E-Bike Hardtail

Buying advice for: Mountainbike: Hardtail

• Frame material

  Aluminium is the most commonly used material for hardtail e-bike frames due to its combination of durability, rigidity and relatively low weight. Aluminium frames are also affordable and offer good performance for the price. Steel frames were very common in the past but are less common nowadays. Steel frames are robust and offer a comfortable ride quality as they absorb vibrations well. However, they are usually heavier than aluminium frames. Carbon fibre is a light and stiff material that offers excellent riding dynamics and high strength. Carbon frames are often more expensive than aluminium or steel frames and are often used in high-end hardtail e-bikes.

• Chassis

  In contrast to a full-suspension e-bike, a hardtail e-bike only has suspension on the front fork, while the rear wheel is rigid. This front suspension is often referred to as a suspension fork and plays a crucial role in the rider's comfort and control. The suspension fork on a hardtail e-bike is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations caused by bumps on the trail. This improves the rider's comfort and helps to maintain control of the bike on rough terrain. Suspension travel refers to the distance that the suspension fork can compress to absorb shocks. On hardtail e-bikes, the suspension travel is typically between 80 and 120 mm, but can vary depending on the model.

• Wheels

  The rims should be robust and resistant to withstand the stresses and strains of off-road and on-road riding. Aluminium alloy rims are generally preferred for hardtail e-bikes as they offer a good combination of strength, stiffness and weight. In addition, high-quality spokes are crucial for keeping the rims stable and absorbing the stresses of riding. Stainless steel spokes are a good choice as they are robust and durable.

• Tyres

  Choosing the right tyres often depends on your preferred riding style, planned riding conditions and personal preferences. The width of the tyres influences the traction, rolling resistance and comfort of the bike. Tyres with a width of between 2.2 and 2.6 inches are often preferred for e-bike hardtails. Wider tyres usually offer more traction and comfort, while narrower tyres may have less rolling resistance. The tread pattern of the tyres varies depending on the intended use. For e-bike hardtails, tyres with a balanced tread pattern that is suitable for both on-road and off-road use are popular. A more aggressive tread pattern with deeper lugs offers better traction on loose or muddy surfaces. Some e-bike hardtails are equipped with tubeless-compatible rims and tyres, which means that they can be ridden without a tube.

• Brakes

  Most modern e-bike hardtails are equipped with disc brakes, which offer efficient braking performance and reliable control. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and modulation than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes use hydraulic fluid to transfer pressure to the brake pads, resulting in consistent and powerful braking performance. Regular maintenance and inspection of the brakes is essential. This is crucial to ensure that they function properly and offer optimum braking performance.

• Battery motor

  A typical hardtail e-bike has a motor with an output of around 250 to 750 watts, which has been specially developed for use on unpaved paths and light trails. This power provides balanced support when riding and allows the rider to tackle climbs more easily and maintain a comfortable speed on flat terrain. Together with a robust battery, this motor ensures a reliable power supply during the ride.