“The Haibike XDURO NDURO Pro sets a new benchmark for the entire E-mountain bike industry. Aesthetics, design, German engineering and function have been incorporated to a maximum. […] We’re stoked!” Recognise these words? Back in 2013 this was our conclusion after we had the exclusive opportunity to test out the Haibike NDURO Pro. Two years on, and the bike has just undergone its first update.
No other bike has had such an impact on the development of E-MTBs than the Haibike XDURO NDURO Pro 26 2014. Having the exclusive opportunity to test the bike during the Design & Innovation Award wasn’t just an eye-opener for us, but it was a revelation for the whole cycling industry, who have since then slowly begun to catch onto the potential of E-MTBs. From that launch onwards, the market has thrived and continues to bear witness to countless new developments, emerging innovations and diverse concepts when it comes to motors. In short: a lot has happened over the past two years. So that’s our question now: is the Haibike XDURO NDURO 2016 still a contender?
Honour when honour is deserved: The Haibike XDURO NDURO paved the way for modern E-MTBs and hugely impacted our editorial direction. Shortly after the test in 2013, we revised our logo and made the magazine much more trail-orientated.
In the realm of traditional mountain bikes, geometry and technology have made huge advances over the past few years, largely thanks to knowledge gained in the competitive world of enduro racing. And seeing as these same developments haven’t gone unnoticed in the E-MTB world too, the new NDURO Pro has been revised to include certain updates. First off, you’ll notice the improved battery integration (Step-in Battery Concept) as well as the fact that it’s now rolling on 27.5″ wheels.
Longer, slacker, and way more aggressive – three ways to sum up the revised geometry on the new Haibike XDURO NDURO Pro. Compared to the predecessor, our new test bike (size medium) features a top tube measuring 10 mm longer and a wheelbase 18 mm longer, two figures that should hugely improve smoothness at high speeds. Another reason behind the longer length was to create the necessary clearance for the 27.5″ rear wheel. While the chainstays went up by 7 mm to 460 mm, they’re still suitably compact and dish up great agility. And given the higher front end thanks to the 27.5″ at the front, the headtube has been shortened by 20 mm to keep the balance. Moreover, the seat angle has been steepened by 0.5° too.
So that’s the geometry covered, but what about the spec? With a few notable updates, the biggest difference comes from the motor. Haibike is now fitting the new Bosch Performance CX mid-motor – the ultimate benchmark motor – onto the Haibike XDURO NDURO PRO in the 500 Wh model instead of the 400 Wh version, which is a massive boost to the time you can spend riding. Naturally, though, an update like this costs money, so that’s why the 2016 model comes with a 500 € higher price tag, cashing in at 6,999 €.
Coming as standard on the 2016 model and replacing the Avid X.0 Trail, the hydraulic MAGURA MT7 disc brakes are incredibly reliable with a sharp bite. The Schweinfurt-based team chose to retain the FOX 36 forks with 180 mm travel, although they scrapped the travel-adjust Talas model in favour of the FLOAT Factory version, which delivers a better performance due to its less complicated construction. At the rear Haibike kitted it out with the potent 180 mm travel RockShox Vivid Air R2C rear shock, which is even used by riders at Downhill World Cup events.
Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory, 180mm
Rear shock: Rock Shox Vivid Air R2C
Motor: Bosch Performance CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 500
Brakes: Shimano MT7 203/180
Drivetrain: Shimano X01
Seatpost: Kind Shox LEV-DX
Stem: Thomson Elite X4
Bar: Thomson Downhill Alu
Tyres: Mavic Crossmax Quest, 27,5×2,4″
Wheels: Mavic Crossmax XL Pro LTD
Weight/ Size: 22,1 kg / Größe M
Price: € 6,999
The Cane Creek AngleSet allows riders to tune the geometry to suit their riding style, making the head angle adjustable by +/- 1° (offset angle adjustments included in the delivery). For use on the trails, we’d recommend going for the standard setting.
How it rides
Compared to its previous model, the position on the 2016er is far more dynamic and sporty. The plush and forgiving suspension combined with the wide cockpit renders it a serious runner when tearing down descents and it offers huge reserves for regular trail riding. The significantly high standover height does perhaps impact on the subjective sense of stability, and you could feel more like you’re riding on the bike than in it. The more aggressively you ride, the more than handling might suffer.
But power isn’t anything without control. And while the formidable Bosch Performance XC motor has power in abundance, the excessively good-looking Mavic Crossmax XL Pro LTD wheelset and tyre combo are a shade off the pace when it comes to transferring this power to the trail. The skinny, low-profile rear tyre is a weak link in mud, scree and on steep climbs, as it struggles to cut a line over the terrain. In any case, wider rims would result in more stability. However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the Mediterranean coast’s ultra dry, hard-packed trails saw the tyres revel in their element.
Yet at the other end of the spectrum showing zero flaws, the suspension faces any sort of terrain – providing you’ve got the know-how. The 180 mm travel is barely noticeable on the climbs, even in direct comparison with a shorter-travel E-MTB. And anyway, the motor compensates for any minor differences in the level of efficiency. Thanks to the revised front end, it’s easier to keep thepressure on the cockpit and guarantee that the bike stays planted on steep climbs.
The rest of the spec is a further tale of glory, although if you ask us the MAGURA MT 7 brakes have really stolen the show, seeing every single test rider proclaim them to be pure anchors.
Geometry of the Haibike XDURO NDURO PRO
| Size | 43cm | 45cm | 47cm | 49mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headangle | 65.5 ° | 65.5 ° | 65.5 ° | 65.5 ° |
| Seatangle | 73 ° | 73 ° | 73 ° | 73 ° |
| Top tube length | 560 mm | 585 mm | 610 mm | 635 mm |
| Steering tube length | 115 mm | 120 mm | 125 mm | 130 mm |
| BB Drop | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm |
| Chainstay length | 460 mm | 460 mm | 460 mm | 460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1163 mm | 1189 mm | 1215 mm | 1240 mm |
| Stack | 605 mm | 609 mm | 614 mm | 618 mm |
| Reach | 375 mm | 399 mm | 422 mm | 446 mm |
Conclusion
Just as it was back then, the Haibike XDURO NDURO Pro 2016 is undeniably an impressive stead. The revised geometry shows that the company knew the right moment for a touch of TLC. What’s more, it’s just as reliable as its predecessor having already gone through 500 test kilometres on trails and bike parks across Europe without batting an eyelid.
But the ePerformance pioneer Haibike still have some crucial steps to take in order to keep up with the speed of the market, all those new players and the emerging technology. By creating the Haibike Design Center Munich, the company are starting to properly approach topics such as plus-size tyres, digitalization, geometry optimization as well as integration. And who knows, hopefully they’ll also tackle their vast and somewhat confusing product portfolio. One thing is for sure though: the XDURO NDURO Pro 2016 is proof that 180 mm of travel doesn’t have to come at any disadvantage to the performance on the climbs – and that’s thanks to the motor and well-considered geometry.
For more information on the bike head to the Haibike website
Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Christoph Bayer
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