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Crime scene Geißkopf, Enduro trail 1: casually luff the bike over the small jump, through the wide right, then brake hard on a tight bend and quickly turn the bike round. For us it was the last test of affordable light eMTBs in summer 2024 a real aha moment: in terms of handling and downhill fun, these bikes are simply in a league of their own. Even at affordable prices and without record weight.
In the current sales slump, light e-MTBs are still among the worst sellers. The loss of range and motor power is simply too great for many. With bikes like the Cannondale Moterra SLthe BH iLynx+ and also the Amflow Carbon PL A new trend is therefore manifesting itself: With a total weight of just over 20 kilos according to the manufacturer with full motor power and a medium battery size, these lightweight power bikes are intended to combine the best of both E-MTB worlds. Can they succeed?
The test group at a glance:
Showdown in Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure in December 2024: We start the first uphill of this test with the Cannondale Moterra SL and the BH iLynx+ and are pleasantly surprised twice over. This time, we serve up some real horror trails: an uphill trail created especially for the E-World Cup, followed by the classic Pino Morto downhill trail.
Cannondale and BH are hardly heavier than many light E-MTBs, but they're in a completely different league on the climbs. It's actually obvious, but a Shimano EP801 with 85 Newton metres (tested here) is many times more confident on technical uphills than even the dynamic Bosch SX. The race update for the Shimano increases the lead even further.
We particularly like the BH iLynx+ with its neutral handling in tight corners. We have to steer the Cannondale more actively, but it scores with first-class traction. The exciting question: What could the high-flyer from Amflow do even better on this trail? Does the almost twice as much power of the DJI Avinox Motors (test here) the bike is not completely uncontrollable?
Motor systems at a glance
Where does DJI stand?
Admittedly: The Chinese superstar's Turbo and Boost modes are hardly any use on demanding climbs. But the progressive trail mode is an eye-opener. Multiple steps and steep terrain in particular become a playground for the Avinox.
Where other motors struggle to get uphill, the Avinox only needs a little confidence and a spirited kick on the pedals. And then the Amflow flies over the most difficult obstacles. Unbelievable! It must feel something like this when record-breaking world champion Toni Bou clicks the clutch on a motorbike trial.
By the way: The DJI is not necessarily a glutton for punishment. This is shown by our range test, in which we matched the power units to identical performance and speeds. Here, the three competitors are almost on a par. Of course, if you really call on the full power of the Avinox, you can drain the battery much faster than is the case with the Cannondale and BH.
Cannondale downhill front
And downhill? Here the three rivals are more on a par. The DJI bike accelerates very directly with the lowest weight and light carbon wheels and scores with good equipment, but the sporty low front and the stiff suspension convey less safety.
Many will feel much more comfortable on the more comfortable iLynx+. The sporty Cannondale really blossoms, especially at high speeds. This makes it particularly appealing to dedicated riders. However, the question of whether the geometry and suspension are not a little too extreme must be asked.
When it comes to driving fun, all three candidates can score conspicuously high points and stand out as classic E-All-Mountains (here in the test) when it comes to riding fun. The dream handling of the best light bikes à la Specialized Levo SL, Cube AMS One44 or Santa Cruz Heckler SL still remains out of reach in our eyes. Even for the Amflow, which, with its super motor, narrowly snatches the test victory on points in the end.
Tops & flops: what caught our eye
BIKE conclusion: Test victory for Amflow
The three lightweight power bikes show character. We recommend the BH iLynx+ SL to touring riders, while the Cannondale Moterra SL scores the most points for sporty trail use. However, the test victory goes to Amflow. The DJI motor is in a new league, and the dream weight and riding characteristics are also impressive. - Adrian Kaether, test editor BIKE
To the individual tests
Adrian Kaether
Editor
