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Full suspension electric mountain bikes: a compre­hensive guide

AMFLOW
-
17/07/2024

Today, we’re deep diving into the world of full suspension electric mountain bikes. If you’re someone who loves the thrill of the ride but also appreciates a little extra boost to tackle those steep and twisty uphills, then you’re in the right place. Full-suspension e-MTBs combine the best of both worlds: the rugged, all-terrain capability of a mountain bike and the power of an electric motor to help you conquer any climb with ease.

What components does a full-suspension electric mountain bike use?

So, what makes these machines tick? Let’s break down the components that set full suspension e-MTBs apart from the pack.

Frames and advanced suspension systems

Full suspension e-MTBs are built tough, often using materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to strike the perfect balance between strength and weight. With both front and rear shocks, these bikes soak up bumps and drops, giving you a smooth ride even on the roughest terrain. Advanced suspension systems like Fox Float or RockShox are industry favorites, offering adjustability and performance that can be fine-tuned to your riding style.

Battery and motor systems

The heart of any e-MTB is its battery and motor system. Modern e-MTBs typically use mid-drive motors which provide balanced weight distribution and efficient power delivery. Batteries are usually integrated into the frame for a sleek look and better protection from the elements. Our own trail-ripping Amflow PL Carbon (800Wh) and Amflow PL Carbon Pro (choice between 600 or 800wh) boast massive battery capacity, enough to keep you rolling all-day-long. Anything over 500Wh is pretty darn good for an e-MTB battery.

An e-bike motor’s power is measured in newton meters. It’s common to see trail bikes with motor powers around 80 or 90 N·m, which is enough to blast you up most hills you’ll encounter on an enduro course or when heading back up to the trailhead. Our DJI motor pumps out a genuinely epic 105 N·m.

E-bike-specific brakes and tires

Stopping power is crucial, especially when you’re flying down a trail. To ensure you have all the control you need to ride safe while still indulging your need for speed, e-bike-specific brakes often have larger rotors, providing the extra stopping power needed for the higher speeds and greater weights of e-MTBs.

Tires are another key component; e-MTBs sometimes sport wider, grippier tires to handle the added torque and maintain traction on varied surfaces. It’s not uncommon for e-bikes to have a wider tire than would be used on an equivalent regular bike, for the same reasons as mentioned above – the extra weight puts more forces through the rubber. We use a combo of elite Maxxis Assegai Maxx Grip 2.5” and Dissector MaxxTerra 2.4” on both our Amflow PL Carbon and Amflow PL Carbon Pro models, delivering incredible traction in the turns and setting you free to send it with confidence.

And let’s not forget other components like reinforced wheels, drivetrains designed to handle the extra power, and ergonomic handlebars for better control and comfort.

Full-suspension vs hardtail

You might be wondering, why go full suspension over a hardtail? Well, let’s break it down.

Hardtails, with their single front suspension fork, are lighter and generally less expensive. They’re great for smoother trails and can be more efficient on climbs since there’s no rear suspension to absorb pedaling energy. However, they can be a rough ride on technical, rocky terrain.

Full suspension bikes, on the other hand, have both front and rear shocks, providing a plush ride over rough ground. They excel in technical, bumpy, or downhill trails where maintaining control and comfort is key. The trade-off is a bit more weight and often a higher price tag, but for many riders, the enhanced performance and comfort are well worth it.

4 Advantages of full-suspension e-MTBs

Alright, let’s talk benefits. Here are some standout advantages of going full suspension with your e-MTB:

  1. Enhanced Comfort: The dual suspension setup significantly reduces the impact on your body, allowing you to ride longer and harder without feeling every bump and root.
  2. Better traction and control: With both wheels maintaining contact with the ground more consistently, you get superior traction and control, especially on technical and loose surfaces.
  3. Improved speed on descents: Full suspension e-MTBs let you tackle downhill sections with confidence, maintaining higher speeds with greater stability.
  4. Versatility: From cross-country trails to downhill tracks, full suspension e-MTBs are incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of terrains and riding styles.

Choosing the right full suspension e-MTB for your riding style

Now that you’re sold on the full suspension e-MTB life, let’s figure out which bike is right for you. It all comes down to your riding style.

Trail

Trail e-MTBs are the all-rounders of the e-MTB world. They’re designed for a mix of climbing and descending, making them perfect for varied terrain. Look for moderate suspension travel (120-150mm) to balance efficiency and capability.

Enduro

If you live for the adrenaline of fast descents and technical trails, an enduro e-MTB is your ticket. These bikes feature longer suspension travel (150-180mm) and are built to handle aggressive riding. They’re still capable climbers thanks to the electric assist, but their primary focus is on downhill performance. The UCI recently introduced e-enduro events to the World Series, so expect to see more and more of these types of bikes.

Downhill

For the pure gravity junkies, downhill e-MTBs are the ultimate machines. With massive suspension travel (180mm+), these bikes are designed to absorb big hits and handle the most demanding downhill courses. They’re heavier and less efficient on climbs, but the electric motor helps get you back up for another run – like having your own personal mountain uplift service.

All-mountain

All-mountain e-MTBs are the jack-of-all-trades, offering a bit more capability than trail bikes but more versatility than enduro bikes. With suspension travel around 140-160mm, they’re perfect for riders who want to tackle a bit of everything, from long climbs to technical descents. The Amflow PL Carbon and Amflow PL Carbon Pro are both all-mountain machines, giving you an incredible platform from which to pursue adventures. As all-mountain riders ourselves, we were always going to set out to create the best full-suspension all-mountain e-MTB we could.

There you have it, a comprehensive guide to full-suspension electric mountain bikes.

These bikes are a game-changer, combining the best aspects of traditional mountain biking with the power and convenience of electric assistance. Whether you’re looking to extend your range, tackle tougher trails, or simply enjoy the thrill of the ride, a full suspension e-MTB has got you covered.

So, gear up, charge up, and hit the trails. The adventure awaits, and with a full suspension e-MTB, there’s no limit to where you can go. Explore Amflow’s line of full-suspension electric mountain bikes.
Amflow PL

Amflow PL

The Amflow PL electric mountain bike offers 850 watts of power in an ultra-light sub-20kg build. With an unrivaled combination of power, range, and weight, it delivers the ultimate ride.

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