The XDURO FSRX is a full suspension “cross country” electric mountain bike that’s comfortable and stable on serious terrain. With 120 millimeters of travel on the front and rear suspension elements (RockShox and Fox respectively), a remote lockout feature, 15mm thru axles and massive 203mm x 180mm M615 hydraulic disc brakes by Shimano you don’t have to hold back. I’ve ridden other light-weight eMountain bikes and had the suspension fail which surprised me. Those bikes used SR Suntour and were really meant for very light trail riding. The FS RX 27.5 by comparison isn’t as cheap but the components hold up and support is good (going through Currie Technologies in the US). With 27.5″ 650b wheels you get improved traction, momentum and attack angle but still have enough room for the long travel shocks (and avoid clipping your toes during tight turns). The centerdrive system is ideal for full suspension because it reduces unsprung weight on the rear arm and a unique chain tensioner keeps things on track when the going gets rough.
On flat terrain this bike easily reaches its 20 miles per hour top speed and freewheels efficiently after that. The 350 watt motor sits at the intersection of the downtube and seat tube doubling as the bottom bracket. It’s got a protective plastic shield along its base (to defer any damage from any rocks or stumps you encounter). It keeps motor weight low and center on the bike frame (right where you want it for balance) and leverages a 10 speed SRAM cassette in the rear. This means you can climb easily without draining the battery as long as you shift into a lower gear. Another neat thing about this and other mid-drive ebikes is that maintenance and service on the wheels is handle just like a regular bike. More force is put onto the chain and cassette with mid-drive motors but this one is smart enough to sense when you’re switching gears and will automatically cut out to avoid mashing. The motor produces a soft whining sound (shown in the video) but is mostly covered by tread and trail noise when riding.
The battery pack used with this system is a 36 volt 11 amp hour Lithium-ion configuration that’s light weight and durable (expect 1,000+ charge cycles if you take care of it). It’s removable for easy charging or multi-pack use on longer distance rides. Even though the official specs say 25 to 35 miles my experience is that it’s capable of going much further (depending on the terrain and level of assist). The battery has a nice LED indicator on the side that displays its charge even without turning the bike on (or even having it on the bike). The pack mounts low and center, just like the motor, but does take up the space where a bottle cage might have otherwise been mounted. Given the full suspension design of this bike there’s really nowhere else to add a cage so consider getting a CamelBak or other hydropack.
The display unit on the XDURO FS RX 27.5″ is large and easy to use. The screen is backlit and shows speed, distance and assist and you can interact with it using a break-out console. This means you can keep your hands on the grips at all times (critical for trail riding on bumpy or dangerous terrain). While some electric mountain bikes rely on throttle only operation, if I had to choose one I’d go with pedal assist. This drive system eliminates the chance of accidental acceleration based on squeezing the grips harder (for stability or in a tense moment) and the centerdrive is so responsive (using torque, cadence and wheel speed combined) that it cuts out as soon as you stop pedaling. One of the neat things about the Bosch display panel is that you can either lock it to the handlebars with a set screw or remove the screw and take the panel with you (to prevent tampering or vandalism). It’s nice that they give you the choice here though I’ve heard that removing screens too often can allow the contacts to get dirty and weaken if not cleaned. The screen and accompanying system are water resistant and modular so if something does break you can get replacement support and keep on riding.
For an extra $900 the FS RX 27.5″ offers full suspension over the XDURO RX 29er and only adds three pounds of weight. I’m a big fan of the drive system, frame style (which comes in two colors and four frame sizes for the perfect fit) and reputation of Haibike. These guys were leaders in Europe and one of the first companies to put a mid-drive system onto a mountain bike. I’ve only had limited time riding this particular model but had the chance to jump it, do stoppies (thanks to the hydraulic disc brakes) and power up large hills which are shown in the video review. This thing actually feels like a bike but takes the edge off my knees, neck and back. The cables and wires are all run through the frame and the unique curved top tube makes standing over the bike easier (and racking yourself on a quick bail less likely).
Pros:
- Super light weight frame and components (at just 48lbs), well balanced drive system with motor and battery low and center
- Centerdrive system is perfect for full suspension, reduces unsprung weight in the rear, tensioner / guide keeps chain on track with rear frame travel
- Bosch drive system is efficient, smooth and powerful with removable battery for convenient charging
- Stiff cranks, decent pedals, rigid frame for good power transfer when riding with remote lockout for reduced bobbing
- Solid 10 speed cassette for climbing and bombing applications, good pedaling range
- Great customer support and warranty from Currie Technologies in the US (part of Accell Group which owns Haibike)
- Four frame sizes so the bike will fit and feel great over long distances (40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm), two color options is kind of nice
- Centerdrive design makes wheel repairs on the trail much easier than hub motors which have extra cables and add weight to the wheel
- Extra large hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm in the front and 180mm in the rear for stopping power
- 650b wheel size provides momentum, improved attack angle and traction but still allows for long-travel suspension with 120mm in front and rear
Cons:
- The battery pack takes up the space where a water bottle cage might otherwise mount
- Externalized battery and larger bottom bracket make it obvious that this is an electric bike “less stealth”
- No throttle mode, this bike only uses pedal assist (like all Bosch powered systems)
- Only available in a high-step configuration but the top tube does curve down a bit for easier standing or bails (avoid racking yourself)
Resources:
- Official Site: http://www.haibikeusa.com/
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/m5wPmt5F5zQueDEZA
Mike leroy says
1. How interchangeable are the components used in the Haibike XDURO FS RX and Trekking RX ?
In other words, can I replace the different parts in the two bikes to have the same bike, in effect?
I live in Woodside, CA. Kings Mountain Road is my primary road. I can make equally strong arguments for either bike. I simply want to buy two pairs tires to make the Trekking RX more FS RX-like, or vice-versa.
2. I look at eBikes from a motorcycle viewpoint. I truly appreciated it when you mentioned unsprung weight. Traction is the most important aspect of a motorcycle regarding accidents. Tires, brakes and suspension influence motorcycle traction. Is this a relevant consideration when buying an eBike? If so, what do I look for, tire specifications?
2a. Do motorcycle “lowsiders” and “highsiders” (i.e., endos) crashes occur on centerdrive eBikes, e.g., or is the torque too low?
2b. Bosch 9ME ABS motorcycle brake controllers are “anti-lowside” technology. Does the equivalent exist in the eBike world from any manufacturer ?
Court Rye says
Interesting questions Mike… I’ll do my best here. 1.) I think many of the parts would be interchangeable but am not sure about the wheels given the 650b on the FS vs. 700c on the Trekking. Also, I believe the front wheel uses a thru-axle on the FS. The batteries, display unit and seats are probably swappable? Not sure exactly what you had in mind, hope this helps. 2.) I think unsprung weight is most relevant on ebikes that have suspension like the FS here. It doesn’t matter too much if you’ve got a hub motor in the rear wheel of a hardtail bike. Having owned an Easy Motion Neo Jumper with full suspension and a hub motor design as well as a Haibike FS 27.5″ I can say that the suspension feels better on the Haibike and it’s more balanced overall which helps when braking, turning and taking jumps. The tires on both bikes were decent, I prefer the Schwalbe Nobby Nic however as it seems thicker and larger overall (though my Neo Jumper was a 26″ vs. their new 650b). 2a.) With hydraulic disc brakes and the 203mm front rotor on the Haibike you can definitely flip forward over the handlebars (I think this is true of most bicycles). As far as doing a wheelie and falling off backwards, I haven’t experienced this and it’s a lot harder with pedal assist because the bike only goes when you pedal forward. If we look at the Optibikes however, they are definitely powerful enough to buck backwards and I’ve heard this happens on the R11 to people when they first try it. 2b.) The Bosch anti-lowside technology is pretty cool! Looks like it prevents the wheels from sliding as you turn and brake simultaneously, something like anti-lock brakes? I have never heard of this for ebikes but it may come in the future as new technology is rolled out… especially with the speed-pedelec full suspension Haibike that I hear is coming in 2015.
muki says
Do you have representative distributor in Israel?
Court Rye says
Hi muki! I’m not sure… I’ll ask around for you, are you trying to buy this bike for yourself?
jim says
I really enjoy your reviews ….. I am definitely getting a Haibike this year but not sure which one … my main use will be urban commuting in Miami which is all flat with somewhat OK but rough section where I live due to tree roots lifting the asphalt. The Xduro Trekking seems like a comfortable bike but I like the looks of the Xduro Urban and its lightness. Is the Urban a harsh ride?. How about the mountain bikes (like FS RX or RX 29) as commuters? I’d appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Jim
Court Rye says
Hi Jim! Great question… there are so many awesome looking Haibikes to choose from and the Trekking is obviously suited to utilitarian rides (fenders, lights, efficient tires) but yeah, maybe not as comfortable as a mountain bike. I actually purchased the FS 27.5″ for myself because it was one of the first Bosch powered ebikes in the US for 2014 and I wanted to experience it on longer rides, commuting etc. I specifically chose the full suspension model because over long distances and higher average speeds my back and neck get sore. The suspension really helps in my opinion and even though the off-road Haibikes aren’t as efficient as the city oriented ones (knobby tires vs. hybrid or street) that doesn’t matter to me because the range is incredible, I’m willing to sacrifice some efficiency for comfort. The other big tradeoff is that the FS doesn’t have bosses for adding a rear rack (actually, none of the off-road versions do) so I had to get a beam rack from Topeak. I did a video with it here which might get you thinking and another video here with the DeFender fenders to keep the bike (and me) clean. Whatever you end up with, feel free to share pics and feedback in the Haibike forums so others can share thoughts or learn :)
Anonymous says
Thanks for all the info …. definitely helpful …. I’m also considering getting one of those dongles to increase the speed a bit …. any thoughts on those? Thanks, Jim
Court Rye says
I’ve seen these in use on some of the older 250 watt Bosch systems and the speed did increase however it seemed like the motor was struggling or overheating because it began cutting out after several miles of high speed. I’ve been told that it definitely violates the warranty but the interesting thing is that you can buy high speed Bosch systems that are designed to go up to 28 mph. I’d recommend getting one of those but so far there aren’t may that come in off-road formats… just the Haibike Race and Superrace which are road bikes.
Christian says
Just bought the Haibike XDURO FS, primarily from the reviews and test riding. I love this bike. I commute with it and stick a slick on the front tire. I can go over anything yet get good power consumption with the slick. The only problem is in mud, the slick slips a little. I just have to watch my line. On rock, the slick is fine. I ride about 4 days a week now rather than 3 (on my cx bike) but leave work every lunch to head down to the beach or mountains to have lunch and/or workout. So I put about 38 miles a day on the bike and just love my commute. Thanks Court for the information.
Court Rye says
Awesome, sounds like it’s working well for you Christian! Thanks for the props and sharing your experience with front tire replacement. Hope the bike continues to work well for you, I loaned mine to a friend and he ended up with several flats, eventually got thicker tubes and some tire liners. Seems like the stock Schwalbe Nobby Nic might be focused on light weight performance vs. thorn protection. Would love to hear your thoughts if you encounter flats down the line.
Christian says
Hey Court, Right now I’m using a 1.5″,650b, 300g Panaracer tire and a 1.75″-2.12″, 26″ slime tube. It’s not thorn season but when that time comes I’ll get a better idea on how prone to punctures the system is, right now no problem. However, I gained speed (top speed on one particular hill with knobs was always around 31.5 with a top of 32 mph, with the slick the speed is around 34.5 mph with a top speed of 35.9 mph) and distance using the slick on the front has improved (at the end of the day I would have 2 bars and sometimes 1, now I have 2 bars and sometimes 3). I obviously need more data to confirm but I’m a pretty consistent rider so the numbers feel right. Anyway, that’s my update.
Court Rye says
Great update Christian! Thanks for your data, it’s neat to see just how much of a difference tires can have… Ride safe at those higher speeds! Sounds like you’re having a great time out there :D
Charles Revis says
Where does one purchase a Haibike in the U.S.A.? I’m having difficulty finding a dealer. I live in the Northwest. Most of the electric bike shops are in Seattle, which is a 5 hour drive for me. Any help in finding a good dealer would be appreciated.
Court Rye says
Hi Charles, the only tool I can recommend for you is the dealer map search run by Currie Technologies which is the company that distributes Haibike in the USA. Any of the dealers that carry other Currie models should be able to get a Haibike for you. Some dealers will ship direct and these bikes can come pre-assembled (that’s how I got mine) but it’s always nice to get fitted at a dealer and have that ongoing support. Might be worth the long drive if you’re spending $4k+ but it’s not the best use of time or gas I admit :
Christian says
Hey Court, It was a slime-bath out there yesterday with my 1.5″ slick. I ran over a thorn or something and it just sprayed slime all over me and the bike (thought I was watching an episode of Dexter). Me and my stubbornness, I kept riding to see if it would clog. After getting sticky from head to toe I decided to stop. I patched the slime tube (which I never did before) and it worked great. I’ll let you know when there is another bloodbath. Take care and hope all is well.
Court Rye says
Wow, sounds like you really had a mess on your hands out there! Did you add the Slime tubes on this bike or did it come with them?
Christian says
I added them. Thought it would help with the slick to limit the number of flats. Of which I’m sure it has but when that hole was made, it was over!
5pnt says
Court, How does the Haibike fs rx suspension compare to something like the Giant Maestro suspension? Is it fully active in all conditions? Is it efficient in transferring all rider energy to the rear wheel in all conditions? Does it have breaking independence so you have suspension while breaking? Thanks
Court Rye says
Great question 5pnt, I haven’t tested the Giant Maestro and am not a suspension expert but I believe that Haibike has carefully thought through performance and may even use designs that were developed originally by Specialized for the FSR suspension (I believe that some of their patents expired recently). This is from the link: “The FSR (Horst Link) suspension has the rear pivot on the chain stay, in front of the rear axle. Other brands will try to get around this by having the pivot above the rear axle on the seat stay but it doesn’t work as well. Trek’s current suspension (ABP) has the pivot concentric with the axle. Then there are other designs such as Giant’s Maestro which is VPP. It has the entire rear triangle rotating around a vitual pivot point, hence the name.”
5pnt says
Thanks Court,
I am checking out e-bikes for the future I am 66 years old. Currently I have an older Specialized Stumpjumper and a Specialized Sirrus road bike. I am running up to 40 miles on road and 20-30 miles off road. When I get old enough and start slowing down I want to get an off road possibly a Hiabike and possibly an Optibike city for myself and my wife, so she can keep up. Thanks again Court
Court Rye says
Sounds like a great plan! You must have a big garage for all of those bicycles ;) I love the Haibike FSRX (mine is still going strong) and Optibike also makes some solid stuff, I hope your wife enjoys it if you go that route. Specialized recently launched a few ebike models of their own! Have you seen them?
Catherine says
Hi, I’m a year 12 student and I’m designing a mobile food trailer for my final VCD project for school. I’m wanting to know how much this bike can pull in terms of weight? Or which is the best electric bike model that can pull the most weight? Such a great website heaps of information Thanks!
Court Rye says
Hi Catherine, that sounds like a neat project! I’m not sure how much the Bosch system is rated to pull but it definitely offers great power and efficiency. It seems like most ebikes can accommodate riders up to 300 lbs so if you subtract your own weight and consider how much the trailer is (along with added friction from a second set of wheels) that might give you some idea. Another stable, powerful electric bike you might check out is the Juiced Riders ODK V3. That bike has a huge battery and a powerful motor but unfortunately the motor is in the front wheel which might lose traction for hauling a big trailer. How much does your trailer weigh? Got any pictures? Feel free to ask for feedback in the General section of the forums as well :)
Erik says
Hi Court, Thanks for the great info and review. I found this bike that I’m interested in. http://www.fahrrad-xxl.de/haibike-xduro-fullseven-rc-x0018156 Could you perhaps tell me what the difference is between a RC model and a RX model? Cheers, Erik
Court Rye says
Hi Erik! Graet question… I plan on reviewing 2016 Haibikes soon and hopefully clarifying some of this stuff but in the mean time, the RX model is a more expensive, higher end version of the XDURO Fullseven than the RC. The RC is slightly more affordable primarily because of the drivetrain being a 10 speed Shimano XLS vs. 11 speed Shimano Deore XT. The brakes are also slightly different (though the rotors are the same size), the RC uses Shimano M 615 while the RX uses Shimano SLX. The frames also come in different colors with rX being a brushed aluminum vs. black paint with some blue and orange accents. The price differences between the two are MSRP $4,599 and $5,199 respectively.
Howard says
Hi, I’m Howard from New York. One of my Indian friends asked me to know about the availability of Haibike in Kashmir, India. He said that before asking me he contacted some other sites about Haibike. I don’t know what did they say. Can you please help me in this regard?
Court Rye says
Hi Howard, I’m not really sure to be honest but there is one shop in the US that does occasionally ship overseas and they are Motostrano in the Bay Area of California. Give them a try and good luck :)