Shoot Sweat Bullets As You Ride the Very Banana Clip-Like Xtep Carbon Super Enduro E-Mtb

Lovers on two-wheelers and other cycles, today, we'll be exploring an e-MTB dubbed the Xtep, a machine tuned with a Super Enduro geometry, and while this style of riding is a bit out of my comfort zone and even knowledge base, I just couldn't help but pass up the opportunity to bring it to light. After all, just look at the dang thing; people either love it or hate it.

Now, whenever I explore a bicycle or any kind, I like to start off with the frame; after all, it's the backbone of the entire contraption. In Xtep's case, the base material used to bring it to life is nothing other than good old carbon fiber, and with it, BH crafts a frame that weighs 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs). Pretty damn good, if you ask me.

While the weight and build materials are attractive features and account for part of this lineup's starting price of €5,400 ($5,900 at current exchange rates), it's that funky curved downtube that BH is really proud of; they even answer the question as to why on their website. It's all to give the bike a "lower standover." Simple enough really.

But, there's actually a tad more to it than that. Hidden within that sexy and curvy down tube, BH hides a massive battery pack, and the way those batteries are arranged reminds me of the same way bullets sit in an AK-47 banana clip. The only difference here is that you'll be shooting sweat bullets.

Then there's the whole removable and loading sequence you'll have to go through. Right behind that bike's head tube, you'll notice a little section of carbon fiber that may remind you of a cargo handle; it's not. This feat is unlocked by a "smart key bracelet," and suddenly, a battery pack handle appears. This is how you remove that clip of electrified ammunition and put it back again.

A few other traits that BH hid within the carbon fiber layup are things like a head tube that's 70% stiffer than the previous generation Xtep, and a larger main pivot axle to increase rigidity by 36%. A 65-degree head tube angle and 465 mm of chainstay are also part of what you see. Oh, did I mention that BH claims the frame is compatible with any rear shock on the market?

As for the e-drivetrain manufacturer behind the magic here is none other than Shimano, with a mid-mounted EP801 motor that can spit out a peak of 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) of torque. While it's no Bosch or TQ, it's one reason why this puppy's price tag isn't bigger.

Coming back to the battery for this next part, allow me to point out that 720 Wh are crammed into Zeus' banana clip, and with it, BH states you can ride as far as 155 km (96 mi). Sure, that's a test setting-derived number, so expect the real world to squeeze out less, but that does depend on countless factors, one of which is the size of your legs (how much you rely on assistance).

But here's where it gets good. BH also added some funky riding modes to Xtep, including ModeTrail, a state of elevated assistance to help you crush it around whatever trails and routes you find in your favorite playground. There's an Auto mode, too, where the Xtep can increase your autonomy by managing power output and energy consumption, a trick I'm curious to interact with.

As for the mechanical side of things, Shimano is still the manufacturer BH has chosen for the job. It is supplying the Xtep with a 12-speed CSM6100 cassette with 10-51T and an XT derailleur. Braking is also from this Japanese powerhouse, and stopping power is thanks to a four-piston MT520 setup with 203 mm rotors. Throw on a pair of Maxxis Minion rubbers, and you're set to fly around your local countryside. The rest of the gear will depend on your chosen build level, but forks offer up to 170 mm of travel, and rear shocks manage up to 160 mm.

As for the all-important question: just how much does this bugger weigh? Well, BH's website makes no mention of the bike's completed weight, and other sources don't mention anything either; maybe I just haven't found them yet.

But is it the e-bike for you? To find out, you can search for one in your local bike shop, but chances are that you'll have to hop on over to Europe to get your hands on your own banana clip MTB, the one powered by Zeus himself.