Product news / E-MTB: Husqvarna is relaunching the popular all-mountain e-mountain bike Mountain Cross for the 2021 model year. The focus is on the brand new Shimano EP8 motor (LINK). Other changes include an adjustment to the geometry and a wheel mix. We have already been able to test the Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC7 briefly.
At first glance, the Husqvarna Mountain Cross 2021 hardly differs visually from the model from the previous year. The silhouette makes the bike immediately recognizable as a Husqvarna e-mountain bike. As usual, the independent motor interface focuses on the new Shimano EP8 motor. But on closer inspection, the detailed adjustments become visible.
Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC7 – short and sweet
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Engine: Shimano EP8, 85Nm
- Battery pack: Intube, 630Wh
- Suspension travel: 150/150 mm
- wheel size: Mullet mix (29/27.5)
- Price: 6.799 Euros
Adjusted geometry and impeller mix
The innovations for 2021 include a geometry adjustment and the use of a wheel mix. In addition to a slacker steering angle, the length of the top tube has also been adjusted. This more modern geometry is primarily intended to improve handling in more demanding terrain. In addition, Husqvarna uses mixed tires for all Mountain Cross models. A 29-inch front wheel with a width of 2,4 inches is primarily intended to ensure better rollover behavior, while the smaller, 27.5-inch rear wheel with 2,6-inch wide tires ensures agility.
Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC7 equipment
The equipment of the Mountain Cross MC6.800, which costs 7 euros, is of high quality and has been chosen sensibly. A suspension made by Fox is responsible for the suspension. A Fox 36 Factory does its job at the front, while the rear is kept in check by a Fox Float DPS Factory damper.
In order to stop the powerful acceleration of the Shimano EP8 motor, Husqvarna relies on proven Shimano XT brakes with four pistons and 203 mm brake discs.
It is shifted with a mix of Shimano XT 12-speed rear derailleur and a Shimano Deore cassette with a wide range of 10-51 teeth. Maxxis Rekon tires are supposed to provide the necessary traction – 29×2.40 at the front, 27.5×2.60 at the rear.
Shimano EP8 - More power with less weight
The biggest innovation, on the other hand, is the new Shimano EP8 drive. This replaces the proven and groundbreaking E8000 motor and eliminates all of its criticisms: With a maximum of 85 Nm, the drive is now on par with the E-MTB competition in terms of power, while at the same time the designers managed to reduce the weight to an impressive 2,6 kg. This makes the EP8 approx. 300g lighter than its predecessor and many of the competition. Furthermore, the somewhat unpleasant background noise of the predecessor could be calmed down and the already excellent response behavior further improved.
Shimano EP8 motor presented: The new E-MTB reference?
Product News / E-Performance: With the Shimano EP8, the bicycle giant is introducing a completely new E-MTB drive that will inherit the successful and groundbreaking E8000. When it comes to maximum performance, it catches up with the competition, and when it comes to weight, it even undercuts them. He also has a few other aces up his sleeve. We turn the wheel of time a little [...]
Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC7 – first driving impression
At the product presentation in Munich we had the opportunity to briefly test the Mountain Cross MC7 on the Isar trails. Out of our big E-MTB test were the driving characteristics of the previous model was still well remembered and so we were curious to see how the geometry adjustments - and above all the new Shimano EP8 motor - affect the driving characteristics.
As soon as you get on the bike, you feel noticeably better integrated into the bike. The flatter steering angle in combination with the 29 inch front wheel are decisive for this. The cockpit is ergonomic and you can find your way around straight away.
The chassis works sensitively and willingly releases its suspension travel, especially at the rear. Real racers will miss some counter pressure here, but for most the comfortable alignment of the chassis, especially with regard to the intended use, is very well chosen. The same applies to the tyres: The Maxxis Rekon with EXO carcass offer a nice mix of good rolling characteristics and comfort. Only at high speeds or on muddy ground do the rubbers sometimes reach their limits.
The new Shimano EP8 motor immediately catches the eye with two properties: power and volume! The 15 Nm more torque compared to the predecessor E8000 can be felt immediately. It is astounding that the volume has been significantly reduced despite the higher performance. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for a more detailed driving impression at this point. In addition, the built-in EP8 engine was still a pre-production model.
During the short test, the new Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC7 left a positive impression. The geometry adjustments and the Shimano EP8 motor make you want more. We look forward to future and more extensive tests!
A quick check of more Shimano EP8 E-MTBs
Checking out the first Shimano EP8 E-MTBs: New bikes from Bulls, Focus, Merida and Husqvarna
Product news / E-MTB: Today Shimano presented the new EP8 motor to the public for the first time. We were able to take a look at some new Shimano EP8 E-MTBs in advance. Believe it or not, it's been five (!) years since Shimano presented their first own motor for e-mountain bikes, the E8000. A little eternity in the fast-paced […]
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