'Lightweight' Eeb trade-offs question- Trek Fuel Exe XT

[Beard_Transport_Unit]

I'm looking for a relatively lightweight Eeb and seeking suggestions

I'm a UK based heavy and fairly short rider (picture Gimli on a full-sus trail bike... There you go!) and looking at something that will help me keep up with a faster rider (let's call her Mrs Gimli) who's also amped-up.

I'm considering the Orbea Rise SL H10, the Orbea Rise SL M20 (expensive!) and the Trek Fuel EXe 8 XT (last year's).

Can anyone help with relative weights and rideability?

@Greg Watts

 

[Greg Watts]

Welcome, Gimli. Solid shortlist - but I need to flag something up front so you're not comparing the wrong bikes.

The Trek Fuel EXe runs the TQ HPR50 - 50Nm / 300W, 360Wh battery, 150/140mm travel (verified). It's the quietest, most natural-feeling motor in your list and the stealthiest-looking bike, but it's also the least torquey. For a heavier rider wanting to keep pace on steep UK climbs, that 50Nm and small battery are the bit I'd think hardest about - @Cell4soul reckoned the EXe takes noticeably more rider effort to cover the same distance/climbing as a Rise (→ view post), which cuts against your "keep up with Mrs Gimli" brief.

On the Orbeas: here's the honest bit - I can't confirm the exact weights or motor spec of the current Rise SL H10 and M20 trims from my verified data, so I won't quote you numbers I'd be guessing at. What I can say with confidence: the SL range is the lighter, lower-torque tier (the carbon M-frames shave weight over the alloy H-frames), and if you want the full-fat 85Nm Shimano grunt you generally have to step up out of the SL trims. For your weight, that torque question matters more than the headline bike weight - a kilo of frame saving does less for you on a climb than 25 - 35 extra Nm. I'd genuinely have someone at the shop put the actual claimed weights and motor of the specific H10/M20 trims in front of you before you commit, because Orbea's SL line-up shifts the motor tune between trims.

For real-world owner chat on the Orbea side, this thread's worth a dig: https://www.emtbforums.com/threads/orbea-rise-anyone-seen-one-yet.17594/


EDIT: Removed an implied suggestion that e-bikes limit fitness - as DirkWisely correctly points out, riders can simply extend distance and effort (e.g. 30 miles instead of 10) to get equivalent or greater fitness benefits than on a regular bike. The motor assistance doesn't cap your workout, it changes how you structure it. Thanks @DirkWisely for the heads up.

 

[towzer]

Pensioner, map xc rider.

I had a trek exe 50, I liked it but it wasn’t quite enough motor for me ( I also have a levo, which is mainly my winter/shit weather bike with mudguards etc)

Switched to a Cube AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X SLT, Bosch sx, different world imho, much better and at 16.2kg (*it really does feel like it) it’s 2kg lighter than the trek. Much less difference between it and the levo., deffo better for me.

I’d test ride the exe to make sure it’s enough motor.

 

[irie]

Pensioner, map xc rider.

I’d test ride the exe to make sure it’s enough motor.

This ^^^

 

[Beard_Transport_Unit]

Many thanks both! Very helpful... Being much more Gimli-in-full-plate than I used to be, I think the stronger motor is going to be the killer feature here. I'm now stuck between the Rise SL M10 and the LT M20 (£900 cheaper!)

 

[electric sheep]

I think a lot will depend on your fitness level and how many miles you intend to ride.

As a Trek Fuel exe rider I much prefer the feel of the bike to a full fat emtb. The lack of weight and how the motor intuitively gives me just enough power is fantastic imho. I also have a Cube Stereo Hybrid 140SL which I've owned since 2019. The difference between the two is very pronounced. The Cube kind of bulldozes its way though the trails whereas the Trek skips over. I also love the quietness of the motor, no rattles or high pitched whine just a barely audible hum.

I'm lucky in that I'm relatively fit and the TQ HPR50 motor gives me more than enough power. I've yet to engage full power and most of my riding is done in in the eco mode with the odd very short switch to the middle mode for the steeper hills.

Also consider that the Trek has a smaller 360 kilowatt battery so range might be a consideration. For context I'm 6'4", weigh 90 kilos and my usual 30 mile route leaves me with around 30% left in the battery. I was a bit hesitant about the smaller battery but in reality seems to be very efficient and more than enough for my local rides.

Anyhow, good luck with whatever you decide to go for and if you have any questions about the Trek don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Gary

 

[Beard_Transport_Unit]

I think a lot will depend on your fitness level and how many miles you intend to ride.

As a Trek Fuel exe rider I much prefer the feel of the bike to a full fat emtb. The lack of weight and how the motor intuitively gives me just enough power is fantastic imho. I also have a Cube Stereo Hybrid 140SL which I've owned since 2019. The difference between the two is very pronounced. The Cube kind of bulldozes its way though the trails whereas the Trek skips over. I also love the quietness of the motor, no rattles or high pitched whine just a barely audible hum.

I'm lucky in that I'm relatively fit and the TQ HPR50 motor gives me more than enough power. I've yet to engage full power and most of my riding is done in in the eco mode with the odd very short switch to the middle mode for the steeper hills.

Also consider that the Trek has a smaller 360 kilowatt battery so range might be a consideration. For context I'm 6'4", weigh 90 kilos and my usual 30 mile route leaves me with around 30% left in the battery. I was a bit hesitant about the smaller battery but in reality seems to be very efficient and more than enough for my local rides.

Anyhow, good luck with whatever you decide to go for and if you have any questions about the Trek don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Gary

Thanks Gary! I really am basically Gimli; beard, hat axe and all, so need the assistance for a while.

 

[electric sheep]

No problem at all. As others have said, if you can, go for a test ride of whatever bike's you're considering. One of the advantages for me is my local bike shop is a Trek specialist, which influenced by buying decision. If there's a Cube retailer near you try and get along and go for a ride. Good luck.

Cheers,
Gary

 

[DirkWisely]

I got leant a Fuel Exe a couple years ago. I'd say the power just isn't sufficient. It's barely an e-bike. I'd look for something like the gen4 levo with RE only levels of performance if I didn't want to go full power e-bike. It's full torque but power limited to 350 watts. Demonstrated to my mind that torque is way more important than power to get the joy out of an e-bike.

 

[HelmholtzWatson]

I think a lot will depend on your fitness level and how many miles you intend to ride.

As a Trek Fuel exe rider I much prefer the feel of the bike to a full fat emtb. The lack of weight and how the motor intuitively gives me just enough power is fantastic imho. I also have a Cube Stereo Hybrid 140SL which I've owned since 2019. The difference between the two is very pronounced. The Cube kind of bulldozes its way though the trails whereas the Trek skips over. I also love the quietness of the motor, no rattles or high pitched whine just a barely audible hum.

I'm lucky in that I'm relatively fit and the TQ HPR50 motor gives me more than enough power. I've yet to engage full power and most of my riding is done in in the eco mode with the odd very short switch to the middle mode for the steeper hills.

Also consider that the Trek has a smaller 360 kilowatt battery so range might be a consideration. For context I'm 6'4", weigh 90 kilos and my usual 30 mile route leaves me with around 30% left in the battery. I was a bit hesitant about the smaller battery but in reality seems to be very efficient and more than enough for my local rides.

Anyhow, good luck with whatever you decide to go for and if you have any questions about the Trek don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Gary

This is almost exactly my experience. I'm 6'1" and weight 80kg, and the Trek handles a 40 mile commute for me with around 30% left. I did a 60mile Peak District route a few weeks ago, and it emptied the battery, but it was enough.

I think the Trek is great for a fitter rider who is happy to do some work. on my commute, my HR sits around 120 bpm, so not much more than a brisk walk. When I do the same route on my gravel bike, it's 150bpm+ and leaves me much more tired.

One thing I will say is whatever bike you get, if you use it enough, you'll get a lot fitter fairly quickly.

As for trying them out, if you're anyhwere near the Peaks, try this place. They have a good range of trek bikes you can hire for the day, including the EXe

EBike Hire Peak District - Award Winning Bike Rentals

Explore the Peak District with an EBike. Giving you the ability to ride further, take in more trails and enjoy and epic adventure.

bikegarage.co.uk

 

[VWsurfbum]

What is the Mrs riding?
Cant mix lightweight/midweight/Full Fat. The power differences will be too much.

 

[rrrolly]

If you can, try the Norco Sight TQ or Yeti with the TQ. They both have the TQ60 motor which might be enough for you. If not, go full power. There are lighter weight full power bikes like my Sight VLT CX or the Amflow.

 

[c_rex]

What is the Mrs riding?
Cant mix lightweight/midweight/Full Fat. The power differences will be too much.

This is my conundrum. My she rides a midweight and is concerned that she's holding me back. If I get too much motor, I stand to cause her no end of grief. That would be a win-lose for me. I can't afford another loss! The doghouse gets cold in the winter.

 

[c_rex]

Thanks Gary! I really am basically Gimli; beard, hat axe and all, so need the assistance for a while.

I'm a 5'8"/80kg rhino on wheels. I feel you on your own bod-spec. If you want to get fitter on a bike you'll have to work that money maker rather than ride a couch up and down the trail. A superbike could act as a crutch that prevents your progress in this arena. Upsell yourself to get fitter rather than the bike to make up for any extra weight. Maybe leave the axe in the car?

 

[rrrolly]

This is my conundrum. My she rides a midweight and is concerned that she's holding me back. If I get too much motor, I stand to cause her no end of grief. That would be a win-lose for me. I can't afford another loss! The doghouse gets cold in the winter.

I ride with someone that has that Trek. When I ride my regular bike, he takes it easy. When I ride my full powered Norco, I put it in Eco mode and we ride together at whatever speed. You just can't ride faster than what your motor can output, but you can ride with less assistance. I would advise against getting a TQ50 motor unless you are fairly fit. Getting a TQ60 or better will future-proof you.

 

[irie]

Getting a TQ60 or better will future-proof you.

And a (mythical?) TQ90 even betterer ...

 

[DirkWisely]

I'm a 5'8"/80kg rhino on wheels. I feel you on your own bod-spec. If you want to get fitter on a bike you'll have to work that money maker rather than ride a couch up and down the trail. A superbike could act as a crutch that prevents your progress in this arena. Upsell yourself to get fitter rather than the bike to make up for any extra weight. Maybe leave the axe in the car?

There's really no limit to how fit you can get on an e-bike. Is doing 10 miles easier than on a full fat e-bike? Sure. But why do 10 miles? Do 30. I guarantee you'll get a workout.