Top Electric Downhill Mountain Bikes

 

Top Electric Downhill Mountain Bikes

 

 

For mountain bikers who live for the descent, electric power takes downhill riding to the next level. Electric downhill and enduro bikes dare you to hit jumps bigger, rail berms harder, and speed down trails faster than ever before.

These purpose-built eMTBs are engineered specifically for charging bike park laps, sessioning flow trails, and conquering the most demanding enduro race stages. Let’s dive into the top models engineered for aggressive riders who aren’t afraid to push their skills to the limit.

Unleash Your Inner Downhill Demon

Downhill and enduro focused electric mountain bikes aim to tame the steepest, rowdiest terrain out there. They transform grueling uphill slogs into a quick transition to get you back up for more adrenaline-pumping downhill laps.

While regular mountain bikes require massive fitness and endurance to earn multiple descents, an electric motor lets you session downhill runs with far less exhaustion. Glide up smooth climbs using just low power to conserve battery for attacking black diamond steeps head-on. Stop worrying about the climb and focus on perfecting your bike handling skills pointing down.

These bikes thrive on terrain with bigger features that would quickly overwhelm less capable eMTBs. We’re talking gap jumps, rock gardens, nasty switchback chutes, wooden features and more. Dialed geometry, beefy frames, and high-end components all center around charging downhill with stability and control lap after lap.

Let’s explore the latest offerings and technology pushing eMTB boundaries – turning everyday trail riders into downhill demons!

High Power Motors for Instant Speed

Downhill focused eMTBs differ from their cross country oriented siblings by prioritizing intense bursts of power over efficiency and range. Their motors churn out massive torque for instant forward acceleration whether attacking the steepest pitches or plowing through rubble and roots.

While lightweight eMTBs rely on 250-380 watt motors, downhill rigs start around 500 watts and go up to 750+ watts. These beasts add considerable weight, but gram counting isn’t a concern when chairlifts or shuttles are doing the climbing work. It’s all about power on demand.

Here are some top motors you’ll find driving the most capable gravity-focused eMTBs:

  • Shimano EP8 – 85Nm torque
  • Brose S Mag – 90Nm torque
  • Bosch Performance CX – 75-85Nm torque
  • Specialized 2.1RX – 560W / 90Nm
  • Fazua Evation – 60Nm torque
  • Bafang G510 – 120Nm torque

Mashing the pedals initiates immediate forward surge to clear technical hurdles or set up for the next jump. Intelligent power control modulates assistance to avoid sudden peak torque causing wheel slip or instability. Downhill motors amplify your riding not overwhelm it.

High Capacity Batteries for Non-Stop Shredding

To sustain maximum power output lap after lap, downhill eMTBs use batteries with the highest capacity cells available. Gone are the days of range or conservation anxiety – ride aggressively using full power whenever needed or desired!

Big batteries mean you can leave the eMTB in a higher assist mode more often without worrying about battery life. Look for capacity around 600+ watt hours for production eMTBs:

  • Shimano Steps E8035 – 702Wh
  • Bosch PowerTube 750 – 750Wh
  • Specialized SL1-320 – 320Wh x2 = 640Wh
  • Fazua Evation – 252Wh x2 = 504Wh

Dual battery setups with cells spread across the frame provide more customization. Swap between a lighter short distance battery and a bigger battery for all-day enduro racing for example.

Long run times prevent the motor from cutting power before you’ve had your downhill fill for the day. Plus you can charge safe in the knowledge that chairlift uphill equivalents won’t drain the battery excessively.

Durable Frames That Can Take a Beating

Hucking big jumps and charging through rock gardens subjects eMTB frames to tremendous forces and harsh impacts at speed. Downhill and enduro designs use stouter frame construction and materials to withstand the abuse.

  • Aluminum – Most affordable option able to handle moderate downhill aggression
  • Carbon fiber – Lightweight and compliant but very costly
  • Steel – Strong and lively but on the heavy side
  • Titanium – Exotic blend of strength, flex and low weight

Proven mountain bike manufacturers like Yeti, Santa Cruz, Specialized, and others have engineering expertise tailored specifically for the rigors of downhill riding. Frame durability matters greatly when riding on the edge. Suspension performance depends heavily on the frame interaction.

Geometry leans towards stability at speed – longer reach, slack headtube angle, shorter stems and wide bars. Wheelbases stretch longer to increase high speed composure. Standover clearance improves for quick bailouts when things get hairy.

Plush Suspension Keeps Runs Smooth

Soaking up machine gun rock gardens and big hucks off jumps requires loads of bump absorbing suspension. Downhill eMTBs use 170-220mm of rear suspension travel paired with burly forks up to 210mm travel.

Extra suspension provides:

  • More control landing big hits
  • Improved traction over chunky terrain
  • The ability to run lower tire pressures
  • Greater small bump sensitivity

High performing designs include:

  • Virtual pivot point (VPP) – Great pedaling platform and small bump sensitivity
  • Four bar Horst Link – Tuned for traction and braking stability
  • High pivot – Maintains momentum through hits
  • FSR – Floating shock mount isolates pedaling and braking forces

Fully adjustable air shocks allow tuning rebound, compression, and progressiveness to match your weight and riding style. Dial in the suspension response exactly how you want it. Springs and oil flows matter greatly pushing the speeds downhill eMTBs can achieve.

Monster Truck Tires for Maximum Grip

Between loose steep chutes, wet roots and constant impacts, downhill trails demand the grippiest rubber possible. Reducing traction robbing tire roll in corners is also crucial.

Popular downhill tire configurations include:

  • 27.5 x 2.5-3.0 inch wide – Balances straight line traction and cornering
  • 29 x 2.35-2.6 inch wide – Fast rolling with ample cushion
  • Mixed wheel diameters – 27.5 rear/29 front provides combined benefits
  • Super soft compounds – DH tires use the grippiest compounds
  • Downhill casings – Reinforced sidewalls prevent puncture slashes

Wider rims around 30-35mm pair best with wide tires to add stability. And inflation drops as low as 15-20psi provide a tall, deformable contact patch over rocks and roots.

Shallow, rounded tread patterns with ramped center knobs maintain speed. The ideal combo for rallying berms while holding lines in the chaos.

Powerful Brakes That Won’t Fade

Being able to scrub speed quickly before approaching turns and technical sections is crucial when riding on the edge. Downhill eMTBs utilize the most powerful disc brakes available with 200mm or larger rotors to provide tremendous stopping power.

4 piston and semi-metallic pad combinations offer strong initial bite with reduced fading:

  • Shimano Saint – Proven downhill performance with cooling fins
  • SRAM Code RSC – Great power and modulation
  • Magura MT7 – Massive 220mm rotors for heat dissipation
  • TRP DH-R – Durable 4 piston calipers

Stainless steel rotors better withstand heavy use and overheating versus aluminum rotors. Stay on top of bleeding and pad changes to maintain optimal braking performance when riding steep and fast.

Components Purpose Built for Charging Hard

Complementing the frame, suspension, wheels and brakes, downhill eMTBs use ultra-robust drivetrain and cockpit components:

  • 1×10 or 1×12 gearing – Withstands high motor torque on climbs
  • Short chainstays – For maneuverability in tight spaces
  • Dropper posts – Extended for stability, dropped for corners
  • Flat pedals – Grippy and prevent pedal strikes
  • Riser bars + short stems – Upright attack position
  • Dual crown forks – Rigidity for big impacts
  • Bash guards – Protecting the drivetrain when bashing through rocks

Gear ranges focus on acceleration and speed, not long distance climbing. Everything centers around charging downhill as fast as the terrain allows.

5 Top Rated Downhill and Enduro eMTB Models

With the technology covered, let’s look at some of the most capable complete bike builds pushing downhill and enduro eMTB performance to the limits:

Pivot Shuttle

Motor: Shimano EP8 | Battery: Shimano E8035 Travel: 203mm F/R | Wheel size: 27.5″ or 29″ Price: $10,100

The gold standard electric downhill bike with adjustable geometry, vertical shock mounting, and top shelf components. Dialed VPP suspension soaks up the harshest impacts. The Shuttle begs to be ridden fast and aggressively.

Orbea Rise M20

Motor: Orbea High Torque 250W | Battery: 360Wh Travel: 160mm F/R | Wheel size: 29″ Price: $7,999

Shred-ready enduro race machine purpose built around Orbea’s ultra smooth power delivery and Rider Synergy geometry. Carbon frame weighs just 26 lb. Plenty stiff and nimble yet stable at speed.

Specialized Kenevo

Motor: Brose Mag S | Battery: 700Wh Travel: 180mm F/R | Wheel size: 29″ Price: $10,320

The Kenevo pushes downhill aggression to the max with its high pivot suspension design for sensitivity off big drops and jumps. The lowest center of gravity eMTB available. Dual crown fork reinforces the downhill intentions.

YT Tues CF Pro Race

Motor: Shimano EP8 | Battery: Shimano E8035 Travel: 200mm F/180mm R | Wheel size: 29″ Price: $7,999

YT’s pioneering carbon downhill race rig blends nimble agility for snaking trails with unflappable stability at full race speed. Integrated storage space allows packing food and tools. The ultimate park lap weapon.

Commencal Supreme DH 29″

Motor: Shimano EP8 | Battery: Shimano E8035 Travel: 203mm F/R | Wheel size: 29″
Price: $7,699

For the downloader on a budget, this aluminum frame DH rig packs great value. Hydraulic adjustable geometry, stiff through axles, and internal cable routing. Monster Code RSC brakes provide one finger stopping confidence.

From lightweight enduro racers to full-blown World Cup level downhill sleds, these eMTBs represent the pinnacle of downhill focused electric mountain bike engineering and performance. Game on!

Buying Considerations for Downhill eMTBs

Ready to purchase your perfect downhill shred sled but not sure where to start? Here are some tips:

  • Analyze your local trails – Lots of bike parks and steep terrain? Go heavier duty. More rolling trails? Enduro eMTB opens up more options.
  • Be realistic about your skill level – Advanced experts will better exploit a pure downhill race machine. Choose an eMTB suited to your capabilities.
  • ** Demo models first** – Try out downhill eMTBs at lift-accessed bike parks and experience the stability and suspension performance at speed.
  • Frame and suspension first – Invest more of your budget into the frame construction, shocks and fork since these define downhill handling.
  • Plan your upgrades – Start with an affordable aluminum eMTB frame and upgrade components over time as skills progress. Or buy the highest spec possible at purchase.
  • Talk to shops – Discuss how and where you plan to ride. Experienced staff can make sure you get the right blend of downhill performance vs all-around trail versatility to prevent overbiking.

The lure of massive power tearing down trails is strong! But use your head to make sure you choose a downhill focused eMTB suited to your realistic terrain and skill level. Then get out there, rally some berms and feel the flow of speeding downhill like never before!

FAQs – Downhill and Enduro eMTBs

Still have some questions about choosing an aggressive eMTB? Here are answers to some common FAQs:

How much suspension travel do downhill eMTBs need?

Look for 180-220mm of front and rear suspension travel to absorb big hits and provide stability and control at speed. More travel means a smoother, more composed ride when pointing down.

What motors work best for steep downhill riding?

High torque mid-drive motors in the 500-750 watt range have the grunt for instant acceleration on ultra steep trails while maintaining composure. But they add considerable weight.

What gear range is ideal for bike park riding?

1×11 or 1×12 drivetrains with 10-51 tooth cassettes provide sufficient range for short punchy climbs between downhill runs without too much extra weight.

How much maintenance do downhill eMTBs require?

Expect to service the suspension, drivetrain, tires, and brakes more often than a trail eMTB. The added stress of aggressive riding necessitates closer maintenance to avoid mechanical failures.

Is a downhill eMTB overkill for the casual park rider?

For the occasional bike park visitor or someone lacking steep terrain, a purpose built downhill eMTB is overkill. All-mountain or heavier duty trail eMTBs offer better versatility.

Conclusion

Downhill and enduro focused eMTBs expand the gnarliest trails rideable through a powerful motor and burly components engineered for charging hard. With the right electric downhill bike matched to your skillset, you can session laps like a pro. Remember to expand your terrain and skills gradually. Now go get after it and ride gravity faster!