Market / E-Performance: Haibike is one of the pioneers in the e-bike sector, not only in Germany but worldwide. The manufacturer from Schweinfurt has been represented with a wide range of e-MTBs in particular for many years. In addition, buyers have the choice between two different drives – Bosch and Yamaha. The latter is used in the Haibike SDURO models and will receive a comprehensive update for 2017. We took a look at the innovations and took a close look at the 2017 models.
Haibike SDURO Evo 2017: New Yamaha PW-X drive
Two years ago, Haibike introduced a whole range of different e-bikes with drives from the Japanese manufacturer Yamaha with its SDURO product range. In the past year, the variety of SDURO models, which are mostly in the middle price segment, has been significantly expanded and for 2017 the drive itself is now being given a number of comprehensive updates. The dimensions of the motor have been reduced by 13% compared to the previous model - this not only ensures a better look, but also makes it easier for the designers to integrate it into the frame, which, as in previous years, will be carried out using specially developed gravity casting.
Thanks to the shrunken dimensions and technical developments such as the use of a hollow axle, the weight could also be reduced noticeably: The new Yamaha PW-X weighs only 3,1kg and is therefore one of the lightest e-bike motors currently available. However, the smaller dimensions do not mean that there is less power inside - on the contrary: The small Japanese powerhouse has an output of 250 watts - the predecessor was able to do that, but the PW-X supports up to a cadence of 120 revolutions and brings in the new extra power settings up to 80Nm on road or trail. But the drive does not only deliver at the upper end of the cadence spectrum: the new zero-cadence function offers gentle support even when pedaling slowly, for example during technical passages.
Haibike SDURO Evo 2017: display integration in the stem and e-connectivity with GPS and Bluetooth
However, there is more to an e-bike drive than just the motor - the display, control unit and battery in particular have a major influence on whether the power of the motor gets to where it is needed at the right moment. So far, the SDURO models with Yamaha drive were only available with 400Wh batteries - that will change in 2017. Haibike has given its SDURO Evo models a lavish energy store with 500Wh, which should provide the necessary endurance even on longer tours.
The manufacturer from Schweinfurt is particularly proud of the new display: From now on, this will be integrated into the stem in a form-fitting manner and sits slightly recessed in a massive CNC milled part. This not only looks good, but also serves to protect the display in the event of a fall. However, so that different riders can stick to their own preferences regarding stem length, the display attachment is removable and can be combined with different lengths.
Smart solutions on e-bikes are becoming more and more popular, modern interfaces such as Bluetooth are being used and the advantages of smartphones are combined with high-tech vehicles such as today's e-bikes. At Haibike, this new interface, which will initially be exclusive to the Yamaha SDURO EVO models, is called eConnect. The integrated on-board unit communicates with the outside world via Bluetooth; Integrated GPS and a cooperation with Telekom expands the possibilities of such a smart interface enormously: From theft protection to route tracking to automated emergency calls, the possibilities are almost unlimited.
New model structure for Haibike e-bikes
After Haibike presented almost 40 new e-bikes from all spectrums of the two-wheeler world last year, the extensive portfolio will be maintained and even expanded this year. As a customer, you can quickly lose track of things - that's why the e-bike pioneer from Schweinfurt decided to restructure the e-performance range and is now assigning the model series to new supercategories:
- Extreme off-road: Dwnhll, Nduro
- Heavy off-road: AllMtn, Fatsix
- Light off-road: Nine/Seven, Life, Four
- Allroad: Cross, trekking
- Street: Urban, race
Haibike SDURO 2017: Plus tires and modern frame geometry
The biggest changes in the coming SDURO model year will be in the tire dimensions. The extra-wide 650b+ tires are becoming increasingly popular, especially for e-bikes, so it is not surprising that a large proportion of Haibike e-MTBs in 2017 will be equipped with tire widths between 2,6″ and 3″.
The new Yamaha drive will be used on all 7.0 and 8.0 models – these bikes have the Evo name suffix and, in addition to the new drive, will also have a completely new frame. With the fullies, not only does the damper linkage change, but the geometry in particular has been cut back and the wheels given a good makeover. In principle, all models grow in length, while the steering angle becomes flatter - this takes account of the latest developments in the off-road sector. These corrections to the geometry place the rider in the middle of the bike, improve smoothness and handling, especially on technical and steep terrain.
Haibike SDURO FullSeven Evo
The SDURO FullSeven models were among the top sellers at Haibike last year and that will probably not change this year either. In particular, the two top models, FullSeven 7.0 and 8.0, come with convincing features and, in view of this, an extremely attractive price. Thanks to the plus tires, they are extremely good-natured on the trail, and the 120mm spring travel at the front and rear offer additional reserves without reducing their liveliness. The new geometry gives experienced drivers and newcomers alike noticeably more safety.
Haibike SDURO FullSeven 7.0 Evo
Engine: Yamaha PW-X 250W
Suspension fork: FOX 34 Float Performance 120mm
Shock: FOX Float DPS Performance EVOL
Brakes: Magura MT4
Gears: Shimano XT/SLX
Price: € 3.999
Haibike SDURO FullSeven 8.0 Evo
Engine: Yamaha PW-X 250W
Suspension fork: FOX 34 Float Performance 120mm
Shock: FOX Float DPS Performance EVOL
Brakes: Magura MT5
Gears: Shimano XT 2×10
Price: € 4.999
Haibike SDURO AllMtn Evo
There is also a lot that is new with the SDURO AllMtn bikes with 150mm travel. The new frame now has room for a shock with metric dimensions and thanks to the eConnect interface, the trail all-rounders offer all sorts of smart features such as anti-theft protection or an emergency call function. The geometry has also been adjusted and shows the alignment of the bikes: Especially on the descents, you should be able to really let it rip with the Haibike SDURO AllMtn Evo.
Haibike SDURO AllMtn Evo 7.0
Engine: Yamaha PW-X 250W
Suspension fork: FOX 34 Float Performance 150mm
Shock: FOX Float DPS Performance EVOL
Brakes: Magura MT5
Gears: Shimano XT/SLX
Price: € 4.299
Haibike SDURO AllMtn 8.0 Evo
Engine: Yamaha PW-X 250W
Suspension fork: Magura Boltron 150mm
Shock: FOX Float DPS Performance EVOL
Brakes: Magura MT5
Gears: Shimano XT
Price: € 5.499
Haibike SDURO Nduro Evo
The Nduro is the most downhill representative of the SDURO series and not only comes with a generous 180mm of spring travel, but also a geometry and a chassis with which the rider should feel right at home even on the most demanding tracks of the local bike parks - thanks to the lift you can of the powerful motor and the long-lasting 500Wh battery.
Haibike SDURO Nduro 7.0 Evo
Engine: Yamaha PW-X 250W
Suspension fork: RockShox Yari RC 180mm
Shock: RockShox RC3 180mm
Brakes: Magura MT5
Gears: Shimano XT/SLX
Price: € 4.999
Haibike SDURO Nduro 8.0 Evo
Engine: Yamaha PW-X 250W
Suspension fork: RockShox Lyrik RCT3 180mm
Shock: RockShox RC3 180mm
Brakes: Magura MT7
Circuit: SRAM X1
Price: € 5.999
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