Born in Koblenz, in the heart of Germany, Canyon has established itself as one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-end bicycles. Renowned for its minimalist design, precision engineering and competitive spirit, it first made a name for itself in the professional pelotons before conquering the mountain bike trails and, more recently, the world of electric bikes. Today, Canyon lands on Private Sport Shop with an exclusive selection of electrically-assisted mountain bikes (EABTs) designed for the most demanding riders.
Find out how to choose your next VTTAE and give yourself a helping hand on the trails.
What is a VTTAE?
An electrically-assisted mountain bike (often abbreviated VTTAE) is a mountain bike with a built-in electric motor to help you pedal. You have to pedal for the motor to work, so it's impossible to ride without a minimum of effort! You pay no vehicle tax and don't need a license, as these bikes are limited to a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
Once you reach this limit, the bike acts like a normal bike, without a motor, but a little heavier. Most VTTAE motorization systems have a number of assistance levels, so you can adjust your assistance to suit your needs. The mode you select will determine the range you get from a full charge (more on this later).
Do I need a VTTAE?
If you want to ride longer, faster and further than on a mountain bike, you need a VTTAE!
There are many advantages to owning a VTTAE, but one of the main ones is that you'll ride a lot more. Gone are the days when you had to stop at the top of a climb to catch your breath before tackling the descent. Not only are VTTAEs useful on the uphills, they can also give you an extra boost on the downhills.
Beginners can also enjoy the benefits of a VTTAE outing with more athletic friends. If age and wisdom have taken their toll on your mountain bike days, a VTTAE can add some fun to your tired legs. Those recovering from injury will find it easier to get back on with a little pedaling assistance. A VTTAE will ensure that you never lose touch with your friends or family, just like the good old days!
What types of VTTAE are there?
Similar to their traditional counterparts, VTTAEs are offered in similar configurations depending on their intended use. Semi-rigids have no rear suspension, while full-suspension bikes do. An electric semi-rigid is a good option for cyclists new to mountain biking. They're easy to maintain, give great confidence on the trails, and allow you to hone your skills.
All-suspended VTTAEs, on the other hand, are a real revelation for all cyclists. Offering comfort, stability and versatility, a full-suspension VTTAE will open many doors for you. They can handle more technical terrain, and offer you a bit of time in the air (if you dare), however, they are more expensive than semi-rigids, simply because they have more to offer.
Should I buy an aluminium or carbon VTTAE?
One of the most important distinctions among the bikes on the market is the frame material. The weight of the frame will be less important when buying an electric bike, since the fact of having a lightweight frame is cancelled out by the weight of the motor and battery. Carbon VTTAEs are a little stiffer and more aesthetically pleasing, but they are also more expensive.
Aluminum VTTAEs are sturdier and cheaper.
How much travel does a VTTAE need?
Generally speaking, the more travel a VTTAE has, the more comfort you'll gain from riding over rough, technical terrain. Suspension acts like a shock absorber on rocks and roots, so the bigger the obstacles you plan to ride over, the more travel you'll need.
A VTTAE with travel between 130 mm and 170 mm is the mountain bike par excellence, no matter what awaits you on the trails. If the travel is less, an all-terrain electric bike may be preferable. If the travel is greater, you'll prefer an electric mountain bike designed for the toughest terrain.
How much does it cost to maintain a VTTAE?
Like all bikes today, most components will need replacing at some point. Normal wear and tear is to be expected, and you need to factor this into your budget. Chain, brake pads, cassette and chainrings are the most likely and most frequent repair costs, but fitting these parts in themselves is fairly straightforward.
One of the most important maintenance tasks on your bike is looking after your VTTAE's battery. If you store the battery correctly and use it with care, the battery will last a long time.
How many kilometers can I cover on a full charge?
This question comes up a lot, and there really isn't an answer. Obvious factors such as battery capacity, motor or rider weight all have an impact on the distance you can cover with your VTTAE. But there are a few tricks you can learn to save battery power, and therefore be able to cover more kilometers. For example, make sure your bike is clean and well lubricated, that your tires are sufficiently inflated, and use Eco mode whenever possible.
Choosing the right VTTAE
So you've decided to take the plunge and buy a VTTAE? Great news! First you need to choose the type of bike you want:
- VTTAE cross-country (XC) XC: for those who love to ride for hours on end, even uphill. XC riding demands performance, and these bikes are generally the lightest of all mountain bikes, as they are semi-rigid.
- Downhill VTTAE Downhill VTTAE: usually associated with high-speed technical ascents and descents, a downhill VTTAE helps you reach the top of the slopes and will endure whatever you put it through on the way down.
For the arrival of Canyon on the Montpellier platform, Private Sport Shop focuses on trail and enduro ATVs:
- VTTAE trail The most versatile mountain bike. Capable of climbing and descending with around 130mm - 150mm of travel, front and rear. Enjoy the responsive power and dynamic handling of the Neuron:ONflyIt's very light and has a compact motor. It responds with impeccable handling, efficient pedaling and powerful assistance that elevates both committed singletrack sessions and long wilderness escapes.
- VTTAE enduro Pedal to the top of the mountain on a VTTAE enduro and enjoy a gentle descent where you can really test your technical skills. Visit Spectral :ONflyoffers a light, playful ride thanks to confidence-building geometry, a playful Mullet wheel configuration and a sturdy 160 mm fork).
What do I need to do once my VTTAE has been delivered?
Canyon delivers all their electric bikes with the worldwide DHL carrier. They ensure that your bike is delivered quickly and undamaged. When you unpack it, it will be assembled at 90 %. Download theCanyon application to watch the unpacking video and you'll be on the road in no time.
They also provide the tools you need to assemble your bike. The electric bike battery will be charged to 30 %. You'll need to fully charge it before getting in the saddle.
Can I carry my VTTAE on a bike rack?
If you're going on vacation or want to test the trails around here, you can easily take your VTTAE with you wherever you go. Before setting off, remove the battery from the bike and store it in your car for the duration of the journey. VTTAE batteries need to be stored at room temperature, so this is the best way to store them, especially for long trips.
We recommend the use of a towball-mounted bike carrier, but check with your car manufacturer regarding the maximum load. Make sure your license plate is clearly visible and that your rear lights are working properly. Double-check that your bike is securely fastened before setting off.