Mars rovers, cows, and cutting-edge R&D – and we were right in the middle of it. After recently visiting maxon in Switzerland, surrounded by clouded mountains, the e-drive specialist is now making waves at EUROBIKE in Frankfurt – this time with the brand-new maxon AIR S motor: 90 Nm of torque, 620 W peak power – all wrapped up in a system weighing under 2 kg. We’ve gathered the first details on the latest bikes hitting the market with this drive system.
CDURO Bikes – Prototype
Thömus Lightrider E-Max
The Thömus Lightrider E-Max is available either in an XC-focused version (picture) with DT Swiss components and a Shimano XTR groupset , or in a more trail-ready version with longer travel and no bar-mounted lockout lever.
Both builds feature an Eightpins dropper post. A particularly clever detail: the integration of a Supernova rear light into the frame, plus a USB-C charging port built into the headset. We didn’t weigh the bike ourselves, as it was a pre-production model without a battery installed. According to the manufacturer, the lightest spec of the Lightrider E-Max will come in at just 14.9 kg.
INSTINCTIV Ocelot 145
The INSTINCTIV Ocelot 145 is available in three frame sizes: S1, S2, and S3. At 20.92 kg, it’s one of the heavier bikes featuring the Maxon drive system, but it makes up for it with extensive configurability. It rolls on sturdy aluminum wheels and Schwalbe Albert tires with Trail casing.
Through the online configurator, you can choose between DT Swiss carbon or aluminum wheelsets, along with various SRAM Transmission drivetrain options. The frame is available in either a slightly bluish grey or a darker grey finish.
In addition to the 145 model, INSTINCTIV also offers the Ocelot 135, with 160 mm travel up front and 135 mm at the rear, as well as the lighter Ocelot 125 with 160/125 mm of travel.
DIRTLAB Paratu CP
The DIRTLAB Paratu CP, in the configuration shown, weighs in at 18.19 kg. What’s particularly interesting is the rear end, which offers four different travel options – 140, 150, 160, or 165 mm. Up front, the frame is compatible with forks ranging from 150 to 180 mm of travel.
The Paratu CP also comes with a wide range of adjustment options: a flip chip lets you switch between a mullet setup and full 29″, while a reach-adjust headset allows you to fine-tune the reach by ±5 mm. The frame is available in sizes S, M, and L.
Spherik
The bike uses a rear flex stay design – meaning it does without an additional pivot in the rear triangle, which helps shave off even more weight. It’s offered in three travel configurations: the enduro setup shown in the photo with 170 mm front and 160 mm rear travel, a trail version with 160/150 mm, and an XC model with 150/140 mm.
From the factory, the Spherik rolls on Maxxis tires, which add a bit of weight – but according to the manufacturer, the overall weight still stays below 20 kg. Nice!
GOOBZ Cycles – Goobz-Éclair
Handmade titanium from France – and on this extravagant model, it’s not just the motor integration that catches the eye. The blend of carbon, steel, aluminum, and titanium, paired with its raw, industrial finish, gives the bike a futuristic, almost space-age aesthetic. If you configure the model via the website, prices start at around €7,900. The version shown here is a special EUROBIKE edition, listed at €6,999 by the manufacturer – though it’s not part of the regular lineup. Thanks to the mixed-material construction, the GOOBZ weighs in at 19.45 kg.
Transalpes E3 Trail
Transalpes builds its mountain bikes to individual customer specifications. The E3 Trail is also available in an E3 Enduro version. The Trail model features a flex stay rear triangle and is offered exclusively as a full 29er. In contrast, the E3 Enduro comes with a flip chip at the shock linkage, allowing for conversion to a mullet setup.
STATIC – Transalpes E3 Enduro
The first bikes equipped with the new maxon AIR S motor look promising – and undeniably sleek. An optional range extender has also been announced for those who find the 400 Wh batteries in the current models a bit limiting.
The core specs are just as convincing: nearly all bikes come in under 20 kg – despite running a full-power drive system. The big question now is: how will they perform out on the trail?
Note: All bikes were weighed exactly as shown in the images.
Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Benedikt Schmidt
