Readers' choice 2021: Over a period of several weeks, you - our readers - voted for the most exciting bikes of the 2021 season. Over 3.600 votes came together and we have now evaluated every single one of them. The results were also extremely exciting for us - with the e-MTBs 2021, the trend towards lower overall weight is also clearly evident in your choice.
The Velomotion readers' choice took place between December 15, 2020 and January 15, 2021. You have selected your favorites from a total of 17 bike categories. After the evaluation, we don't want to withhold the results from you and present you with the respective top 3.
Here you will find an overview of all categories and their respective winners:

Readers' Choice 2021: Our readers' favorite bikes
News from the editors: For four weeks, around the turn of the year 2020/21, our readers were able to vote on the most exciting new bicycles and e-bikes for the 2021 season. More than 3.600 participants chose their favorites in 17 categories and ensured an exciting result. We in the editorial department could hardly wait to evaluate the votes - […]
E-MTB Full Suspension: These are your favorites for 2021
For a number of years now, it has been said without exaggeration that full-suspension E-MTBs are the most versatile bikes out there. Comfortable, sporty, sometimes suitable for everyday use - even if they don't cover every conceivable purpose, they still feel good in many scenarios. For the 2021 season, this range will be even larger - this is also shown by your choice of the most exciting bikes of the season: With the Orbea Rise and the Specialized Levo SL you will find two very light E-MTBs, both of which are well under 20 kilograms weigh and are preparing to close the gap to traditional bikes in terms of riding feel and handling. The recently presented Santa Cruz Bullit completes the podium and, with a large 630 Wh battery and a Shimano EP 85 motor with up to 8 Nm, is more traditional.
The Orbea Rise is definitely one of the most exciting E-MTBs of 2021. Despite its amazingly low weight of approx. 16 kg (in the top version), it is by no means underpowered with 60 Nm of torque from the Shimano EP8 RS motor and promises a completely new riding experience . A 360 Wh battery is hidden in the slim down tube. The total capacity can be expanded to 612 Wh using an optional range extender in the design of a drinking bottle. Chapeau Orbea!
Price: 5.849 – 9.649 euros

Orbea Rise in the first test: With a record weight and Shimano EP8 on the E-MTB throne?
First Ride / E-MTBs: The new Orbea Rise could change the E-MTB market. Like probably no other E-MTB before, the trail bike from the Spaniards manages to balance weight, support and riding experience. The bike, which is equipped with a special Shimano EP8-RS motor and weighs less than 17 kg, is a dream for sporty e-mountain bikers. Orbea Rise: The […]
With the Levo SL, Specialized has once again demonstrated its pioneering spirit and dared to venture into the world of light, gently supporting e-mountain bikes. The specially developed mid-engine provides "only" 35 Nm of torque, but only has to move a very low total weight of approx. 17 kg. The internal 320 Wh battery can be "enlarged" using a range extender. 29ers, 150 mm travel and the low weight promise refreshing trail fun.
Price: 5.999 – 13.999 euros
Straight to the Levo at Specialized

Specialized LevoSL: Signs of a new E-MTB era?
Product news: Which mountain biker doesn't want a bike that is agile on trails and doesn't miss any jumps, no matter how big? My personal experiences with e-bikes so far have mostly left a lot of room for improvement, since agility and playfulness are usually lost at well over 20kg. This is exactly where the concept of the new Levo SL comes in. [...]
Santa Cruz entered the E-MTB market comparatively late. With the brand new Bullit, the traditional brand has an exciting E-MTB in its range. The carbon frame with VPP rear triangle elegantly accommodates the new Shimano EP8 motor and 630 Wh battery. Mixed wheel size and 170mm suspension travel should ensure maximum riding fun, especially on downhills. The equipment is noble and robust and makes the hearts of Santa Cruz fans beat faster.
Price: 7.699 – 11.699 euros
E-MTB hardtails: These are your favorites for 2021
The trend towards "Light E-MTBs", which can be clearly observed with the fullys, does not take place to the same extent among the hardtails. The reasons for this are obvious: The lower weight is likely to be most noticeable in really sporty use on the trail, while most E-MTB hardtails are more likely to be assigned to trail use touring. This is also reflected in the result of our readers' choice: With the Macina team from KTM, a very versatile hardtail is at the top here, which scores with the powerful CX motor, large battery and very attractive appearance. It also comes with eyelets for mounting a luggage rack, for example. The Focus Raven² with Fazua drive is lighter and sportier in second place, while the Levo Hardtail from Specialized is somewhere between the other two candidates.
With more than 25 years of e-bike experience, the traditional Austrian manufacturer KTM is one of the “old hands” on the market. This is reflected in the popular Macina Team series: high-quality aluminum frames meet elegant integration. Driven by powerful Bosch Performance CX engines, the Austrians show that they understand their customers' requirements. Fully equipped versions for everyday use and an "XL" version for heavy drivers confirm this.
Price: 2.999 – 3.999 euros
Focus was one of the first manufacturers to commit to low overall weight for e-mountain bikes. The Raven is practically a prime example: thanks to the use of the light Fazua drive system and sensibly selected components, the Focus Raven is one of the lightest E-MTBs on the market at around 16 kg. Two bikes in one: motor and battery can be removed as one unit, turning the e-bike into a classic MTB.
Price: 3.999 euros – 4.999 euros
The Specialized Turbo Levo has become an integral part of the e-bike market. Like its full-suspension counterparts, the hardtail relies on the Specialized 1.3 motor with 90 Nm of torque. This is characterized above all by powerful propulsion and almost resistance-free pedaling above the switch-off limit. A 500 Wh battery is hidden in the extremely slim down tube. 29-inch wheels and well-chosen equipment promise a lot of driving pleasure.
Price: 2.899 – 3.899 euros