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The bike industry's innovation machinery is still working at full speed in 2025. Of course, the most important milestones will be set in the motor sector. But what is being developed here will also provide impetus for complete bikes. New motors and batteries require new designs, as well as trends such as 32-inch wheels. With this in mind, we have sifted out the most exciting complete bike developments from the flood of new models.
Let's start with what is probably the most controversial trend of the year. 32 inches. And as if these giant wheels weren't polarising enough, Alutech mastermind Jürgen Schlender has gone one better. Germany's welding guru combines either a 27.5" or 29" rear wheel with a 32" front wheel on the E-Pelmo Super-Mullet. This not only takes some getting used to visually, but should also provide a completely new riding experience. The XXL Enduro comes with 170 millimetres of suspension travel and appears to be designed for downhill performance: After all, it is obvious that 32-inch wheels roll over obstacles well. But 32 inches on the rear wheel on steep descents? Counterproductive. So to prevent the tyre tread from cutting through your backside, the North Germans clamped a smaller rear wheel onto the rear of the E-Pelmo. The geometry has also been adapted to the large front wheel: low, flat front, low bottom bracket, slack 63-degree steering angle. And if you're already so out of line, then of course a bike like this shouldn't be powered by an ordinary motor. Curtain up for the Gabao drive: The name Gobao is still largely unknown in this country, at best through the e-bike brand Hepha. However, the Chinese are no nobodies in the two-wheeler sector and, as the global market leader for e-controllers, can certainly boast references in electromobility. The question of tyres is also exciting: until now, 32-inch tyres were only available in the cross-country sector, but not in the trail and gravity sector. The 32-inch tyre on the Alutech prototype was supplied by Maxxis: a Dissector. Incidentally, the wheel comes from DT Swiss, the upside-down fork for the extra-large front wheel from Intend. All in all, the E-Pelmo Super-Mullet is an exotic bike from rear to front. And this is really going into series production? Yep, spring 2026.
Rocky Mountain presented the Instinct all-mountain bike as a light e-MTB at the end of 2024. Exciting: A new, in-house motor and battery. This placed the Instinct between light and power bikes. The Dyname S4 Lite works with an upstream pulley instead of a direct crank drive. This design is intended to enable sensitive power transmission. It was launched with 65 Nm and 550 watts, putting the drive nominally above the light competition from Bosch, Fazua and TQ. The motor weighs 2.26 kg and the battery 2.7 kg. An optional overtime pack with 314 Wh extends the range. In the meantime, Rocky Mountain has introduced a firmware update for the Dyname S4 Lite motor. The motor output has now even increased to 75 Nm and 700 watts peak power.
The geometry is based on the classic Instinct without motor. A 64 degree head angle, 77 degree seat angle and 480 mm reach in size L define the basis. The chainstays grow with the frame size: XS uses 430 mm, S-M ride 440 mm, from L upwards 450 mm are used. The Ride 4 Flipchip adjusts the geometry and kinematics, while an offset headset varies the reach by five millimetres.
Six models cover the price range. Aluminium versions start at 5,500 euros with Deore equipment. Carbon models start at 7,700 euros and reach 12,500 euros with Factory suspension and Sram X0 transmission.
Specialized has completely redesigned its flagship Levo and equipped it with its own S-Works motor. The 23.8 kg super all-rounder now delivers a whopping 27 per cent more power than its predecessor. The fourth Levo thus marks a completely new beginning for Specialized. Only the suspension travel of 160/150 millimetres remains unchanged. The frame, motor, battery and software were all developed in-house and create a well thought-out system integration. The new S-Works motor develops a hefty 111 Nm of torque and 720 watts of power. Only the DJI Avinox delivers even more power. In the carbon models below (Comp, Expert and Pro), which start at € 7,999, the Specialized 3.1 motor, which is around ten per cent weaker, still provides sufficient propulsion. The 840 Wh battery can be removed from the side and reveals a magnetic storage pocket in the head tube. A 600 Wh battery is available as an option. A range extender with 280 Wh costs 699 euros extra.
On the equipment side, Specialized goes all out with the Levo S-Works: The Fox Float X Genie shock with enlarged air chamber provides comfort in the middle of the travel and progression at the end. All testers praised the high sensitivity and traction of the rear suspension. The SRAM XX transmission is also used on the € 14,500 top model.
The Chinese tech giant DJI is gradually conquering the e-MTB market. The Spanish high-end manufacturer Unno also relies on the power unit from China for its E-Enduro Mith. With 1000 watts of power and 120 Nm of torque, the DJI Avinox is at the top of the motor market. And the drive unit with 800 Wh battery is one of the lightest of its kind. All in all, the total weight of the Spanish carbon fibre beauty settles at a meagre 21.2 kg. 170/160 mm suspension travel is combined with a mullet wheel mix. The display is located in the top tube of the carbon chassis and wireless control buttons ensure a clean cockpit. There are two standard models: the top-of-the-range Mith Pro for €11,995 and the Mith Race for €9,995.
The 21.2 kilos are easily undercut by the Mith Factory Feather Edition: the limited special edition model should roll out of the shop at 19.2 kilograms. Unno still attaches great importance to trail-compatible equipment with a 36 mm fork, shock with reservoir and lightweight Tacky Chan tyres from Schwalbe, but uses the 600 mm battery to achieve the bike's dream weight. Unno's in-house tuning project remains absolutely exclusive. Only ten bikes are to be built in total and delivered to selected dealers. The price for this rarity: 13,895 euros.
160 mm travel, Mullet mix, 24.4 kilos total weight - that doesn't sound unusual or spectacular at first. Nevertheless, the Haibike all-mountain dances out of line. The E-MTB with the "abbreviation" AllMtn CF11 TRN/IQ combines innovative drive technology with European manufacturing. The Pinion MGU E1.12 combines the motor and 12-speed gearbox in a single unit that enables automatic shifting without rider intervention. The full carbon frame comes from Portugal and has a visible carbon look on the rear triangle. A cut-out in the top tube serves as a shock mount and characterises the look of the bike. Everything about this univedrsal bike is designed so that the rider does not have to worry about their sports equipment, but can concentrate on the trail: The Master Node display on the top tube shows riding data and controls the support levels. The 12-speed gearbox also shifts gears when stationary and requires no maintenance like conventional derailleur gears, including automatic mode. The centred weight distribution improves traction and reduces the load on the rear wheel. And the new FIT Intube 800 battery can be easily folded forwards out of the down tube for charging. Two equipment variants are available: The basic version for 8,500 euros and the top model for 10,000 euros.
With the R.EX DJI, Rotwild crosses a striking threshold: the Dieburg-based company is the first manufacturer in the world to combine the DJI Avinox M1 motor with its own 864 Wh battery, which can be removed at the touch of a button. The bike's promise: explosive uphill performance with superior downhill control. The R.EX has 120 Nm of torque available in boost mode. It goes without saying that the Rotwild is also very light for a power bike at a total weight of 21.7 kilos. The very light 3,580 gram battery with carbon housing also contributes to this. The disadvantage: fast charging, as with DJI's own batteries, is probably not possible. The Mid-High Pivot rear suspension system is said to deliver outstanding traction. The mullet wheel concept is based on 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels with 160/150 mm suspension travel. A 2-inch OLED touch display in the top tube controls all functions. Three equipment variants start at 8,990 euros. An enduro prototype with more suspension travel has already been spotted.
With the Reason CRB, Megamo may not be setting off any innovative fireworks, but the Spaniards have still managed to do what other manufacturers have not yet managed: to place a DJI bike in the absolute entry-level price segment. What's more, the bike looks exceptionally stylish and, at 21.4 kilos (top version, €11,499), is also quite light off the production line. The E-All-Mountain with 160 mm travel costs from €4,999 in the aluminium version, while the cheapest carbon model costs €5,999. The downhill-orientated geometry with a slack steering angle and long wheelbase is reminiscent of an enduro bike. Only three sizes are available (S, M, L) with large gaps between the frame sizes. The top equipment includes Fox 36 Factory fork and Float X2 Factory shock, Sram XX Eagle transmission, Shimano XT brakes and DT Swiss 1501 HXC 30 wheels. Megamo offers a total of 13 model variants.
One bike for everything? Propain aims to provide the answer with its first light e-MTB. The Sresh SL shines with its new TQ HPR 60 motor and modular battery concept. What's more, it is light and has a long range with ideal handling - this should convince trail and enduro bikers. The Lake Constance-based company fully utilises the strengths of the new HPR 60 and puts a very wide-ranging e-mountainbike on its wheels. It's clear that the gravity-focussed brand is all about trails and descents. However, with 160/150 mm travel, the newcomer is not purely an enduro or bike park projectile, but an all-rounder for trails of all kinds. When it comes to wheel size, there is a choice between 29-inch front and rear wheels or a mullet mix. An absolute rarity in the light segment: the flexible battery system. Bikers can quickly and easily switch between the 360 and the 580 battery from TQ and trim their bike either for weight or endurance. There are 800 grams between the two battery options, with both energy sources weighing 1940 and 2710 grams respectively (including Propain mount). Small restriction: Only the small battery fits frame size S. On the BIKE scales, the Sresh SL landed at 19.1 or 19.9 kilos (depending on the battery) in frame size L with 29-inch wheels. As usual with Propain, the Sresh SL can also be customised and equipped according to personal preferences in the online configurator. The price starts at 5,994 euros.
In 2025, Cube launched the AMS Hybrid 177, a particularly sporty e-enduro bike that is clearly focussed on downhill qualities. The weight also stands out: 21.4 kilos - hardly any e-bike in this category can keep up. The only unusual feature of this bike is the Bosch motor. The key data: Mullet tyres, 170 millimetres of suspension travel, enduro geo. Sounds familiar - but if you take a closer look, you quickly realise that behind the revised design of the full carbon frame and the significantly slimmer down tube is a completely new platform. Perhaps even the most fun-orientated platform that Cube has ever had in its range.
Bosch's CX-R race motor with a whopping 100 Nm of torque is at work in the two top models. The €5,999 entry-level model relies on the standard Performance Line CX Gen5, which also delivers 100 Nm and up to 750 watts thanks to an update - including the new EMTB+ mode. Power is supplied by a permanently installed Powertube 600, the smaller of the two Bosch batteries. There is no freedom of choice - i.e. 600 or 800 watt hours - or the option to conveniently remove the battery. And for good reasons: The smaller battery enables a significantly lower overall weight (21.7 kilos for the top model) and also lowers the centre of gravity. The result: better riding dynamics and more natural handling. For the first time on a full-power eMTB, Cube is not focussing on range and comfort on long tours, but on uncompromising riding fun.
The Croatian-Dutch brand Instinctiv presented its first full-power light e-MTB, the Ocelot, in 2025. The exotic bike is powered by the Maxon Bikedrive Air S. Three model variants offer suspension travel from 125 to 145 mm at the rear and 160 to 170 mm at the front. The basis is a carbon frame with further developed PUMA kinematics, a compact Horst-Link four-bar linkage. The new Maxon BikeDrive AIR S delivers up to 90 Nm of torque and is combined with a permanently integrated 400 Wh small battery and optional 250 Wh range extender. The combination of lightweight construction and full-power drive positions the Ocelot between classic e-MTBs and light e-bikes. The frame is manufactured in Europe and final assembly takes place in Croatia. The three variants cover different areas of use - from the cross-country-orientated 125cc to the trail-focused 145cc model. All three models are priced at just over 10,000 euros.

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