What decent hardtail emtb options?

z1ppy

E*POWAH Master
May 11, 2018
240
168
West Mids
Just been asked for a recommendation for a (£2K-3K if poss the lower end) hardtail for a friend, he had a heart attack last year, so is feeling the need to back off, though still wants to get out, but isn't doing anything too technical nowadays.

I simply never look at hardtails emtb, so am after any advice as to what option are available & what's good. He won't want an add on kit, as he's bricky, not a mechanic & simply won't be interested. Also I'd rather recommend a main stream motor option, with a decent warranty support and ability to be repaired. As I can see the likes of decathlon (& others) do a lot of hardtail e-bike, but can't see what system they use*, or know if anyone will be interested in touching it after the warranty has expired.
Cheers!

*ahh it's hidden under 'features', not somewhere useful like the 'specifications'
 
Last edited:

Tubby G

❤️‍🔥 Hot Stuff ❤️‍🔥
Dec 15, 2020
2,696
5,421
North Yorkshire
 

Tubby G

❤️‍🔥 Hot Stuff ❤️‍🔥
Dec 15, 2020
2,696
5,421
North Yorkshire
 

Tubby G

❤️‍🔥 Hot Stuff ❤️‍🔥
Dec 15, 2020
2,696
5,421
North Yorkshire
However, if £2-3k is the budget, I’d be getting one of these on a Cycle to Work scheme

 

markloch

Active member
May 14, 2021
188
154
NorCal
orbea’s electric HT is the Urrun. Their lowest-trim model (Urrun 40) should be within budget, more so if you can find a ‘23 model. It has a shimano Ep600 (models 30 and 10 have the ep801) that has been de-tuned to limit it to 60nm and lower watt output. Can be overridden via SW to allow full torque/power at risk of voiding warranty, though I’ve read here that bike shops have overridden the limit and that Shimano is OK with it?

Another option is their Kemen, same frame but full-power Shimano motor (ie 85nm), but more urban than mtb - 100mm rather than 120mm fork, different gearing, fenders, lights, rack.

Point being the Urrun is a good all ‘rounder.
 

Anders

Active member
Subscriber
Oct 11, 2023
88
197
Norway
I have good experience with my Haibike hardtail. My model (Alltrack 11 with Bosch smart motor and Fox 34mm shock) is most likely above his budget, but there are cheaper options with Yamaha motor, e.g. the Alltrack 4.
My son has an older (approx 2020) Haibike hardtail (hard nine) which is, as far as I know, a good bike with a decent fork and Yamaha motor.

Both of us use our bikes for commuting, gravel and trail riding.
 
Last edited:

Seraye

Member
Sep 8, 2020
65
44
Portland
I have totally enjoyed riding trails on my Trek Powerfly 4 HT. Trek makes an excellent aluminum frame that is more forgiving than would be expected, and it is powered by the Bosch CX motor. Of course, the spec of the bike as it is sold is not the best (I changed gears and suspension) but it would be a great starter bike. I do most of my trail riding on a Trek Rail and Orbea Rise, but just had a blast riding the hardtail on XC trails. It does run a bit more expensive than what your friend is looking for, but it is a very versatile frame that can be used for commuting and touring as well as trails.
 

EMTB Forums

Since 2018

The World's largest electric mountain bike community.

555K
Messages
28,070
Members
Join Our Community

Latest articles


Top