What do the hottest SL e-bikes really weigh? We put 8 of the best models on the scales

Danny Milner

Talk of e-bike weights has come thick and fast this year, as every brand looks to launch some kind of lightweight e-bike. In the first part of our massive SL E-Bike of the Year test, we put 8 bikes on the scales of truth.

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2024 has been the year of the SL e-bike, with every Tom, Richard, and Harold seemingly coming out with a lightweight e-bike of some description. Alongside some impressive headline weights, there has been a diverse range of approaches, from small batteries and low-power motors, to full power motors with small batteries, and even full power motors with full-size batteries. It’s made the SL e-bike category fascinating to observe but almost impossible to define, particularly with the late entry of Amflow to the ring with its ludicrously powerful DJI motor.

We’ve spent the last three months testing the hottest SL e-bikes from all the leading brands, and in part 1 of the test we bring you the all-important weigh-in. After all, they’re called SL e-bikes for a reason, right? But how much do they really weigh, especially when equalised with the same tyres and volume of sealant? The results are extremely interesting, revealing a spread of weights that reflect the differing approaches, as well as the improvements that have come recently with battery energy density. As such, the latest drive unit systems are definitely at an advantage here. It also shows how important packaging is in the equation, with the frame and suspension design playing a fundamental role in how much material is needed to build a bike that works in the real world.

Photo showing the tread detail of the Kryptotal front tyre

The Continental Kryptotal Front mountain bike tyre

Stay tuned later this week for the main test video, where we discuss the pros and cons of all the bikes on test, and reveal the winner of the MBR SL E-Bike of the Year test. Until then, here’s a list of the contenders, along with their prices, weights, motors, power and torque outputs, and battery capacities. Following the main test video we will also be releasing a range test video, where all the 5 major drive units are compared on the same test loop, in the same conditions, by the same rider. And with all bikes running the same Continental Kryptotal tyres (2.4in, Soft compound, Enduro casing) this is the most accurate a comparison as you’ll find anywhere.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

Santa Cruz Heckler SL with the Fazua Ride 60 motor and heavier C carbon frame

Santa Cruz Heckler SL C S, £7,600

  • 19.78kg
  • size L
  • Fazua Ride 60 motor / 60Nm / 450W / 430Wh battery
Whyte ELyte 150 RSX

Whyte’s ELyte 150 RSX comes with the Bosch SX motor and 400Wh battery.

Whyte ELyte 150 RSX, £7,999

  • 19.92kg
  • size L
  • Bosch SX motor / 55Nm / 600W / 400Wh battery
Cannondale Moterra SL 1

The outlier: Cannondale’s Moterra SL 1 has all the power and a big 600Wh battery

Cannondale Moterra SL 1, £8,550

  • 20.44kg
  • size L
  • Shimano EP801 motor / 85Nm / 600W / 600Wh battery
Norco Fluid VLT 2024

The Norco Fluid VLT is another Bosch SX-equipped bike.

Norco Fluid VLT C2 140, £7,999

  • 19.90kg
  • size L
  • Bosch SX motor / 55Nm / 600W / 400Wh battery
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon

Specialized was one of the first to the party with the Turbo Levo SL, and this Expert Carbon is the lightest bike on test.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon, £9,000

  • 18.48kg
  • size S4
  • Specialized SL 1.2 motor / 50Nm / 320w / 320Wh battery
Orange Phase EVO

With an alloy frame and proper enduro parts, the Orange Phase EVO is surprisingly light.

Orange Phase EVO, £7,900

  • 20.88kg
  • size L
  • Bosch SX motor / 55Nm / 600W / 400Wh battery
Trek Fuel EXe 9.7

Trek’s Fuel EXe 9.7 comes with the ultralight and compact TQ HPR 50 motor.

Trek Fuel EXe, £7,600

  • 19.66kg
  • size L
  • TQ HPR 50 motor / 50Nm / 320w / 360Wh battery
Orbea Rise MY25

Orbea offers the latest Rise LT with either a 420Wh or 630Wh battery. We weighed it with the smaller option.

Orbea Rise LT M10, £7,599

  • 19.58kg
  • size L
  • Shimano EP801 motor / 85Nm / 600W / 420Wh battery

So there you have the weights, be sure to watch the full test video and the range video to get the full picture.

Oh, and for comparison, here’s the actual weight of the Amflow PL Carbon Pro with the 800Wh battery. Bear in mind that this had lightweight Maxxis EXO tyres (which have an advantage on the Continental Kryptotal’s used here) and the 600Wh battery should bring the weight down to 19.8kg in size large.

Amflow PL Carbon Pro

In this spec, the Amflow PL Carbon Pro weighed 20.6kg (without pedals).

Amflow PL Carbon Pro, £8,999

  • 20.6kg
  • Size L
  • DJI Avinox motor / 105Nm / 850W / 800Wh