E-bike talk: not tech rumor derailment

ntm95
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1/30/2026 11:45am
Suns_PSD wrote:
The Bosch CXR has the same efficiency as the HP60. Just makes more sense to have the low stressed CXR and a 600w battery that you...

The Bosch CXR has the same efficiency as the HP60. Just makes more sense to have the low stressed CXR and a 600w battery that you can turn down to run like the HP60. That's about 1# more than the HP60 w/ a 580w battery, and a much broader market appeal.

But it's way uglier ! 😁

5
jsray
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2/3/2026 5:41am Edited Date/Time 2/3/2026 5:43am
Suns_PSD wrote:
The Bosch CXR has the same efficiency as the HP60. Just makes more sense to have the low stressed CXR and a 600w battery that you...

The Bosch CXR has the same efficiency as the HP60. Just makes more sense to have the low stressed CXR and a 600w battery that you can turn down to run like the HP60. That's about 1# more than the HP60 w/ a 580w battery, and a much broader market appeal.

ntm95 wrote:

But it's way uglier ! 😁

more like 2lbs heavier from what I've read. 

Suns_PSD
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2/3/2026 2:21pm
Suns_PSD wrote:
The Bosch CXR has the same efficiency as the HP60. Just makes more sense to have the low stressed CXR and a 600w battery that you...

The Bosch CXR has the same efficiency as the HP60. Just makes more sense to have the low stressed CXR and a 600w battery that you can turn down to run like the HP60. That's about 1# more than the HP60 w/ a 580w battery, and a much broader market appeal.

ntm95 wrote:

But it's way uglier ! 😁

jsray wrote:

more like 2lbs heavier from what I've read. 

You are correct regarding the system weights. The total difference between the TQ with the 580w vs the CXR with a 600w is 2.4#s.

 

If the TQ60 weighed exactly the same and sounded the same but was cranked up to around a TQ70 or better yet, TQ75, it's what I would have bought. But I find my current Fazua 60 a bit inadequate for my desires so wanted a real upgrade. My riding buddies have taken to pedaling straight up the steepest bits and it's making my rides more challenging than they need be.

2/4/2026 4:21am

It's so hard to gauge which power you need. I also thought about getting a fazua bike but I was weary if the power and range would be enough. My levo gen 3 and bosch cx 4 are too powerful for me though. I didn't even crank up my e8000 all the way up.

Yet with the levo I also got used to the power (it's far from cranked up but the characteristic is different as in it delivers way more power at lower cadence) so it feels like my fitness took a hit since I'm riding it. Also a 700 eh battery is way too big for most of my rides. 

I ride mostly with the 500 wh battery but I think 600 wh would be closer to what I need if the bike came only with one option. 

1
2/4/2026 5:51am

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTJI3TDLBw/

The next Pole ebike looks pretty sick (to me, at least), using the Maxon Air S which I'm super curious about (2 kg, 90Nm, up to 620W). It weighs just over 20 kg with DH wheels, tires, inserts, and full AXS.
I don't know how much I trust the (new) Pole brand, but the bike is nice and different.

1
lando
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2/4/2026 7:56am Edited Date/Time 2/5/2026 12:26pm
tabletop84 wrote:
It's so hard to gauge which power you need. I also thought about getting a fazua bike but I was weary if the power and range...

It's so hard to gauge which power you need. I also thought about getting a fazua bike but I was weary if the power and range would be enough. My levo gen 3 and bosch cx 4 are too powerful for me though. I didn't even crank up my e8000 all the way up.

Yet with the levo I also got used to the power (it's far from cranked up but the characteristic is different as in it delivers way more power at lower cadence) so it feels like my fitness took a hit since I'm riding it. Also a 700 eh battery is way too big for most of my rides. 

I ride mostly with the 500 wh battery but I think 600 wh would be closer to what I need if the bike came only with one option. 

Here's my take on how to select power. If you want to ride the normal, bike-specific trails you're used to pedaling, an SL or mid-powered bike will probably suit your wants/needs. If you're looking to venture out to new zones, explore, and/or ride trails that you could never make it up without hiking, full power is probably what you're after. You might also prefer full power if you want to turn fire roads into high-speed bike shuttle climbs. As someone who has owned both full and mid-power bikes, you can make most insane climbs with a mid-power bike; you're just going to use a lot more of your energy and the battery's energy. Also, if you ride with a group of people who already have bikes of a certain power bracket, you're going to be bummed if you're underpowered or have way less battery.  

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AndehM
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2/4/2026 8:37am
ntm95 wrote:

But it's way uglier ! 😁

jsray wrote:

more like 2lbs heavier from what I've read. 

Suns_PSD wrote:
You are correct regarding the system weights. The total difference between the TQ with the 580w vs the CXR with a 600w is 2.4#s. If the TQ60...

You are correct regarding the system weights. The total difference between the TQ with the 580w vs the CXR with a 600w is 2.4#s.

 

If the TQ60 weighed exactly the same and sounded the same but was cranked up to around a TQ70 or better yet, TQ75, it's what I would have bought. But I find my current Fazua 60 a bit inadequate for my desires so wanted a real upgrade. My riding buddies have taken to pedaling straight up the steepest bits and it's making my rides more challenging than they need be.

Fazua labeling the Ride60 as a 60 is a bit misleading... it's 50 max unless you engage the "boost" function for 15 sec.

1
2/4/2026 9:15am
tabletop84 wrote:
It's so hard to gauge which power you need. I also thought about getting a fazua bike but I was weary if the power and range...

It's so hard to gauge which power you need. I also thought about getting a fazua bike but I was weary if the power and range would be enough. My levo gen 3 and bosch cx 4 are too powerful for me though. I didn't even crank up my e8000 all the way up.

Yet with the levo I also got used to the power (it's far from cranked up but the characteristic is different as in it delivers way more power at lower cadence) so it feels like my fitness took a hit since I'm riding it. Also a 700 eh battery is way too big for most of my rides. 

I ride mostly with the 500 wh battery but I think 600 wh would be closer to what I need if the bike came only with one option. 

lando wrote:
Here's my take on how to select power. If you want to ride the normal, bike-specific trails you're used to pedaling, an SL or mid-powered bike...

Here's my take on how to select power. If you want to ride the normal, bike-specific trails you're used to pedaling, an SL or mid-powered bike will probably suit your wants/needs. If you're looking to venture out to new zones, explore, and/or ride trails that you could never make it up without hiking, full power is probably what you're after. You might also prefer full power if you want to turn fire roads into high-speed bike shuttle climbs. As someone who has owned both full and mid-power bikes, you can make most insane climbs with a mid-power bike; you're just going to use a lot more of your energy and the battery's energy. Also, if you ride with a group of people who already have bikes of a certain power bracket, you're going to be bummed if you're underpowered or have way less battery.  

You'd need an extensive test ride. In the alps riding up steep hiking trails I think I need at least 400-500Watts and maybe 60-80 nm torque. But its hard to say. I think i have my levo in turbo set at 80% motor power and 40 ease or assistance. Never touched shuttle as I'm not interested in fireroad races. I'd rather take in the surroundings and not torture my butt. Idk how people keep up high speeds on bumpy alpine fireroads on road trips. Like maybe if they are really smooth but after a week my butt is sore and if I would ride fireroads or trails uphill at max speed possible it would be much worse and I'd need to wear bibs but I don't want that because of sweating and comfort off the saddle.  

Suns_PSD
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2/4/2026 2:14pm Edited Date/Time 2/4/2026 2:21pm
jsray wrote:

more like 2lbs heavier from what I've read. 

Suns_PSD wrote:
You are correct regarding the system weights. The total difference between the TQ with the 580w vs the CXR with a 600w is 2.4#s. If the TQ60...

You are correct regarding the system weights. The total difference between the TQ with the 580w vs the CXR with a 600w is 2.4#s.

 

If the TQ60 weighed exactly the same and sounded the same but was cranked up to around a TQ70 or better yet, TQ75, it's what I would have bought. But I find my current Fazua 60 a bit inadequate for my desires so wanted a real upgrade. My riding buddies have taken to pedaling straight up the steepest bits and it's making my rides more challenging than they need be.

AndehM wrote:

Fazua labeling the Ride60 as a 60 is a bit misleading... it's 50 max unless you engage the "boost" function for 15 sec.

I wasn't aware of this, but I know the Fazua60 feels dramatically stronger than the HP50 way before you utilize turbo/ boost mode. Like the middle mode of a F60 is probably stronger than the HP50.

2/8/2026 6:55am

Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?

Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming it’s just a sub 20kg Sight?

Looks very similar to the current Sight/Range, just one that been on a big diet. 

dom
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suze la rousse FR
2/8/2026 11:24am
Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming...

Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?

Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming it’s just a sub 20kg Sight?

Looks very similar to the current Sight/Range, just one that been on a big diet. 

I hope you are right . A  sight with a tq hpr60 motor could be the best bike for me

1
cmaac
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Tahoe, CA US
2/8/2026 8:40pm
Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming...

Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?

Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming it’s just a sub 20kg Sight?

Looks very similar to the current Sight/Range, just one that been on a big diet. 

dom wrote:

I hope you are right . A  sight with a tq hpr60 motor could be the best bike for me

Look forward to that!

dom
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suze la rousse FR
2/9/2026 12:37am
Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming...

Has anyone got any more information on the new TQ powered Norcos?

Saw one in the wild today (silver frame, black decals) obviously a finished bikes, assuming it’s just a sub 20kg Sight?

Looks very similar to the current Sight/Range, just one that been on a big diet. 

dom wrote:

I hope you are right . A  sight with a tq hpr60 motor could be the best bike for me

cmaac wrote:

Look forward to that!

any photo? silver frame aluminium or carbone?

dom
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2/9/2026 1:24am

I hope it will have more than 140mm rear travel ; 150 or 160 will be great

cmaac
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2/9/2026 5:33pm

I believe its the bones of the current Sight - 150/160fork - apparently rides exactly like it. Saw a guy on the trails with one who said that it pedals great with the motor off. Theres a dark purple c1 flavor and a silver c2 flavor, both with fox suspension. 

Launching this month. 

dom
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2/16/2026 11:34am

we will know in 2 days 

36 on the front and idler pulley , and yes the frame looks less bulky

nato
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Christchurch NZ
2/17/2026 10:40am

Remote is wired which points to TQ too

2
owl-x
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2/17/2026 10:55pm

Looks sick

1
2/18/2026 12:33am

Specialized just dropped a firmware update for the Levo 4, boosting power and introducing several other refinements. The S-Works version gets a bump from 720W to 850W (bye-bye regulatory 750W power limit), with the standard system increasing from 666W to 810W (bye-bye HEAVY METAL 666 lol). Torque stays at 111Nm on the S-Works, while it increases from 101Nm to 105Nm on the standard system. Specialized also made the power cut-off smoother as you reach the speed limit, it is now said to taper off gradually instead of just cutting out abruptly. You also now have more control over how motor overrun behaves (that instant when the motor keeps working after you stop pedaling), and there are more walk mode speeds to choose from.

Looks like the power race is well and truly on.

spesh
1
2/18/2026 6:37am

I wonder what's the mechanical power limit of the motor? Have they tested it to failure? I do enjoy an exploding car engine video. 

AndehM
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2/18/2026 6:50am

I wonder what the internal discussions were like at Spec regarding chasing power numbers vs increased warranty rate. Especially considering how high the warranty rate was on the Gen3 Levo.

1
yzedf
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2/18/2026 7:24am
AndehM wrote:
I wonder what the internal discussions were like at Spec regarding chasing power numbers vs increased warranty rate. Especially considering how high the warranty rate was...

I wonder what the internal discussions were like at Spec regarding chasing power numbers vs increased warranty rate. Especially considering how high the warranty rate was on the Gen3 Levo.

Units sold versus units replaced. They’ve sold enough to know the percentages. They’ve tested long enough to know the increases in warranty with the increases in power. Could’ve been the plan all along.

earleb
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2/18/2026 1:35pm
I wonder what's the mechanical power limit of the motor? Have they tested it to failure? I do enjoy an exploding car engine video. 

I wonder what's the mechanical power limit of the motor? Have they tested it to failure? I do enjoy an exploding car engine video. 

The Bafang M510 is rated at 790w and 110nm. There is a custom driver board for it that replaces the stock one, the guy that designed it has been running 3000w at 60v through it. So over 3.5x power increase. He's destroyed one of the roller clutch bearings in it so it's not all happy. Hot rod options are out there. 

1
Evwan
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2/20/2026 10:27am
iceman2058 wrote:
Specialized just dropped a firmware update for the Levo 4, boosting power and introducing several other refinements. The S-Works version gets a bump from 720W to...

Specialized just dropped a firmware update for the Levo 4, boosting power and introducing several other refinements. The S-Works version gets a bump from 720W to 850W (bye-bye regulatory 750W power limit), with the standard system increasing from 666W to 810W (bye-bye HEAVY METAL 666 lol). Torque stays at 111Nm on the S-Works, while it increases from 101Nm to 105Nm on the standard system. Specialized also made the power cut-off smoother as you reach the speed limit, it is now said to taper off gradually instead of just cutting out abruptly. You also now have more control over how motor overrun behaves (that instant when the motor keeps working after you stop pedaling), and there are more walk mode speeds to choose from.

Looks like the power race is well and truly on.

spesh

I don't really understand the arms race in wattage. Current battery energy density limits me to riding in trail mode in order to obtain any reasonable range on my rides. 

It doesn't do me any good to have 1000w available if I'm only ever riding in the 500w mode to conserve battery life. 

To me, this just increases the threat of ebike bans where relationships are already strained on many trail networks. 

It's somewhat expected to see DJI not giving a fuck about US regulations when there are surrons flying all over city streets illegally, but I would have thought that Specialized would at least pretend to care about being good stewards for recreation. 

8
3
sethimus
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CH
2/20/2026 11:57am

you all understand not one of these motors is able to sustain that amount of power and it's only for short bursts, right?

2
Blake_Motley
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Chula Vista, CA US
2/20/2026 12:40pm
sethimus wrote:

you all understand not one of these motors is able to sustain that amount of power and it's only for short bursts, right?

If someone is going 30mph up a multi use trail blowing past hikers I don’t think hikers are gonna care if the rider has been going 30mph for 10 seconds or 10 minutes

7
Evwan
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2/20/2026 1:55pm
sethimus wrote:

you all understand not one of these motors is able to sustain that amount of power and it's only for short bursts, right?

This is like when I'm speeding at 90mph on the freeway and try to explain to the police officer that I was only doing it for a short amount of time so it shouldn't count. 

2
ShapeThings
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Oakland, CA US
2/20/2026 2:09pm
Evwan wrote:
I don't really understand the arms race in wattage. Current battery energy density limits me to riding in trail mode in order to obtain any reasonable...

I don't really understand the arms race in wattage. Current battery energy density limits me to riding in trail mode in order to obtain any reasonable range on my rides. 

It doesn't do me any good to have 1000w available if I'm only ever riding in the 500w mode to conserve battery life. 

To me, this just increases the threat of ebike bans where relationships are already strained on many trail networks. 

It's somewhat expected to see DJI not giving a fuck about US regulations when there are surrons flying all over city streets illegally, but I would have thought that Specialized would at least pretend to care about being good stewards for recreation. 

Upping the wattage and torque is easy to do and is really easy to market. You want to be fastest uphill? Buy this system. There are a lot of dudes who can't resist power level D-measuring contests. 

Lightening the batteries and motor is the hard part and what most of us want. It'll get there…

2

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