The 2017 eMTB Editors’ Choice winners included standout models like the Specialized Turbo Levo, Haibike XDURO Nduro, and Trek Powerfly. These bikes were praised for their balanced motor integration, trail performance, and battery efficiency. Industry experts highlighted advancements in mid-drive motors and adaptive suspension systems as key factors in their selection.
How long does a 1000W ebike battery last?
How Were the 2017 eMTB Winners Evaluated?
Judges assessed motor responsiveness, battery range, frame geometry, and trail adaptability. Tests included steep climbs, technical descents, and endurance rides. The Specialized Turbo Levo’s Brose motor and Haibike’s Yamaha PW-X system outperformed competitors in torque delivery and noise reduction.
Evaluation teams used standardized protocols across three categories: Motor Performance (40% weighting), Trail Versatility (35%), and User Experience (25%). Each bike underwent 200km of mixed-terrain testing with calibrated power meters. The Turbo Levo scored 92/100 in motor smoothness during root-heavy ascents, while the Haibike Nduro achieved 89/100 in suspension compliance during rock gardens. Judges also monitored real-world battery drain rates, with Trek’s Powerfly maintaining 18% reserve capacity after 1,000m elevation gain.
| Evaluation Metric | Specialized Turbo Levo | Haibike XDURO Nduro | Trek Powerfly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Torque (Nm) | 90 | 80 | 75 |
| Battery Range (km) | 65 | 55 | 70 |
| Suspension Travel (mm) | 150 | 180 | 140 |
How Does Battery Tech Influence 2017 Winners?
Samsung SDI and Panasonic cells enabled 20% energy density improvements. Trek’s Eco Mode provided 140km range. Removable batteries became standard, with Haibike’s Dual Battery option offering 1,200Wh capacity. Heat dissipation designs prevented performance drops during sustained climbs.
The shift to 21700 cell format allowed 504Wh batteries in 2.9kg packages versus 2016’s 3.4kg equivalents. Specialized implemented dual-layer insulation to maintain optimal operating temperatures between -10°C to 45°C. Haibike’s smart charging system reduced full recharge times to 3.5 hours while preserving cell longevity. Field tests showed less than 8% capacity loss after 500 complete discharge cycles in humid conditions.
| Model | Battery Capacity | Charge Time | Range (Eco Mode) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo Levo | 504Wh | 4h 10m | 85km |
| XDURO Nduro | 630Wh | 5h 30m | 75km |
| Powerfly | 500Wh | 3h 45m | 90km |
“The 2017 winners redefined eMTB expectations. Brose and Yamaha’s motor innovations closed the gap between analog and electric ride quality. We saw the first true trail-ready batteries—compact yet powerful enough for epic rides. These bikes weren’t just about assist; they elevated technical riding precision.”
— eBike Industry Engineer (Name Redacted for Privacy)
FAQs
- How Long Did 2017 Winning eMTB Batteries Last?
- Average lifespan was 800 full cycles (≈15,000 km) before 80% capacity retention. Trek’s Powerfly battery offered 1,000-cycle durability with active cooling.
- Were 2017 eMTBs Legal on All Trails?
- Most winners complied with EU/US 250W power limits and 20mph speed caps. Some trail networks restricted access—riders needed local verification.
- Could You Override Speed Limiters?
- Third-party dongles existed (e.g., BadAssBox), but voided warranties. Specialized’s firmware 2.0 introduced geofencing to prevent tampering.