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Trekkinr-der-2025

Who is an e-trekking bike suitable for?

A trekking bike is sportier than a classic city bike and significantly more comfortable than a mountain bike, especially on longer tours. Another advantage is the extremely high load capacity, which ensures safe driving behavior even with fully packed bags. Switching from a non-motorized bike to a motorized one offers a number of advantages. Whether it's the significantly greater distances or the considerably higher speed at which you travel from A to B, an e-trekking bike is well worth it! Even at higher speeds, shocks and impacts are absorbed in a body-friendly manner, giving you an unparalleled level of riding comfort, both on asphalt and in the countryside. The high-quality e-bikes from Cube, Scott, Haibike and Winora leave nothing to be desired.

What features does my e-bike trekking bike need?

The E-Trekking Bike is also equipped with everything your heart desires. This includes a road-legal lighting system, a luggage rack to which side bags can be attached for even more storage space, mudguards for those unexpected showers and a bicycle stand. It is therefore fully compliant with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

Which frame size is right for me?

When it comes to the frame, you can choose from a variety of different frame shapes to suit your preferences and expectations. For men, this includes the diamond frame, which is similar to that of a racing bike. The seat and handlebars are adjusted to an upright sitting position to maximize riding comfort. The trapezoidal frame is also suitable, and is particularly popular with women due to its angled top tube. It is a compromise between the diamond frame and the comfort frame. The latter is particularly suitable for frequent trips into town, as its low entry makes it easy to get on and off. The matching 28-inch wheels complement this all-rounder with a high level of smoothness and stable handling. When it comes to the gears, you should make sure you have at least nine gears. Whether you choose a derailleur system for a slightly sportier riding style or a slightly more comfortable hub gear, you should opt for a bike with a hub gear. In terms of brakes, you should choose hydraulic disc brakes, as these work with the help of fluids in the brake line, giving you significantly better braking performance.

In the foreground, two trekking bikes can be seen, behind them two cyclists looking at the forest.
There are no limits to your sense of adventure

Which trekking bike frame material is best? Aluminum or carbon?

Well-known manufacturers of trekking bikes use frame materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon or titanium. Depending on the material, there are different properties with advantages and disadvantages.

Carbon frames for trekking bikes:

Carbon consists of carbon fibers that are bonded by a special resin. The advantage of carbon is its light weight and rigidity. It is also very durable. The disadvantage is that it is prone to damage in the event of a fall.

Aluminum frames for trekking bikes:

Aluminum frames are the most common. Although they are heavier than carbon frames, they still weigh less than steel frames and are inexpensive to manufacture. The only "disadvantage" is the stiffness of the material. However, this is compensated for with suspensions or sprung seat posts.

Steel frames for trekking bikes:

Steel is the classic frame material and has always been used for a wide variety of bicycle models. It is significantly heavier than all other materials, but it is very strong and durable.

Titanium frames for trekking bikes:

Titanium is the most expensive material for frame construction. Since the material is very expensive, it is only used for very high-quality bikes. Titanium is very light and has a medium degree of rigidity. It is comparable to a steel frame with the advantage of weight savings.

Overview of frame materials:

Criterion Carbon Aluminum Steel Titanium
Price ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★
Weight ★★ ★★★★★ ★★
Stiffness ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★ ★★★
Comfort ★★★★ ★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Everyday life ★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★

Which e-bike trekking bike motor is best suited?

The drive of the e-trekking bike consists of the electric motor, the battery and the e-bike display. The latter is used to control the intensity of the assistance and, with the Bosch Nyon system, for example, you can also see various information such as the range, battery life and the route planner. When choosing the battery, you can choose from a battery capacity of 400 watt hours up to 623 watt hours. If this power is not enough for you, the new DualBattery system from Bosch allows you to attach a second, separate battery that provides up to 1000 watt hours. This means that, depending on the terrain, luggage, etc., the range can be extended to 200 km in one go. At the end of your tour, you can easily remove the battery from the holder and charge it at any socket in the house.

The best-known motor manufacturers are Bosch, Shimano and Yamaha. The motor supports you with up to 250 watts and up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. It can be installed as front-wheel drive on the hub of the front wheel, which is considered an inexpensive entry into the e-bike trekking sector. Almost any gear system can be used with this variant. Unfortunately, however, the front drive also has various disadvantages, such as the rather unattractive appearance, the extremely increased load on the front wheel and thus the cumbersome steering characteristics. To counteract this, the mid-mounted motor is now mainly installed on the bottom bracket, close to the bike's center of gravity. This ensures better weight distribution and thus a significantly more pleasant riding experience. In addition, the motor is particularly quiet and still works with a high level of efficiency. However, since this is considered to be the most complex variant of motor integration, it is also the most price-intensive. The third option is the rear drive, in which a hub motor is always installed. The center of gravity moves to the rear, which is particularly advantageous for a sporty driving style and on hills. However, the disadvantages are the high effort required to remove the rear wheel and the low gear ratio, which are usually only available in a three-speed derailleur or hub gear system.

The image shows a close-up of an e-bike motor, a Bosch Performance Line CX.
Bosch Performance Line CX

How much should a good e-bike trekking bike cost?

The more simply equipped models cost around €2500; e-bikes with more complex technology and higher-quality materials cost around €4500 and more. The golden mean is therefore around €3500 plus or minus.

What is the difference between an e-bike trekking bike and an e-bike city bike?

The e-bike city bikes, such as the Cube Elly models, are characterized by a special retro chic in modern pastel colors. So nothing stands in the way of a trip into town for shopping. Thanks to the rack, Ortlieb bags or Rave bags, for example, can be attached without assembly, providing enough storage space for all your purchases. With the help of the low-entry frame, you can easily get on and off at every traffic light, and the electric motor won't make you sweat on the way home – you'll be gently supported by the additional power of the motor. If you need to go faster, just click on the "power button" and the Yamaha or Bosch motor will push you forward almost silently at full power. Manufacturers are now hiding the batteries and motors so well that an e-bike is no longer immediately recognizable as such. The motor is getting smaller and smaller and the batteries are integrated under the luggage rack.

A woman stands behind her orange city bike in the city center.
The ideal companion for comfortable everyday trips

What type of tire should I use on my e-trekking bike?

Puncture-proof tires are recommended for long tours. If you often ride on different types of terrain, you need a universal tread pattern. Tires with a tread pattern have better grip on forest and gravel paths. Trekking tires with little or no tread pattern ensure optimal mileage on asphalt and are usually quiet. Think carefully about the type of terrain you want to ride on.

Tires with tread Pro:

  • Good grip
  • Suitable for gravel roads and trails
  • Wider range of use

Tires with tread Cons:

  • Heavier than tires without a tread
  • Noisier when rolling
  • Shaky driving behavior when driving on asphalt and in curves

Tires with little tread Pro:

  • Direct contact between tire and ground
  • Almost noiseless
  • Very good grip on asphalt

Tires with little tread. Cons:

  • Less grip off-road or on wet surfaces
  • Unsuitable for snow and mud

Which tires are best for my e-bike trekking bike?

The right footwear is essential for hiking, especially when the weather is changeable and the routes are difficult to walk on. What applies to our feet and a secure footing is also crucial for our trekking bikes. There are several factors that influence the decision to buy. Many people think about their safety and riding enjoyment before buying a trekking bike. Here are four important proportional relationships and criteria to help you decide.

  • For long tours, puncture-proof tires are recommended.
  • A universal tread pattern is recommended if you frequently ride over changing terrain.
  • Only tires with a tread pattern provide enough grip for demanding tours on forest roads and gravel roads.
  • City tires with little or no tread guarantee optimal mileage on asphalt.

What is the best tire pressure for my trekking bike?

  • Tire width 35 mm: 4.5 bar
  • Tire width: 40 mm: 4.0 bar
  • Tire width 50 mm: 3.0 bar

We are assuming a rider weighing 70 kg here.

Generally speaking, you can't go wrong with a pressure of around 4 bar. The narrower the tire, the more pressure is needed. In this case, an extra 0.5 bar can't hurt.

The image shows a profile re-shoot of a trekking bike tire.

Which trekking bike gear system is right for me?

Derailleur gears on trekking bikes:

Popular for sports bikes and mountainous areas. Derailleur gears are not only found on racing bikes, but also on mountain bikes and trekking bikes. The difference lies in the number of cranks, 1x for sports bikes and up to 3x for touring bikes. So if you prefer touring bikes, you will find more chainrings. Derailleur gears have gears from 5 to 27. A 27-speed bike has three chainrings and a 9-speed sprocket cassette at the rear.

Derailleur gears: advantages

  • Durability
  • Cheaper than hub gears
  • Excellent gear ratio
  • Lightweight
  • Spare parts are easier to replace

Derailleur gears Disadvantages

  • Higher wear due to exposed parts and faster soiling
  • You can only shift gears when pedaling
  • Increased maintenance
  • No back-pedal brake

Hub gears on trekking bikes:

Hub gears advantages

  • Easy to use
  • Less maintenance/care required
  • Can be shifted when stationary
  • Well protected as it is enclosed
  • Durable
  • Coaster brake possible

Hub gears Disadvantages

  • Heavier than a derailleur system
  • Higher price
  • The gear range is not as high as with a derailleur gear system
  • Repairs are more complicated

Difference between women's and men's e-bike trekking bikes

When choosing a mountain bike, it is particularly worthwhile taking a closer look at the features of the women's model. They differ in that they ensure a comfortable sitting position without back pain or discomfort on trails and tours.

  • Short crank arm
  • Matched spring element
  • Special saddle
  • Short torso and short arm reach
  • Smaller frame size means lower standover height
  • narrower handlebars and grips
  • small hand brake lever setting
  • Low entry or trapezoidal frame

A women's bike makes sense because of the smaller frame size. The B.XXS (13.5") is tailored to women's ergonomics, but also fits male models well. Most models are already very well made and tailored to the average body type, but there are big differences in body types. People with smaller hands or an overall petite figure will benefit from the women's model.

Which is the best e-bike trekking bike for me? The best e-bike trekking bikes at a glance!

How heavy can an e-bike trekking bike be? Does the weight matter? Light e-bike trekking bikes

A classic e-bike trekking bike weighs between 20 and 25 kg, including the motor, battery and accessories such as a luggage rack, lights and stand. Most trekking bikes are made of aluminum and are very sturdily built, which allows for a high permissible total weight. This weight is between 135 kg and 170 kg depending on the model. The permissible system weight is made up of the weight of the bike + the weight of the rider + the luggage. Modern e-bikes are equipped with powerful motors and long-lasting batteries that compensate for the higher weight of the bike. So you can conquer every mountain and trail despite the weight.