- Thread starter
- #181
Tu pourrais également rouler qu'avec la batterie RE seule de 160Wh si ça te suffit pour gagner encore plus d'un kg
The SL bike is dead. Long live the SL bike!
- Thread starter nickf
- Start date
I would climb 1500m so I think that 160 is not enoughTu pourrais également rouler qu'avec la batterie RE seule de 160Wh si ça te suffit pour gagner encore plus d'un kg
Battman85
Member
So glad it's not just me that loves this bike. I got a Fuel+ MX 9.8xt Di2 in November and I freaking love it. For basically all the same reasons you bought yours... Sounds cliche but it really is "The true mountain bikers Ebike". Honestly feels analogue on the Downs, plenty of power on the ups but still feels very natural and engaging. More than enough range. So capable on so many different types of terrain! I love it! Happy riding!I am copying below the post I recently made to the Gen 2 Fuel+ thread as a stimulus for polite, non-partisan comment and discussion about the future of SL bikes. I recall several commentators saying not so long ago that there was no demand for mid power bikes, and that the SL concept was now redundant with the launch of more full fat bikes that weigh-in not far in excess of the 20kg mark.
I recognise that full fat bikes will probably always be the first choice for heavier riders, or for those who just want to blast up steep stuff fast. But my introduction to the Fuel+ (other SL bikes are available
Coincidentally, Suns_PSD has just posted this comprehensive test review of 11 eMTB motors. Thanks to him for this.
What’s the Best E-Bike Motor of 2026? 11 E-Bike Motors in a Full-On Showdown.
While everyone else is talking about peak power, we’re looking at what really matters: 11 E-Bike motors in a full-on showdown.
ebike-mtb.com
So here's my Fuel+ thread post to get the ball rolling.....
I've been riding my 2022 Trek Rail for the last three years and modifying it along the way to the point where I think it rides really well. But the release of the new Bosch Gen 5 motor and the launch of a whole bunch of great new bikes from various brands has led to me to test ride a few new full fat and one SL bikes over the last year or so to see if maybe I might be missing out on something even better (Santa Cruz Vala, Heckler SL, Mondraker Crafty, Amflow, Moustache,...). Yeah they were all fantastic bikes, and the Gen 5 and Avinox motors deliver impressive performance. But did any of them genuinely merit shelling out a shed load of more cash to be worth moving on from my trusty Rail? I personally felt than none of them rode so much better or that the new motor performances gave me more enjoyment than I can achieve with my old 85Nm Gen 4 Bosch. Of course, YMMV.
Then this weekend I test rode the Trek Fuel+ MX for 70km and 1800m+ over the two days.
I was hoping this experience would finally satisfy my curiosity with the mid power motor options, and I could return the test bike to the shop knowing that these motors (or at least the TQ60) could not give me enough assistance for my 67 year old legs to get me up my local steep, rocky and often very technical climbs.
The result.... I was absolutely blown away by this bike!
The motor is 99% totally silent and it was a real joy to hear nothing but the crunch of my tyres over the ground and, although I rode at a slower pace than with the Rail, the ride experience was "purer" and I felt more in touch with the trail. On the Sunday ride I took it up some of our steepest local trails with some challenging technical elements, and to my great surprise the motor power was entirely sufficient except in a few of the most tricky and steep sections where I finally lost control or traction and had to get off and push it past the obstacles.
I thought I would need to constantly ride in High mode to get the support I required, but in fact I found Med mode was adequate for much of the time. The power delivery is so silent, subtle and natural that I often had to check the display to confirm that the motor was still working!
Regarding the bike itself, it is so (comparably) light and nimble that it accelerates breathtakingly fast under gravity. It handles brilliantly and is both stable when needed and playful when asked. I had an absolute blast on it over the weekend and when I returned it to the shop it only took me a few minutes to decide to buy it on the spot! (Which is something I never do!)
So, is it a "better" bike than my old Rail? I wouldn't say that, but it is a bike that gives a genuinely different but equally thrilling ride experience. Maybe not quite as capable in the extremes, so I might still choose the Rail for enduro rides, but it is ideal for a less aggressive day out when the purity and pleasure of the ride is more important than the speed and adrenaline rush (although I got that too!).
I was so impressed with this bike and this motor system that I wanted to share my experience here so that anyone else who is "SL curious" but wonders if they could live without full fat power might be tempted to give it a try.
The undecided
Active member
Hi there
Great to hear the opinion of someone with a similar mindset as myself.
I’m riding an emtb with the same SX system as your Mondraker and really like it for what and where I ride-solo and local xc trail loops not climbing Mount Everest or crossing the equator before lunch.
It’s got a “dentable” alloy frame 160/160mm travel,decent kit and even better fun after fitting carbon wheels and lighter tyres.
SL+ is probably the ideal moniker for this type of bike as you have quoted.
SO many crazy arguments and debates on forums,SL,Mid,FF…..
Whatever floats your boat guys just be happy out there and stop tying yourselves in knots.
I ride my Amflow PL Carbon Pro for about a week, then I switch to my Canyon Spectral OnFly with the TQ50 for a week. Love riding them both
This is how it should be, I struggle to think of any e-bike I haven’t enjoyed riding whatever it is.
Rockhopper70
Active member
That’s a very good looking bike.Absolutely loving this bike! So glad I didn’t get a full power moped
43.54# as you see it, including pedals and CushCore in the rear.
View attachment 184637
You can take off an additional 2kgs as your wallet will be a lot lighter too! Nice looking bike thoughAbsolutely loving this bike! So glad I didn’t get a full power moped
43.54# as you see it, including pedals and CushCore in the rear.
View attachment 184637
Roaming50
Member
I recently got a Lauf eElja. Not perfect but I’m liking the bike a lot. It really feels like a normal bike which is why I got it.
Yesterday I filmed a review of it, as there were none on the internet and I appear to have one of the first bikes in the wild.
Lauf eElja - A stealthy eMTB for those that do not like traditional e-bikes?
Yesterday I filmed a review of it, as there were none on the internet and I appear to have one of the first bikes in the wild.
Lauf eElja - A stealthy eMTB for those that do not like traditional e-bikes?
Bruizer
New Member
- Apr 20, 2026
- 9
- 2
Can you view the motor power as you’re riding?
Roaming50
Member
On my Garmin I only get one power number which I assume is my leg input power. I do not get the motor output power.
Str1fe
New Member
If anyone is interested here is a little review about my Propain Sresh SL:
I’ve ridden the bike several times now and can share some feedback:
It’s really capable for a “trail” bike. With my setup, it feels more like an enduro bike though (Zeb ultimate 170mm and vivid air ultimate). I tested both wheel size setups, and overall I’m pretty sure the Sresh SL works better as a full 29er. It feels more balanced, you stay more centered on the bike The mullet setup felt good in some situations, but my terrain is very rough and I felt too far back in fast technical sections. I’ll still switch between both setups over time to see if I give the mullet another chance.
I’m 182 cm and size L fits me perfectly. I’m running a 760 mm / 40 mm rise Renthal handlebar with a 35 mm stem. Maybe a slightly longer stem could suit me better, but I’m not sure yet.
The motor is fantastic. 60 Nm feels like the sweet spot for me. To be clear, it’s not a full-power e-bike, but I can easily double what I’d do on my acoustic bike, which is already pretty impressive.
Some people say the TQ has not enough power and it's almost the same as an acoustic bike... It's not.. Even if you're not a rocket going uphill it's already way faster than a regular bike.
In the highest assist mode, a friend on an XC bike (and in really good shape) had to sprint just to keep up with me and of course gave up quickly, while I wasn’t even pushing hard. So even though the bike still feels natural to ride, the motor is powerful enough to make you significantly faster than on an analog bike. On one enduro loop, I had to take a road that’s a famous local climb. I ended up riding uphill alongside a group of semi-pro roadies, which was pretty funny because the TQ motor is so quiet that they thought I was some kind of alien.
The only downside I see is if your buddies are all on full-power bikes and blasting every climb. But honestly, you can still ride with all kinds of groups.
Range is excellent with the 580 Wh battery. I did 38 km with 1200 m of climbing and still had more than 35% left, using mid and high modes. For reference, I weigh 78 kg (172 lbs), a bit more with gear of course.
After trying several different motors, the TQ HPR60 is by far the best mid-power system I’ve used. And the bike itself is an incredibly fun machine and a highly capable, do-it-all mountain bike.
I’ve ridden the bike several times now and can share some feedback:
It’s really capable for a “trail” bike. With my setup, it feels more like an enduro bike though (Zeb ultimate 170mm and vivid air ultimate). I tested both wheel size setups, and overall I’m pretty sure the Sresh SL works better as a full 29er. It feels more balanced, you stay more centered on the bike The mullet setup felt good in some situations, but my terrain is very rough and I felt too far back in fast technical sections. I’ll still switch between both setups over time to see if I give the mullet another chance.
I’m 182 cm and size L fits me perfectly. I’m running a 760 mm / 40 mm rise Renthal handlebar with a 35 mm stem. Maybe a slightly longer stem could suit me better, but I’m not sure yet.
The motor is fantastic. 60 Nm feels like the sweet spot for me. To be clear, it’s not a full-power e-bike, but I can easily double what I’d do on my acoustic bike, which is already pretty impressive.
Some people say the TQ has not enough power and it's almost the same as an acoustic bike... It's not.. Even if you're not a rocket going uphill it's already way faster than a regular bike.
In the highest assist mode, a friend on an XC bike (and in really good shape) had to sprint just to keep up with me and of course gave up quickly, while I wasn’t even pushing hard. So even though the bike still feels natural to ride, the motor is powerful enough to make you significantly faster than on an analog bike. On one enduro loop, I had to take a road that’s a famous local climb. I ended up riding uphill alongside a group of semi-pro roadies, which was pretty funny because the TQ motor is so quiet that they thought I was some kind of alien.
The only downside I see is if your buddies are all on full-power bikes and blasting every climb. But honestly, you can still ride with all kinds of groups.
Range is excellent with the 580 Wh battery. I did 38 km with 1200 m of climbing and still had more than 35% left, using mid and high modes. For reference, I weigh 78 kg (172 lbs), a bit more with gear of course.
After trying several different motors, the TQ HPR60 is by far the best mid-power system I’ve used. And the bike itself is an incredibly fun machine and a highly capable, do-it-all mountain bike.
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Rockhopper70
Active member
Looks a nice bike, and you sound to have chosen one that suits your needs spot on.
Bruizer
New Member
- Apr 20, 2026
- 9
- 2
I like to view the motor power to compare with the feel of the response I'm getting, but I haven't been able to get the motor power to show on the TQ app, a Hammerhead Karoo, nor a Garmin Edge 840. I thought the motor power, motor temperature and other parameters would be available by Ant+. Anyone else experience this with TQ HPR motors?
As I posted earlier, I own a full power and SL bike. I love riding them both. With that being said, SL is probably going to go bye-bye at some point down the road. The full power EMTB’s are getting as light as the SL bikes, and prices are coming down. You can basically have your cake and eat it too. Ultimately sales numbers will determine what happens to the SL market, so we shall see.
Coud I ask what fork stem setup you have.Absolutely loving this bike! So glad I didn’t get a full power moped
43.54# as you see it, including pedals and CushCore in the rear. Size XL
View attachment 184637
It’s the Burgtech MK3
Hey guys, here's a look at a bike that's not very known.
Mondraker SLY RR
An awesome e-bike that's way underrated!
Weight
Can take a beating!
Insane range if you're carrying some
Perfect motor (Bosch SX) if you don't eat too many churros.
You can ad 250w with power more
My record is 1800m D+ for 400W in eco mode (easy uphill trail/road).
Generally, it's more like 800-1000m of elevation gain without paying too much attention to the motor modes.
Mondraker SLY RR
An awesome e-bike that's way underrated!
Weight
Can take a beating!
Insane range if you're carrying some
Perfect motor (Bosch SX) if you don't eat too many churros.
You can ad 250w with power more
My record is 1800m D+ for 400W in eco mode (easy uphill trail/road).
Generally, it's more like 800-1000m of elevation gain without paying too much attention to the motor modes.
64% remeaning of 650w (so 234w used).
15,98km/1355m Climbing.
9.32 miles / 4445ft
eco/tour mode restricted to 200w, climb by road.
I weigh 78 kg (172 lbs), a bit more with gear.
It was the legendary Mont Ventoux, in the South of France for those who know it.
I could easily do it without an extender, good to know haha
Pretty nice range for the Bosch SX
15,98km/1355m Climbing.
9.32 miles / 4445ft
eco/tour mode restricted to 200w, climb by road.
I weigh 78 kg (172 lbs), a bit more with gear.
It was the legendary Mont Ventoux, in the South of France for those who know it.
I could easily do it without an extender, good to know haha
Pretty nice range for the Bosch SX
Last edited:
Rockhopper70
Active member
Nice bike that.Hey guys, here's a look at a bike that's not very known.
Mondraker SLY RR
An awesome e-bike that's way underrated!
Weight
Can take a beating!
Insane range if you're carrying some
Perfect motor (Bosch SX) if you don't eat too many churros.
You can ad 250w with power more
My record is 1800m D+ for 400W in eco mode (easy uphill trail/road).
Generally, it's more like 800-1000m of elevation gain without paying too much attention to the motor modes.
View attachment 184848
View attachment 184849View attachment 184850
CoolWetGrass
New Member
Question: how are the trails on Ventoux?64% remeaning of 650w (so 234w used).
15,98km/1355m Climbing.
9.32 miles / 4445ft
eco/tour mode restricted to 200w, climb by road.
I weigh 78 kg (172 lbs), a bit more with gear.
It was the legendary Mont Ventoux, in the South of France for those who know it.
I could easily do it without an extender, good to know haha
Pretty nice range for the Bosch SX
View attachment 185401View attachment 185402
View attachment 185411View attachment 185412
If you want the GPX file or a video, search for "Trace N5 Mont Ventoux".
Trails is quite natural and very dry, It's worth spending a few hours there if you're in the area.
The first part is very rocky and allows you to use the bike park (3 trails in poor condition), either towards Chalet Reynard or through the forest towards Col de la Frache.
The second part from Chalet Reynard is fast, with roots and turns.
Trails is quite natural and very dry, It's worth spending a few hours there if you're in the area.
The first part is very rocky and allows you to use the bike park (3 trails in poor condition), either towards Chalet Reynard or through the forest towards Col de la Frache.
The second part from Chalet Reynard is fast, with roots and turns.
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