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First things first: you can currently get quite a lot for 3599 euros on the e-MTB market. Due to subdued demand, manufacturers are adjusting their prices - many bikes are currently selling for less. Examples from the field of candidates that we tested for EMTB 5/2023: Bionicon Earp, Hoheacht and Radon Jealous Hybrid. The Hardray from R Raymon however, is not one of them: According to the manufacturer's website, the official RRP will not be changed. What's more, the components on R Raymon's entry-level hardtail come from the suppliers' very affordable model series. Does this mean that R Raymon is losing its reputation as a price-performance hit?
The facts about the R Raymon Hardray E 6.0
- Motor: Yamaha PW-X2, 80 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 630 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 3599 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 24.47 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
The e-bike drive
A full 80 Newton metres and a decidedly powerful characteristic: the slightly older Yamaha PW-X2 in the R Raymon Hardray still has its fans. Especially those who pedal less hard get a lot of thrust from the Yamaha motor, the unit literally shoots up steep climbs without the rider having to do much. There are certainly financial reasons for R Raymon sticking with the old drive technology on the Hardray instead of opting for the newer PW-X3. For passive riders and for everyday use, the drive is nevertheless a good choice.
The electronic components: Like the motor, the Yamaha A-display is a few years old, and the spoke magnet with completely external cables is prone to defects. The battery with 630 watt hours is okay for this price range, but the battery removal didn't convince us at all. The battery, which is secured with a metal bolt, can only be removed with a great deal of force, installation requires even more force and was not even possible for us. In addition, the securing bolt for the battery also has to hold the cover in place. In practice, you are trying to hold the cover, slide the bolt over the battery and the retaining plate over the cover at the same time, while also handling the spanner. Unfortunately, this is one of the least user-friendly solutions on the market.
The geometry of the R Raymon e-bike
The R Raymon e-bike has extremely long chainstays and is therefore poorly suited for playful riding manoeuvres. However, the balanced reach and the sensible steering angle in combination with the long rear end result in a certain degree of riding stability. The seat angle is steep. This favours the climbing characteristics.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 482 mm
- Wheelbase: 1243 mm
- Reach: 442 mm
- Stack: 659 mm
- Steering angle: 67.2°
- Seat angle: 74.2°
- Chainstay length: 485 mm
The features of the R Raymon Hardray E 6.0
A highlight of the E-MTB is the Shimano Deore in the special Linkglide version. Although it only offers 10 gears and a moderate range, it is particularly durable. The first choice for everyday users and commuters. The bike is also sold with Tektros RD-350 gears with nine speeds. Although this offers a wider range than the Deore, it is of lower quality and less durable.
An affordable and less sensitive XCM steel suspension fork from SR Suntour, hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro and in-house parts for the cockpit and saddle complete the equipment of the R Raymon Hardray. Unfortunately, the e-hardtail only uses Continental's X-King cross-country tyres in a width of 2.3 inches. This is too narrow for a modern e-MTB, but the frame offers hardly any more tyre clearance for significantly wider tyres. Fitting a mudguard is likely to be difficult even with the narrow Contis tyres. However, there are mounting points for the pannier rack, mudguard and kickstand.
Practical test: How the R Ramyon Hardray rides
Despite the steep seat angle and the not-too-low stack, the R Raymon Hardray sits remarkably sporty with a lot of pressure on the wrists. This is rather unusual for an e-hardtail. The narrow tyres and the insensitive fork do a poor job of absorbing impacts from the ground, and the frame also feels very stiff. This exacerbates the effect; even on cobblestones, the Hardray is quite bumpy. Neither this nor the riding position recommend the R Raymon for very long tours.
However, the powerful motor thrust is impeccable, and the long chainstays allow you to tackle even the steepest ramps with ease. The other side of the coin: the front wheel sticks to the ground on the trail. It's almost impossible to ride the bike actively and to flick it over a small obstacle. The narrow handlebars without any significant rise make the front end look low and don't give you much confidence downhill, while the insensitive fork, narrow tyres and mediocre brakes reinforce this impression. Even easy off-road sections quickly push the bike to its limits. In addition, the battery rattles on hard hits, despite the enormously forceful fixation. It doesn't look very high quality.
Conclusion Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB
The R Raymon Hardray* can score points with the powerful Yamaha drive and good climbing characteristics. However, the moderate riding comfort, the limited off-road competence and some design problems, such as the difficult battery removal and the insufficient tyre clearance, do not leave a good overall impression.
Pro
- Powerful motor
- Climbing properties
Contra
- Seating position
- Tyre clearance
- Battery removal
- Spoke magnet
- Terrain expertise
- Equipment of little value
Adrian Kaether
Editor
