look the other way the way most places do ? I know Drew and the Loam Wolf boys are there

[@guambra2001]

Fuel Exe FTW but it would be good to test the non-10K version though. That’s pretty steep for all things considered.

[@Bueller611]

It'd be nice if all youtubers would review lower spec models but it usually isn't their choice, the manufacturer sends the top spec because they want to showcase the best version of the bike

[@99spokes]

Agreed, but sadly it’s the bike brands who decide what to send, and they of course like to show off their top-tier stuff

[@99spokes]

This 💯

[@Manu_Air228]

in which power mode did you do your range testing?

[@99spokes]

We used the middle setting on every bike

[@BikingBadwithTC]

Thx for this comparison and review. Btw, Spesh SL 1.2 motor is made by Mahle not Brose.

[@99spokes]

Good call, thank you!

[@philiphawkins4684]

Can you guys contact Fazua to find out when the range extender is coming, I think this is quite important in the selection of a bike.

[@tmae-9284]

Fazua announced it tb available end of 2024

[@99spokes]

We’ve tried! They’ve been saying it’s on the way for years

[@duncanashton8359]

Any chance of you getting your hands on a Rise LT in the next week? That would be the ultimate comparison for me

[@99spokes]

I wish! We reached out to them about including one but never got a reply.

[@Zorba764]

What happens to the peddling when the battery has been drained?

[@99spokes]

There’s a touch more drag in the drivetrain, but it’s much better than e-bikes from a couple years ago!

[@michaelprince3248]

Did you compare how each bike performed with different rider weights?

[@99spokes]

Our weight range was about 170-210. Are you meaning suspension performance or battery range?

[@nicolascastillo9667]

Metric is the law guys. Good review thanks!

[@spawnrcandbikes]

how about that new canyon neuron....wonder hows power and range

[@99spokes]

Would love to try it out, hopefully soon 🤞🤞

[@kickin123]

Those Fuels just give me so much range anxiety... especially given the price. Really interested in the new 2025 Orbea Rise SL with the 630...

[@99spokes]

Ours actually did pretty well in the range test! And the ability to run a range extender is great too 👌

[@davidz6576]

Sure the new Rise SL or LT with the bigger battery will ho further. But since I am not using highest Power all day + dont have crazy high climbs here I can tell you for the Fuel EXe I get around 50 - 60km with around 1000m heightgain. That's pretty good enough for me. :) EDIT: Its 18kg on the spot in Size L with Pedals. A Rise with 630wh battery will be a touch heavier, but still will be an awesome bike. Wanna test the LT version aswell :)

[@mikeriley1475]

I wouldn’t sweat it. It wasn’t discussed here but the fuel actually pedals really well with the power off. I rode over 10 miles a couple weeks ago with the kids on the trails before we split the groups up and I turned the power on so I could cover ground faster going back and forth. I’ve also burned through my battery on a longer trail day and had to climb back out with no power…it was fine.

[@andybcardoso1978]

Curious how Orbea Rise LTD stacks up

[@jordanmackay3568]

It's not an SL

[@wmercer7234]

@@jordanmackay3568 it certainly is

[@brendamyers4689]

I have a Carbon Orbea Rise m team. It weighs in at 34 lbs so it is definitely lightweight. @@jordanmackay3568

[@99spokes]

We are too haha, but they sadly weren’t able to send one to test

[@timc4258]

I have a Heckler SL and my buddy has the Rise with the big battery. Tops I can get 25 miles of range with ~2K feet of climbing at 190 lbs. My buddy with the Rise usually has 30-40% batter left when I'm out of juice - he's about 165 lbs. That being said, my Heckler SL Handles SO Good. I freaking love it.

[@TheDiablosix6six]

I think your vertical feet to miles conversion is completely wrong!! There's no way that these bikes are climbing 12 vertical miles!!

[@Certago]

One is height and the other is distance travelled during the climb...

[@99spokes]

There are two vertical axes haha

[@Kenevoslcomp777]

Should have done kenevo sl 1.2 instead of Levo

[@99spokes]

We tested what brands were able to send us, but yes we’d love to get our hands on a Kenevo!