Competition is good for business. Haibike has apparently taken this saying to heart. The manufacturer is stepping up the competition for its existing trail and enduro e-mountainbikes – with its own new full-suspension e-MTB. The beneficiaries of this could end up being you.
Around two years ago, Haibike launched the Hybe 11 and Hybe 9, a small model series that closed the gap between the Haibike Nduro and the Haibike Allmtn. Now a third model has been added to this series – the Haibike Hybe 10.5. In terms of concept, the Hybes are very similar to the manufacturer’s enduro bikes. However, with slightly reduced suspension travel and a slightly different geometry, it is clear that the focus here is shifting a little more towards competitive sport, where every second counts. And this applies in particular to climbing ascents.
Adjustments in the millimetre range
At first glance, the Hybe 10.5 looks like an expected addition to the range. With 170 millimetres of travel at the front and 160 millimetres at the rear, its suspension corresponds to the dimensions of the Hybe 11 and Hybe 9. The same applies to the mullet setup with the 29-inch front wheel and the 27.5-inch rear wheel.
A more detailed analysis of the frame geometry reveals first differences. Haibike has changed the characteristics of the new ebike a little. The reach, the distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre of the head tube, is around ten millimetres longer depending on the frame size. The chainstays grow by a constant five millimetres. This ultimately results in a wheelbase that is around two to three centimetres longer. At the same time, the seat tube angle remains unchanged at 75 degrees. Instead of the previously constant 76.3 degrees, the head tube angle is now 76 degrees, or 77 degrees in size XL. Overall, these are moderate changes to the geometry. Compared to the Hybe 11 and Hybe 9, the Hybe 10.5 should run a little smoother and feel more relaxed, especially at high speeds. On the other hand, this is slightly at the expense of its liveliness.
If you knock against the frame while checking it out, you’ll hear the next difference. The aluminium used on the Hybe 10.5 sounds different to the carbon used on the other two models. To be fair, it has to be said that at least the struts of their rear triangle are also made of aluminium.
Consistently in race mode
You don’t need such an audio sample to recognise the central point in which the Hybe 10.5 goes its own way. All you need to do is read the lettering on the motor housing. It is labelled Yamaha instead of Bosch. Haibike’s new launch is based on the Yamaha PW-XM. Yamaha presented its lightest mid-motor at the Eurobike in Frankfurt am Main in 2023. In principle, it is a direct counterpart to the Performance Line CX Race from Bosch. Interestingly, the Hybe 11 features exactly this motor, meaning that Haibike combines two of the sportiest motors of this type in a single model series.
Like the Bosch unit, the Yamaha PW-XM generates a torque of 85 Newton metres. Its housing, in which additional cooling fins have been incorporated, is made of magnesium, just like that of its competitor. Nevertheless, Yamaha has found a few more grams somewhere, so that at 2.6 kilograms, the PW-XM actually weighs 300 less than the Bosch Performance Line CX Race. Perhaps in the bearings or seals. Who knows.
In any case, the choice emphasises Haibike’s approach of offering you a very special bike for the wild chase over the trails. The manufacturer completes the ebike system with an intube battery that has a capacity of 720 watt hours. This means that it is virtually in step with Bosch. You can operate the drive via the long-established Yamaha Interface-X display and the associated minimalist remote. The display is located to the left of the stem. This position should ensure that it remains better protected in the event of a fall. The remote, on the other hand, is mounted to the left of the handlebar grip and is therefore easy for you to reach.
Will the Hybe 10.5 be your favourite?
The bottom line is that the overall package is very similar to that with the Bosch drive. You can therefore decide freely according to your preferences. If you have any. However, you may also be influenced by another detail. Due to the transmission derailleur, the Hybe 10.5 features an additional unique selling point compared to the other two models in the range. It is true that you can also enjoy an electronic rear derailleur on the Hybe 11. However, this is still one with a derailleur hanger, while the Sram GX Eagle AXS on the Hybe 10.5 sits directly on the rear wheel axle. For those who prefer a more classic approach to this component, the Hybe 9 still offers a mechanical rear derailleur with cables.
Of course, it would also be conceivable to neglect all these technical details and let the looks make the decision. As with the Hybe 11 and Hybe 9, the Hybe 10.5 is only available in one colour. Black Chocolate is the colour of the main frame. The lettering, shock and part of the rear triangle shine in a rather bright colour called Canary. The rest of the rear triangle is Slab Grey. Whether this will suit your taste, we don’t know. However, it certainly provides a colour contrast to the two existing models. Here the circle is complete and we end with the invigorating factor of new competition.
Haibike Hybe 10.5 at a glance
- Frame: Aluminium
- Size: S, M, L, XL
- Suspension fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate Dual Position, 170 mm
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, 160 mm
- Motor: Yamaha PW-XM, 85 Nm
- Battery: InTube 720 Wh
- Display: Yamaha Interface-X
- Drivetrain: Sram GX Eagle T-Type AXS
- Brakes: Magura MT7
- Maximum permitted total weight: 120 kg
- Colour: Black Chocolate, Canary, Slab Grey
- Price: 7,999 euros
Pictures: Winora-Staiger GmbH