Haibike Xduro Nduro 8.0

Field Notes: Less than 10 years ago, we never would have considered an electric-assist mountain bike as a top in the category, as most may look like mountain bikes but can’t handle serious off-road riding. But Haibike, and now some others, has been making legitimate mountain bikes that just happen to have motors for quite a few years now. So we got our hands on the Xduro Nduro 8.0 – Haibike’s top-end rig in the Enduro category – and tested it like all the others. We rode the same trails, bombed the same descents and even hucked a few airs, despite the bike’s massive heft. As its Enduro category would suggest, this bike can eat up large rocks, loose gravel and yes even big drops. As for climbing, well, did we mention it has a motor? The toughest climbs were no challenge at all with the electric assist turned on, and in fact on some we scared ourselves riding up so fast.

Tester Comment: “Whoooooooooooo Hooooooooooooo…!!” (The sound we could hear all the way to the top as our tester rode the first steep, rocky climb on the Haibike Nduro 8.0)

Pros: Um… it has a motor. That’s the obvious pro, which allows riders to get to high places they might not be able to ride to unaided so they can enjoy balls-out descending over pretty much anything a mountain can throw at a rider. It also helps through serious technical sections to keep the momentum going. But to be fair to other bikes in this category without motors, the frame and suspension are full-on Enduro ready, unlike many e-bikes, with high-end, major-brand components to boot. This bike is a legit descender, especially with the extra weight keeping momentum going over any obstacles and keeping the line straight and true.

Cons: Electric-assist bikes are already extremely heavy due to the battery, but also the motor and the beefed-up frame that has to handle that extra weight. But when you throw 180mm of suspension, plus wheels that are burly enough to handle true Enduro descending, you’ve got an even heavier rig. This is immediately noticeable when the motor is off, and even flat sections are difficult under human power.

Key Attribute: Components

Bottom Line: Clearly this bike is aimed at a highly-targeted audience, but for that rider it’s a highly impressive package. Riders who want to enjoy the thrill of all-out descending regardless of how many rocks, roots or drops stand in the way will appreciate the suspension and frame, which are as good as it gets on electric bikes. And those same riders have the added benefit of a motor to get them as high as they want to go with minimal effort – or maximal, for those who choose to climb with the engine off. Near the price of very high-end non-electric bikes, it’s also a decent bargain.