Sporty, Innovative, High-quality, Expensive, Unforgiving
Alright, let me paint you a picture. Imagine a chariot, sleek and polished, gleaming under the sunlight like a prized stallion waiting at the starting gates. That's the Haibike LYKE CF SE for you. With a sportier visage and a look that screams innovation, it feels like a fresh breeze that whiffs past the conventions.
This German marvel is not your run-of-the-mill eMTB. It's an overachiever that doesn't just reinvent the design language; it reshapes the syntax, rewrites the grammar. Yes, at first glance, you might not even believe it's a Haibike. It's like watching an indie band you've been following suddenly headline at Coachella. It's that different, that monumental.
This new kid on the block houses the motor upright above the bottom bracket. This isn't just for aesthetics; it's a practical decision that ushers in a new era of frame design possibilities. The battery, neatly tucked away at the bottom of the downtube, can be removed and charged as per your convenience, on or off the bike. It's all about breaking the mould, isn't it?
One thing that might make you squint a little is the LED HUB display on the top tube. It's a bit tricky to read in direct sunlight. But hey, no masterpiece was ever without its peculiarities, right?
One thing that tickles me about the LYKE is the bottle cage mount and the tool mount. It's like having a Swiss Army knife on your bike – everything you need right there, ready for action.
Now, let's talk about performance. The LYKE isn't just a pretty face; it's got the brawn to back up its beauty. Its suspension, brakes, and drivetrain are all top-of-the-line. However, the Shimano XTR drivetrain paired with a cheaper XT cassette felt a bit like ordering a top-shelf whiskey with a cheap mixer. It works, but it's not the same.
The LYKE's MAXXIS DISSECTOR tires are like ballet dancers – graceful on smooth surfaces but struggle with aggressive moves. A more robust, aggressive tire would suit this bike better.
The bike's geometry is unique, placing you on top of the bike rather than between its wheels. It's a refreshing perspective, but it does make for a somewhat nebulous ride, especially on slower trail sections.
On steeper climbs, the bike could use more traction. But when gravity takes over, this machine is more nimble and responsive than a cat on a hot tin roof. However, it can also feel a bit twitchy, making it a bit of a wild ride.
All in all, the Haibike LYKE CF SE is a brave new step into a sportier future. It's a trailblazer, a rule-breaker. It might have some rough edges, but it's undoubtedly an exciting addition to the eMTB scene. At a hefty €11,000, it's not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. But if you want to be part of a new chapter in eMTB history, this might just be the ride for you. It's not perfect, but it's pushing boundaries, and that's what progress is all about, right?
Pros:
- Innovative Design: The bike features a fresh, sportier look with a new rear suspension system, breaking away from the typical design of many eMTBs. It also has an innovative motor integration concept that opens up new possibilities in frame design.
- Quality Components: The bike comes with high-end components such as a FAZUA motor, FOX suspension and Shimano XTR brakes, ensuring top-notch performance.
- On-board Storage: The bike includes a bottle cage mount and tool mount on the downtube, a handy feature for carrying trail essentials.
- Removable Battery: The 430Wh battery can be removed and charged both on and off the bike, providing convenience for the user.
- Lightweight: Weighing in at 18.6 kg for size L, the bike is relatively light compared to some other eMTBs in its category.
Cons:
- Expensive: Priced at €10,999, the LYKE CF SE is on the higher end of the price scale for eMTBs, which may limit its appeal to a smaller market.
- Tire Choice: The MAXXIS DISSECTOR tires, while offering minimal rolling resistance, lack sufficient traction on forest trails. They may need to be replaced for better control and ride quality.
- Unforgiving Ride: The bike can feel a bit twitchy and is described as being unforgiving of mistakes. The suspension might feel nervous on demanding trails.
- Seat Tube Length: The longer seat tube and short-travel dropper post can restrict the rider's freedom of movement.
- LED Display Visibility: The LED HUB display, integrated into the top tube, can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.
- Weight Distribution: The long chainstays result in uneven weight distribution, which can impact handling, particularly on more technical trails.
