Specific parts and components for electric mountain bikes (eMTBs)
Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs) are so hot right now. You see them passing sweaty riders on climb trails. You see them in far-flung backcountry riding zones. You see them buzzing across town on the way to the trailhead with toddlers riding shotgun.
And while there are plenty of great eMTBs that roll off the line from bike brands, there are certain parts of your e-bike where upgrades can make a real difference to performance. Or sometimes riders simply want to customize their rig with colors to truly make it their own.
Race Face makes two kinds of components for e-bikes — eMTB Built and eMTB Ready. Both are covered by Race Face’s Lifetime Warranty, crashes included.
eMTB Built
These are components built specifically for the increased loads and forces of full-power e-bikes. All Race Face eMTB wheels and eMTB cranks are designed and tested to a System Weight Rating (total weight of the bike and clothed rider) of 150kg (330 lbs).
Rear eMTB wheels have steel axles with reinforced freehub bodies that are rated to 95 Nm of motor-assisted torque. This 95 Nm rating will withstand the torque output of popular full power e-bike motors such as the Bosch Performance Line CX, Shimano EP8 Series, GIANT SyncDrive Pro and Specialized Turbo Full Power System.
Note that Race Face components are only rated for Class 1 pedal assist e-bikes, not for throttle assist e-bikes (Class 2 or Class 3).
eMTB Ready
These are Race Face components designed for aggressive All-Mountain, Enduro or Downhill riding, including full-power e-bikes. All load bearing eMTB Ready products have a System Weight Rating of 140kg (308lbs). Some examples are Era carbon handlebars, Atlas Pedals and Turbine R Stem.
eMTB Wheels
Due to the added system weight of batteries and motors, e-bike wheels—in particular rear wheels—experience the most abuse from hard riding. You want your wheels to stand up to the increased impacts from landing jumps and drops on your eMTB, but still maintain the best possible compliance and ride feel. The Turbine eMTB wheels are some of the strongest and most compliant in their class, at a competitive weight.
One of our most popular and affordable eMTB wheels is the Aeffect R eMTB rear wheel. It comes complete with a durable steel axle and steel cassette body, and you can pair with the Aeffect R front wheel for an eMTB wheelset that is tough on trail and light on price.
eMTB Cranks & Chainrings
Cranks transmit the torque from your pedals for the e-bike motor to amplify. Specific eMTB cranks should have the durability to brush off impacts, the stiffness to not flex under load and a shorter length to stay out of the way of obstacles on the trail.
The Era eMTB carbon crankarms are the ultimate e-bike upgrade. With all the strength and very little weight, Era eMTB Crankarms feature a stainless steel wear plate to guard against long-term damage from shoe rub, all while providing additional impact protection.
If you prefer alloy cranks, the Aeffect R eMTB Crankarms are compatible with popular e-bike motors and offer unrivaled strength and durability, all at a reasonable price point.
If you run a Bosch Gen 4 motor (Performance Line CX or SX), we also offer replacement steel chainrings and spiders compatible with that system.
FAQs
What’s the difference between eMTB Built and eMTB Ready again?
eMTB Built is for components designed specifically for the increased loads and forces that full power e-bike experience. eMTB Built also includes drivetrain components that are compatible with certain e-bike motors like cranks and chainrings.
eMTB Ready components are those in the Race Face line up that are tested to our industry-leading standards and strong enough for almost any mountain bike, including full power eMTBs.
Can any eMTB Ready Race Face components go on my e-bike?
Not necessarily. Load bearing Race Face components have a System Weight Rating, which is the total weight of the bike and the rider wearing all their clothes and equipment. That includes your shoes, helmet, pads, backpack (with tools and snacks), all your water for the day and anything else you bring along on your ride. It’s a good idea to weigh yourself wearing all your stuff, which you can then add to the advertised weight of your bike. The result is your total system weight.
If your total system weight is under 140kg (308lbs), all Race Face eMTB Ready components are good to go on your rig.
Why is there a torque rating for eMTB wheels? Don’t I just need it to be strong enough for bigger impacts?
Strength is paramount for the impacts experienced by full power eMTBs, especially in the rear wheel. But rear wheels are also subject to much higher torques on e-bikes, thanks to the motor. Over time, the increased tension on the chain and high torque on the rear wheel’s cassette and freehub body can lead to failures on regular lightweight wheels and hubs designed for analog mountain bikes. Race Face eMTB wheels have reinforced steel axles and freehub bodies to withstand the torque output of full power e-bike motors.
I ride a lighter SL e-bike. Do I need eMTB Built components?
If you ride aggressively or on steep trails with large jumps or drops, we highly recommend eMTB Built wheels and cranks. For everything else on your e-bike, eMTB Ready will be just fine.
My e-bike has a throttle. Should I equip eMTB Built components?
No. Race Face tests for the weights and forces of Class 1 pedal assist eMTBs only. For Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes, you should equip parts that are specifically rated for them.
Can I equip eMTB Built gear on my Surron or Talaria e-moto?
Definitely not. Surron, Talaria and other e-moto style bikes are much too heavy and ride too fast for mountain bike components to be considered safe.
