Mzansi’s mountain bikers will soon welcome the new kid on the block, when Husqvarna e-bicycle division hits the market with an exciting e-MTB range.
Husqvarna calls this barrage “a fleet of off-road machines designed with one thing in mind – push you to beat the unbeaten path, and not pull back the thrill.”
Not quite so new
Husqvarna is no newbie to the world of two-wheel mobility – engine powered or otherwise. In 1896, the company produced its first bicycle in the small town of Husqvarna, Sweden. Bicycle production quickly became the backbone of Husqvarna’s business, alongside the production of sewing machines.
Fast forward to 2019, and Husqvarna Bicycles is integrated into PIERER Mobility AG, the Austrian group that houses KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycles.
e-Bicycles for all
Franziska Brandl, managing director at PIERER New Mobility South Africa, says “Our intention is to bring innovative products to the market and to introduce new possibilities and experiences within e-mobility. We will do so by offering a portfolio that improves your riding and caters for riders, from beginners to pros.”
“A product range that spans from electric balance bikes for the youngsters to an exciting range of e-mountain bikes, is about to empower our customers to conquer the most exciting trails this country has to offer,” Brandl adds.
The product range
At the core of the product portfolio offered in South Africa is the MC – or Mountain Cross – range. With the Mountain Cross 6 (MC6), Husqvarna E-Bicycles has set itself the goal of implementing the brand’s attributes down to the smallest detail in an eMTB – making it the blueprint for all future developments, Husqvarna says.
“As an all-mountain all-rounder, the MC6 is engineered to excel on challenging, technical trails. Its versatility makes it the perfect partner, regardless of the riders’ ability. Skilled riders improve, very good ones become excellent, and beginners find their way into the sport. Everyone expands their own limits through intuitive handling, with the promise of thrill in every ride,” the manufacturer claims.
“This captures the essence of our Husqvarna range of e-mountain bikes,” says Sven Voigt, brand manager at PIERER New Mobility South Africa. “We offer bicycles that take your riding further, with attention to detail, high-end components, and a minimalistic yet functional Swedish design,” he concludes.
Four models for 2024
For model year 2024, Husqvarna South Africa will focus on a selection of full-suspension eMTBs. The collection starts with the Light Cross 2 (LC2) and three models from the Mountain Cross range. These are the MC2, MC4, and MC6. The latter two have carbon fibre frames and 150 mm of suspension travel.
The range is rounded off with the downhill charging Hard Cross 4 (HC4). This bike uses Shimano’s EP8 motor with 85 Nm of pedal-assist power. It flattens out leg-burning climbs, allowing riders to put all their energy into the descents. This Enduro-minded model comes with 180 mm suspension travel in front and 170 mm in the rear, and a strong alloy frame with mullet wheel configuration (bigger front wheel / smaller rear wheel).
Style and function
Understanding the importance of protection, Husqvarna E-Bicycles offers a wide range of riding gear that, according to the manufacturer, speaks the same Swedish design language. “From protective gear to casual wear, Husqvarna E-Bicycles is ticking all the boxes,” it claims.
For more information and a list of authorised Husqvarna E-Bicycle dealers, go to husqvarna-bicycles.com. Prices to be announced.
Also read our reviews of the Ryder Innovation Groove Tool for bicycles, the Livall MT1 Smart cycling helmet, and the Specialized Ambush ANGi helmet.
