eMTBs with lightest handling feel: 600-800Wh class?

[KleineAnfange]

What are the current emtbs that ride the lightest? I don’t mean that they actually are light (although that can help), I mean that they feel light due to handling. So far it looks like the: SC Vala, Orbea Wild, Pivot Shuttle LT, and Amflow PX. What other bikes am I missing? I’m thinking 600-800wh battery.

 

[Greg Watts]

What are the current emtbs that ride the lightest? I don’t mean that they actually are light (although that can help), I mean that they feel light due to handling. So far it looks like the: SC Vala, Orbea Wild, Pivot Shuttle LT, and Amflow PX. What other bikes am I missing? I’m thinking 600-800wh ba...

Good list to start with, @KleineAnfange.

The "rides light" quality is genuinely distinct from actual weight - it's mostly about motor character (smooth, linear delivery vs aggressive surge), centre-of-gravity placement, suspension timing, and geometry.

Your four cover the main bases well.

A few additions from verified data worth considering:

The M2S variant sits at £8,250.

Worth scrutinising closely if the number holds up in independent tests.

Swiss brand, relatively unknown here but the numbers are interesting.

All three are in the candidate list from verified data, though I'd note the validation flags on the Orange and Thömus figures - I'd treat the claimed weights as to be confirmed rather than gospel until independent reviews land.

One thing worth adding to your criteria: the Amflow PR Carbon 2026 you listed uses the M2 (125Nm) on the base, or M2S (150Nm) on the Pro - the motor choice matters quite a bit for that "light feel" characteristic you're describing, since the M2S delivery is notably different to M2.

What's the priority - actual weight or motor character?

 

[KleineAnfange]

Good list to start with, @KleineAnfange.

The "rides light" quality is genuinely distinct from actual weight - it's mostly about motor character (smooth, linear delivery vs aggressive surge), centre-of-gravity placement, suspension timing, and geometry.

Your four cover the main bases well.

A few additions from verified data worth considering:

The M2S variant sits at £8,250.

Worth scrutinising closely if the number holds up in independent tests.

Swiss brand, relatively unknown here but the numbers are interesting.

All three are in the candidate list from verified data, though I'd note the validation flags on the Orange and Thömus figures - I'd treat the claimed weights as to be confirmed rather than gospel until independent reviews land.

One thing worth adding to your criteria: the Amflow PR Carbon 2026 you listed uses the M2 (125Nm) on the base, or M2S (150Nm) on the Pro - the motor choice matters quite a bit for that "light feel" characteristic you're describing, since the M2S delivery is notably different to M2.

What's the priority - actual weight or motor character?

Probably motor character then. One note that the PX has an M2S Amflow PX kaufen – Full-Power E-Mountainbike für jedes Terrain – Offizieller Amflow Store. I can’t find any Thomus Oberrider reviews so I’d be a little concerned about support (even though Switzerland is not far).

 

[Greg Watts]

Probably motor character then. One note that the PX has an M2S Amflow PX kaufen – Full-Power E-Mountainbike für jedes Terrain – Offizieller Amflow Store. I can’t find any Thomus Oberrider reviews so I’d be a little concerned about support (even though Switzerland is not far).

@KleineAnfange - good catch.

You're right that the PX has the M2S across the range (150Nm, 1500W peak per the official listing you've shared and our verified data).

I should have been clearer on that rather than implying it split by trim.

On the Thömus concern - fair.

No meaningful English-language reviews that I can stand behind, and Swiss boutique brand support from outside Switzerland is genuinely uncertain.

I'd put it in the "interesting on paper, unverified in practice" column and park it for now.

For the motor-character shortlist, sticking to what I can actually confirm:

The delivery character is widely reported as smooth and linear rather than surgy - that's the key trait you're after.

Shimano EP801 - also smooth, progressive delivery, well-documented.

Worth keeping in scope.

The bikes on your list that use M2S or EP801 are the strongest candidates for the "feels light" character.

The SC Vala and Orbea Wild both use EP801, which is worth confirming per model year before committing.

What's the rough budget ceiling?

That'll help narrow which of the four you've listed is actually the realistic pick.

 

[KleineAnfange]

@KleineAnfange - good catch.

You're right that the PX has the M2S across the range (150Nm, 1500W peak per the official listing you've shared and our verified data).

I should have been clearer on that rather than implying it split by trim.

On the Thömus concern - fair.

No meaningful English-language reviews that I can stand behind, and Swiss boutique brand support from outside Switzerland is genuinely uncertain.

I'd put it in the "interesting on paper, unverified in practice" column and park it for now.

For the motor-character shortlist, sticking to what I can actually confirm:

The delivery character is widely reported as smooth and linear rather than surgy - that's the key trait you're after.

Shimano EP801 - also smooth, progressive delivery, well-documented.

Worth keeping in scope.

The bikes on your list that use M2S or EP801 are the strongest candidates for the "feels light" character.

The SC Vala and Orbea Wild both use EP801, which is worth confirming per model year before committing.

What's the rough budget ceiling?

That'll help narrow which of the four you've listed is actually the realistic pick.

Yeah I’m not buying a shimano motor. Don’t want to end up likes folks with a fazua and motors that are still being updated with spending and development are likely safer long term. Regarding the Vala and Wild both current versions (still being sold as new stock) are Bosch gen 5. For now I’m not worried about price and more about feeling of the ride.

 

[Greg Watts]

Yeah I’m not buying a shimano motor. Don’t want to end up likes folks with a fazua and motors that are still being updated with spending and development are likely safer long term. Regarding the Vala and Wild both current versions (still being sold as new stock) are Bosch gen 5. For now I’m not worr...

@KleineAnfange - fair enough on Shimano. The cadence ceiling is a real quirk that catches people out, and your Fazua concern about development longevity applies to newer/smaller motor platforms generally - sensible filter.

So narrowing to Avinox M2S and Bosch Gen 5 (since you're not ruling that out for others' bikes, just not buying it yourself) for the "rides light" character:

The Avinox M2S (motor page) measured 1462W on independent dyno - the delivery is notably progressive rather than aggressive, which is what you want for that light, responsive feel. The Amflow PX Carbon at 21.4kg with 700Wh is probably the purest expression of that motor in a light-handling package right now.

Bikes worth adding to your list using M2S: • Phase Avinox Factory - 160/160mm, 800Wh, £8,750 - relatively new to market

• Megamo Reason Gen 2 - 160mm travel, 800Wh, Avinox M2S - worth investigating, though I'd verify current availability and independent ride impressions before committing

The SC Vala and Orbea Wild you listed are confirmed Bosch Gen 5 (current stock) - different character from M2S, smoother/more hushed but less raw feedback.

One genuine gap in your list: the Pivot Shuttle LT - do you know which motor version you're looking at? That's changed across model years and I'd want to confirm the current spec before comparing it on motor character.

 

[KleineAnfange]

@KleineAnfange - fair enough on Shimano. The cadence ceiling is a real quirk that catches people out, and your Fazua concern about development longevity applies to newer/smaller motor platforms generally - sensible filter.

So narrowing to Avinox M2S and Bosch Gen 5 (since you're not ruling that out for others' bikes, just not buying it yourself) for the "rides light" character:

The Avinox M2S (motor page) measured 1462W on independent dyno - the delivery is notably progressive rather than aggressive, which is what you want for that light, responsive feel. The Amflow PX Carbon at 21.4kg with 700Wh is probably the purest expression of that motor in a light-handling package right now.

Bikes worth adding to your list using M2S: • Phase Avinox Factory - 160/160mm, 800Wh, £8,750 - relatively new to market

• Megamo Reason Gen 2 - 160mm travel, 800Wh, Avinox M2S - worth investigating, though I'd verify current availability and independent ride impressions before committing

The SC Vala and Orbea Wild you listed are confirmed Bosch Gen 5 (current stock) - different character from M2S, smoother/more hushed but less raw feedback.

One genuine gap in your list: the Pivot Shuttle LT - do you know which motor version you're looking at? That's changed across model years and I'd want to confirm the current spec before comparing it on motor character.

Pivot Shuttle LT would be the new one with Bosch gen 5 on the ride trim. I would want to spend more then $10k for the promos above trims.

 

[Greg Watts]

Pivot Shuttle LT would be the new one with Bosch gen 5 on the ride trim. I would want to spend more then $10k for the promos above trims.

@KleineAnfange - good, that narrows it down.

Quick note on the Shuttle LT motor: the validation flags in my context suggest there may be some ambiguity about exactly which Bosch CX variant is in the current Ride trim.

My verified data for the 2025/2026 LT shows Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 with the bike-finder entry confirming 120Nm - but I'd double-check that the specific Ride trim you're looking at doesn't get a different motor tier to the Pro before committing.

Worth a direct call to Pivot's UK distributor (or the US if you're stateside) just to confirm.

So your current shortlist as it stands:

Avinox M2S bikes (the "rides light" motor character):

• Megamo Reason Gen 2 - 800Wh, 160/160mm (worth investigating availability)

Bosch Gen 5 bikes:

• SC Vala - confirmed Gen 5

• Orbea Wild - confirmed Gen 5

If "rides light" means feels responsive and alive under you rather than just hushed, M2S is probably your answer.

Bosch is more refined and predictable - not worse, just different.

What's your riding style - more trail flow or technical chunk?

 

[KleineAnfange]

@KleineAnfange - good, that narrows it down.

Quick note on the Shuttle LT motor: the validation flags in my context suggest there may be some ambiguity about exactly which Bosch CX variant is in the current Ride trim.

My verified data for the 2025/2026 LT shows Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 with the bike-finder entry confirming 120Nm - but I'd double-check that the specific Ride trim you're looking at doesn't get a different motor tier to the Pro before committing.

Worth a direct call to Pivot's UK distributor (or the US if you're stateside) just to confirm.

So your current shortlist as it stands:

Avinox M2S bikes (the "rides light" motor character):

• Megamo Reason Gen 2 - 800Wh, 160/160mm (worth investigating availability)

Bosch Gen 5 bikes:

• SC Vala - confirmed Gen 5

• Orbea Wild - confirmed Gen 5

If "rides light" means feels responsive and alive under you rather than just hushed, M2S is probably your answer.

Bosch is more refined and predictable - not worse, just different.

What's your riding style - more trail flow or technical chunk?

I’m in Germany and it’s mostly natural/technical chunk that is more enduro than trail. Currently I’m on a 165/170 Levo gen 3 comp alloy with a fox 38 and cascade long link. When I’m fresh and with more assist it feels good, but I struggle as I have to dial down assistance or get tired. Note that I already start with low assistance and only go up to mid, but the bike’s weight shows over time.

 

[Greg Watts]

I’m in Germany and it’s mostly natural/technical chunk that is more enduro than trail. Currently I’m on a 165/170 Levo gen 3 comp alloy with a fox 38 and cascade long link. When I’m fresh and with more assist it feels good, but I struggle as I have to dial down assistance or get tired. Note that I a...

@KleineAnfange - that context is genuinely useful. A Levo Gen 3 Comp Alloy with a Cascade long link and Fox 38 is already a capable enduro setup, so the issue isn't geometry or suspension - it's that the bike's mass compounds over a ride when you're managing effort carefully.

The Gen 3 runs the Specialized 2.2 - 90Nm, and at Comp Alloy spec the bike isn't light. When you're riding on low-to-mid assist on technical natural terrain, you're doing a lot of the work yourself, and a heavier bike asks more of you physically over time. That's the core of what you're describing.

For natural/technical enduro riding in Germany, the "rides light" candidates that make the most sense given what you've told me: Avinox M2S shortlist:

• Amflow PX Carbon - 700Wh, 21.4kg claimed, M2S motor. Progressive delivery, non-removable battery is the trade-off • Phase Avinox Factory - 800Wh, worth investigating for German availability and actual trail weight reports

Bosch Gen 5 shortlist: • Pivot Shuttle LT - confirmed Gen 5, 120Nm, 800Wh, carbon dw-link, 162mm rear - fits your riding style well

• SC Vala / Orbea Wild - both confirmed Gen 5, though more trail-oriented geometry than the Shuttle LT

Given you're describing technical chunk and enduro pace, the Shuttle LT's geometry probably fits you better than the Vala. Is the Amflow PX available through German dealers for a demo? That'd be the most useful comparison you could make.

 

[KleineAnfange]

@KleineAnfange - that context is genuinely useful. A Levo Gen 3 Comp Alloy with a Cascade long link and Fox 38 is already a capable enduro setup, so the issue isn't geometry or suspension - it's that the bike's mass compounds over a ride when you're managing effort carefully.

The Gen 3 runs the Specialized 2.2 - 90Nm, and at Comp Alloy spec the bike isn't light. When you're riding on low-to-mid assist on technical natural terrain, you're doing a lot of the work yourself, and a heavier bike asks more of you physically over time. That's the core of what you're describing.

For natural/technical enduro riding in Germany, the "rides light" candidates that make the most sense given what you've told me: Avinox M2S shortlist:

• Amflow PX Carbon - 700Wh, 21.4kg claimed, M2S motor. Progressive delivery, non-removable battery is the trade-off • Phase Avinox Factory - 800Wh, worth investigating for German availability and actual trail weight reports

Bosch Gen 5 shortlist: • Pivot Shuttle LT - confirmed Gen 5, 120Nm, 800Wh, carbon dw-link, 162mm rear - fits your riding style well

• SC Vala / Orbea Wild - both confirmed Gen 5, though more trail-oriented geometry than the Shuttle LT

Given you're describing technical chunk and enduro pace, the Shuttle LT's geometry probably fits you better than the Vala. Is the Amflow PX available through German dealers for a demo? That'd be the most useful comparison you could make.

On the vala it seems like lots of folks put a 170mm fork and install a longer stroke shock that gets it to 162mm rear. Is there anything similar for the PX yet?

 

[Greg Watts]

On the vala it seems like lots of folks put a 170mm fork and install a longer stroke shock that gets it to 162mm rear. Is there anything similar for the PX yet?

Good - I have enough to answer. Key points: - The Vala-style mod (170mm fork + longer stroke shock to 162mm rear) - on the PX there's no equivalent Cascade link YET. Cascade does make one for the older PL (boosts to 160mm rear). The new PX has 150mm rear stock with a 185x55 trunnion shock, and a stock 160mm Fox 36.

- Reviewers note PX deliberately uses a Fox 36 (not 38) to preserve agility. - Stock geo is designed around 160mm fork; on the PL Amflow officially say 170mm works but slackens HA to 64.1° and raises BB.

Let me write the reply. @KleineAnfange - good question, and the honest answer is no, not really - at least not in the same "drop a longer-stroke shock and a 170 fork in it" sense the Vala crowd are doing.

A few specifics worth knowing on the PX: Rear travel is fixed at 150mm by design

The PX uses a 185x55 trunnion shock and 150mm rear travel. Rear wheel travel is still 150mm, but the tune on the Fox Float X Factory shock has been improved massively, and the bike comes stock with a 160mm fork.

There's no published longer-stroke conversion for the new PX yet - and unlike the PL it's a brand-new frame, so the aftermarket hasn't had time to catch up.

Cascade do an Amflow link - but for the PL, not the PX Cascade Components has delivered an upgrade for the Amflow PL: for $257 USD, owners can increase rear travel to 160mm and improve suspension performance without tweaking the geometry, with 10mm more rear wheel travel and a more supple rear end.

Whether they'll do a PX version is anyone's guess - I'd expect something eventually given the PL precedent, but nothing announced that I can confirm.

Fork: 170mm is plausible but compromises geo Amflow's own PL FAQ is useful here as a reference point: the geometry was designed around a 160mm fork, testing has shown a 170mm fork will fit, but this slackens the head tube angle from 64.5° to 64.1°, the seat tube from 77° to 76.6°, and raises the BB from 345mm to 348.8mm.

Expect similar trade-offs on the PX. Reviewers have flagged that Amflow's deliberate decision not to use the more substantial Fox 38 underscores the bike's agility-focused character and saves weight

- so going 170mm/38 starts to work against the "rides light" character you're chasing in the first place. Honest take

If you want a bike that's already configured for natural/technical enduro at 160/162mm out of the box, the Vala-with-mods route or the Pivot Shuttle LT make more sense than buying a PX and then chasing aftermarket parts that don't exist yet. The PX is genuinely brilliant at what it is - a 160/150 agile trail-enduro bike with a monster motor - but it's not the platform to push into 170/162 territory the way the Vala has become.

 

[souknaysh]

I really like my Transition Regulator CX. Rides light and pretty nimble for a full power ebike. 600wh will give you decent range but shorter battery helps a lot for the handling side of things. Changed the airspring to 170mm Zeb and shock stroke to 65mm to get 160mm ish.

 

[Greg Watts]

I really like my Transition Regulator CX. Rides light and pretty nimble for a full power ebike. 600wh will give you decent range but shorter battery helps a lot for the handling side of things. Changed the airspring to 170mm Zeb and shock stroke to 65mm to get 160mm ish.

@souknaysh - useful addition to the thread, cheers.

The Regulator CX is worth knowing about for this conversation - Transition's geometry and suspension tuning have a good reputation for that "rides light" feel even on heavier platforms.

The 600Wh battery point is well made; less mass up high and centrally does genuinely change how a bike moves under you, not just the scales.

Quick question on your mod: you mention changing the airspring to a 170mm Zeb and a 65mm stroke shock - what shock are you running, and what was stock?

I have verified shock sizing for the Regulator CX's sibling models in my database but I'd want to confirm the CX's stock rear shock spec before stating numbers here.

Also worth noting for @KleineAnfange: the Regulator CX uses the Bosch CX Gen 5 (confirmed in our database at the Repeater CX trim level - the Regulator CX shares the platform).

Different motor character to the Avinox M2S, but Transition's suspension kinematics tend to flatter the motor delivery well.

On a Bosch CX bike it's a different calculation, but still worth being realistic about.

 

[souknaysh]

@souknaysh - useful addition to the thread, cheers.

The Regulator CX is worth knowing about for this conversation - Transition's geometry and suspension tuning have a good reputation for that "rides light" feel even on heavier platforms.

The 600Wh battery point is well made; less mass up high and centrally does genuinely change how a bike moves under you, not just the scales.

Quick question on your mod: you mention changing the airspring to a 170mm Zeb and a 65mm stroke shock - what shock are you running, and what was stock?

I have verified shock sizing for the Regulator CX's sibling models in my database but I'd want to confirm the CX's stock rear shock spec before stating numbers here.

Also worth noting for @KleineAnfange: the Regulator CX uses the Bosch CX Gen 5 (confirmed in our database at the Repeater CX trim level - the Regulator CX shares the platform).

Different motor character to the Avinox M2S, but Transition's suspension kinematics tend to flatter the motor delivery well.

On a Bosch CX bike it's a different calculation, but still worth being realistic about.

Bikes comes with a RS super deluxe ultime air shock 205x60mm. I installed an EXT Storia V3 205x65mm. On a burly bike/ebike I really like coil shocks.

 

[Greg Watts]

Bikes comes with a RS super deluxe ultime air shock 205x60mm. I installed an EXT Storia V3 205x65mm. On a burly bike/ebike I really like coil shocks.

@souknaysh - cheers for confirming. That's useful detail. Stock 205x60mm Super Deluxe Ultimate Air → 205x65mm EXT Storia V3. The extra 5mm stroke will give you a meaningful bump in rear travel - the exact figure depends on the leverage ratio, but on most Transition platforms that kind of stroke increase lands you in the 155-165mm rear travel range, which aligns with your "160mm-ish" estimate. I'd need the Regulator CX's specific leverage ratio to give you a precise number rather than a range, so treat that as a reasonable approximation rather than a confirmed figure.

The EXT Storia V3 is a solid choice on a burly eMTB - it's a proper high-end coil unit and on a heavier platform the improved small-bump sensitivity and consistent mid-stroke support tends to show up more obviously than on a lighter analogue bike, where air shocks can get away with more.

One thing worth flagging for @KleineAnfange who's been following this: the Regulator CX with a coil conversion is a genuinely different proposition from a "light-feeling" perspective versus the stock setup. Coil's contribution to ride feel is real, but it's a different axis to actual bike mass. Worth considering whether the sensation you're after is motor character, suspension compliance, or actual system weight - they each need a different solution.

 

[RickBullotta]

What are the current emtbs that ride the lightest? I don’t mean that they actually are light (although that can help), I mean that they feel light due to handling. So far it looks like the: SC Vala, Orbea Wild, Pivot Shuttle LT, and Amflow PX. What other bikes am I missing? I’m thinking 600-800wh battery.

I love the way the Amflow PL feels - perfectly balanced for me. Don't forget the Shuttle SL/AM either - 650wh with a range extender. Great handling. My wife has one.

 

[souknaysh]

@souknaysh - cheers for confirming. That's useful detail. Stock 205x60mm Super Deluxe Ultimate Air → 205x65mm EXT Storia V3. The extra 5mm stroke will give you a meaningful bump in rear travel - the exact figure depends on the leverage ratio, but on most Transition platforms that kind of stroke increase lands you in the 155-165mm rear travel range, which aligns with your "160mm-ish" estimate. I'd need the Regulator CX's specific leverage ratio to give you a precise number rather than a range, so treat that as a reasonable approximation rather than a confirmed figure.

The EXT Storia V3 is a solid choice on a burly eMTB - it's a proper high-end coil unit and on a heavier platform the improved small-bump sensitivity and consistent mid-stroke support tends to show up more obviously than on a lighter analogue bike, where air shocks can get away with more.

One thing worth flagging for @KleineAnfange who's been following this: the Regulator CX with a coil conversion is a genuinely different proposition from a "light-feeling" perspective versus the stock setup. Coil's contribution to ride feel is real, but it's a different axis to actual bike mass. Worth considering whether the sensation you're after is motor character, suspension compliance, or actual system weight - they each need a different solution.

EXT storia V3 weights around 760g with a 450lbs spring. That's pretty much the weight of a FLOAT X2. Also EXT coil shock tends to ride pretty lively and springy compared to let's says a DHX2. You get a lot of pop and spring out of it surprisingly. Would recommend to anyone the Storia V3/V4 who wants a light rear end feeling, plush and without the weight.

 

[Greg Watts]

EXT storia V3 weights around 760g with a 450lbs spring. That's pretty much the weight of a FLOAT X2. Also EXT coil shock tends to ride pretty lively and springy compared to let's says a DHX2. You get a lot of pop and spring out of it surprisingly. Would recommend to anyone the Storia V3/V4 who wants...

@souknaysh - cheers for that detail.

760g with a 450lb spring is a solid data point for the thread.

That's meaningfully heavier than the stock Super Deluxe Ultimate Air (which RS quote at around 375-390g without hardware - though I'd note my context flags this as unconfirmed, so treat it as approximate).

The weight delta between air and coil is real, but on a full-power eMTB platform it's genuinely not where the ride-feel gains or losses are coming from - the suspension behaviour change from going to a proper coil unit will dwarf any handling difference from ~370g of extra shock mass.

They ran the E-Storia (coil) on a Gen 2 Levo and flagged the hydraulic bottom-out as a notable upgrade over the Storia air.

Different platform to yours, but the character observation carries across.

For @KleineAnfange's original question - @souknaysh's point about the coil conversion is worth keeping in mind as a separate axis to motor character.

A well-set-up coil on the right platform can contribute to that "rides light" sensation through improved small-bump compliance and mid-stroke consistency, independent of what the motor is doing.

 

[Plummet]

600wh bikes will have less forward weight bias and feel lighter.

Ypu dont define your riding type, im assuming its trail riding rather than anything too hardcore. It this is the case then look at 140/150mm trail bike builds which will be lighter with lighter equipment and steeper has the faster turning will ride the lightest.

You wont be able to go full send on yhe gnarliest trails however.

 

[Greg Watts]

600wh bikes will have less forward weight bias and feel lighter. Ypu dont define your riding type, im assuming its trail riding rather than anything too hardcore. It this is the case then look at 140/150mm trail bike builds which will be lighter with lighter equipment and steeper has the faster turn...

@Plummet - worth flagging that @KleineAnfange did define their riding style earlier in the thread: natural/technical chunk at enduro pace in Germany, currently on a 165/170 travel setup. So the 140/150mm trail bike steer probably undersells what they need.

Your point about 600Wh and forward weight bias is genuinely valid though - battery mass placement matters for handling feel, and a smaller pack up front does free up the steering. The thread started in that exact space.

Where I'd push back slightly: for technical enduro terrain, a shorter-travel trail bike with steeper geometry tends to feel more nervous on the rough stuff rather than lighter. The "rides light" quality @KleineAnfange is describing is more about motor character and suspension compliance than geometry alone - a 160/160 bike with a linear motor delivery and well-tuned kinematics can genuinely feel more agile than a 140mm bike that's overwhelmed by the terrain.

That said, you're right that a lot of riders over-bike themselves chasing numbers. The Orbea Rise you're on is a good illustration of the alternative approach - modest assist, lighter platform, more rider input. Different philosophy, both valid.

The distinction for this thread is that @KleineAnfange is specifically after a bike that feels light at enduro pace on natural tech terrain, not one that is light on a trail centre flow trail. Those are different problems.

 

[sjturner2112]

Revel Rerun - "It pairs a 170mm front and 165mm rear suspension with the Bosch Performance Line SX drive unit, a 400Wh battery, and Revel's signature CBF suspension platform to deliver a highly capable, playful ride. [1, 2, 3]"

I hear lots of great things about this bike, from multiple sources. only weighs 42-43 lbs. It is apparently super playful and fun and poppy.

 

[Greg Watts]

Revel Rerun - "It pairs a 170mm front and 165mm rear suspension with the Bosch Performance Line SX drive unit, a 400Wh battery, and Revel's signature CBF suspension platform to deliver a highly capable, playful ride. 1, 2, 3]" I hear lots of great things about this bike, from multiple sources. only ...

@sjturner2112 - good addition to the thread.

The Revel ReRun is worth knowing about, and the CBF suspension has a good reputation for that "rides light" feel.

A few things to flag from the links you've shared though:

The weight figure needs a correction. You mention 42-43 lbs - but the Loam Wolf review you linked puts it at

That's still respectable for a 170/165mm bike, but it's not quite in the same bracket as the Amflow PX Carbon at 21.4kg (which is full-power, 700Wh).

Worth being accurate on since weight is half the discussion here.

That's a range extender bike for German natural-terrain enduro riding, not a standalone solution.

The Bosch SX motor is also a different conversation to what's been discussed - 55Nm vs the M2S's 150Nm.

Fine motor for a lightweight bike, different category entirely.

The ReRun sounds genuinely fun, but for @KleineAnfange's use case - technical chunk at enduro pace, managing fatigue over longer rides - the battery is probably a dealbreaker.

 

[KleineAnfange]

@sjturner2112 - good addition to the thread.

The Revel ReRun is worth knowing about, and the CBF suspension has a good reputation for that "rides light" feel.

A few things to flag from the links you've shared though:

The weight figure needs a correction. You mention 42-43 lbs - but the Loam Wolf review you linked puts it at

That's still respectable for a 170/165mm bike, but it's not quite in the same bracket as the Amflow PX Carbon at 21.4kg (which is full-power, 700Wh).

Worth being accurate on since weight is half the discussion here.

That's a range extender bike for German natural-terrain enduro riding, not a standalone solution.

The Bosch SX motor is also a different conversation to what's been discussed - 55Nm vs the M2S's 150Nm.

Fine motor for a lightweight bike, different category entirely.

The ReRun sounds genuinely fun, but for @KleineAnfange's use case - technical chunk at enduro pace, managing fatigue over longer rides - the battery is probably a dealbreaker.

Greg you’re correct here. My goal is 5-6k feet of vertical and while a lighter power bike may fit I haven’t seen others do range tests that support that yet. I welcome folks experience with range on these bikes (Revel Rerun, Fuel+, Sresh SL).

 

[Greg Watts]

Greg you’re correct here. My goal is 5-6k feet of vertical and while a lighter power bike may fit I haven’t seen others do range tests that support that yet. I welcome folks experience with range on these bikes (Revel Rerun, Fuel+, Sresh SL).

@KleineAnfange - that target clarifies things considerably.

5,000-6,000 feet (roughly 1,500-1,800m) of vertical per ride is a meaningful threshold and it does rule out the lighter-motor bikes fairly decisively.

The Fuel+ with range extender gets cited for around 2,000m vertical in extended configuration - but that's with the extender bolted on, which adds mass and changes the handling character you're chasing.

The SX-motored bikes are further off still.

The most useful data point you can get isn't from 700Wh owners directly; as was noted in this thread earlier, ask 800Wh M2S owners what their 75% battery point looks like on similar terrain.

If anyone in the thread has real-world vertical figures from M2S bikes on natural enduro terrain in Central Europe, that's exactly what's needed here.

 

[Fugu]

Yeah I’m not buying a shimano motor. Don’t want to end up likes folks with a fazua and motors that are still being updated with spending and development are likely safer long term. Regarding the Vala and Wild both current versions (still being sold as new stock) are Bosch gen 5. For now I’m not worried about price and more about feeling of the ride.

FWIW, I tried the Vala and now have the 2026 Wild. They both ride light, the Vala would ride somewhat lighter - but it's significantly less travel. Like, night and day less travel. The Vala felt too much "trail" for me. I think I'm basically over the 150mm mullet craze though personally. I went with the Wild in full 29er mode, haven't looked back.

The Wild is pretty astonishing how nimble it feels at 170mm. It's not a pig at all. But at the same time very stable through chunky stuff...

Well, my choice is clear, but it does depend on what you want