Patrol E-Six 2021 Shimano ep8

10 Shimano EP8 powered eMTB’s that have already launched!

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Hot on the heels of the release of the Shimano EP8 motor are 10 new eMTB’s that use the new drive unit.

The release of the EP8 is huge news for the eBike world and the fact that the new motor uses the same bolt positions and mounting points as the E8000 has allowed brands to jump on the new technology faster than ever.

Below we have details of 10 of the first eBikes to be released with the EP8, but which one has your battery charging?

Merida eONE SIXTY 2021

Merida was the first to release a 2021 eBike running an EP8 and we’ve actually already ridden it in this video. For 2021, Merida has added the EP8 a larger 630Wh Shimano battery and improved the wire and cable routing to make it a little neater. The MY21 model also features an updated build kit that features the meaty Fox 38 with eBike specific chassis.

The rest of the bike is the same as the 2020 version and that’s not a bad thing because it’s one of the most fun and fast-paced eBikes on the market. Full review coming soon.

Merida eONE FORTY 2021

Patrol eOne Forty

Merida has stuck to the tried and tested eONE FORTY formula for a second year too. Again, the 2021 version of the bike now runs the new Shimano drive unit and all sizes above XS have a larger 630Wh battery, but the rest of the bike follows on from 2020.

The more expensive end of the Merida scale is made up of bikes with carbon front triangles with alloy rear ends. These bikes use a Thermo Gate exhaust to keep batteries cool in hot climates and an ‘internal block’ to prevent forks from hitting the frame in a crash. More affordable versions will get a full alloy frame. Both the eONE SIXTY and eONE FORTY run a mullet wheel combo for fun and fast cornering.

Sunn Kern EL 2021

  • Price: €4299 – €5899
  • From: Sunn
Sunn kern el

Sunn was one of the first mountain bike brands that I followed (I still scan the classifieds for a first gen Radical), and while they’re not really talked about much in the UK they’re still producing bikes for the French market and have successful enduro and BMX teams. The 2021 Sunn Kern EL receives a new frame, features the Shimano EP8 and can be had in either a 500Wh or 630Wh build.

The all-alloy bikes have 155mm of rear-wheel travel, 160mm up front and builds include a collection of own brand, Shimano, RockShox and Formula components. In fact, take a close look at that coil shock and you might notice that it’s a new Formula unit that isn’t even released yet!

Patrol E-Six 2021

  • Patrol E-Six 2021
  • Patrol E-Six 2021

I met Patrol last year on a trip to Bali and have been riding a Patrol E-Six for almost a year now and it’s a great eMTB with excellent downhill manners and a large battery for impressive range. For 2021 Patrol has updated the E-Six with the Shimano EP8, and has upped the build kit across both models to feature the burly Fox 38.

Patrol offers the Patrol E-Six in two build kits both running complete Shimano drivetrains, the Shimano EP8 motor, 29in wheels and Fox suspension. The battery is an internal unit co-developed with SMP offering 640Wh.

Commencal Meta Power 29 2021

Commencal Meta Power 29 2021

Commencal has been quick to jump on the EP8 bandwagon with new Power series bikes featuring the new motor, and larger 630Wh battery on a new frame.

The Andorran brand continues with alloy for the 2021 Meta Power range, but frames have been updated with a slightly steeper seat tube angle for improved climbing and a new suspension kinematic that promises better control and grip. Other changes include slightly reduced fork offset, a new charger port location for easier access and a new, more compact, chain-guide that attaches directly to the motor. Meta Power 29 bikes run 29in wheels front and rear and offer 160mm of travel.

Commencal Meta Power SX 2021

Commencal Meta Power SX 2021

If 29in wheels and 160mm of travel doesn’t suit your style of riding then the Meta Power SX is also offered by Commencal as a more aggressive 27.5in wheeled option with 165mm of rear-wheel travel. Commencal has made the same updates to the SX so 1 degree more added to steepen the seat tube, a shorter offset fork and changes to the charging port position.

The 2021 SX also comes with the new Shimano EP8 motor and updated 630Wh battery to make the most of that 85nm unit.

Propain Ekano 2020

  • Propain Ekano 2021
  • Propain Ekano 2021
  • Propain Ekano 2021

Last year Propain was one of the first brands to release a bike with a Shimano internal battery, and for 2021 they’ve kept up with the pace with a new EP8 bike. The 2021 Ekano is an alloy bike with 165mm of rear-wheel travel and 170mm up front. Riders can choose to build it as a 27.5in, 29in or mullet design and with plenty of custom options, there should be an Ekano that suits your style of riding and wallet.

While moving to the more powerful 85nm Shimano EP8, Propain hasn’t updated the battery instead sticking with the original BT8035 battery with 504Wh and slightly lower weight. A bold move for the German brand.

Privateer E161

  • Privateer E161
  • Privateer E161
  • Privateer E161

No word on pricing for the Shimano EP8 equipped Privateer E-161, but if it’s anything like the regular 161 it could be a bit of a bargain. Privateer hasn’t given us full details of its first ever eMTB so we have no idea on what build kit will be on offer, but we do know it uses an internal battery of some sort and 29in wheels. The geometry is promising too with a 64° head angle, 78.7° seat tube and reach figures from 445-515mm.

Orange Phase 2021

Another one for mullet fans is the 2021 Orange Phase Pro. Built-in the UK from 6061 aluminium, the Phase has seen some specification updates for the new year. The frame retains the familiar single-pivot Orange design and delivers 160mm of rear-wheel travel. The larger wheel upfront promises to keep the throttle open while the smaller rear wheel is there for faster direction changes. The frame get’s new colours for 2021 as well as the EP8, but the battery is still the smaller 504Wh unit.

Orange Surge Factory 2021

Orange Surge Factory 2021

As far as we can tell, Orange doesn’t have a 29er eMTB in the range so far so if you didn’t want a mullet your only other choice of wheel size is 27.5in. Both the Orange Surge and Charger ship with smaller wheels but it’s the Surge that offers more travel with 165mm of rear wheel movement on offer. Orange builds off of its alloy full-suspension frames in the UK and build kit features a couple of key UK brands such has Burgtec, and for more expensive builds Hope. Interestingly Orange hasn’t moved to a 630Wh battery on the Charger and Surge either so we hope 504Wh is enough for you Orange fans.

Plenty of new EP8 bikes to choose from but which one would you like to ride home?

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