The collaboration between Thömus and drive specialist Maxon, which began in winter 2021, is not only having an impact on World Cup racing: behind the scenes, intensive work has been carried out in recent months on a new, super-light e-mountainbike that, together with Maxon and their Bikedrive Air drive, is set to usher in a new era for e-mountainbikes.

"The aim was not only to produce the lightest e-mountainbike in the world, but also to create a new riding experience," says Thömus CEO and owner Thomas Binggeli. With a total weight of less than 15 kilograms and a slim, stiff frame, the Lightrider E Ultimate is a real race bike that can be maneuvered easily and agilely over any terrain.

For Binggeli, the new development is a milestone: "We developed the Lightrider E Ultimate in close collaboration with Maxon and our World Cup team. The feedback on the ride feel and the low weight has been sensational." Mathias Flückiger also confirms this: "I've already spent ten to fifteen hours on this bike - more than I originally wanted. I often did an extra lap on it in the evening after training. It feels very similar to our cross-country bike. It is very agile and the low weight opens up new possibilities. I can hone my technique more, get to the top faster thanks to the motor and ride it downhill like a normal bike. It's a very interesting training tool for professionals."

"The new e-mountain bike is by no means just a device for professionals. After the original idea of building a bike for light and small people, anyone can enjoy this unique riding experience on the "Lightrider E Ultimate"," adds Binggeli.

Perfect combination of riding experience and design

The unique freewheel technology of the Maxon Bikedrive Air e-bike system ensures that the assistance engages and disengages naturally. As a result, this e-bike has the perfect balance between weight and agility. In addition, the Lightrider E Ultimate is also available in an extra small frame size and is therefore suitable for everyone.

The battery is concealed in the frame. Only a discreetly integrated control element on the top tube suggests that there is more power in the bike. Equipped with a 426 watt-hour battery, even technically demanding trails can be covered with ease. According to Binggeli, 2000 meters in altitude should be possible. Thömus also offers 250 and 360 watt-hour batteries, as well as a range extender with 250 watt hours.

Connectivity was also a major focus during development. The system should be open and allow easy connections to various devices such as Garmin. The relatively simple, small display is therefore sufficient, and the Maxon app enables riding settings and updates to be made via smartphone.

Swissness down to the smallest detail

Olympic medal winner Mathias Flückiger has also relied on the Bernese brand for four years. "Swiss made to fascinate" is the company's slogan, which means it can boast fast delivery times even in the midst of the bike boom. The geometry and kinematics of the new Lightrider E Ultimate were developed with the team riders of Ralph Näf's "Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing Team". The professionals ride the Thömus Lightrider in World Cup races. The new e-bike is strongly based on this and enables the team to increase training frequencies without exceeding the optimum heart rate and performance range.

Technical data

• Battery capacity: 250 Wh / 360 Wh / 426 Wh
• Range extender: 250 Wh
• Torque: 30 Nm, peak >40 Nm
• Maximum assistance: 25 km/h | 20 mph
• Weight: from 14.6 kg
• Sizes: XS/S, M/L, L/XL
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Front suspension travel: 120-150 mm
• Rear suspension travel: 120-140 mm
• Head tube angle: 65.5 /66.5 degrees
• Application: cross country / trails

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