If you want maximum assistance – in terms of both peak power and torque – combined with long range, then a ‘full-fat’ motor powered by a large-capacity battery is the way to go. The drawback is extra weight – although this makes less difference if it’s well-positioned, as low down and central in the frame as possible.
You’ll find one of the five drive units listed here on most bikes, although Rocky Mountain use their own motor, made by Propulsion PowerCycle, and you’ll also occasionally come across a Yamaha PW-X3, including on Giant’s e-bikes, where it’s rebadged as the SyncDrive Pro.
While the continuous rated power output of all UK e-MTB motors is the same – a legally-mandated 250W – and these five all have similar max torque figures, too, they feel surprisingly different to each other out on the trails.
MERIDA EONE-SIXTY 6000 £6,000
The brand’s latest carbon fibre enduro e-bike loses some weight to boost the riding experience
Merida’s new eOne-Sixty is aimed at performance-orientated riders who prioritise handling and a dynamic ride feel over all-out range. Hard-chargers are welcome here!
THE FRAME
With its carbon fibre construction, new suspension layout and integrated battery, Merida say they’ve cut around 0.7kg off the frame weight. The brand use Shimano’s latest EP801 motor, dishing out 600W of peak power, 250W of continuous power and 85Nm of torque, powered by a 600Wh battery. A 360Wh range extender is available, taking total capacity to 960Wh.
The bike’s 174mm of rear-wheel travel is doled out by a single-pivot swingarm and linkage-driven shock, with carbon flexstays used in place of a seatstay pivot to cut weight and maintenance. Merida’s ‘FAST’ kinematics are
