Last month BH teased the new full suspension AtomX eMTB with a dark preview that we promptly dropped into Photoshop to see what was lurking in the shadows. What we saw was a completely revamped e-bike designed to be more trail capable with an integrated downtube battery and short chainstay Brose motor system. Now we’ve got more details on a range of asymmetric full suspension trail e-bikes and hardtails that use an updated drive system…
BH says they’ve been building e-bikes for ten years, hence the new name Atom X for their proper trail-ready eMTB line (and apparently enough reasoning for that weird trash can drumming, fake lightning video.)
Besides a more dramatic looking reshaped main triangle, the biggest change of the new full suspension e-bikes is a new asymmetrically shaped seattube that let BH use the same Split Pivot suspension design as their regular trail bikes.
Reshaping the downtube wasn’t purely an aesthetic choice though. Pulling it back away from the front wheel helped pull the weight of the battery back closer to the center of the frame for improved handling. Combine that with more modern long & slack trail geometry for a more capable eMTB range.
The e-bikes all use an updated Brose Drive S motor that offers 15% more torque than the previous version, most effective at high pedaling cadence. It still is one of the most compact out there, giving the full Atom X range eMTB-short 460mm chainstays. The range all get Boost 148 rear ends, and include both an integrated 32-38T chain guide and a suspension sag indicator.
Curiously BH also developed an oddly shaped snap-in water bottle to fit in over the rear shocks.
In addition to the standard e-bike key, the Atom X also includes a smart key bracelet that can activate the electronics. The e-bike range also gets a new Linux-powered system with a color display and wireless Bluetooth device connectivity.
BH Atom X eMTB options
The Atom X includes seven aluminum framed eMTBs in total, each available in just three sizes – S, M & L. All of the 27.5″ e-bikes get a new higher capacity 720Wh battery for a claimed 150km range, while the 29ers stick with 500Wh setups for lighter weight.
The Atom X 29 is the entry hardtail at 3200€, followed by the Atom X 27.5 Plus Pro RC hardtail with its fat tires at 4400€, and the Atom X 27.5 Plus Pro at 4700€ with a higher component spec.
The full suspension eMTBs start out with the 4000€ Atom X Lynx 5 29 which gets 120mm of travel and wagon wheels for more of a light trail bike feel.
Two 27.5+ full suspension options also offer 120mm of travel, although geared for a bit more technical terrain with the smaller fatter tires. The Atom X Lynx 5 27.5 Plus Pro RC at 4700€, and higher spec’ed Atom X Lynx 5 27.5 Plus Pro at 5500€.
Topping it out is this 5500€ black and yellow Atom X Lynx 6 27.5 Plus Pro that jumps up to 160mm of travel to push into the eEnduro category.
BH sent around news of the new e-bikes under their own name to both our EU & US teams. That led us to guess that the eMTBs might come in under the BH mantle in the US as well. But looking at the new Atom Xs, they forego any major BH branding. And it looks like they will stay under the E Motion brand in the US, at least for the time being.
BHbikes.com & EMotionBikesUSA.com
