Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride on test: A clear edge for rough daredevils

The Haibike company was already focussing on off-road e-MTBs when it was still unimaginable for the majority of bikers that e-bikes could work on trails. This pioneering work culminated early on in a motorised downhill bike with a double bridge forkand with downhiller Guido Tschugg as the first full E-MTB pro. The latest offshoot of this extreme E-MTB genre is the Nduro 8 Freeride. The robust aluminium frame of the Nduro with progressive geometry has been enhanced on this freeride model with a sophisticated 180-millimetre Öhlins suspension system - including a double bridge at the front and steel spring at the rear. In addition to the popularity of the Haibike brand, the massive appearance of the Nduro 8 Freeride is probably responsible for the fact that many readers wanted exactly this bike in the EMTB test. For us, this is a reason to include the bike as one of 8 candidates in our big test: "Most wanted - the readers' favourite bikes".

You have chosen which bikes we should test: Readers most wanted - the most popular E-MTBs of the year! Under this motto, we have selected the most exciting e-mountainbikes from our readers' suggestions. Exotic specialists, absolute blockbusters or cheap discounter bikes? They all had to undergo the objective EMTB test in the lab and in practice. Your favourites from Alutech, Bulls, Cube, Haibike, Husqvarna, Olympia, Rockrider and Scott. The following have already been published:

• Test of the Alutech eFanes Nextgen AXS: Brushed e-bike jewel
• The Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 SLT on test - Cube e-mountainbike with Bosch CX on a diet course
• The Bulls Sonic EVO AM SL1 on test: How good is the affordable lightweight after the update?
• The Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC5 on test: Stylish all-mountain bike with motorbike DNA?
• Testing the Olympia Hammer CC04: Italo underdog as an e-bike high-flyer?
• Rockrider E-EXPL 520S test: Does Decathlon build the best e-bike fully for under 3000 euros?
• Scott Patron ST ERIDE 900 Tuned on test: The new Scott - the ultimate all-mountain E-MTB?
• An overview of the test of our readers' dream bikes can be found here

The facts about the Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride

• Motor: Yamaha PW-X3, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 720 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 180 / 180 mm
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 7999 Euro
• Weight: 27.1 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 120 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The e-drive in the Haibike freerider comes from Yamaha, which is also a tradition at Haibike. However, the compact PW-X3 no longer has much in common with the original model. The mullet set-up and the super steep seat angle also add a modern touch. This means that the bike can cope with extreme terrain both uphill and downhill. The massive appearance is also reflected in the scales: at 27.1 kilos, the Nduro 8 Freeride is definitely one of the heavyweights on the market. It's a shame that the robust design is not reflected in the approved system weight. 120 kilos is a low figure, as the bike, rider and all the equipment are included here. Riders around 90 kilos are already exceeding the limit here.

The e-bike drive

Unlike its predecessors, Yamaha's PW-X3 is small and compact. With its dynamic power delivery and direct response, it is fun off-road. The power is immediately available, even if you only stroke the pedal with your foot. This can be annoying in everyday use, but is an advantage when starting uphill and in technical sections. The maximum power is clearly below Bosch level, even a current Shimano EP801 or Brose Drive SMag deliver noticeably more oomph. The 720 battery can be easily folded forwards out of the down tube and is classically secured with a lock.

The geometry of the Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride

Very long reach, long chainstays, long wheelbase: everything here is focussed on smoothness and riding stability. At least almost: the steering angle is moderate for an extreme downhill projectile. Nevertheless, the geometry has to be described as extreme. The wheelbase and reach could pass for size XL on many other E-Enduro bikes. The seat angle is very steep, which gives you a lot of control on the climbs. However, the length of the main frame means that the riding position is not compact.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 460 mm
• Wheelbase: 1310 mm
• Reach: 493 mm
• Stack: 647 mm
• Steering angle: 64.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 78 degrees
• Chainstay length: 460 mm
• Bottom bracket height: 338 mm

The equipment of the Haibike Freeride bike

A special feature of the Haibike freerider is the high-quality Öhlins suspension, which impressed us with its superior performance in the test. Magura's MT7 with large brake discs also do an excellent job and Schwalbe's tyre combination comes with super grippy rubber on the front wheel. The mechanical GX drivetrain from Sram and the E-Deemax wheels do their job without complaint, but don't set any highlights. In a market comparison, the equipment is decent for the price of € 7999. The only thing we have to criticise is the telescopic seat post with a moderate stroke of 150 millimetres.

>> By the way: If you don't want to spend that much, the Haibike is also available in a much cheaper version. Then just without the Öhlins double bridge. We have also been able to test the Nduro 6 extensively.

• Fork / shock: Öhlins DH38 M.1 Air / TTX 22 M Coil
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 12-speed, 10-52 teeth
• Brakes: Magura MT7, 220/203 mm
• Wheels: Mavic E-Deemax 30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Supertrail Ultrasoft, 29 x 2.4'' / Big Betty Supergravity Soft, 27.5 x 2.6''
• Special features: Wide handlebar with 820 mm, telescopic support has only 150 mm stroke

Practical test: How the Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride rides

The Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride blossoms exactly where the fun ends with many other bikes: on really nasty, bumpy downhill tracks. With its enormous length and the suspension's ability to swallow, it practically cries out to be left with the brakes open on extreme terrain. The long reach and not-too-high stack stretch the rider over the bike in a sporty position, creating more of a race feeling than a freeride feeling.

On suitable tracks (fast, nasty, not too tight bends) we would like to go on a second chase with the Haibike. Grippy brakes and tyres - nothing to complain about here. At slow speeds, however, the bike is difficult to handle, corners require a lot of pressure and the front wheel can hardly be unloaded. If you only want to buy a comfort plus with the suspension travel, you will be surprised by the surprisingly firm trim. Although the suspension is absolutely confident and defined, it is by no means particularly comfortable. At slow speeds, the Nduro 8 Freeride feels rather firm. It only really comes into its own at high speeds. Nevertheless, this suits the overall character of the racy bike. On classic trails, the Nduro is underchallenged and too sedate.

On the other hand, the bike can also score points uphill. The front wheel does not rise even on the steepest ramps. On the one hand, this is due to the very steep seat angle and the resulting far forward riding position. And secondly, the long rear triangle. This means that there is always enough weight on the front wheel, even when things get really steep. The climbing performance is limited by the slightly lower motor power. And on uneven ground, the rear suspension could work a little more sensitively. Although the Haibike is always high in its travel, a lack of traction on the rear wheel limits overly technical climbs. On long flat sections, the riding position is not too compact despite the extreme seat angle, as the main frame is really long.

EMTB review of the Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride

Strengths

• Extremely smooth running and driving safety
• A smooth, defined chassis
• Uncomplicated climbing properties

Weaknesses

• In moderate use, taut, sluggish and cumbersome
• High weight, low weight release
• Telescopic support offers little lift

The EMTB conclusion on the Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride

If you push the Haibike Nduro 8 Freeride over fast, rough downhill tracks, there is no stopping it. The extreme geo and the powerful suspension provide an enormous amount of confidence. But even on many enduro trails, the bike is too much of a good thing because it is heavy, sluggish and sluggish. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine