Lightweight bike for lighter rider?

[Trojan]

Second the Levo SL2 or Kenevo SL2, love the bikes & the way they ride more like a non-motorised trail bike and can always add a Range Extender if you want bigger days out. The 50Nm motor is much better in the latest bikes (bound to be some deals out there)

 

[Darrell]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

I got a Devinci e Troy lite. It's been good. Enough power for me. It was reasonable in price as well. I got the cheapest (Eagle 70) build. I m h o the suspension is amazing as well. only had a few serious rides before winter arrived in Manitoba. Looking forward to a fun season .

 

[DanDeride]

I'll second the Levo SL recommend. Light, natural, fun!

 

[e-rico]

I ride the same region of BC and have a Devinci eTroy Lite. It’s been a great bike but is a little heavy. The Bosch motor has been flawless and power delivery is good albeit at a high cadence. The 400Wh battery is fine for a few hours of riding.

I’ve ridden the Pivot SL, GiantTrance Elite and Regulator SX a fair bit. All are great but the Giant wasn’t enough bike, Regulator was a little slow feeling and the Pivot had the Fazua

I’m considering the Norco Sight TQ which has a larger battery than Bosch, similar power and weight and relatively silent for a decent price.. I’m not a poppy rider so high pivot suits me fine.

 

[Stihldog]

Thanks! I just think the build spec on the 9.7 are pretty shit… called around and the wait times for the exe’s (9.8 and up) are now 2-6 months!

Yeah, the first thing I did was remove the DB8 brakes and installed MT’7. I wasn’t too concerned about the suspension but the AXS derailer. Directly wired, sram cassette was pretty nice. (Those cassettes are expensive btw).

Even though I have the alloy frame Fuel I added my components to make it my own. (Carbon bar, saddle, Project 321 hubs, carbon wheels, magnetic peddles, paddle type AXS shifter, and some other silly things.

Spoke with the Canadian Manager also and discussed logistics and delivery issues for Trek bikes. Most bikes are shipped from Cali (mine was). There was some movement on price and they did install a 170mm dropper for free. The wait was just okay. (1-2 months I think). Anything longer than that might be a problem.

 

[Kalamalka]

Second the Levo SL2 or Kenevo SL2, love the bikes & the way they ride more like a non-motorised trail bike and can always add a Range Extender if you want bigger days out. The 50Nm motor is much better in the latest bikes (bound to be some deals out there)

Kenevo doesn’t fit me, I mentioned that in the opener.

Levo SL seems overpriced for the older tech? Haven’t been able to find an s3 on sale.

 

[Kalamalka]

The downtube on the SL/AM is bulky, similar to that on the Yeti MTe; the Regulator SX is thinner. I purchased the SL/AM last August and the Regulator SX last November, have ridden over 2500 miles between them, and have never heard the rattle of the earlier versions of the Bosch SX. The sound of the motor is very similar to the Fazua 60. It is more noticeable than TQ HPR 60, but when I demo'ed a Yeti MTe back-to-back with a SL/AM, the TQ was markedly underpowered compared to the Bosch SX. With the Bosch firmware update that can boost torque to 60 nM and 400% power amplification, there would be no comparison.

What do you weigh, if you don’t mind me asking, and how much range do you get roughly?

 

[Kalamalka]

Revel ReRun is on sale.

In Canada, can’t get here.

 

[The undecided]

Hi,good luck with your SL bike choice it’s a headache trying to decide on buying ANYTHING nowadays due to all us internet consumer experts putting our tuppence worth in.
Ultimately it’s your money/your choice so demo as many as you can where possible-sorry if that’s stating the obvious but seems like you’ve kind of narrowed your choices down.
Don’t completely rule out an SX motor system.
My bike (350 miles in) has no rattles just a slight whine when peddling under high torque loads.
I don’t understand what the big issue is with a wee bit of mechanical noise from emtb motors.Boo hoo
That’s the least thing concerning me when my bike’s thundering along a rocky boulder strewn trail.
Is everyone riding inside libraries now?

 

[Norcalsl]

My “carbonized” (wheels, bars etc) Gen 1 Levo SL weighs 37 lbs. It may be the lightest emtb on the planet. I only use the motor on steep climbs.

 

[CliffP]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

Ok I can really help you. I hope I don’t reply to late…..

I currently own three EMTBs and recently sold my fourth one a great Mondraker crafty RR .
I now own two Crestlines ; one a 160/160 Olins/ Bosch race and 180/170 fox DJI bad ass steed. But I also have the Pivot Shuttle SL 150/135 Fatzua.

Fun part; I started riding at 265lbs and at that weight only a full power would work. But when I got to 225lbs I thought a mid power would be great. It was ok but disappointing. Now I am 181lbs (80 kg). Now here is my recommendation:
Big picture; if you are under 85kg then you can have lots of fun on both
If you are heavier >85kg buy full power long travel.
If you are under 85kg then it’s complicated,
Key factors; ride alone most of the time on single track buy a mid power
If you ride with a group of guys buy a full power .

I was going to sell my Pivot and I am writing this just after a hour ride on it and I had a blast it feels like a mountain bike….. it is not for sale. I will be selling one of my Crestlines. Which I love.

Hope this helps
Peace

 

[Drew502]

I have a Pivot Shuttle AM and I have dem'd the new Pivot SL AM - I've had a bunch of Santa Cruz bikes in my 30 years of riding and love them, but Pivots are next level.

 

[JayGoodrich]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

I have owned every bike on your list except for the Transition - All were the first gen and initial releases of the bikes. I loved the Trek, but the TQ motor was significantly under-powered, I think the latest generation has solved that problem? You cannot go wrong with a Pivot - their performance and attention to detail is exceptional. I feel like a Pivot rides a bit more trail and cross country out in the wild, but nonetheless, a superb bike. I currently have a Heckler SL, it has had 3 motors - the current motor has almost a thousand miles on it and has had zero issue. Santa Cruz has stood by this bike every step of the way for me. The Heckler descends very similar to the Trek with the Trek being a bit better in my opinion.

This year's bike is a Santa Cruz Vala, but I am still building it up so I don't really have any beta on that bike yet and I broke my collarbone last night so that is going to be a six week drool fest before I can ride it.

I would say that Santa Cruz, Trek and Pivot have great warranty programs and as long as you have a good local bike shop you shouldn't have any issues.

If you can demo any of the bikes definitely do that. It seems that you lean more towards tech descents so I would say the Trek. While the Vala is a full powered bike its suspension is a 4 bar like the Trek so you may fall in love with that as a descender. Stock bikes are as light as 46 pounds, so not tremendously heavier than a stock Heckler SL at 42.

Hope this helps. Hit me back if you have questions.

 

[wilsonm73]

In Canada, can’t get here.

Bummer, didn't realize that. I just ordered one.

 

[wilsonm73]

Kenevo doesn’t fit me, I mentioned that in the opener.

Levo SL seems overpriced for the older tech? Haven’t been able to find an s3 on sale.

I believe Mahle is the manufacturer of the 1.2 motor. It's pretty reliable. It has a small battery at 360Wh. It's the largest reason it's so light, and they dropped the Fox 38 for a 36. I don't need that size fork at my size. 74kg's a Lyrik or 36 is plenty stiff on a mid power for me.

 

[Cyclopathic]

Do not be put off by Fazua anymore. Even the testers aren't seeing issues anymore. As a result of the reputation, bikes like the superb Heckler SL can be gotten for a snip!
Failing that, like OP have said, Propain Sresh or the Trek Fuel EX+ are great, even the older ones.
You can also get the Dirtlab bike with the Maxon Air Drive S, which are super light, and ride very much like like normal bikes.

 

[MichaelT]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

I would add levo SL or if bigger hits, kenevo SL

 

[CoolWetGrass]

Do not be put off by Fazua anymore. Even the testers aren't seeing issues anymore. As a result of the reputation, bikes like the superb Heckler SL can be gotten for a snip!
Failing that, like OP have said, Propain Sresh or the Trek Fuel EX+ are great, even the older ones.
You can also get the Dirtlab bike with the Maxon Air Drive S, which are super light, and ride very much like like normal bikes.

Can you point us to the new Fazua reviews, please?

 

[CarolinaCrawler]

There's some crazy deals on the Fuel EXE right now. You could pick one up and treat it like a frame only and build it to your liking for less money than most options currently.

The Norco Sight VLT TQ looks pretty good right now too.

 

[edjerum]

I’ve owned a trek fuel EXE and it was an OK very stable bike and I love the TQ motor. Currently I’m writing a Shuttle SL. The bike handles really well and the fazua motor is OK though not as natural feeling or quiet as a TQ. I really like that the bike in the Bill I have weighs just 40 pounds. It feels like a bike, not a truckIf you could, I would wait and get something with either a TQ, avinox, or Maxim motor. That is 40 in’s or less and handles comparable to pivot.

 

[SaabaruAero]

I have been riding a Scott Lumen 905 with a TQ50 motor and really like it. Even after a Quad Bypass, the TQ50 motor has plenty of power for me. If I use level 3 power going uphill, I can ride away frm most of my friends. I like that the rear shock is hidden from the elements.

 

[Kalamalka]

I’ve owned a trek fuel EXE and it was an OK very stable bike and I love the TQ motor. Currently I’m writing a Shuttle SL. The bike handles really well and the fazua motor is OK though not as natural feeling or quiet as a TQ. I really like that the bike in the Bill I have weighs just 40 pounds. It feels like a bike, not a truckIf you could, I would wait and get something with either a TQ, avinox, or Maxim motor. That is 40 in’s or less and handles comparable to pivot.

Thank you! I ended up with ordering a Regulator SX, arriving in a few days, so Bosch. I went back to the Trek’s but they are noticeable (for me) heavier and pricier.

I would’ve gone for a Kenevo but the standover doesn’t work for me, and the Levo was only available full price.

Soooo its going to be a whole new adventure!

 

[MTcycler]

Thank you! I ended up with ordering a Regulator SX, arriving in a few days, so Bosch. I went back to the Trek’s but they are noticeable (for me) heavier and pricier.

I would’ve gone for a Kenevo but the standover doesn’t work for me, and the Levo was only available full price.

Soooo its going to be a whole new adventure!

Congrats; It's very capable and fun to ride. If it's delivered with the default 55 nM torque, updating the Bosch firmware to boost torque to 60 nM is straightforward and quick. Power amplification kicks in nicely when you increase cadence above 90. Also, the fork and rear shock settings recommended on the Transition website seem to be well worked out; I've made minimal changes in the first 800 miles. The Lyrik Ultimate fork was delivered with no spacers inserted, and I've not bottomed out yet (160 lb riding weight), but accessing the air chamber is easy if you do need to add tokens.

 

[nickf]

I ended up with ordering a Regulator SX, arriving in a few days, so Bosch. I went back to the Trek’s but they are noticeable (for me) heavier

Congrats! I'm sure the Regulator SX is a brilliant bike. I'd guess that the weight difference you noticed is due to the 50% bigger battery in the Trek that adds another 1kg. For me, the extra range is worth the additional weight. YMMV. Enjoy your new ride!

 

[Keef]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

I love my Fuel+ EX. I'd lean to a bike with TQ or Bosch SX Motor myself, although my wife has had no issues with the Fazua 60 on her Santa Cruz Skitch.

 

[Kalamalka]

I love my Fuel+ EX. I'd lean to a bike with TQ or Bosch SX Motor myself, although my wife has had no issues with the Fazua 60 on her Santa Cruz Skitch.

Got the Regulator SX (with Bosch SX). It’s more than enough for me!

 

[trailrunnerx]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

I live in the Sea to Sky as well (Squamish), and I'm a super small rider (5'1 & 115lbs), I ride a Transition Relay in size XS! I love the bike it rides exactly like my acoustic enduro bike, it's light, nimble and with 160mm/160mm travel, it's perfect for the S2S. Now Fazua motors have a bad rep but I have 3000km on mine and it's been flawless, I had a couple of minor little issues that were very quickly handled under warranty by my local shop (Squamish Bike Shop).

 

[MichaelT]

I live in the Sea to Sky as well (Squamish), and I'm a super small rider (5'1 & 115lbs), I ride a Transition Relay in size XS! I love the bike it rides exactly like my acoustic enduro bike, it's light, nimble and with 160mm/160mm travel, it's perfect for the S2S. Now Fazua motors have a bad rep but I have 3000km on mine and it's been flawless, I had a couple of minor little issues that were very quickly handled under warranty by my local shop (Squamish Bike Shop).

Curved top tube is old fuel exe with TQ50. New fuel+ has straight top tube and better geometry than old one and has TQ60.
Levo SL has slightly less power on paper but having ride these bikes side by side in same gearing and cadence and then swapped between riders, I can tell you there is nothing noticeable between power.
Levo SL is lightest of these lightweight bikes. My wife has levo SL and I have kenevo SL.
2 other advantages, 1. You can travel on planes with downtube battery out and taking 160wh extender as carry on.
2. They can be ridden without main battery for 1.5 to 2hrs on trail / eco with extender making them even lighter, 16.5 (levo SL) and 17 kg (kenevo SL). This makes them feel like you have strong legs on an analogue. Very natural feel and almost no motor drag if you have to pedal with no battery.

 

[Norcalsl]

Curved top tube is old fuel exe with TQ50. New fuel+ has straight top tube and better geometry than old one and has TQ60.
Levo SL has slightly less power on paper but having ride these bikes side by side in same gearing and cadence and then swapped between riders, I can tell you there is nothing noticeable between power.
Levo SL is lightest of these lightweight bikes. My wife has levo SL and I have kenevo SL.
2 other advantages, 1. You can travel on planes with downtube battery out and taking 160wh extender as carry on.
2. They can be ridden without main battery for 1.5 to 2hrs on trail / eco with extender making them even lighter, 16.5 (levo SL) and 17 kg (kenevo SL). This makes them feel like you have strong legs on an analogue. Very natural feel and almost no motor drag if you have to pedal with no battery.

I agree. The Levo SL is king of the super light eMTBs.

 

[CaulPete233]

I’m ready to buy a new ebike but I’m struggling to find what I need. Have a minor medical condition that requires me to have some e-bike assistance at times (not all the time). I need that little bit of extra, but don’t want or need full power. Weigh about 135-140lbs, do still like a bit of a workout.

I like bikes that feel natural. Ride in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver, mainly stick to black tech. Lots of technical climbs. Don’t ride with other ebikers.

Had the 2025 Rise and I did not like it. It felt like a tank, I don’t like the feel of Shimano (noisy, clunky, too boosty) or their terrible app.

Tried a Yeti MTE but it is way too heavy and bulky for me.

Interested in the Rallon RS but while I can afford it, the price just doesnt seem right.

Don’t mind the Fuel+, but the arched top tube is kinda ugly in the medium. In general, love the TQ motor. I’m looking for lightweight and quiet over range.

Don’t like those massive downtubes, like the yeti mte was much bigger in real life. Not interested in Amflow type bikes.

So bikes I’m considering:

Pivot Shuttle XT
$9500cad

Heckler SL
$11.5k

Transition Regulator
$11k

Fuel+
$12k

Propain Shresh
Build below 9-10K but, shipping to Canada would bring it closer to the others with duties and taxes. Plus warranty would be a hassle.

I love the Heckler but really quite worried about Fazua… and it seems quite old tech/unreliable. But dealers for all these bikes are near.

Did I forget options?! Any real life comparisons/similar experiences people have here?

Hi Kalamalka -Interesting how we can become so absolute - I am prompted by the correspondent from Scotland who said he wouldn’t wish the Fazua on his worst enemy. I’ve had my Santa Cruz Heckler SL - with Fazua motor - for 5 months now, and absolutely love it. Although I have had a few minor issues with the electronics, they have been readily dealt with by my local dealer, and I certainly haven’t been let down out on the trail. I’ve done a couple of quite long and remote rides up in the Victorian Alps (Oz), too. At 70kg (154lb) the boost is all I need, , and I’m glad not to be wrangling a bike of more than 21kg (with pedals). Apart from it being reluctant to get airborne, it still feels pretty much like an a analog bike.

Another point to love - no matter how rough the terrain or how fast I ride it, this bike just does not rattle.

Re “old technology” - lack of digital readout of remaining battery %age is covered by connection to my Garmin. Anything we buy today will be outmoded tomorrow - at some point we have to be happy with what we have, and enjoy it.

Peter H