E-MTB pioneers\u2019 latest model is much lighter and less industrial-looking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Haibike were one of the first brands to make viable e-MTBs \u2013 in fact, they claim to have invented them \u2013 and have long been the industry leaders in Europe. Their bikes have always worked with stereotypical Germanic efficiency, but haven\u2019t been as sought-after as the likes of Specialized\u2019s Turbo Levo here in the UK. The new LYKE could change that. Not only is it one of the new breed of lighter-weight e-bikes \u2013 using FAZUA\u2019s latest, removable RIDE 60 drive system, here claimed to supply 60Nm of max torque and paired with a 430Wh battery \u2013 but it looks a lot sleeker than previous Haibikes, too.<\/p>\n\n \u201cAmbitious trail riders,\u201d according to Haibike, who are looking for smooth climbing and agile descending.<\/p>\n\n Travel: <\/strong>140mm front and rear, via four-bar linkage Wheels: <\/strong>29in Frame: <\/strong>Carbon fibre with alloy rocker link, S-XL Drive <\/strong>system: <\/strong>FAZUA RIDE 60 motor, 430Wh battery Geometry: <\/strong>65-degree head angle, 77.3-degree seat angle, 479mm reach and 1,259mm wheelbase (size large) Extras: <\/strong>Optional 210Wh range extender Pricing: <\/strong>\u00a35,699 to \u00a38,799 More <\/strong>info: <\/strong>www.haibike.com<\/a> <\/em>Available: <\/strong>TBC<\/p>\n\n Pivot\u2019s newest e-bike boasts more power and travel <\/p>\n\n In case Pivot\u2019s 140mm-travel Shuttle e-bike (now given the suffix AM) doesn\u2019t suit your needs, and neither does the lightweight Shuttle SL unveiled last month, the US brand have added a third option to their fullsus e-MTB range, the Shuttle LT. This uses the same Shimano EP8 drive unit as the AM but gets an even bigger battery, longer-travel suspension and a burlier build. Pivot describe this model as a \u201c756Wh powerhouse\u201d, which is \u201crace-ready and ultra-refined\u201d. <\/p>\n\n Riders who prize outright power and descending prowess over light weight and don\u2019t mind sacrificing a little nimbleness at lower speeds. <\/p>\n\n Travel: <\/strong>170mm front, 160mm rear via twin-link DW-link system Wheels: <\/strong>29in Frame: <\/strong>Carbon fibre, S-XL Drive system: <\/strong>Shimano STEPS EP8 motor with 756Wh battery Geometry: <\/strong>64-degree head angle, 76.5-degree seat tube angle, 488mm reach and 1,282mm wheelbase (large size, \u2018low\u2019 setting) Pricing: <\/strong>\u00a310,000 or \u00a312,000 More info: <\/strong>https:\/\/saddleback.co.uk<\/a> <\/em>Available: <\/strong>\u201cSoon\u201d <\/p>\n\n New 5010 completes wholesale move from 650b wheels <\/p>\n\n With the launch of their latest 5010 trail bike, Santa Cruz have completely ditched 650b front wheels from their range. Buyers now only have the option of a mixed-wheel-size \u2018mullet\u2019 bike (29in front, 650b rear), such as the new 5010, or a full 29er. The same goes for sister brand Juliana and their updated Furtado, which shares the same frame. Santa Cruz say the bigger front wheel provides more traction, while the smaller rear wheel keeps things agile \u2013 a combination that \u201cresults in stupid fun\u201d. The 5010\/Furtado\u2019s 130mm of Virtual Pivot Point travel hasn\u2019t changed, but it has less anti-squat than the previous-generation bike, for better ground-tracking and to reduce pedal kickback. Like its predecessor, it\u2019ll only be available in carbon fibre, with no alloy option. Seat tube angles and chainstay lengths vary across the size range to give every rider the same balanced geometry, with the latter being slightly longer than on the outgoing frame to balance out the bigger front wheel. <\/p>\n\n Riders wanting a playful-feeling but capable trail bike. <\/p>\n\n Travel: <\/strong>140mm front, 130mm rear via twin-link VPP system Wheels: <\/strong>29in front, 650b rear Frame: <\/strong>\u2018C\u2019 or lighter \u2018CC\u2019 carbon fibre, XS-XXL (Furtado XS-M) Geometry: <\/strong>64.9-degree head angle, 76.8-degree seat angle, 1,240mm wheelbase, 476mm reach (large size, \u2018low\u2019 setting) Extras: <\/strong>\u2018Glovebox\u2019 down tube storage system Pricing: <\/strong>Five full builds from \u00a35,299 to \u00a39,499 More <\/strong>info: <\/strong>www.santacruz <\/em>bicycles.com<\/a> <\/em>Available: <\/strong>TBC <\/p>\n\n Trek\u2019s flagship trail bike gets more travel and fettling options <\/p>\n\n Sat between Trek\u2019s Top Fuel downcountry bike and Slash enduro rig is the Fuel EX, their 140\/150mm-travel trail bike. The US giant have packed in loads of tricks on this new version. First up is their \u2018Mino Link\u2019, which adjusts the head <\/span>and seat tube angles as well as BB height. Then there\u2019s the adjustable headset cups, which add a further degree of head angle adjustment. Finally, there\u2019s the \u2018Adjustable Leverage Rate\u2019 chip to tune the suspension, plus give both air and coil shock compatibility. Add in the ability to run a mullet wheel set-up and 160mm fork, plus seven models in carbon or alloy and eight frame sizes, and there looks to be a Fuel EX to suit every rider and budget. <\/p>\n\n It\u2019s firmly aimed at trail riders and should be great for big pedals in the hills or getting <\/span>rowdy in the woods. <\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_p24-25_launches..PRESS_haibike-1024x719.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nNEED TO KNOW<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
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\n\nANOTHER SHUTTLE PREPARED FOR LAUNCH <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_launches.PRESS_pivot2-768x1024.jpg\")
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\n\nSANTA CRUZ FULLY EMBRACE THE MULLET <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\n\nEX-TRA ADJUSTABILITY <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/MBK_413_p24-25_launches..PRESS_trek-1024x706.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nNEED TO KNOW <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
WHO\u2019S IT FOR? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
KEY STATS <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n