Test: With the XDuro Race and Superrace, the e-MTB pioneers from Haibike are the only ones to date to offer an e-racer in large series that convinces with propulsion and riding fun.
Electric drives may have conquered the hearts of the mountain bike world, but racing cyclists have so far been averse to them. Or let's put it this way: So far there are no suitable models for fans of narrow tires - with one exception, however. Haibike, also a trailblazing pioneer in e-mountain bikes, presented a study of an electric racer several years ago, which has now become an integral part of the program.
Can an e-bike work? Yes, but only if it is designed as an S-Pedelec, i.e. with a drive that supports up to 45 km/h. A racing bike that limits at 25 km/h would be completely pointless, considering the speed ranges in which you are traveling on narrow tires. Right from the start, Haibike relied on the fast Bosch Performance motor, which really gets the 18-kilo light "Race" going. Cruising speeds of around 35 km/h are easy to handle; on the mountain you think you have the legs of a professional cyclist and you can look forward to unimagined speeds. The enormous engine power is of course flanked by the typical side effects of fast e-bikes: cycle paths are banned (according to the legislator, the "mopeds free" sign is also not a pass for S-Pedelecs), license plates, side mirrors and additional reflectors are things with which you have to get used to if you want to indulge in the rush of speed with the Haibike XDuro Race.
A few equipment details were still rather unusual for racing bikes when the Race was first introduced; today, however, 28mm tires (mounted on lightweight carbon wheels) and disc brakes are no longer a no-go for cyclists. Incidentally, both make sense in order to bring the combined engine and leg power onto the road or to keep it in check.
Of course, by no means everyone who loves brisk speed on smooth asphalt wants the curved racing handlebars on their bikes. So it's only logical that Haibike offers its e-racer as a "speed bike" with flat-bar handlebars under the name XDuro Superrace. You can experience a lot of driving fun with both variants - and teach non-motorized racing cyclists to fear, at least on the mountain.
Conclusion
Whoever sits on a Haibike XDuro Race or Superrace for the first time will be amazed. On the one hand because of the sporty driving experience, on the other hand because of the sheer speed and how easy it is to handle or pedal. However, you shouldn't delude yourself - with 18 kilos and a lot of extra weight in the bottom bracket area, you don't get a real racing bike feeling - especially not if the motor is carelessly switched off.
We tested the current 2015 models. The new 2016 models are already being presented at Hertseller Haibike, but they are not yet available.
Technical details
- Motor: Bosch mid-motor performance 45 km/h 36 volts, 350/250 watts
- Battery: LiIo 36 V, 400 Wh
- Display: Bosch Intuvia multifunction display with control element & traction help up to 18 km/h
- Fork: XDURO aluminum, tapered
- Derailleur: Sram X0, 10 speed
- Shifter: Sram X0 Trigger
- Crankset: The Hive, Exalite R Forged Aluminum
- Bottom bracket: integrated in the engine
- Sprocket: Sram PG 1070, 11-36 teeth
- Chain: Sram PC 1071
- Brake (front+rear): Magura MT 4, hydraulic disc brake, 180mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Durano E, foldable, for E-bike 45km/h, 28-622, SV valve
- Wheelset: Reynolds Assault SLG Disc
- Handlebar: XDURO Lowriser Alu
- Grips: XLC Sport screw grips
- Stem: XDURO Alu, A-Head
- Headset: FSA No. 57, A-Head, semi-integrated, tapered ZS44/28,6 ZS56/40
- Saddle: XDURO Light
- Pedals: XLC One Piece
- Headlight: Haibike eHeadlight LED 60 lux
- Rear light: Haibike StringLight LED light bar
- Stand: Pletscher ARA
- permissible total weight: 120 kg
- Frame: #14HAERA, aluminum 6061 hydroformed tubing, Bosch Gravity Casting Interface, 28″ wheels, quick-release 135mm, post-mount disc, road-race hardtail
- Bike weight: 17,9
- Price: 6299 euros
- Manufacturer's website: www.haibike.de
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