Haibike’s award winning electric bikes are sought after every year. Their sleek look, economical design, and excellent motors make them a top choice for electric bike enthusiasts across the world. Haibike also makes very noticeable updates in design year after year. The 2017 lineup is certainly no exception. Some of the Sduro models are coming with upgraded 500 watt hour batteries for longer rides, and the Xduro bikes received upgrades in overall geometry, fatter tires, and simpler cockpits for easier use. In this post, we’ll offer our review of the 2017 Haibike lineup.
Before we do that, I’d like to point out that I love the updated naming system that Haibike has decided to go with. Formerly, they used a series of letters at the end of the bike name as a classification system. It got a little complicated, especially to people who were new to ebikes. The hierarchy of the bikes is much simpler now since Haibike has decided to switch to a numbering system. Basically, the higher the number, the higher quality of parts you will be getting. Okay, to the bikes!
Sduro Models
This is the cream of the crop in terms of the Sduro AllMtn bikes. The main aspect I wanted to point out in this bike is the upgrade from a 400 watt hour battery to 500. This is going to give you some nice long rides. Generally, with the 500 watt hour motors your likely getting anywhere from 40-80 miles depending on how hard you’re going. This bike also retails almost a thousand dollars less the the highest end AllMtn bike from last year. The tires have also been beefed up to 2.8” for more control along the trails. Yamaha is also still one of the few motors that offers the ability to have a dual chainring in the front. Haibike continues to take advantage of this, making steep, rough terrain more manageable.
I’ve always been a fan of Haibike’s hardtail bikes. I wouldn’t necessarily say this bike is a direct descendent from anything in the 2016 line. Basically, Haibike is offering a sort of middle ground between the full suspension off-road and downhill bikes with an upgraded hardtail option. They’ve replaced the quick release on the front wheel with a sturdier through axle and increased the tire size for added stability. This is also one of the Sduro bikes that got the extra hundred watt hours in its battery. They’ve kept with the Suntour fork, which is similar to the 2016 models. But with safety upgrades like going with Magura MT4 brakes, I’d feel more comfortable taking this bike on some harder trails.
I like that Haibike is offering a hardtail option with fat tires. I think that there is a solid part of the biking community that feels like they don’t need a full suspension bike most of the time. Most of the components have stayed the same from the 2016 model, but one of the things I like about the 2017 lineup is the diversity. This bike definitely showcases that. This year’s Full FatSix 7.0 does come with a few upgrades. Most notably, as with the last two, that 500 watt hour battery.
Like the other Sduro bikes, the main upgrade on this is–you guessed it–the battery. Haibike has again offered a little more variety within the Sduro Nduro category with a 6.0 bike. Both the 6.5 and 6.0 are great options and both come with the 500 watt hour battery. In fact, these bikes are so similar that I’d probably just choose whichever bike you like looks of better.
Xduro Models
Keeping with the trend set in the Sduro Yamaha batteries, the Bosch powered Xduro series feature an upgraded 500 watt hour battery. The geometry on the AllMtn has also been completely rethought. The frame has been lengthened by a bit to open at your positioning while riding. I also really love the new Bosch displays. They’re very compact and easy to access. The less buttons the better in my opinion! Finally, I love that Haibike has started to include lighting systems with a lot of their bikes. This AllMtn 8.0 comes with a full set up in the box.
The reason I chose this bike out of all the incredible options Haibike offers in their full suspension Xduro series is because you get a lot for the price. Like its 2016 counterpart, you still get a Fox fork, Magura brakes, and a Bosch motor. But the price on this bike is a few hundred cheaper than the 2016 FullSeven S Pro. This is another benefit of the increased diversity in this years lineup. More choices means you get a little more say in how much you spend. And, of course, upgraded battery and geometry on this one too.
With the 2017 Urban Plus, Haibike has done something I’m very excited about. They’ve included a COBI system integrated in with the bike. If you haven’t heard of COBI I’ll give you a quick rundown. Basically, it’s a connected biking platform. It allows you to control your assist, navigate, make calls, listen to music, and control your lights all within the COBI app. It also charges your phone while you’re riding and comes with an anti-theft feature. The bike will still take you 28 miles per hour and includes some updated geometry for an easier ride. They’ve also changed to a TranzX M 25 GTS 500 watt motor with a 500 watt hour battery. I’ve never used one of these motors so I’ll be interested to see how it feels. Finally, they’ve given you a rear rack, which, to me, is absolutely necessary on an Urban model.
So, for a quick recap:
Haibike’s 2017 lineup is giving you even more diversity than they’ve had in years past. This allows for a better overall purchase experience. Just about every bike has undergone a significant lengthening and slackening for improved comfort and performance along the ride. Some of the Sduro models will come with the beefed up battery pack, while all of the Xduro models will. Just about every bike is coming with increased tire width for more control on the ride. The 2017 lineup is definitely worth checking out in greater detail. I think Haibike’s already great reputation will continue to soar with this lineup. My review of the 2017 Haibike lineup basically boils down to that these are great bikes. For more detailed specs visit us at our online store or drop us a line to talk electric bikes!
Happy riding!