Haibike SDURO FullNine RX Review

Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Electric Bike Review
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Electric Bike Motor By Yamaha
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Removable Ebike Battery 396 Watt Hours
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Removable Ebike Display Panel
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Yamaha Backlit Lcd Display
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Xlc Locking Grips Ebike Button Pad Micro Usb
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx 29 Inch Wheelset With Qr
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx 20 Speed Deore Xt M768 Shadow Plus Drivetrain
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Fizik Saddle Manganese Rails
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Shimano Slx M675 Ice Tech Hydraulic Brakes
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Electric Bike Review
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Electric Bike Motor By Yamaha
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Removable Ebike Battery 396 Watt Hours
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Removable Ebike Display Panel
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Yamaha Backlit Lcd Display
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Xlc Locking Grips Ebike Button Pad Micro Usb
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx 29 Inch Wheelset With Qr
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx 20 Speed Deore Xt M768 Shadow Plus Drivetrain
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Fizik Saddle Manganese Rails
Haibike Sduro Fullnine Rx Shimano Slx M675 Ice Tech Hydraulic Brakes

Summary

  • A full suspension 29er with mid-drive motor, slim battery and removable display by Yamaha, offers 80 Nm of torque and zero-cadence pedal assist response
  • The RX trim level is top of the line with light weight hardware from Shimano, Fox and RockShox, it offers a 20 speed drivetrain for comfortable cadence at a higher range of speeds
  • The larger wheels carry momentum, span cracks and elevate the frame for excellent cross country riding but suspension travel is limited to 100 mm, the angled top tube lowers stand-over height
  • The motor is smooth and quiet but slower to cut out, the RPM output is a bit limited with becomes noticeable at lower speeds, no shift sensing but torque is measured so ease off to shift

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Haibike

Model:

SDURO FullNine RX

Price:

$4,499

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Trail, Mountain

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Motor and Battery, 5 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Europe

Model Year:

2016

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

49.5 lbs (22.45 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.5 lbs (2.94 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.6 lbs (3.44 kg)

Frame Material:

Hydroformed Aluminum Alloy 6061

Frame Sizes:

15.75 in (40 cm)17.72 in (45 cm)19.69 in (50.01 cm)21.65 in (54.99 cm)

Frame Types:

Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Matte Black with Blue and Orange Accents

Frame Fork Details:

Fox 32 Float Performance Air Suspension with Rebound Adjust, Remote Lockout and 100 mm Travel, 15 mm Thru Axle

Frame Rear Details:

RockShox Monarch RT Air Shock with Rebound Clicker and 100 mm Travel, 142 / 12 mm Thru Axle

Gearing Details:

20 Speed 2x10 Deore XT M768 Shadow Plus , 11-36T

Shifter Details:

Shimano Deore triggers on Left and Right

Cranks:

FSA CK-745 Cranks, FSA X-10 Chainring, 44T

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform, Cage Style

Headset:

FSA No. 57, A-Head, Semi-Integrated, Tapered

Stem:

Xduro Aluminium, A-Head

Handlebar:

Sduro Lowriser Aluminium

Brake Details:

Shimano SLX M675, Ice-Tech, Hydraulic Disc with 203 mm Front and 180 mm Rear Rotors, Shimano SLX M675 Levers

Grips:

XLC Ergo Sport, Rubber, Lock On

Saddle:

Fizik, Manganese Rails

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

370 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Taurus, 622 x 21c, Alloy-Double Wall

Spokes:

Stainless Steel 14G, Black

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance, 29" x 2.25"

Wheel Sizes:

29 in (73.66cm)

Tire Details:

Tubeless Easy Snakeskin, Pace Star 3

Tube Details:

Presta

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, Quick Release Wheels and Seat Tube, Cable Inlets, Replaceable Plastic Skid Plate, Gravity Casting Motor Mount Interface with CNC Milled Connection and Bearing Seat Points, Zero Cadence Assist

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Yamaha

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

500 watts

Motor Torque:

80 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

396 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

60 miles (97 km)

Display Type:

Removable, Backlit LCD Console

Readouts:

Trip Distance, Total Distance, Current Time, Trip Time, Maximum Speed, Average Speed, Current Speed, Charge Level (10 Bars), Range, Cadence, Assist Level (Off, Eco+, Eco, Std, High)

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Cadence and Torque, Eco+: 50%, Eco: 100%, Std: 180%, High: 280%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

Despite the many, many models and trim levels that Haibike is producing for model year 2016 they are only offering the FullNine (full suspension 29er) models with the SDURO Yamaha drive system. I got to check out the RX version with a taller friend who was able to appreciate the larger wheelset and frame size… This model balances performance with value and toutes zero cadence motor operation, impressive 80 Nm torque output and a large removable LCD display with remote button pad and Micro USB charging. There’s no shift sensing built in to the system but it relies on a combination of torque and cadence to activate so my experience has been that easing off the pedals a bit while shifting reduces mashing and will prolong your chain, sprockets and derailleur life.

Aside from the higher torque output, Yamaha has differentiated its drive system by offering a longer, slimmer battery pack design that slides in from the side. The result is tighter frame designs with lower top tubes that are easier to mount and stand over. If you’re someone who appreciates the 29 inch wheel size but but you don’t have long legs, this is a win and perhaps one of the reasons that Haibike isn’t offering an XDURO Bosch powered full suspension 29er this year. Whatever the case, this system performs and depending on the trim level you choose you’ll get 10 or 20 gears. The SL is less expensive ($3,499) but without those extra gear options your climbing ability may be somewhat impacted. For $400 more you can get the RC ($3,899) which has the extra gears and a couple of component upgrades). All models peak out around 20 mph and only offer pedal assist as this is a Class 1 ebike, permissible on the highest number of trails in California and elsewhere.

I love the quick release wheelset, the Micro USB charging port on the remote button pad (located near the left grip), the locking grips, the light weight fork and the fact that there are so many sizes to choose from to get the perfect fit. You really get 12 bikes to choose from with the FullNine model because there are three trim levels in four sizes each… that’s amazing for such a refined product, though they only offer each trim level in one unique color scheme. While I was reviewing this bike at the Electric Bicycle Center in Fullerton, CA a gentleman came in and fell in love with the paint scheme of the highest trim (the RX) and was basing his purchase decision purely on this. Beauty and style aside, the Haibike models have been late to arrive this year and seem to be coming in limited quantities. The most popular sizes include 45 cm and 50 cm and some are already completely sold out, even as they arrive to stores.

My experience with the SDURO Yamaha system has been mixed. On the one hand you have the potential for more gears because the system uses a more standard set of chainrings (compared to Bosch) but then you don’t have shift sensing to help reduce wear so now two derailleurs are taking a hit if you aren’t thoughtful or find yourself in a precarious hard-shift situation. You get more torque and the zero-cadence response but this hasn’t been an obvious huge advantage over Bosch and of course the price is lower for most models in the SDURO line but the range of speed output seems more limited to me. That is, I have to shift up gears to hit higher speeds… I find myself maxing out with my own pedaling well before I’d prefer to shift up in some of the lower gears. I wish they would just extend the RPM range a little bit so I could shift down in preparation for climbs without taking a massive speed hit as the motor drops out. It’s difficult to explain but trying Yamaha and Bosch back to back causes many people to find preference for one vs. the other but it’s hard to dispute the beauty and unique offerings from Haibike as a company and I appreciate their great warranty and network of dealers. This was a fun one to test and it was great to have input from a shop owner and someone larger in terms of height and weight for the video review.

Pros:

  • This is a great model for taller riders like Sam (who is 6’4″) because the wheel diameter is larger and that raises the frame, since you can get it in four frame sizes from 40 cm to 55 cm it should work well for a range of body types
  • The SLX brake levers have adjustable reach (tool free adjustable) so you can tune them as you ride or set them up for longer or shorter fingers… this is nice again for taller riders with potentially longer fingers
  • With Ice-Tech calipers and rotors (Aluminum sandwiched between Steel plates and heat sinks on the rotors) heat is dissipated more quickly to reduce fade during long ascents and for heavier loads (again, larger heavier riders potentially)
  • You get thru-axles front and rear which provide stiffness and strength, I find that they also make it easier to take the wheels off and line them back up when doing maintenance
  • with quick release wheels, seat tube, a removable battery and removable display panel you can significantly reduce weight and size for transporting this ebike
  • I like that the display is removable for moments when you’re riding downhill at higher speeds and might want to protect it in case of a fall, Haibike uses a negative angle stem and low-rise bars to create a space for the display mount and sort of protect it even if you leave it on
  • The Fizik saddle is a nice upgrade for performance but I discovered a little clip-in area beneath where you can mount a light. This could free up your seat tube and saddle rails for an accessory pouch or bottle cage and it would probably stay straighter as well
  • Despite being a full suspension ebike with an angled top tube there appeared to be enough space to mount the frame on a hang style rack which tend to be more common and affordable
  • The display panel is large, easy to read, backlit and removable! I’d probably take it off when doing tricky downhill stuff in case of a crash), I like that the button pad is easy to reach, well sealed and has an integrated Micro USB port for charging accessories
  • The Yamaha mid-drive motor operates fairly quietly in high and mid level gears (when it’s not spinning super fast)
  • Excellent weight distribution, the motor and battery are positioned low and center improving handling, both wheels have quick release for easier transport or trail maintenance and the motor is well protected with a replaceable plastic skidplate (also color matched!)

Cons:

  • The larger 29″ wheels offer good momentum and terrain span but also require more power to get started and produce more drag with a larger contact patch, the suspension offered here is 100 mm vs. some of the 26″ and 27.5″ that go further because the wheels are so large but it’s well suited to cross country riding
  • Limited motor speed range, I found that when switching down to lower gears the motor support dropped out significantly (even in the highest pedal assist mode) because it relies so heavily on torque as an input, this was a bummer when approaching hills at high speed riding off-road
  • No shift sensing or shift detection built into the drive system, this could lead to more mashing, banging and premature wear on the chain, cassette and derailleur
  • Large battery charger with cables that don’t come unplugged so it’s extra long even when the cables are tied up, it also weighs more than some other chargers I’ve seen
  • I found that the battery pack can rattle a bit at times and that you really need to make sure it’s clicked in before riding off, you could turn and remove the key but then push to hear the click of the battery

Resources:

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Comments (5) YouTube Comments

DestructiveTestBiker
8 years ago

Extremely sharp looking bike, but at 250W nominal and 20mph speed limited seems kind of wimpy in performance.

I would love to find a more reliable motor/drive than the BBS02. My first BBS02 burned up, but Matt at Empowered was totally awesome about getting me the warranty replacement. Catch, it came detuned to only 18A, so after I added some cooling features I put it back up to 25A. Problem is after a few more months also it made a weird sound so I took it apart and found a trashed o-ring in a very bizarre design that I replaced with blue locker (Matt told me to use red but I didn’t want to make it permanent, shoulda listened), but now it is noisy again, so I have to take it apart again. In short, Bafang is typical Chinese equipment, powerful but cheaply built, low grade materials, badly designed, with a short life and terrible heat problems.

So, I really like the look of this bike and would be interested in a German or Japanese or American mid drive but they are all so wimpy and speed limited I guess I will just keep rebuilding my cheap Chinese BBS02 instead of buying a great looking bike with great suspension and brakes like the FullNine RX.

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

It sounds like you’ve built some interesting (and powerful) ebikes. I agree that 250 sounds wimpy but the peak is 500 and you get 80 Nm of torque which is quite a lot. The top speed however, is a limiter and that’s meant to keep this as a Class 1 to be allowed on more trails. I can’t think of many big companies selling high-speed ebikes because there’s a liability aspect. Kits are a great way to approach the space and I also like the custom built models from companies like Hi-Power Cycles or Stealth.

  Reply
MRBARBARYCOAST
7 years ago

I too burned out my BBS02 after only 200 miles. I have since upgraded all of my DIY builds to the BBSHD system with 52 volt batteries and have never had a problem with them. They are worth the extra money compared to the faulty BBSO2 SYSTEMS. You can also hot rod the BBSHD systems safely to 3000watts 72v 20ah with after market kits.

  Reply
DestructiveTestBiker
8 years ago

Court, thanks for the comments! I looked at the Hi-Power Cycles and Stealth sites. They definitely have some awesome bikes.

It looks like the mid-drive models at Hi-Power Cycles use the BBS02, which they rate at 750W, 1200W, or 1500W, with increasing speed, range, and watt/hour specs with increasing wattage specs. So I am pretty sure they use battery packs with increasing series cells to get higher voltage on the higher wattage rated bikes. This is all totally legit engineering but that BBS02 is going to get hotter than a pistol if you try to run it flat out continuously at 1500W! But then, who is crazy enough to drive a hotrod floored all the time? :-)

I think you are right about the power being enough on the Haibike for trail riding because it’s surprising how much climbing you can do in low gear on a mid-drive bike. I have to dial my pedal assist down to keep from power flipping off the trail on tight turns and those bikes look pretty much unstoppable on just about any climbout.

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

You’re a reasonable person and the points about increasing wattage on the BBS02 systems (with increasingly large and powerful batteries) is right on. I believe some systems, possibly the E-RAD ones, do incorporate heat sensors and have some auto shutoff mechanisms but using common sense is always recommended ;)

I guess I like to rationalize the Bosch, Yamaha and other ebike systems because they are legal but yes… they aren’t as powerful or fast as some DIY systems or the BBS02. My dream electric bike is one that’s just 30 lbs but also has the torque of a Bosch mid-drive with shift sensing and a throttle… The lowered weight is my highest interest because I’m a light weight guy and enjoy the feelign of hopping the bike and keeping it with me vs. riding on it.

  Reply

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