Haibike Review — Are These German-Made E-Bikes Worth It?

Haibike Brand Review: High-Tech German Electric Bikes

Categories: Bike Brands
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Haibike is a German e-bike manufacturer that pioneered ePerformance electric bicycles, invented eMTBs, and transformed the industry by developing the potential of sporty e-bikes. 

Haibike manufactures electric bicycles that combine human performance with electric support to come up with a completely new concept called ePerformance.

The brand has been around since 1995 but introduced its first performance eMTB in 2010. Today, the company makes electric MTBs, road bikes, kids’ bikes, and trekking bikes. However, at the moment, only eMTBs are sold on the USA market.

If you want an electric bicycle that will neither limit you nor do the hard work instead of you but enhance your physical abilities, a Haibike is the perfect choice!

 

 

The Story of Haibike

Haibike was founded in the small German city Schweinfurt in 1995. Haibike

At first, it was part of a parent brand Winora, which has a 100+ year tradition in the cycling industry.

The company continued to grow and improve during the first fifteen years and in 2010 presented the predecessor of all eMTBs—Haibike eQ XDURO. This was the first fully off-road capable e-bike, so the attention it received was huge.

Haibike is a big advocate of e-bikes, so it’s natural that it believes in visible integration. Unlike other manufacturers, they don’t try to hide electrical components, but rather integrate them in a functional and convincing manner.

After its first ePerformance bikes took off, Haibike has signed several top-class athletes to compete for its team, including Sabine Spitz, Guido Tschugg, Andi Wittmann, Sam Pilgrim, and others.

What’s also important to note is that Haibike bikes are made in Germany rather than overseas. That bumps up the price but takes the quality to a whole different level as well.

 

FullSeven 5

Haibike FullSeven 5

  • Yamaha PW-ST System, 250W, 70Nm, 20 mph
  • 500 Wh integrated Yamaha battery
  • 150mm rear travel
  • 4-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes

 

FullSeven 5 is Haibike’s most capable full-suspension e-MTB. It’s made to make short work of long, steep climbs and difficult descents. It boasts 150mm of rear travel and powerful 4-piston disc brakes, so you can be confident when riding over the rough stuff.

FullSeven 5 will assist you up to 20 mph, no matter the terrain, thanks to a Yamaha PW-ST mid-drive motor that delivers 250W of power and 70Nm of torque. Its 500Wh battery is integrated into the down tube and should secure a fairly long range.

The bike is built around an aluminum frame with thru-axles and features a RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Air rear shock and a RockShox FS 35 Silver Coil fork.

It also sports an 11-speed Shimano Deore rear derailleur, 27.5″ x 2.8″ Schwalbe Nobby Nick tires, and 4-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Therefore, you get good value for your money in components.

Get Haibike Fullseven 5 if you want a well-equipped, capable, and above all FUN e-bike that does not cost an arm and a leg.

 

HardNine 5

Haibike Hardnine

  • Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor w/ 500Wh battery
  • Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain
  • Tektro hydraulic disc brakes

 

Haibike HardNine 5 is an electric hardtail MTB intended for longer days on the trails. It has a friendly and nicely balanced geometry that will get the most out of any rider—beginner or experienced.

This bike is built around an aluminum frame coupled with an SR Suntour XCM fork with 120mm of travel. It has 29″ wheels with 2.3″ wide tires, so it’s best suited for flowy trails and XC-like efforts.

The most important components are the motor and battery. The Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor has 65Nm and will easily support you up to 20 mph. Its fed power by a 500Wh Bosch Powertube battery, so you can expect an enviable range.

Haibike HardNine 5 also features powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano Alivio 9-speed rear derailleur. Therefore, you’ll be able to perform well on the trails with or without e-assistance.

We recommend this bike to all beginner or intermediate riders who wish to do more on the trails and spend more time exploring their favorite routes.

 

HardSeven 5

HardSeven 5

  • 27.5″ wheels
  • Bosch Performance 65Nm motor and 500Wh battery
  • 120mm front suspension

 

If you need a bike to go off-road and ride ANYWHERE without worrying about this or that category, HardSeven 5 is a model you should consider.

This is a versatile hardtail e-MTB that’s similar to the HardNine model but comes with even more versatile 27.5″ wheels. As a result, it has quick and nimble handling combined with snappy acceleration.

HardSeven 5 has the same components as HardNine. It boasts a Bosch Performance 65Nm motor, a 500Wh battery, Alivio 9-speed components, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

This model is also more suitable for shorter riders because of a lower standover clearance thanks to the Alex MD30 27.5″ wheels and WTB Ranger Comp, 27.5×2.25 tires.

The 120mm of front travel that you get from the SR Suntour XCM fork is not enough for extreme descents, but you’ll get excellent performance when climbing and hitting moderate downhills.

You won’t regret getting this bike if you’re looking for all-around good performance at a reasonable price.

Related: Best Electric Mountain Bikes

 

AllMtn 5

AllMtn 5

  • 160/150mm of travel
  • Shimano XT components
  • Mixed wheels

 

Haibike AllMtn 5 is an electric beast of an all-mountain bike that feels unstoppable no matter the gradient you put in front of it or the surface you put underneath it.

This is a pricey full-suspension model, but the upcharge is well-worth it when you consider the specs.

The bike has a powerful and reliable Gen4 Performance CX 250W motor and 625Wh battery that provides more than enough range and assistance.

Another thing that gives AllMtn 5 its capability is the RockShox Lyric 160mm fork and the RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock. They’ll provide you with the utmost control and poise when hitting rough sections on the trails.

No doubt the Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and XT 203/180mm brakes will help here as well. What’s also important is that this is a mullet bike—it has a 29″ front and 27.5″ rear wheel. Therefore, you’ll get excellent rollover ability without losing snappy handling.

If you’re wondering what the concept of ePerformance is all about, Haibike AllMtn 5 will teach you all about it in great detail.

 

AllMtn 3

Haibike AllMtn3

 

  • 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle components
  • 650Wh battery
  • Mullet wheels

 

Haibike AllMtn 3 is the type of bike that knows few limits. If you want just one two-wheeler to navigate the entire mountain—climb, descend, and pedal—this is the kind of bike that will put a big grin on your face.

AllMtn 3 is powered by a top-tier Bosch Performance CX motor and features a massive 650Wh battery that will ensure you get enough range to ride all day long.

Haibike claims that their e-bikes are capable of proper off-road riding, which is supported by the fact that this model has 160mm of travel front and back. It comes with a RockShox Yari RC fork and a RockShox Deluxe RT Air rear shock, which is an excellent mid-range combo.

AllMtn 3 also boasts a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain and Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. This combo will give you great pedaling abilities and infuse you with confidence and control when descending.

What we like the most is the 29″/27.5″ mullet wheelset that combines the best of both worlds—phenomenal rollover abilities and excellent handling and maneuverability.

Get it if you want to spend an entire day in the mountains, exploring any trail you can find.

 

Trekking 5 (And Step-Thru)

Trekking 5

  • Powerful battery and motor
  • 9-speed drivetrain
  • Rear rack, fenders, and lights

 

Are you yearning for adventure on two wheels? Haibike Trekking 5 is a bike that’s built for that exact purpose. It’s available with a step-over and a step-through frame so it’s suitable for men and women alike.

An interesting fact about this bike is that Maximilian Semsch used it to travel around Australia in 2021, covering more than 10,000 miles. That’s more than enough proof that this is a proper ePerformance bike.

When it comes to the components, Haibike Trekking 5 has a versatile Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain coupled with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. When you’re tired of pedaling on your own, you can relax and let the Bosch Performance Line 65Nm motor do most of the work. It will assist you up to 20mph for miles thanks to a 500Wh battery.

This bike is ready for adventure or everyday commuting as it features a heavy-duty rear rack that can carry panniers or a child seat. It rolls on 27.5″ wheels with 2.4″ tires that can navigate paved and unpaved roads. On top of that, it also has fenders and bright lights.

If you’re dreaming about big miles and long days on the road, you will love what Haibike Trekking 5 has to offer.

 

Sizes


Figuring out which size Haibike to get is pretty easy. Just take a look at the detailed size chart below and find your height.

If you happen to be in between two sizes, we recommend going for the bigger size if your priority is comfort and choosing the smaller size if you want more agility and better performance on the trails.

HAIBIKE ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES – HARDTAIL
HAIBIKE HARDLIFE/HARDSEVEN/ALLTRAIL/HARDNINE
Rider Height Bike Size
Feet Inches CM CM
4’7″ – 4’11” 140 – 150cm 35cm
4’11” – 5’3″ 150 – 160cm 40cm
5’3″ – 5’9″ 160 – 175cm 45cm
5’9″ – 6’2″ 175 – 185cm 50cm
6’2″ – 6’5″ 185 – 195cm 55cm
HAIBIKE ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES – FULL SUSPENSION
HAIBIKE NDURO/SDURO/XDURO/DWNHILL
Rider Height Bike Size
Feet Inches CM CM
5’3″ – 5’7″ 160 – 170cm 40cm
5’4″ – 5’8″ 164 – 175cm 42cm
5’7″ – 5’10” 170 – 178cm 44cm
5’8″ – 6’0″ 175 – 185cm 46cm
5’9″ – 6’1″ 176 – 184cm 48cm
5’11” – 6’2″ 180 – 188cm 50cm
6’0″ – 6’4″ 182 – 193cm 52cm
6’0″ – 6’4″ 182 – 193cm 54cm
6’1″ – 6’6″ 186 – 198cm 55cm
HAIBIKE ELECTRIC CROSS BIKES (SDURO CROSS)
Rider Height Bike Size
Feet Inches CM CM
4’11” – 5’1″ 150 – 154cm 40cm
5’1″ – 5’4″ 154 – 165cm 44cm
5’4″ – 5’8″ 162 – 173cm 48cm
5’8″ – 5’11” 173 – 180cm 52cm
5’11” – 6’2″ 180 – 188cm 56cm
6’2″ – 6’5″ 188 – 196cm 60cm

 

Warranty

Haibike is a company that stands behind its products so each bike comes with a warranty on the frame.

Interestingly, rigid frames have a lifetime warranty, for as long as the original buyer owns the bike. On the other hand, full-suspension bicycle frames have a five-year warranty on the front triangle and a one-year warranty on the swingarm. That’s pretty standard in the cycling industry.

You also get a one-year warranty on the finish and decals, so you can rest assured that your bike will stay in mint condition during that period.

Of course, the warranty only covers manufacturing defects; Damage from abuse, normal wear and tear, and neglect are not covered by warranty.

 

Return Policy

Sometimes we change our mind about a purchase and that’s perfectly fine. Haibike lets you return a bike you bought from them within 30 days of your purchase if you’re unhappy for whatever reason.

Keep in mind that in order for your return to be accepted, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • The product is in new condition,
  • Original packaging is included,
  • Proof of purchase is submitted, and
  • The package is shipped within the United States.

 

Also note that if you bought your Haibike from an authorized dealer, your purchase is subject to the specific return or exchange policies of that dealer.

 

FAQ

Yes, Haibike is a high-quality brand that makes bikes using durable materials and reliable components. Most of their bicycles are made from aluminum or carbon and equipped with Bosch electronics and Shimano or SRAM parts. These are bikes that are built to last and survive daily use.

Haibikes are made in Germany. The complete research, development, and manufacturing process is done at the company’s headquarters in Schweinfurt, Germany. That is the reason why Haibikes are more expensive than other similar models—they’re not made with frames that are manufactured overseas.

Haibike bikes sold in the USA are Class 1 e-bikes that will assist you up to 20 mph. These bicycles do not have a throttle but supplement your own power as you pedal your bike. Therefore, the motor can only work if the pedals are turning.

A trekking e-bike is an electric bicycle with flat bars and a relaxed geometry that puts you in an upright riding position. Trekking bikes are similar to hybrids so they’re good for city riding, commuting, and long rides. They also have wider wheels so they can tackle paved and unpaved roads.

 

Final Verdict

E-bikes made overseas are flooding the market and it’s becoming harder for European and USA manufacturers to compete. suggested

Don’t get us wrong, bicycles made abroad are getting better and better and their prices are going down at the same time.

However, Haibike has stayed in the game by offering something else—tradition, innovation, and reliability that comes from having complete control of the manufacturing process.

If you want a real European bike with a pedigree, a long warranty period, and guaranteed high performance in the real world, Haibike poses itself as the right choice.

If you own a Haibike, please let us know what you think about it in the comments section below. Share your insights about the brand and your experience with riding your Haibike. 

9 thoughts on “Haibike Brand Review: High-Tech German Electric Bikes

  1. I must say I have the allmtn 6. 2 years on the spokes are now going on the rear. But the bike is exposed to heavy cross country riding such as the breacon beacons. Cwmcarn down hilling. The welsh valleys will certainly test a bike . Parts do not lasts for ever. If i can’t fix consult somebody who can.

  2. I purchased my All Mountain 5 a few months ago and out an a few hundred miles, the frame geometry is perfect for me and similar to one of my favorite but older bikes the Gary Fisher Joshua. The Bosch motor is amazing and RoxShock suspension is amazing. You need to take the time and learn how to adjust your suspension as with all mountain bikes and obviously Haibike doesn’t make the front forks or rear shocks but the know how to make it work with the design of the frame, the seat Haibike is perfect and didn’t need to change it out like other high end models. If you are looking for a top tier mountain bike Haibike is an excellent option. I love how the Bosch motor works with you when you pedal through anything and the ease of switching modes allows you to use more or less energy and you can float through single track or carry your cadence down your local bike trail. I love this bike and have no issues with chains or rapid shifting through the gears, rusted spokes from sitting in what must be a high humid part of the country and a rusted broken chain is simply neglect, if your chain is catching in your rear sprocket again neglect from not oiling your chain or misalignment of a derailleur. In the comment section the is no negative talk of what matters on a high end ebike of the motor, battery life and how it works with the rider, I can ride hard for 20 miles and only drop 2 bars on my battery or drive 50 miles for the week from home 2 work on bike trails and never charge my bike and still have enough battery life to ride the dirt Saturday morning.

  3. I’ve owned a HaiBike electric bike for 3 years. After paying $3,800 I’ve already replaced the chain and now all the wheel spokes have rusted out. I store the bike in my garage but I’m very disappointed that the wheel spikes have rusted after just 3 years. Yes, I suppose I should have cleaned the spokes more often but they have completely rusted out after only 3 years. The chain was of poor quality as well. Not what I expected for an expensive bike. The ride is nice but I do not recommend the bike.

    1. Hi Claudia,
      Thanks for sharing your experience. Spokes can be replaced and they are not that expensive. The same with the chain. You just need to have it tuned up with your local bike shop.

  4. Would be nice if the author of this article actually talked to bike owners of their product instead of just repeating coprorate talking points. Haibike had a series of bikes that they completely ignored the owners once the bikes have been discontinued even though the bikes were under warranty. Since many of the bikes were over 4 to 5 thousand dollars then that was not some chump change.

    The fact is when people read these articles and buy on this presentation of a company reputation that turns out to be a lie then the website and author loses credibility. You become more of a infomercial presentation the a legitimate source.

    If anyone really would like to know about Haibike reputation then ignore this company sponsored gibberrish and go to the Facebook groups and/or owner sites where they discuss problems with this company. I am sure you will be less kind than me when describing this article and company as one that stands behind their products!

    1. Hey Mark,
      Good points! Thanks for the constructive criticism.
      We try to personally test bikes that we write about whenever possible. But that’s not always the case as there are many other factors that come into play.
      We get a lot of requests to review bikes and brands that we haven’t had a chance to test personally. Unfortunately, we can’t test each and every bike even if the company is willing to provide us with a test model, as we don’t have enough writers to carry out such thorough reviews. It takes time and resources.
      Though, in most cases, brands don’t even send us bikes. That means we should buy them ourselves. Even if we could sell these afterward for let’s say 80% of the original value, we would still need to cover the expenses for writers, editors, a photographer, web hosting, and other running costs. In other words, we wouldn’t be able to afford it and stay afloat, so it’s not a win-win situation for us.
      Every topic we cover on Bicycle Guider is well-researched and crafted, using not only the brand’s information but different Facebook groups, Reddit, and cycling forums as well. It takes a lot of time to do it. In most cases, it’s the best thing we can do to meet our readers’ needs and keep this website running. We also rely on readers (like you) who send us feedback. So thank you for doing that.
      Our goal for 2022 is to try to test more bikes ourselves and share more of our own firsthand experiences and impressions.

  5. Myself and my husband have both bought haibikes, unfortunately we have both had problems with the chain coming off, and then it jams between the crank and the chainguard and is very difficult to get back on. In fact we’ve had to take it into the dealer to sort. Seems to be a design fault.

    1. Hi Mrs v senior,
      I would recommend to have all bikes checked before taking them back home. At least when there are things that need maintenance like greasing the hubs or lubricating the chains, the dealer should be able to look into these issues. Sometimes, the bike cat sit inside the box for a long time and that is why you need to have it checked before taking it home.

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