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A closer look at the radical new TQ-HPR50 eBike Motor & Harmonic Pin Ring Transmission

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Stealing the headlines today is Trek’s all-new Fuel EXe . It is a 140mm eMTB with the $12,999.99 XTR-equipped 9.9 model weighing a claimed 17.47 kg (38.51 lb) in a size medium. It rocks a 360 Wh battery powering a mid-drive motor with a peak power of 300 Watts and a maximum torque of 50 Nm. Those stats align it with other lightweight mid-level assist eMTBs on the market such as the Orbea Rise and the Turbo Levo SL. However, unlike the aforementioned, the new Fuel EXe doesn’t even look like an eBike, at least not upon first glance of the drive-side, anyway.

That’s because the Trek Fuel EXe runs a new eBike motor from a little-known electrical engineering company based in Bavaria, Germany. That company is TQ, and their new eBike motor is the TQ-HPR50. Together with its 360 Wh battery, it weighs just 3.9 kg, and boasts a torque density of 82Nm/dm³; apparently the highest torque density of any eBike motor on the market.

The TQ-HPR50 motor is so different to the common eBike motors that we saw fit to give you guys an in-depth look at its Harmonic Pin Ring Transmission, and a breakdown of all the ways in which it is seemingly better than anything that has come before it. It launches with the Trek Fuel EXe, but we expect other eBikes to be sporting it in the future.

The TQ-HPR50: A new lightweight eBike Motor

The TQ-HPR50 delivers a peak power of 300 Watts and a maximum torque of 50Nm, as compared to the 500 Watts and 85Nm/90Nm torque offered by the full-powered eBike motors out there such as the Shimano EP8 and Bosch Performance Line CX.

Compact with narrow q-factor

The TQ-HPR50 motor has one of the smallest footprints of any eBike motor on the market. It doesn’t seem quite as small as the Fazua Ride 50 Evation Motor, but like that one, the TQ-HPR50 is small enough to fit directly behind the chainring. From the drive-side of the Fuel EXe, you can’t even tell there’s a motor in there; it’s only when you look to the non-drive side that you see any evidence of that.

In fact, it is so compact that it boasts a Q-Factor of just 135mm. Putting that into context; the Q-Factor of the Shimano EP8 motor on the Orbea Rise is 177mm, while the Turbo Levo SL 1.1 motor has a Q-Factor of 181mm. Trek spec E*thirteen E*spec cranks across all models for now, so the bike’s Q-Factor is only millimeters narrower than that of the Trek Rail. However, as and when narrower Q-Factor cranks become available, Trek will be free to run a much narrower Q-Factor than most other eBikes, making for a bike that, again, will feel more natural to pedal.

High energy density

The motor itself weighs 1.85 kg, while the 360 Wh battery weighs a claimed 1.83 kg. TQ tell us that is the highest energy density of any eBike battery on the market.

Not only is the TQ-HPR50 motor tiny, it is also packs the highest torque density of any eBike motor on the market today, while also being quieter than most of them, too.

Details from TQ

So, how exactly do TQ achieve all that inside a tiny footprint? The answer lies in their patented Harmonic Pin Ring Technology. 

We hopped on a call with TQ Product Manager, Daniel Theil, to learn more about the TQ-HPR50 motor and how it differs to the higher power eMTB motors we’re all a little more familiar with. He has a background in mechanical engineering, and has been working on the TQ-HPR50 since the beginning. Here’s what we learned.

Central to any eBike motor is the mechanism it relies upon to achieve the appropriate reduction ratio . What’s that when it’s at home? Well, every eBike motor has an electric motor that spins at a much higher RPM than the rider’s pedaling cadence. The reduction ratio refers to that ratio between the RPM of the electric motor, and the RPM of the rider pedaling. What makes the TQ-HPR50 stand out is the mechanism it relies upon to achieve that reduction ratio. That’s where the Harmonic Pin Ring Technology comes in.

Most other eBike motors on the market use planetary cogs (save for the Brose offering that uses a belt drive) to achieve the desired reduction ratio. They use several steps of cogs that engage with one another to reach it. Meanwhile, the Harmonic Ping Ring requires just one step, and that is executed by the how an inner spline ring interfaces with and drives an outer spline ring.

The smaller inner spline has fewer teeth than the outer circular spline. It is not simply the difference in the number of teeth that achieves the reduction ratio, but also the difference in how fast each spline is spinning. Yes, it’s complicated. We aren’t mechanical engineers, so we’ll leave it at that. This animation sheds some light on how those splines work together to achieve the desired reduction ratio. 

Because the TQ-HPR50 can achieve the required reduction ratio in one step, without the use of lots of moving parts, the whole motor can be constructed concentric to the bottom bracket. It’s neat, right?

All about that reduction ratio (for silence)

There’s more. 

The reduction ratio of the TQ-HPR50 motor is 17.5, much lower than the reduction ratio used by other commercially available eMTB motors. On the Levo SL 1.1 motor, this is around 50. So on that bike, the electric motor spins 50 times as fast as the rider’s pedaling cadence. At the same rider cadence, the electric motor inside the SL 1.1 is spinning 3x faster than the electric motor inside the TQ-HPR50 would be. Despite these marked differences, the TQ-HPR50 motor is still optimized for a rider cadence of 60-80 RPM.

Why did TQ opt for such a low reduction ratio? In the pursuit of silence, actually. Now, they aren’t claiming their motor is completely silent, but they are claiming it is a lot quieter than the SL 1.1, and the motors seen on popular full-assist e-mountain bikes.

Another benefit of that low reduction ratio is that the motor can fully support a rider cadence of up to 140 RPM. Obviously, no one actually pedals that fast over any measurable distance. But, Daniel tells us that their data from testing showed them that, on some super technical steep climbs, riders were putting in half pedal strokes that approached that cadence.

For those familiar with traditional Harmonic Drive Systems that are used in aerospace, medical and robotics applications, the TQ-HPR50 uses a mechanism that is actually quite different to those. While the TQ-HPR50 does share the same high precision and direct engagement of traditional Harmonic Drive Systems, it does not share their low efficiency.

Those feature an inner spline that flexes in order to push the teeth into the outer circular spline. It is the flexing of that inner spline where energy is lost. With eBikes being a battery-powered application, this lack of efficiency simply isn’t workable. The TQ-HPR50 motor overcomes that issue with use of an inner spline actuator that sits offset of center, so no parts are required to flex. Daniel tells us it is this mechanism, as well as TQ’s special tooth profile, that really improves the HPR50’s efficiency over traditional Harmonic Drive Systems.

No battery required

Back to (e)bikes.

Daniel Theil tells us that, if you do want to ride the Fuel EXe (or any future bike that may have the TQ-HPR50 motor) in its analogue configuration, i.e., without the battery, it will pedal much like a regular trail bike. That’s thanks to its drag-free internals and integrated freewheel. Of course, all eBike motors have that integrated freewheel that decouples the axle from the gearing, but in some cases there are still some parts moving inside the motor even when the system is switched off. That unnecessary rotating mass and friction creates drag, and means that more of the precious Watts you are producing at the pedals are lost by the time your efforts are translated to the chainring.

The TQ-HPR50 motor is different in that the simplicity of the Harmonic Pin Ring Transmission means the integrated freewheel completely decouples the axle from all the other motor internals, resulting in virtually no drag. The only drag in the TQ system comes from the seals (2-3 Watts); they could be removed of course to deliver zero drag, but they are obviously extremely important in keeping water and contaminants out of the transmission.

Is it waterproof?

In fact, TQ went above and beyond with the waterproof rating of their HPR50 motor. Most eBike motors have a waterproof rating up to IP64 – that means they are protected from total dust ingress, and protected from water spray from any direction. The TQ motor has a rating of IP67, which means you could actually submerge the motor up to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. The Levo SL 1.1 motor boasts that same IP rating, too.

Obviously, I hope no rider will ever have that misfortune, but that IP rating does sound rather appealing to this rider who is familiar with the deluges of Scottish winter. Also, can’t help but be reminded of Danny MacAskill’s watery excursion in “Wee Day Out” . The batteries also boast the IP Rating of 67, while the display and the remote get a rating of 66, the rating for “strong hose water”. 

Tyler has a review of the new Trek Fuel EXe in the works, so you’ll not have to wait too long for details on how the TQ-HPR50 motor actually rides. In the meantime, check out our launch coverage of the EXe here , including full details on geometry, model specs, pricing and availability.

We’re at Eurobike this week keeping an eye out for any other new eBikes rocking the TQ-HPR50 motor. Stay tuned.

TQ-Group.com

Jessie-May Morgan is the UK & Ireland Tech Editor of Bikerumor. She has been writing about Mountain Bike Riding and Racing, and all its weird and wonderful technology for 4 years. Prior to that, she was an Intern at the Mountain Bike Center of Scotland, and a Mountain Bike Coach and Leader in the Tweed Valley.

Based in Innerleithen, Scotland, Jessie-May can often be seen riding the Glentress Trail Center, and its neighboring Enduro and Downhill Tracks. She regularly competes in Enduro at a national level, and has recently competed on the World Stage at a handful of Enduro World Series events.

For Bikerumor, Jessie-May is testing the latest mountain bikes, equipment and kit, letting readers know what’s hot and what’s not.

For context, she weighs 60kg and stands at 5ft 4″ tall (163cm).

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Wow if it’s Really silent and waterproof, RELIABLE , smooth and powerful enough it might be the Ducks guts for me .I’m nearly back to my birth weight at 61kg so midpowered motor is all I need. Silence is golden. E=Mtb².

I bought one as it was instantly available in Mark Renshaws shop Bathurst Australia EXe 9.7 model shimano gears, Fox suspension $11k au. It’s impressive even with motor off, seriously try it. It’s truly a very good mtb and a Emtb. Very good balance of weight, power and geometry. Power delivery and traction from a standstill on a very steep slope surprising .Well done Trek and TQ. E=Mtb²

It’s nice to see ebike manufacturers work not only on torque/power but also size/weight/noise/efficiency. Value oriented ebikes are mostly about having biggest battery capacity/torque/power but without torque sensor, and big/heavy/noisy drivetrain I think it’s missing a lot of the pleasure of cycling. of course there is a market for 28 mph e mopeds that are not about pedalling but just being lightweight emotorcycles that don’t require registration/insurance or motorcycle license, and will output maximum power by just ghost pedalling, and have very low cost per mile, but I think many people want something as close to a non electric bike as possible, that just multiplies your strength/stamina

Wait, how is the “Harmonic Pin Drive” patented??? It’s also known more commonly as a Cycloidial Drive, which is commonly used in industrial motors. This is nothing new. It’s been around for 100 years (sometime in 1920s, exact date disputed).

It would probably be covered as “end use application”, in that the system had not been used for electric vehicles.

Given the US Supreme Court’s decision that a driveshaft isn’t covered under patent law because it relies on fundamental laws of physics, this patent is arguably void.

Of course any and all logic would tell you that’s bunk, but such is the state of US politics.

What engineering part does not rely on the fundamentals of physics?

A company called Freeflow already have a harmonic drive ebike motor. I’d be surprised if a new market use could enable a patent anyway.

Aren’t most strain wave/harmonic gearing systems based on a flexible spline? My initial thought when I read about TQ’s system was that it bore some resemblance to a Wankel engine with its offset crankshaft. This article seems to support that, though to what extent I don’t know.

TQ have a Patent issued in 2017 for the “Pin ring” version of the harmonic drive. It is a different implementation compared to the common Cycloidal Drive. https://patents.google.com/patent/EP3163122A1/en

Similar harmonic ring drive system to the or from Freeflow in Scotland.

Wonder what the lifespan is of this setup. Gear teeth use an involute profile so that the teeth “roll” onto each other instead of rubbing onto each other. This design looks like it would have the teeth rubbing against each other on engagement. But it could very well be lubricated for life with a L10 well in excess of the use a bike will see in it’s lifespan.

The emperor has no clothes.

To me, it’s not really harmonic pin ring, because HPC uses a strained gear that rotates on the same axis as the input. I would call this a cycloidal transmission with an unusual (and IMO very cool) output stage. Cycloidal gets speed reduction with a gear that is not on the same axis as the input, and in fact the axis of that gear rotates at the same rpm as the input. You can see animations of HPC and cycloidal on Youtube, and the above video from TQ also shows the eccentric motion.

To get the output back onto the same axis as the input, most cycloidals use output pins that engage with cutouts on an output rotor. Instead, TQ uses a second cycloidal stage. This gives up a little of the speed reduction in return for a simpler and more compact design. I wish there were animations for this, but only TQ seems to have thought of it.

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4 upgrades & 7 updates on our Fuel EXe long-term test bike | Trek Fuel EXe Review

The not-so-minor details.

2023 Trek Fuel EXe

https://www.trekbikes.com

$9,499 AUD - $12,999 AUD

The Trek Fuel EXe was launched just a few months ago, arriving to much fanfare thanks to its unique TQ-HPR50 motor and clean aesthetics. We were totally captivated by the smooth and quiet motor performance, while the low weight, balanced geometry and supportive suspension gave it an impressively playful and agile character on the trail.

We’ve since spent a load more time aboard our test bike, and have made a few key changes and upgrades along the way. For those who are curious about this lightweight e-MTB, or for those who already own one and are looking to delve a bit deeper into its capabilities, here’s a look at what we’ve learned from our long-term review of the Trek Fuel EXe.

There’s an app for that

The release of the Fuel EXe has been accompanied by a new app called Trek Central.

Designed specifically for the Fuel EXe, the app incorporates a number of features including ride tracking, navigation and range estimation. It allows you to tune the performance of the TQ HPR50 motor, and it provides recommendations on suspension and tyre setup. You can pair the app with a heart rate monitor, and it’ll even talk to SRAM TyreWiz and AirWiz modules to provide live pressure readouts.

It’s easy to tune the TQ-HPR50 motor

The most interesting component of the Trek Central app is the Perfect Tune function. This lets you adjust the motor’s power output and assistance behaviour across each of the Eco, Mid and High assist modes. Within each mode you can adjust the Maximum Power, Assist Factor and Pedal Response using a simple sliding scale.

Our main interest here was to see if we could give the TQ motor a little more punch for shorter rides. Although the High mode already comes with the Maximum Power set to the full 300W, it is possible to increase both the Assist Factor and Pedal Response settings, which is exactly what we did.

With both settings maxed out, the Fuel EXe accelerates faster and requires less pedal input to deliver maximum power. It still requires plenty of input, and it isn’t as gutsy as a full-powered motor like a Bosch Performance Line CX or Shimano EP8, but it is noticeably quicker compared to the stock settings.

Of course the downside is reduced range, and it’s possible to rinse that 360Wh battery pretty quickly, especially for heavier riders. It works well for an hour-of-power session after work, but for longer rides you’ll want to make use of the Eco and Mid settings, and consider dialling down the Assist Factor. This will encourage you to pedal harder to receive maximum motor support, while only relying on the High setting when you really need it.

It still has some lag

In our initial review, we mentioned that the TQ-HPR50 motor didn’t always provide support when we wanted, exhibiting some lag in certain circumstances.

Now we aren’t referring to the mechanical pickup of the motor. That is near-instantaneous, with very little free-play in the cranks before they engage the drive system. Rather we mean the delay between when you input a pedalling force, to the point that the motor starts delivering power output.

Even with the Pedal Response set to the maximum level, this delay can still sometimes occur. If you’re climbing in a higher gear at a slower cadence, pausing to freewheel over an obstacle won’t be met with instant power delivery once you get back on the gas. Similarly, if you’re cruising along at speed and need to pause on the pedals, there is some lag in the motor’s pickup when you begin pedalling again.

To avoid this, we’ve found the TQ-HPR50 motor to provide better support at higher cadences. Make use of the lower gears, spin at a higher RPM, and the motor will respond faster and more willingly.

Generally speaking though, this is a motor that is here to give you a subtle helping hand rather than feeling like you have a rocket booster strapped to the bike. The soft and smooth power delivery is what contributes to its discreet and energy-efficient performance, allowing the Fuel EXe to be built with such a small and lightweight battery in the first place.

The wide Q-factor may be a bother

Despite spending another couple of months on the Trek Fuel EXe, I’ve not gotten used to its wide stance at the pedals.

To clarify, the TQ-HPR50 is one of, if not the smallest mid-drive motors on the market, and its bottom bracket axle is narrow at 135mm. The issue is with the carbon e*13 crank arms that come on the Fuel EXe 9.8 and 9.9 models. These bulky cranks add significant width to the overall Q-factor, pushing the pedals further away from the bike.

According to my measurements the Q-factor is nearly 195mm. That is very wide, and it’s caused me some knee pain on longer rides.

I visited a local Trek dealer and compared the Q-factor with the alloy e*13 cranks that come on the cheaper Fuel EXe 9.7 and 9.5 models. The difference is almost 20mm, with the alloy crank arms being considerably slimmer and coming much closer to a crankset on a regular mountain bike.

Many riders won’t be fussed by a wide Q-factor, and indeed the broader stance can improve overall stability on the bike. But for riders with sensitive knees, it is something to consider. Indeed if the Fuel EXe were my bike, I’d be looking at changing out the crank arms.

But it’s oh so quiet

Since reviewing the Trek Fuel EXe, I’ve been riding a whole bunch of other e-MTBs including the Canyon Spectral:ON , the Scott Patron and the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 . Those all make use of full-powered motors that have their various strengths and weaknesses, but one of the most noticeable differences is the amount of noise out on the trail.

The TQ-HPR50 motor is remarkably quiet, even in the highest assist mode with all of the settings maxed out. The pitch and overall volume are so discreet, that every time I jump onto a full-powered e-MTB, it feels like I’m riding a vacuum cleaner.

It’s also unnoticeable on the descents, with none of the freewheel clacking that has plagued the Shimano EP8 and Bosch Performance CX drive units. Along with its smooth and surge-free power delivery, I’ve been really impressed with the experience that the stealthy TQ motor brings to riding the Fuel EXe, which feels closer to a regular mountain bike than a full-powered e-MTB.

The RockShox suspension is performing beautifully

Both the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 XT and the top-end 9.9 models come fitted with the new 2023 RockShox forks and shocks as standard. Featuring an all-new construction with updated internals, the Lyrik is equipped with the new Charger 3 damper, and the Super Deluxe shock features the RC2 damper.

In our initial review, we found the Fuel EXe’s suspension to be incredibly supportive, but not the most compliant over smaller bumps. That was particularly the case up front with the Lyrik, which even felt harsh in some situations.

I’m happy to report that the suspension has bedded in a lot since new, though I’ve since been riding the Fuel EXe with a different Lyrik Ultimate. This Lyrik had been freshly serviced by SRAM, and it has bedded in beautifully over the last few weeks of riding. Compared to the original fork it is significantly smoother and plusher, especially across smaller rubble. The support is still there, it’s just vastly more comfortable and reactive.

This experience has turned around my earlier feelings on the Lyrik, which I wasn’t overly impressed with. Aside from the different colour, the only difference between these two forks is the fact that the green one had been serviced. It isn’t uncommon to encounter varying levels of assembly grease and oil with mass-produced suspension products, though perhaps the new RockShox forks are more sensitive to it.

My advice to anyone out there with a 2023 RockShox fork that is feeling harsh? Have your local bike shop check the lowers for the proper lubrication levels. It could make all the difference, as it has done on our Fuel EXe.

It’s brilliant with a 160mm travel fork

While the Trek Fuel EXe comes standard with a 150mm travel fork, the frame is rated for use with up to a 160mm fork. And so alongside the green Lyrik Ultimate, I’ve also been testing a Fox 36 GRIP2, both set at 160mm of travel.

The extra 10mm of travel does lift up the BB slightly, and it also slackens the angles a touch. With the longer fork fitted, I needed to nose the saddle down slightly, and I dropped the stem down one spacer to bring the grips down to the same level as before.

On the trail the longer fork feels fantastic. There may be a touch more front wheel wander on the climbs, but having lowered the stem to get more weight over the front, it’s pretty minimal. And the added ground clearance has actually improved the Fuel EXe’s technical climbing abilities, allowing me to keep pedalling over chunky sections with less fear of pedal strikes.

It’s on the descents where the extra 10mm of travel has been most welcome though, delivering increased grip and control when things get rough and rowdy. The whole bike feels more planted, and it’s plusher overall.

I was worried the bigger fork might feel mismatched with the 140mm of rear travel, but that hasn’t been the case. The Fuel EXe is a mighty capable bike, and its rear suspension is nice and progressive with plenty of end-stroke support thanks to the Hydraulic Bottom Out feature in the new Super Deluxe shock. Because it uses its travel in such a controlled manner, it actually feels more balanced with the bigger fork up front.

With that in mind, I can highly recommend experimenting with a longer fork on your Fuel EXe. The good news is that this a relatively cheap upgrade, as you only need to buy a 160mm air shaft to extend the RockShox Lyrik and Fox 36.

Mullet compatibility

A lesser known fact about the Trek Fuel EXe is that it can be run as a mullet. While the bike comes standard with 29in wheels and the Mino Link set in the Low position, Trek says flipping the chip into the High position will help counter the drop in BB height if you decide to fit a 27.5in rear wheel.

That’s true to an extent, though the difference in BB height between the High and Low positions is only 7mm. In our experience with trying out mullet conversions on other bikes, that difference isn’t quite enough. If we were to mullet the Fuel EXe, we’d recommend pairing that setup with a 160mm travel fork to help lift the BB up again to roughly the same spot as the stock setup.

The downside of fitting a 27.5in rear wheel? The TQ’s speed sensor can’t be recalibrated for a different wheel circumference, so the system will still assume you have a 29in wheel fitted. This will affect the speed readout on the top tube display, changing the motor’s behaviour slightly and resulting in a lower actual cutoff speed.

If you’re prepared to put in more effort at the pedals however, the mullet setup will be an effective way to add further agility into the Fuel EXe while increasing bum clearance for shorter riders. See our recent Specialized Stumpjumper mullet review  if you’re keen to know more about the advantages and disadvantages.

Burlier tyres are a great upgrade

While the stock Bontrager SE5 tyres on the Trek Fuel EXe are decent all-rounders, we did find ourselves wishing for more bite up front. As well as wanting a stickier and more aggressive set of tyres, we were also curious to try out a slightly narrower width to improve handling precision.

Since reviewing the bike in its stock form, I’ve been riding the Fuel EXe with a set of Continental Kryptotal tyres. This combination features a front and rear specific tread pattern, and I elected for the burlier Enduro casing option that features the Soft rubber compound.

We’ll have a separate feature coming on the Continental tyre range, but so far I’ve been really impressed with this setup on the Fuel EXe. The 2.4in width suits the bike well, and the sturdy casings offer a really nice balance of stability and damping. Along with the soft rubber compound, the level of grip is outstanding, inspiring more confidence and control compared to the stock SE5s. Along with the 160mm fork up front, I’ve been able to push the Fuel EXe harder and faster on the descents, while enjoying a more responsive attitude through twisty singletrack.

Dialling in the contact points

As with the tyres, I’ve also been trying out some different contact points on our Trek Fuel EXe test bike. The stock Bontrager saddle and grips will be fine for most riders, but there’s always room for personalising these touch points to improve comfort and control.

I swapped the Bontrager Arvada with an Ergon SM E-Mountain Pro saddle, which features a pronounced kick-tail profile. This elevated ramp at the end of the saddle is particularly beneficial on an e-MTB, as it helps to anchor your sit bones while you’re pedalling in the saddle on a steep climb. The ramp is subtle enough that it doesn’t feel weird on the flats though, and combined with the broad platform, relief channel and OthoCell inserts, this has quickly become my favourite e-MTB saddle.

Along with the saddle I’ve fitted a set of Ergon GD-1 grips. These utilise Ergon’s high-end Factory rubber compound, which is incredibly tacky while being quite durable. Along with the tapered profile and one-way traction grooves, the GD-1s provide a more tactile feel and much improved damping over the stock grips. A small but meaningful upgrade, which doesn’t cost a lot either.

Flow’s Verdict

We continue to be impressed by the Trek Fuel EXe, which stands as one of the most agile and enjoyable electric mountain bikes we’ve ever ridden. The discreet TQ motor allows for elegant packaging, while offering quiet and subtle power delivery on the trail. And the option to tune the motor via the Trek Central app means you can customise its performance to suit your range requirements.

It’s also been great fun trying out different upgrades on our long-term test bike. The 160mm travel fork is a winner, offering a plusher and more controlled ride quality that allows you to capitalise on the Fuel EXe’s descending capabilities. Similarly, switching the stock tyres out for burlier casings and stickier rubber has levelled up traction and control. If you’re a Fuel EXe owner and you’re looking to broaden its performance window, we can highly recommend those upgrades.

Keen to know more about the tech and development behind the new bike, as well as prices and specs for the full range? Read on for our Trek Fuel EXe review .

Watch our Trek Fuel EXe video review here:

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Trek’s Fuel EXe Is the Best e-Mountain Bike You Can Buy Right Now

Light, discrete, and quiet with a great chassis, the new EXe proves that more doesn’t make e-bikes better.

TQ HPR50 Motor

Motor noise, battery and range, display, remote, and apps, frame details, models and prices.

The Takeaway: Motor or no motor, the Fuel EXe is one of the best mountain bikes on the market right now.

• All new EX carbon frame with 140mm rear travel and 150mm fork
• Small and light (1850 grams) TQ HPR50 with maximum 50Nm torque
• 360Wh in-frame battery. Optional piggyback 160Wh range extender
• 2-5 hour claimed ride range from in-frame battery
• Six models priced $6,500 to $14,000

Weight: 40.9 lbs. (medium, 9.9 XX1 AXS)

Price: $14,000 (9.9 XX1 AXS)

Trek kicks off a big week of mountain bike launches here at Bicycling with the introduction of their latest e-mountain bike: The Fuel EXe. While the usual e-bike story is about more power, battery, and range, the EXe falls into the intriguing e-light category where the story is less.

The EXe is lighter, a lot lighter—10 or so pounds lighter—than a full-power e-bike because it uses a less powerful motor requiring a smaller battery. That makes it appealing to riders who want an e-bike but also want the feel and handling of an unpowered e-bike. It should also interest lighter and less powerful riders put off by riding a 50-pound eMTB. As I found out, being less powerful doesn’t mean less fun. The EXe proves that the old Less Is More axiom works for e-bikes too.

The Fuel EXe arrives in shops worldwide, in limited numbers, today.

Ride Impressions

Most of the e-bikes I ride are motorized versions of a brand’s existing unpowered frame platform, which there’s a better-than-good chance I’ve already ridden. However, with this new Fuel EXe, Trek flipped the script on me because the powered version came first.

My test bike was the most expensive model: The $14,000 9.9 XX1 AXS in Baja Yellow. The parts were, as you would hope for a bike this expensive, flawless. I did notice the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper on this post seemed smoother and less sticky than other examples of this post I’ve tried, perhaps due to some running changes on the assembly line. The Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tires are the best Bontrager trail tires I’ve ever ridden, and I feel like the company has a rubber compound that lets them compete with the best on the market. Also impressive were the 2023 RockShox parts which are a step forward in smoothness for the brand, and operate silently.

One thing not present on my bike was Trek’s AirWiz suspension pressure sensors on the fork and shock, or the Quarq TyreWiz tire pressure sensors on the wheels. These are a stock feature on the model I tested, but Trek’s PR team decided to remove them from my review bike after the issues I had with the sensors on the Rail test bike in October . Riders who order the new EXe through Trek’s Project One customization program have the option to remove the sensors.

While much of this bike is new to me, the Fuel EXe is such a harmonious package that I got comfortable with it very quickly, and it wasn’t much longer before I was in love with this bike. In fact, I’m going to declare that this is one of the best mountain bikes—powered or unpowered—I’ve recently ridden. I can’t wait until the unpowered version of this frame lands because I think it will kick ass.

Everything makes this bike good, but I’ll start with the frame. The chassis has a modern fit and balanced handling that lets the rider climb comfortably and let it run on the descents, yet it’s still agreeable on mid-speed and flatter trails. There’s nothing particularly unique or different about the EXe’s geometry numbers, which I think is the point: It finds an equilibrium that works well on many kinds of climbs and flavors of descent without neglecting that some trails are flatter. If anything, it’s snappier and livelier—things I don’t think I’ve ever said about an e-mountain bike—than the average 140/150mm bike, and enough that I legitimately forgot that I was on an e-bike at times.

I sometimes forget I was on an e-bike because the motor is so quiet and well-mannered. I couldn’t hear it over my breathing on climbs, and it’s so smooth that there are almost no vibrations or buzzing to feel in the frame. Plus, it is entirely free of clunking and lash.

It’s the most natural feeling motor I’ve yet ridden, by which I mean it doles out the power in an approximately human way. It is also so quick that there’s almost no lag between when you start and stop pedaling; the motor power flows in and out. It legitimately feels like you’re just having a really great day when you pedal this bike. I felt less surging and pushing from this motor, even in the highest assist mode, than I’ve experienced from any other e-bike motor system.

The EXe’s motor feels exceptionally well-tuned, and the experience is refined, eclipsing even Specialized’s excellent motors. Some of this smoothness likely results from the TQ’s lower torque. By keeping the system quiet, the bike tricks the brain a bit—quieter is perceived as smoother. But riding the EX- was such a pleasant experience that I never missed the extra boost of a “full power” e-bike.

I feel like this e-lite mountain bike might provide a superior experience for many riders, even committed e-bike riders. Yeah, it’s not going to hurl you up the climbs the way a full-power e-bike will. Yes, I did wish for more range—if only because riding the EXe is so damn fun—but there’s enough power and range here to offer some substantial assist, yet the bike remains agile and doesn’t punish the upper body on the descents. It is an e-bike experience that doesn’t overwhelm the mountain bike experience. The experience of transitioning from a mountain bike to a full-power e-bike is pretty extreme and can be jarring.

Full-power e-bikes are a lot: A lot of power and a lot of weight. Many riders adapt and are completely happy with their full-power e-bikes. But if you’ve tried a full-power e-bike and thought it was a bit much, the EXe will be a revelation.

Based on Strava, even with the EXe’s assist, I was still slower on the climbs and descents than my town’s fastest pro riders. I wasn’t even as fast as my best unassisted times from when I was in my best riding shape. But I could ride quicker and with less effort than I can (at my current weight and fitness) compared to an unassisted bike. It lessened—but did not eliminate—the pain and significantly increased the fun in a quiet, sleek, and easy-to-ride package. Which, to me, are the hallmark of an extraordinary bike.

For the new EXe motor, Trek turned to a new supplier: TQ Group. Like Bosch, Brose, and Mahale, TQ’s e-bike division is a small part of a large and diverse company with extensive knowledge in electronics. Though they may not have the recognition of its competitors, this isn’t TQ’s first foray into e-bike motors: The Flyon motor used for some Haibike models was a TQ product. But while the Flyon was noteworthy for its massive 120Nm of torque, the HPR50 maxes out at 50Nm (300 watts maximum assist), putting the Fuel EXe into the growing e-light category of mountain bikes. Other e-light trail bikes include Specialized’s Levo SL and Orbea’s Rise.

With nearly half the maximum torque, these e-light bikes don’t have the sheer thrust of a full-power e-MTB. But less powerful motors are smaller and lighter, and they draw less juice so that the bikes can use smaller and lighter batteries. And that’s why this EXe is easily 10 pounds lighter than a comparable full-power e-bike. For example, the full-power Trek Rail I reviewed last October weighed 51.3lb. This EXe with a similar build weighs 40.9 pounds.

The HPR50 is a light (1830 grams) and small e-bike motor because of its architecture. The “harmonic pin ring” system allows a concentric profile without belts and with fewer gears, packaging the entire unit into a shell that looks more like an oversized standard bottom bracket than the typical e-bike motor. Rather than explaining the design, the hypnotic animation provided by TQ below illustrates it nicely.

One more stat I want to highlight is TQ’s claimed “135mm Q-Factor.” While this is true, it’s the Q-factor of the motor without cranks which, last I checked, is hard to pedal. With my test bike’s e*thirteen e*spec Race Carbon cranks installed, I measured an approximate 195mm Q-Factor, which is quite a bit wider than a Shimano EP8 motor’s 177mm.

According to Trek’s launch materials, they spent a lot of time analyzing and quantifying e-bike motor noise. And while I don’t consider any of the current mid-drive e-bike motors loud, they all make noticeable—and not particularly pleasant—noise. Trek claims that when measured in an anechoic chamber, their motor’s tonality across a range of cadence speeds is four to five times lower than other e-bikes, registering as “barely perceivable.”

After many hours of riding the EXe, I agree that barely perceivable is an apt way to describe the motor’s noise. It’s so quiet that it barely registers above (and most of the time is masked by) tire noise and breathing. And not only is it hushed, but the noise you can hear is a much lower pitch—almost like a cat’s happy purr—than the high-pitched whine of most e-bike motors.

So quiet is the HPR50 motor that I could ride the EXe in a group without others knowing I was on an e-bike. Unless they got a good look at the bike from the non-drive side or happened to see the discrete handlebar remote (which I tried to cover with my hand as much as possible), they assumed it to be a non-assist bike. To make it even stealthier, I covered the top tube display with electrical tape to hide it, covered the top tube logo with stickers, and rode trails that are closed to e-bikes. Of course, I can’t suggest you do the same, but no one I rode by gave me or the bike a second look.

The EXe has a 360 Wh internal battery, which is enough for “two to five hours” of riding, according to Trek. While frustratingly vague, it’s accurate as many factors influence battery range. Riding in the “mid” assist mode, I did a 25-mile ride with almost 2500 feet of climbing. The ride took two hours and 40 minutes and finished with under 30 percent battery remaining, so I think the two-to-five hour estimate is accurate.

If you want more range (or less range anxiety), the EXe offers a couple of options. One is a 160Wh piggyback battery ($660, 900 gram claimed weight) that fits into the bottle cage. You’ll lose the ability to put a water bottle on the bike, but it provides 40 percent more range. One clever thing about this range extender is you can charge both it and the bike’s in-frame battery through a charge port in the extender. The other option is to buy a second in-frame battery ($750). You can easily remove the in-frame battery from the frame, so hot swaps on the trail are possible if you’re willing to carry a spare 1835g battery in your pack.

Claimed charge time for the 360Wh battery is a relatively short two hours, while the 160Wh piggyback charges in an hour.

The EXe has a two-inch OLED flush-mounted in the top tube with four data lines and the system’s on/off switch. A remaining charge graphic and assist mode indicator always show, and you can scroll through four data screens. The most helpful are the ones that display the remaining battery charge as a percentage and estimated ride time remaining, and remaining range in miles and estimated ride time remaining. The other data screens show rider and bike power and speed. In addition, the TQ system broadcasts information on an ANT+ channel, so you can also see information on compatible GPS cycling computers.

The TQ handlebar remote is very discrete. Use it to select one of three assist modes (Eco, Mid, High), to shut off all assistance, or activate walk mode.

Riders may access further information and settings through the new Trek Central app for iOS and Android. The app can customize all three assist modes. However, assist-system firmware updates must be done by a Trek dealer.

The Central app also offers ride tracking/recording (with automatic export to Strava and Komoot) and navigation with battery charge remaining at the end of the trip. It also has a range cloud that shows how far you can ride if you want to make a round trip and how far you can ride one way with a full charge.

The Central app also provides suspension and tire pressure setup information based on rider weight and recommended suspension damping settings. If your bike has Trek’s TireWiz or AirWiz electronic pressure sensors, the app also connects to those devices.

The EXe is the debut of Trek’s all-new carbon frame platform. Though the e-bike version is the first to launch, I’d bet there’s an unassisted version of this same frame coming soon. It is a mid-travel trail frame with 140mm of rear travel and complete models equipped with 150mm forks (it can take up to a 160mm fork). In addition, Trek seems to be heading in a new styling direction with the EXe, as the frame shapes and graphics seem crisper yet more subtle than previous mountain bikes.

The rear suspension is Trek’s familiar ABP (Active Braking Pivot) design. ABP is a single pivot system with a floating brake arm, allowing the nerds to fine-tune the bike’s anti-squat (pedaling) and anti-rise (braking) characteristics more than they could by using a more traditional single-pivot design. Trek says the kinematics work with either air or coil shocks and states that all coil shocks from Fox and RockShox are compatible with the EXe.

All frame sizes fit a 20-ounce water bottle inside the front triangle, and there’s a cargo mount under the top tube, too. Hoses and housing run internally (of course), but this frame does not use Trek’s Knock Block system to limit bar rotation. It got sacrificed to make room for the in-frame display.

The EXe’s geometry is pretty average for a modern 140/150mm travel trail bike. The highlights are two geometry positions (via a chip in the rocker link yielding a 64.7- or 65.2-degree head angle/76.7- or 77.2-degree effective seat tube angle) and chainstays that measure about 440mm.

While complete bikes come with 29-inch wheels, Trek says the bike is compatible with a 27.5” rear wheel.

Trek recommends using the high geometry position with the smaller-sized wheel fitted. However, it cautions that “the smaller wheel circumference will affect the accuracy of the speed reading and cannot be adjusted.”

Trek Fuel EXe 9.5

There are six EXe models—starting with the $6,500 Fuel EXe 9.5 and topping out with the $14,000 EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS. All use the same carbon frame, TQ motor, and 360Wh battery, but the rest of the build changes accordingly to price. Trek provided complete bike weights for the line, which I’ve pasted below, and you’ll also find build highlights. Full component package details are available on Trek’s website.

Notably, the most expensive EXe is not the lightest bike in the lineup. The $13,000 Shimano XTR build and the $8,700 and $9,200 Shimano XT bikes are lighter weight than the range-topping $14,000 SRAM XX1 AXS-equipped model. Also, the least expensive 9.5 model (remember: same frame, motor, and battery for all models) costs $7,500 less than the 9.9 XX1 AXS build but only weighs 3.3(ish) pounds heavier. To put it another way, the 9.5 is 53.6 percent cheaper than the 9.9 XX1, yet only eight percent heavier.

Personally, the best build in the line is the XT model. It’s under 40 pounds (claimed), has the carbon rims, comes with tough and sticky SE tires, and has the fancy one-piece carbon bar/stem of the most expensive builds. It has all of this while carrying a sub-five figure price tag.

Lastly, on the SRAM AXS -equipped bikes (like my review sample), the rear derailleur gets power from the bike’s battery via an “extension cord” pack. This pack clips on in place of the standard AXS battery and connects to the bike’s wiring harness. If you completely drain the e-bike battery, there is still enough juice left for about 200 shifts. Riders can bring along a spare AXS battery as an extra precaution.

Model | Weight in Pounds | Price

Fuel EXe 9.5 | 43.94 | $6,500

Fuel EXe 9.7 | 41.99 | $7,600

Fuel EXe 9.7 P1 Now* | 41.99 | $8,100

Fuel EXe 9.8 XT | 39.9 | $8,700

Fuel EXe 9.8 XT P1 Now* | 39.9 | $9,200

Fuel EXe 9.8 GX AXS | 40.06 | $11,000

Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR | 38.51 | $13,000

Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS | 40.67 | $14,000

* “P1 Now” models have a “premium” finish and are painted and assembled at Trek’s headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin. The weight and build kit are the same as standard models.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Trek Allant+ 8S Review, 2024

This comfortable commuter combines cool tech with a responsive, dialed-in feel.

The most prominent highlight from our time on the bike was the overall feel and performance of its 250W Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor. As a result of this premium drive system, the Allant+ responds naturally and proportionally to changes in pedaling with smooth assistance, yet never loses an analog bike feel.

With a Bosch drive system comes the ability to be paired with the multifunctional Bosch COBI.BIKE app. This app serves as a hub that integrates with your favorite audio, fitness, and navigation apps, allowing you to track ride data, listen to music or audiobooks, make calls to your closest contacts, and receive turn-by-turn guidance to your destination.

We couldn’t help but appreciate the bike’s overall high-quality feel and confident handling. With 2.4” wide tires and a weight of 57 lbs, the Allant felt firmly planted, but it retained the nimble handling of a lighter-weight city bike.

Additionally, as a Trek product, it felt generally well-rounded with comfortable, precise geometry, top-tier components, and a sturdy frame.

To learn more about the bike’s performance in our series of real-world tests, see our full Trek Allant+ 8s review below!

• Aside from the increased speed, it’s hard to tell you’re riding an e-bike thanks to the impressively smooth yet powerful 250W Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive.
• Quick access to navigation, music, contacts and more when using your phone as a display; the Bosch system pairs with the brand’s COBI.BIKE app.
• Feels planted and stable – yet nimble – with 27.5”x2.4” tires, a rigid fork, solid construction, and an overall weight of 57 lbs.
• Capable of extended rides thanks to its 36V, 625 Wh battery. A supplemental range extender battery can also be added for more miles.
• A truly refined and elevated feel that comes as a benefit of being a Trek product.
• Keeps up with traffic more easily as a Class 3 e-bike with pedal assist up to 28 mph.
• Pedals effectively on hills and at high speed thanks to a versatile 11-42T cassette.
• Great modulation and responsiveness from the 4-piston Tektro Orion hydraulic disc brakes.
• Four levels of pedal assist for a streamlined, easy to use system.

• We like the Bluetooth functionality and COBI.BIKE app, but the bike’s integrated universal phone mount felt flimsy. We’d prefer something more durable.
• We appreciate the visibility granted by the pulsating tail light, but we challenge Trek to include brake lights on the next iteration of the bike.
• The Allant’s lights are always on, though servicers of Bosch systems can adjust this setting.
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
• Display: Bosch SmartphoneHub
• Motor: Bosch Performance Speed, 85 Nm, 28 mph / 45 kph
• Headlight: Trek Lync headlight, 500 lumens
• Taillights: Trek Lync taillight, 50 lumens
• Pedal Assist: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo
• Throttle: N/A
• App: COBI.BIKE
• UL Certification: UL 2849 compliant
• Claimed weight: 56.3 lbs (57 lbs actual)
• Rider height range: 5’5” to 6’6”
• Maximum load on the rear rack: 31 lbs
• Total payload capacity: 300 lbs
• Brakes: Shimano MT520 4-piston hydraulic disc, post-mount, 180mm rotor
• Fenders: Trek custom aluminum
• Fork: Allant+ rigid alloy fork, 1-1/8” steel steerer, 100x15mm thru axle, post mount disc brake
• Frame: High-performance hydroformed alloy, Removable Integrated Battery, Range Boost-compatible, internal cable routing, Motor Armour, post-mount disc, 135×5 mm QR
• Drivetrain: 10 speed, ProWheel 46T narrow/wide alloy, w/alloy guard chainring, Shimano Deore M4100 11-42T cassette
• Grips: Bontrager Satellite Elite, alloy lock-on
• Saddle: Bontrager Commuter Comp
• Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 600mm width (M), 660mm width (L, XL)
• Kickstand: Rear mount, alloy
• Pedals: Bontrager City pedals
• Tires: Bontrager E6 Hard-Case Lite, reflective strip, 27.5×2.40”

The Allant+ 8s showed an uncommon combination of stability and maneuverability that we thoroughly enjoyed!

The 250W Bosch mid-drive motor feels powerful and provides up to a 340% return of your effort.

While the Allant+ includes a basic display, it encourages the use of your smartphone when paired with the Bosch COBI.BIKE app.

Trek Allant+ 8s Review: Speed Test

To perform our Speed Test, I pedaled the Allant+ 8s on a flat section of our local network of multi-use paths, filmed the process, and recorded the maximum speeds I reached in each of the bike’s four pedal assist settings.

During this test, it was important that I maintained a moderate level of effort due to the mid-drive motor/torque sensor; this combination allows the motor to dispense a greater amount of pedal assistance when using more effort, or put out less power when riding casually. My goal was to find an average level of speed with the assumption that those using more or less effort could expect slightly different results.

When pedaling with no pedal assistance, I comfortably reached a surprising top speed of 13.4 miles per hour. The power level of the Allant’s lowest pedal assist system (PAS) setting, Eco Mode, was subtle, and raised my top speed to 14.7 mph. Tour mode seemed to make a much greater difference; I reached 19.2 mph there. Sport and Turbo Modes provided measured increases in power which allowed me to reach 22.4 and 25.2 mph respectively.

Overall, the power distribution of the Bosch system was remarkably even; each setting provided an expected, intuitive increase in assistance. I was surprised to note that even with maximum assistance in Turbo Mode, the Allant+ 8s still felt much like an analog bike; were it not for the sound of the motor and the ease of which I was able to reach superhuman speeds, I would not have guessed I was on an e-bike.

This is due in large part to Bosch’s tuning and programming, though more broadly, it’s also a side effect of relatively low motor output. 36V motors with 250W of nominal output are on the subtle side, drawing power more slowly and magnifying the effort of the rider to a lesser degree than motors with higher voltage and/or watts. As such, similar motors are used often on higher-end e-bikes that aim to retain a non-electric feel.

This test showed us that the Allant is made for riders who enjoy a traditional cycling experience. Those who prefer riding slower or elevating their heart rate might select Eco or Tour mode, while those looking for more speed and a less strenuous ride may find Sport or Turbo modes to be ideal.

With nearly 75 miles of range and the ability to add a range boost battery, the Allant+ 8s has serious commuter chops!

The 10-speed mixed Shimano/Prowheel drivetrain offered a wide gearing range for various types of terrain and assist levels.

A 625 Wh battery is integrated into the down tube, and an additional 500 Wh unit can be mounted to the frame.

Trek Allant+ 8s Review: Range Test

We performed two Range Tests using the Allant+ 8s to determine a realistic mileage bracket that most riders could expect to fall within. To establish this bracket, we rode the bike in Eco Mode and Turbo Mode until the battery expired, using Strava to document our mileage and the duration of each test.

In Turbo Mode, our tester Brendan traveled 29.8 miles over the course of 1 hour and 37 minutes. We covered over twice the distance in Eco mode; our riders measured 74.8 miles after spending 6 hours and 4 minutes on the bike.

This is an impressive distance, though when compared to similar commuter e-bikes we tested previously by numbers alone, the Allant+ appears to be relatively average. One component of this surface-level comparison is the fact that we have tested a handful of similar e-bikes with remarkable efficiency; this has inevitably skewed the results.

In truth, the Allant+ 8s was not as efficient as we expected it to be based on its motor and battery specs, though once again, its results in this test were far from poor. With a 250W nominal/600W peak motor and a 625 Wh battery, we anticipated that our Turbo mode test would yield roughly 55 miles over a 2.5 hour time period.

Our actual results produced 35% less time and 46% fewer miles than expected, which suggests that the bike’s motor was drawing more power from the battery than anticipated. This makes sense when considering that the Allant+ had a higher-than-average average speed during this test; most of the other Class 3 commuters with mid-drive motors had an average speed below 20 mph, while the Allant maintained an average of 22.3 miles per hour.

Regardless of its position in comparison to similar commuter e-bikes we’ve tested, we consider the Allant+ 8s to be successful in providing a highly practical range, especially when in its low power setting.

However, for those who need the ability to cover more miles with a higher assistance level or those planning an extended trek (apologies for the pun), the brand offers a supplemental 500 Wh Range Boost battery. When adding this external battery to the mounts on the down tube, we believe riders could expect roughly an 80% increase in overall range.

Trek Allant+ 8s Review: Hill Test

Compared to other commuter-style e-bikes we have reviewed, the Allant+ 8s gave a relatively average performance, but our focus in this test is not to reward the bike with the fastest time, but instead to recognize general ability.

The Allant+ proved to be competent at assisting our ascent, requiring only a comfortable but steady level of effort in Turbo Mode to reach the top of the hill. In this setting, the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor is advertised as providing up to 340% power in proportion to the rider’s effort. While we have no way of testing this for precision, the 250W mid-drive has a maximum output of 600W and 85 Nm of torque, which is a significant amount of force to aid in uphill travel.

To be clear, the Allant+ 8s does require active pedaling, but our experience at Hell Hole Trail was enjoyable and far from strenuous. I have personally pedaled up (or rather, attempted to pedal up) the path on an analog bike, which was an experience I have no desire to repeat. For an e-bike like the Allant to turn that exhausting endeavor into a fun and spirited experience is truly a delight.

I should also point out that the bike includes an impressive gearing range to make climbing easier when using a lesser amount of pedal assistance. With a 46T chainring and a 10-42T cassette, riders can pedal efficiently even on steep roads or paths.

Bottom line, while there are some similar e-bikes that can conquer steep hills faster, there are also plenty that a cyclist riding the Allant+ 8s would leave behind. The bike is extremely capable of “flattening” hills and turning exhaustion into exhilaration.

With the ability to get a precise fit through three frame sizes, we found the Allant+ 8s to be extremely comfortable.

The Tektro Orion hydraulic disc brakes felt powerful and responsive.

The Bontrager 2.4”-wide tires helped to absorb vibrations from the road.

Trek Allant+ 8s Review: Brake Test

The bike is equipped with a high-performance Tektro Orion 4-piston hydraulic brake system with 180mm front and rear rotors. We expected the Allant to perform well in this test with this brake system, as it is uncommon in our experience for such powerful brakes to be included on an e-bike of this type.

We were not disappointed! For comparison, the average stopping distance for all of the commuter e-bikes we’ve tested is 21’-10”, so the Allant+ performed noticeably better than average.

At 57 lbs, the Allant+ 8s is relatively middle-of-the-road in terms of weight, but well within the range that makes two-piston brakes effective. Such a robust four-piston ensures excellent stopping ability even when traveling at Class 3 speeds up to 28 miles per hour.

The brakes felt every bit as effective as their numbers suggest; even when flying downhill at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour, the Allant felt stable and its speed completely under control. Its stability remained when slowing down; I experienced slight fishtailing when braking hard, but nothing out of the ordinary.

With that in mind, we wish that the blinking tail light functioned as a brake light (indicator lights would be great, too, but we’ll start small). It is fantastic to have such reliable stopping power when traveling at high velocity, but the ability to communicate with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians is equally important.

Prospective buyers should feel confident in the bike’s brakes, however; the Tektro Orion system provides fast, powerful stopping power and the ability to easily modulate speed.

The 660mm handlebars on our test bike provided quick steering.

The slim saddle felt supportive yet soft and comfortable.

A small pulsating tail light is integrated into the rear fender.

The small 500 lumen headlight is impressively bright!

Trek Allant+ 8s Review: Ride Quality

In terms of comfort, the bike excels; its riding position, while having a slight forward-lean, is mostly relaxed and upright. It features a well-shaped Bontrager Commuter Comp saddle with a great balance of softness and supportiveness. The bike includes ergonomic rubber grips with plenty of support, and large rubberized pedals with plenty of grab – but no pegs to inflict shin wounds in the event of a slip.

The Allant+ is offered in three frame sizes and two frame styles; the high-step we tested fits riders between 5’-5” and 6’-6”, while the step-thru or “Stagger” model is made for shorter riders between 5’-1” and 6’-1”. At 5’-11”, I fit squarely in the middle of the accommodation range for the Large frame, and it felt perfect for me in terms of saddle height, reach, etc.

As I mentioned previously, the bike felt firmly planted, but still handled incredibly responsively. Its 660mm handlebars provided quick steering, and ultimately felt wider and roomier than they were. The 27.5”x2.4” Bontrager E6 Hard-Case Lite tires helped the bike feel stable and offered cushioning to help counteract the absence of a suspension – which itself plays a role in the bike’s confident handling but makes bumps more pronounced.

A huge element that contributed to the overall ride feel of the Allant+ is its Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor. In addition to providing a remarkably smooth and consistent feel to its pedal assistance, the system includes highly functional technology to make rides easier and more enjoyable.

Our test bike was outfitted with the manufacturer’s SmartphoneHub that includes a basic black-and-white LCD, but features a spring loaded clamp mount that allows riders to use their smartphone as a display. When paired with the bike through Bosch’s COBI.BIKE app, users have seamless access to up to 10 pre-selected contacts for making calls with Bluetooth headphones/earbuds, streaming songs through Apple Music or Spotify, turn-by-turn navigation with Apple Maps, ride tracking through Strava or Komoot, and health/fitness data through Apple Health or Google Fit.

We found the app to be highly functional in most cases, though as with any technology, there was a slight learning curve to the app and the bike’s multi-functional control panel. Once it was set up, my phone became a true unified dashboard that felt more in line with what I expect in an automobile. I appreciated that the app could be manipulated through my phone or (more reliably) the bike’s button panel, and I also liked that simply removing and/or rotating my phone would return control to the bike’s integrated LCD and stop ride tracking.

The phone mount itself is something I hope Bosch improves in the future; the spring loaded top portion of the clamp felt rather flimsy, and in fact broke at some point during our testing. When diagnosing the issue, we observed that the mechanism seemed to be held together with two tiny screws that did not seem to be stout enough for a moving component. Sturdier construction would be appreciated, but in the meantime, a separate phone mount may be good to keep on hand – the handlebars have enough real estate to make that option practical.

One other thing prospective owners should be aware of is that the bike’s light system is always active when the bike is turned on. Our contact at Trek advised us that this is a setting within the Bosch system that was selected for safety reasons, but it can be changed to provide more direct control to the user. As long as your local bike shop services Bosch systems, their technicians should have the ability to alter the light settings.

Aside from these relatively minor concerns, the overall feel of the Allant+ 8s was of a solidly built, high-quality, responsive, and dialed-in e-bike. We hope to see a few small improvements, but there is simply a huge “WOW!” factor to the bike as-is.

Controls for PAS adjustment, app control, and high/low light settings are on the left handlebar.

The ergonomic grips, while somewhat short, felt squishy and comfortable.

We liked the grip of the rubberized Bontrager City pedals.

The lightweight cargo rack has a 31-lb carrying capacity.

Trek Allant+ 8s Review: Summary / Where to Buy

In our testing, the Allant+ appeared relatively average – but it is important to consider that average is a pretty high bar. The bike has remarkably smooth pedal assistance with intuitive programming, the ability to reach blazing speeds, plenty of power to make climbing steep hills enjoyable, and brakes that can stop on a dime.

We hope to see some minor improvements on the next version of the bike, including a sturdier phone mount/display unit, a brake light, and a way of turning the lights off – but even with these things in mind, the Allant+ 8s is a highly capable commuter that we thoroughly enjoyed testing.

With a huge degree of comfort, the ability to keep up with traffic, the reserves to cover a significant distance before needing to be recharged, and the backing of a global brand, we gladly give our seal of approval to the Allant+ 8s.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Trek Allant+ 8s down in our comments section.

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• Reliability . Reliability and confidence on the road – that's what we put into each and every movement of hands and machines that are rebuilding your future transmission. We aim for the optimal combination of performance and service level at every step, from taking orders to settling claims – surely, including the cost.
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• Ready-To-Drive . The main thing is that we flash the transmission to your car's VIN . You can simply replace the transmission at any service station then get into your car and go. There is no need to spend hours and weeks looking for a reliable transmission at firm price or buying a transmission from a junkyard.
• Warranty . Trek Motors – the best transmissions with flashed VIN with a 2-year warranty and no mileage limit.

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2023 Trek E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 Review

Are you looking for a dependable electric mountain bike that will take you from trails to everyday commuting? The Trek E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 is the perfect choice for those who want a fit, lightweight and reliable e-bike.

This top of the line mountain bike brings exciting innovations in power and performance to the market.

It has been designed with specific frame geometries, electronic components and a smart motor system allowing riders to get the most out of every ride.

With its latest version, Trek has taken things up a notch! It features an improved battery system and XC frame geometry to still provide comfort even on technical terrain.

In this review of the Trek E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 model, we’ll be taking a deep dive into what makes this electric mountain bike such a great option for those looking for reliability, speed, and control on their rides!

We’ll detail all of the features that make this one of the best e-bikes on the market today.

This is a great electric mountain bike that is perfect for adventurous riders looking for some key features: long-distance range, powerful torque, and a multitude of advanced components like Shimano Deore XT drivetrain & hydraulic disc brakes.

This review provides an in-depth look at the E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 so that prospective buyers can make an informed decision when purchasing this innovative eMTB.

Trek’s 2023 E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 is a top-tier electric mountain bike with an OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, advanced Fazua Ride Trail 50 motor, and 1×12 speed Shimano Deore drivetrain.

This bike features cutting edge components and Trek’s upgraded innovative tech to give you an exceptionally lightweight and responsive ride.

Whether you’re taking on steep climbs or descending technical descents, the E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 will make any adventure fun and exciting.

– OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays: lightweight construction made for efficient pedalling and precise handling

– Fazua Ride Trail 50 motor: reliable performance with up to 250W power output

– 250Wh Fazua Evation battery: allows long rides while maintaining high energy efficiency

– 1×12 Speed Shimano Deore Drivetrain: 10-51t cassette paired to a 32t chainring mounted to a E*thirteen E*spec crankset allowing for smooth shifting on any terrain

– RockShox 35 Gold RL Fork with 120mm Travel: provides optimal suspension adjustment depending on where you ride

– Trek IsoStrut, Fox Performance rear shock: offers a steady, smooth transition over bumps

– 29”x2.40″ Tubeless Ready Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tires mounted to a Kovee Comp 23 wheelset

– Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc

-TranzX dropper post

Motor & Battery

The Trek E-Caliber 9.6 Gen 2 is equipped with a mid-motor performance Fazua Ride Trail 50 motor paired with a 250Wh battery.

This gives the rider assistance up to 20 mph when it’s on, and gives zero drag when it’s off over terrain such as sand, gravel, snow, and hills without any difficulty.

Not to mention that this bike offers plenty of power to get you up those steep hills with ease due to its advanced torque technology and no pedal resistance.

Frame & Suspension

The OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays on the E-Caliber 9.6 have been designed specifically for mountain biking – standing out from most eMTBs in terms of being lightweight yet extremely rigid for more confident handling on rocky terrain (total bike weight is around 41lbs).

It also uses an adjustable RockShox 35 Gold RL, DebonAir spring fork which allows you to tweak your tuning options depending on what tracks you’re riding through or how much comfort or control you’re after while all other contact points between rider and bike have been tuned effectively towards this purpose too.

Drivetrain & Brakes

Moving onto the drivetrain; the Trek E-Caliber has opted for a Shimano Deore XT 1×12 speed setup consisting of a 10-51t cassette and 32t front chainring combined with Shimano Deore 12 Speed shifters installed into the Bontrager Rhythm Comp, alloy handlebars which give very precise gear changes.

As for brakes; 180mm Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide extra stopping power both front and rear for an impressive package.

All things considered; there’s really not much else left to say about this eMTB other than that if you’ve made it through reading all about its specs then chances are high that it fits perfectly into your needs/requirements. 

You’ll be getting along with confidence in knowing that top quality engineering went into producing one simply spectacular machine!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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The Subaru SUV With the Best Sales Increase Isn’t the Crosstrek

There has been a shakeup in Subieville. For years, the Subaru Crosstrek has been a top performer for the brand with the most sales. However, there’s a new Subaru SUV leader known as the Subaru Forester. 

The Subaru Forester is the most popular Subaru SUV 

It seemed like the Subaru Crosstrek or Outback would be the most popular options for years. But in 2024, the Subaru Forester surpassed them as the most popular Subaru SUV. 

Subaru is probably extremely excited about its rapid growth, too. In April 2023, the Forstester moved 9,651 models. In April 2024, it sold 17,850 models, representing an 85% sales increase. 

During the first quarter of 2023, the Forester moved about 40,059 models. In the first quarter of 2024, it sold 66,396 models for a 65.8% increase. 

The Outback remains popular with 13,131 models sold in April. The Crosstrek didn’t linger too far behind with 12,127 models sold. 

While the Outback and Crosstrek were the top two kahunas, now the Forester is making its way into the top three. 

Subaru SUV sales have been steadily increasing for the past 21 months. Even the Soterra EV recently experienced its best month ever with 2,603. According to Torque News , special financing offers are helping the Solterra along. 

Interestingly, the Forester is extremely hot right now because the 2025 Forester is launching a new generation. 

The 2024 and 2025 models have the same standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2024 model has 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 model has 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The decrease in hp and increase in torque are interesting. 

All-wheel drive is standard for every model and each trim level aside from the entry-level base trim gets paddle shifters. The Forester is still expected to accelerate from  0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. 

Perhaps people aren’t waiting for the updated Subaru SUV with its new style and tech because of price differences. The 2024 Forester has an MSRP of $27,095, but the 2025 model starts at $29,645. That’s an increase of $2,550.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.

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