We can all agree that balance bikes are too cool for school, but do you know what would make them cooler? Yep, a motor.

Mondraker has just released a 250W e-Balance bike, the first from an established mountain bike brand, meaning your young guns can not only learn those essential riding skills but also keep up with mum and dad on the trail too.

The Mondraker Grommy comes in two sizes, a 12in wheeled bike for riders aged 3-5 years old and a Grommy 16″ for ages 5-8. Just like mum and dads Mondraker, the Grommy uses a long and slack Forward Geometry and is designed to be lightweight, stable and fun.

Both sizes of the Mondraker Grommy have a run time of 60 minutes from a single charge and can reach speeds of up to 17.7km\h, though 2 other speed modes limit the bike to 8.1km/h and 12.1km/h so riders ride at a speed that suits them.

The 6061 alloy frame features internal cable routing, disc brake mounts for a 140mm Tektro cable brake, real MTB tires from VeeTire Co.

Mondraker Grommy Video

Mondraker Grommy gallery

• Grommy-12” – 190mm frame, 12-inch wheels, weighs just 7.5kg, with saddle height range 37-47cm, for riders aged 3-5 years 
• Grommy-16” – 250mm frame, 16-inch wheels, weighs just 8.5kg, with saddle height range 43-58cm, for riders aged 5-8 years 

Both models feature:

• Superlight Mondraker Alloy Frame & Fork
• Three power modes: ‘Balance’ (max speed 8.1km/h), ‘Fun’ (12.1km/h) and ‘Advanced’ (17.7km/h)
• Quick-change 4Ah battery: 60 minutes run time, 60 minutes full charge time
• Integrated base footrest
• ‘Big bike feel’ MTB standard componentry and compatibility
• Internal cable routing
• Mechanical disc brake

Mondraker has built a micro site for the Mondraker Grommy with full details of these wicked little bikes, if only they made them for big kids…

Mondraker Grommy FAQ

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What makes the Decathlon Stilus such great value?

Amazingly, Decathlon has managed to produce a full-suspension eMTB with brand name components and impressive battery and motor specifications for less than £3k.

The Stilus uses a Bosch Performance CX motor along with an integrated PowerTube 500Wh battery giving this budget eMTB amazing torque and power as well as Bosch’s excellent adaptive eMTB mode.

As well as the Bosch kit the Stilus gets decent RockShox suspension front and back providing 150mm of travel. Brakes are powerful SRAM hydraulic discs with large 200mm rotors, even the wheels and tyres are brand name items from Schwalbe and Sun.

Limited Stock

Decathlon sell out of Stilus eMTB fast, and at the time of writing they only have this value eMTB available in sizes Large and XL, but check the geometry and you might find you’re able to size up to a larger frame.

Priced at only £2699.99 we don’t know of any other full-suspension eMTB which comes close to the Stilus on value, let alone one with a Bosch motor and internal PowerTube battery.

To avoid disappointment get over to the Decathlon website now and order your Decathon Stilus for just £2699.99.

The post The unobtainable Decathlon Stilus eMTB is now back in stock! appeared first on Essential MTB.

Reports of a new Status have been floating about since May when a few Instagram posts showed the bike under a handful of sponsored riders. Since then the bike has been shared over 300 times on Instagram under the hashtag #statusmtb but customers still can’t buy one and Specialized hasn’t officially launched it.

What’s keeping Specialized from releasing the 2021 Status to the masses is anyone’s guess, but we have a strong suspicion that the world being in the middle of a pandemic could be the main reason. Still, that doesn’t seem to have stopped everyone from having some fun on the new rig.

Looking back at the original Status and this new version it’s safe to say that the new bike is a more rounded trail/enduro bike instead of the gravity focussed bruiser it once was.

Another interesting point is the specifications of these bikes. Other than a handful of athlete bikes decked out with Öhlins suspension most of the 2021 Status on Instagram have budget builds. Entry-level suspension and SRAM NX gears point at affordable pricing.

The suspension system also hints at affordability appearing to share similar features to the Stumpjumper Evo.

Those are all the details we have at this time, but take a look at the 2021 Specialized Status on Instagram and let us know what you find.

The post 2021 Specialized Status shows up in ‘Sick’ Instagram video edit appeared first on Essential MTB.

The GT Malverns Classic returned to the MTB calendar back in 2018 and became the mountain bike highlight of the year. 2019’s event had to be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions and flooding. 2020 also looked to be in trouble too but despite the COVID 19 pandemic Malvern Classic will go ahead this year.

Dates are set for 28th – 30th August and event organisers are encouraging those who want to take place to get their tickets and race entries now as spaces will be limited.

Prepare for the biggest party in British mountain biking. A packed weekend of challenging and exciting events including flat-out racing across all disciplines. The UKs largest Mountain Bike Demo and Trade/Expo. Live Entertainment with Bands and DJ’s, Licenced Bar, Free Fun Fair Rides and Pumptrack, all in a chilled out friendly, fun and safe environment.

GT Malverns Classic

Visit the Malverns Classic website to book your tickets, and check out the event schedule.

The post 2020 Malverns Classic is STILL ON! 28-30th August but limited numbers only appeared first on Essential MTB.

This simple looking steel suspension bike with single pivot design might appear basic, but the technology and concepts used to build the polished performer is NASA level stuff.

While most frame builders would be happy to cut and mitre tubes, Ralf decided that a cutting edge 3D printed technology would be the way to go. The head tube, bottom bracket and shock yoke are all 3D printed steel components that are made using (frigging) lasers and CNC machined to perfection.

The lugs are then hand welded to Reynolds 953 stainless steel tubing (Columbus Zone for the rear) then hand polished to the mirror finish you see in these frame photos. The finished product is an enduro/trail bike with 129mm of rear-wheel travel and 29in wheels

Oh, and if you want one the frame alone will cost the best part of €6,000, which is well worth it!

Huhn Cycles Moorhuhn gallery

The European Bike Project

While creating the Moorhuhn Ralf was challenged to join the European Bike Project, a competition between frame makers to see if it’s possible to build a full-suspension bike that uses only components made in Europe. The idea behind the friendly competition is to highlight lesser-known manufactures across Europe and support local bike business and communities.

Ralf is the first to complete his build using European parts from Intend, Ingrid, Gemini and many others (full build list below).

View this post on Instagram

Yesterday was my birthday and I finished my bike just in time! Riding that beast together with @moritzklauer made my day ! The new @intend_bc Hero just rides amazing! Looking good and the performance is awesome! no chance for @the.european.bike.project and @kilioreilly #theeuropeanbikechallenge part list : FRAME: HUHN cycles MOORHUHN 129 29” PAINTJOB: @bicicorsa.de RIMS: @truebc.de CARBON RIMS HUBS: @extralite_official SPOKES: @dtswiss TIRE: @hutchinsontires GROUPSET: @ingridcomponents BRAKE: @trickstuff_official PICCOLA HD FORK: @intend_bc HERO SHOCK: @intend_bc HOVER SEATCLAMP: @intend_bc CORONA SEAT: @beast_components SEATPOST: @vecnum NIVO HANDLEBAR: @ridegemini KÄSTOR GRIP: @renthal_cycling PEDAL: @cardertech PICTURE: @marc_ohlmeyer #Steelisreal #huhn #theeuropeanbikeproject #columbus #steelfullsuspension #steelisrealmtb #framebuilding #handmade #design #welding #fullsuspension #trailbike #3dprinting #slm #steel #stainlesssteel #framebuildingtools #designprocess #madeingermany #reynolds #intendbc #trickstuff #ridegemini #vecnum #ingrid #beast #truebc #extralite Werbung / Advertisement

A post shared by HUHN cycles (@ralf_holleis) on Jul 13, 2020 at 11:37pm PDT

Huhn Cycles MoorHuhn parts list:

• Frame: MoorHuhn Reynolds 953 stainless steel frame.
• Shock: Intend Hover
• Fork: Intend Hero
• Drivetrain: Ingrid Components
• Brakes: Trickstuff Piccola HD
• Rims: True BC Carbon rims
• Hubs: Extralite
• Spokes: DT Swiss
• Tyres: Hutchinson
• Seat Clamp: Intend Corona
• Dropper Post: Vecnum Nivo
• Handlebar: Gemini with integrated stem
• Grips: Renthal
• Pedals: Carder Tech

For more about the European Bike Project follow the official Instagram account which is full of boutique European parts and for more on Ralf and the Moorhuhn visit the official Huhn Cycles website.

The post The sexy MoorHuhn steel suspension bike is completely made in Europe and you’ll have to remortgage to buy it! appeared first on Essential MTB.

Press Release Follows

Swiss brand Flyer’s latest eMTB features a 29″ front wheel paired to a 27.5″ rear wheel, with a full carbon frame that provides 160mm of rear travel. That’s paired with a 170mm fork, giving the bike a 64.5-degree head tube angle, 75.3-degree seat tube angle, 470mm reach, and 445mm chainstays, for a size large.

According to Product Manager Silas Furrer, “With the Uproc6 we made our vision of the perfect mountain bike come true. The bike combines the climbing capabilities of an e-bike with the downhill performance of a first-class enduro bike.”

The Uproc6 employs a Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4 motor system mated to a 625 Wh battery to provide up to 340% assistance and 85Nm of torque. The battery is secured via a 6mm Allen bolt to prevent it from any movement while riding.

The bike is spec’d for heavy enduro-style use with Double Down casing tires, heavy-duty brakes, and wheels, along with Fox’s new 38 fork or the RockShox Zeb, depending on the model.

Flyer has the Uproc6 available in three different models, with the top of the line Uproc6 9.50 selling for 10,99 EUR, complete with a Fox 38 Performance fork and Fox DPX2 Factory shock along with an SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain and Reverb AXS Seatpost, Magura MT7 brakes, DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline 30 wheels, and Maxxis tires. The Uproc 6 6.50 sells for 6,999 EUR and features a RockShox suspension package, SRAM NX group, Shimano BR-MT520 brakes, and DT Swiss H 1900 Spline 30 wheels.

• More details here.

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2020 hasn’t been a great year for many reasons, and for bicycle makers, it has been especially tricky. The COVID 19 pandemic meant press releases, launches and events have all had to be pushed back, and brands who had already planned to release bike with new components had to reschedule so as not to spill the beans.

It’s inevitable then that a few leaks have surfaced, and none more frequent than the Shimano EP8 motor. The EP8 is Shimano’s next-generation eBike motor and though unreleased has shown up in photos, on specification sheets and in patent documents.

This latest confirmation comes from Chinese frame manufacturer Light Carbon who has added a carbon fibre, full-suspension eMTB frame to its catalogue that is designed to accept the Shimano EP8 motor.

This 27.5 plus enduro frameset is available for OEM only and is made of high modulus Today T700 carbon fibre. Specifications for the frame reveal it has 150mm of rear suspension and is designed for the Shimano BTE8036 630Wh battery.

Specifications also reveal that the frame is designed to fit either the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor or the unreleased Shimano EP8 motor, confirming once again that the new Shimano drivetrain will use the same mounting and bolt position as the current model.

Light Carbon hasn’t listed specifications of the EP8, but images of the frame suggest that the Shimano EP8 will be more compact than the E8000. An integrated bash guard on the frame sits level with the downtube where the E8000 would protrude.

Shimano hasn’t officially launched the EP8 yet, but there is plenty of information about the new motor system in our Shimano EP8 FAQ here.

The post You can already buy an eMTB frame for the Shimano EP8 motor from China! appeared first on Essential MTB.

Join the global movement!

Keep in mind that #RIDEMTBDAY doesn’t belong to any one person or  any single group.  If you are a mountain biker it belongs to you, so please join us in recognizing and celebrating the “Official Holiday of Mountain Biking”.
MONDAY JULY 20TH, 2020 – INTERNATIONAL RIDE MTB DAY.

International Ride Mountain Bike Day takes place on 20th July 2020 and is a day where riders are encouraged to get out on their bike. It’s a day for mountain biking and sharing the sport of mountain biking with your friends and family.

This website has created the holiday and has even created downloadable artwork for mountain bike fans to put on their own rides, and events.

More mountain bike event news here.

The post July 20th is International #RIDEMTBDAY the “Official Holiday of Mountain Biking” appeared first on Essential MTB.

And that is amazing! Ripping up trails and sending booters is a way better idea than and making us join them in a Tik Tok dance.

Below we’ve hand-picked 5 videos that showcase the incredible skills of 8 young riders.

Erice Van Leuven – 16 inch. Coaster brake on real trails

• Bike: Something Pink

Sacha Brizin – School of Steep

• Bike: Commencal Clash

Harry Schofield – 10 year old back flip Surrey Hills

• Bike: YT Jeffsy Primus

8 year olds ride A-Line at Whistler Bike Park

• Bikes: Transition Ripcord

Clash Kids

• Bikes: Commencal Clash

Don’t let their flow and style embarrass you, instead feel inspired to ride more and if you have sprogs of your own get them on 2 wheels today. Need more video? You can find them here,

The post Video: 5 kids who can mountain bike WAYYYYY better than you! Actually make that 8! appeared first on Essential MTB.

The Jealous isn’t a Hybrid in the traditional sense and actually shares a lot more in common with a hardtail XC mountain bike, but it’s clear that Radon is aiming the Jealous at riders who want to ride for leisure rather than the adrenaline rush.

With prices starting at just €2699, the Jealous is an extremely affordable eMTB and although it might not suit hardcore trail hooning the build and features are actually impressive.

The standout highlight is obviously that Gen 4 Bosch CX motor. This compact eBike motor is the same that’s found on electric bikes that cost 5 times as much and is a strong performer boasting 75Nm of torque and Bosch’s impressive eMTB mode.

Radon hasn’t cut corners on the power plant either, with the Jealous receiving a full-fat 625Wh Powertube battery neatly integrated into the downtube of the Jealous’ frame.

Base model Jealous bikes are built up with entry-level parts from Shimano, DT Swiss, Selle Royal, Schwalbe and RockShox.

But the big question is would you prefer this or the utterly fantastic Decathlon Stilus full suspension eMTB?

The post Make your buddies Radon Jealous with this €2699 Bosch Gen 4 CX eMTB hardtail appeared first on Essential MTB.