2023 Motobecane HAL e29 Boost Review

I have been looking for a 29er full suspension to replace my 1996 Super V and 2001 Jekyll (both 26”). I have also been tossing around the idea of an e-bike since I’m such an incredibly crummy climber. While I’ve been steadily losing weight, I still don’t really have “legs and lungs”, so I always get dropped on even the smallest incline.

After searching online for almost a year, I found the HAL e29 “demo” deal from BikesDirect.com for just slightly more than I had been finding used “analog” full suspensions. So, I crossed my fingers and ordered it late on a Friday night. It arrived on Thursday, about 3 days faster than I expected, really well packed, and without ANY sign of being anything but brand new. Chet signed for the delivery, unpacked it, and had it 98% assembled when I got home from my bike ride.

My first ride was on an 8 mile paved trail with a few decent-sized hills. Even though the HAL weighs double what our 29er hardtails do, I had no trouble keeping up with Chet, even with the assist turned off. In fact, the only time I noticed the weight (besides putting it on the rack - OOF!) was when headed up hill, or when trying to get air.

My next ride was off road at one of my favorite trails with lots of roots, rocks, punchy climbs, and fun features. The plush suspension sucked up every bump and the only time I noticed that it is a 47 lb bike is when we were motoring up hill. I rode with the assist off except when hitting those punchy climbs, so instead of having to bail part way up like usual, I managed to just buzz right up all but one of them. By mile 8, my legs were gassed, so I put the pedal assist in Eco mode. The assist allowed me to ride the last 2 miles without dying. In fact, I even rode up the last hill a second time so Chet could get video of my stair ride.

PROS:

• Super plush and very personalizable suspension powered by Rockshox that keeps the bike glued to the ground.
• Dependable 1 x 12 drivetrain.
• HUGE battery life.
• Dropper post.
• There’s enough clearance between the dropper and rear tire to use a seat pack.
• Adjustable brake lever reach.
• Intuitive computer remote.
• The frame is really well balanced.
• Doesn’t ride like an almost 50 lb bike.
• The computer gives you all the info you need and nothing you don’t.

CONS:

• Weight!!
• I don’t love the black on black stealth look.
• The frame’s weird top tube hump kills stand over clearance - I can just stand flat footed on the small with the saddle all the way back (30” inseam).
• The battery itself is almost 5 lbs.
• The stock WTB saddle isn’t completely awful, but 10 miles were my max on it without pain.
• If your inseam is less than 30”, the dropper post will be too long on the small.
• The stock grips are really thin and the bar is way too wide for smaller riders.
• The dropper post remote requires some serious thumb strength.
• The stock Rekon tires are not tubeless ready.
• Zero water bottle bosses on the small.

SPECS:

Frame	Custom Mid-Drive Full Suspension with BOOST Axle Spacing 29er SUSP. MTB ALLOY(6061) WHEEL TRAVEL: Up to 130mm.  B.B. SHELL: FOR SHIMANO E MOTOR ( KNUCKLE BOX MADE BY CNC ) Hydroformed Butted and Geometric Multishaped Aluminum tubes,1 set H2O Bosses (Small has no bosses), Four Bar Rocker Arm with HAL Linkage. Gusseted SL 6061 Aluminum (Disc Brake) Super Smooth Sealed Cartridge Bearings at critical pivots, ALU VERTICAL REPLACEABLE HANGER, POST DISK MOUNT. O.L.N:148MM  HEADTUBE 1-1/8"/1.5" ( 44/55.95mm ) L: 40/46/48/52/60CM=110/120/130/140/170mm
Fork/ Rear Shock	Fork: ROCKSHOX RECON SILVER-RL 29, CROWN ADJUST w/ MXL LITE BOOST™ 15X110MM ThruAXLE, SOLO AIR 120MM, DIF BLACK STEALTH FAST BLACK UPPERS, 51 OFFSET, STEERER: ALLOY (1.5" to 1-1/8" tapered ) CROWN:Forged, hollow aluminum, STANCHION: 32mm straight wall steel, BLADE: Magnesium, 160mm post disc mount W/Extl rebnd, low speed comp to lock . ( Fits Up to 29" x2.6" TIRE ) Rear: ROCKSHOX MONARCH RL 200X57, MM TUNE, 430LB LOCKOUT FORCE, C3, AIR REAR SHOCK W/External rebound W/LOCKOUT
Crankset	SHIMANO FC-E6100, 175MM, SM-CRE80-B, 36T
Bottom Bracket	SHIMANO MidDrive E6100M
Pedals	Platform MTB 9/16" CR-MO AXLE, BLACK PP BODY, STEEL BLK CAGE W/BS REFL
Front Derailleur	N/A
Rear Derailleur	SHIMANO RD-M6100 DEORE SGS 12-SP, TOPNORMAL, SHADOWPLUS DESIGN, DIRECT ATTACHMENT
Shifters	SHIMANO SL-M6100-R, DEORE, 12-SP RAPIDFIRE PLUS W/ OPTICAL GEAR DISPLAY
Cassette/Freewheel	SHIMANO CASSETTE, CS-M6100-12, DEORE, 12-SPEED (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51T
Chain	SHIMANO Compatible, 122LINKS FOR 12-SPEED
Hubs	F/HUB SHIMANO HB-MT400-B, CENTER LOCK DISC 32H, 15MM THRUAXLE, OL:110MM F/HUB AXLE ROCKSHOX BOOST 15x110 MXL LITE.  R/HUB SHIMANO FH-MT410-B, CENTER LOCK DISC 12-SPEED, 12MM THRUAXLE, 32H OL:148MM, R.HUB THRUAxle, ALLOY 7075, M12xP1.75x180L/THREAD 20mm
Spokes	14Gx64PCS XD-BLACK STAINLESS W/14MM BRASS NIPPLE
Rims	WTB STP i25 TCS 29" 32 hole drilling, Disc, Black Anodized; PV drilled, Pinned Joint (Tubeless Compatible System Rim *See FAQ page for Tubeless system setup)
Tires	MAXXIS REKON 29X2.40, 60 TPI Wire Bead (Simply add your own Tubeless Compatible Tires, Sealant and Tubeless kit)
Brakes	SHIMANO HYDRAULIC DISC MT200 w/SM-MA-F180P/P2, RESIN PAD/ SHIMANO ROTOR FOR DISC BRAKE, SM-RT10, 180MM, W/LOCK RING
Brake Levers	SHIMANO HYDRAULIC DISC MT200
Headset	FSA ORBIT 1.5 ZS, FOR 1-1/8"/1.5", Internal Alloy Cups, 1-1/8" ACB Upper, 1.5" ACB Lower, w/Std 12.3mm top cover, W/39.78 BALL RACE ( 28.6x44/55.95x39.78mm)
Handlebar	MTB ALLOY 6061 RISE H/BAR ( 9° ) B/CENTER: 31.8mm.R/W:20/780mm. SS.A.BK
Stem	MTB ALLOY 6061 EXT:(6°) 80/90/100MM FOR 40/46-48/52-60CM ,C/S:31.8x28.6x37mm
Tape/Grip	VP LockOn PP/TPR MATERIAL W/ Single Aluminum Clamp
Saddle	WTB Rocket SL, Satin Steel Rail, Flex Tuned Shell, DNAx Padding, PU Leather
Seat Post	KS E-TEN- I DROPPER POST (INTERNAL ROUTE), 30.9*385MM, TRAVEL: 100MM W/KGP REMOTE
Drive Unit	DRIVE UNIT SHIMANO KDUE6100M MID SHIP POSITION, FOR 20mph, W/TL-EW02
Battery	BATTERY SHIMANO BT-E8014, FOR STEPS, POSITION : (DOWN TUBE), 418Wh, FOR EU/USA/CANADA, BATTERY HOLDER SHIMANO BM-E8010, FOR STEPS, FOR BT-E8010, BATTERY CABLE LENGTH 300MM
Speed Sensor	SHIMANO SPEED SENSOR UNIT, SM-DUE10, CABLE LENGTH 540MM
Cycle Computer/Display	CYCLE COMPUTER SHIMANO SC-E6100, CLAMP BAND DIAMETER 31.8MM
Seat Post Clamp	Ultra Light Alu+ Bolt
Sizes	See pull down
Extras	CONTROLLER SHIMANO INCLUDING IN DRIVE UNIT BATTERY CHARGER SHIMANO EC-E6000-2, FOR STEPS BT-E6000/E6010, BUILT IN AC POWER CABLE FOR USA/CANADA W/ADAPTER FOR BATTERY CONNECTOR SWITCH UNIT SHIMANO SW-E6010-L, LEFT, FOR ASSIST W/ELECTRIC WIRE (FITTED TYPE), LOCK FOR BATTERY  toABUS 37196 SHIMANO-RH

IMPRESSION:

I’m now 3 rides in on the HAL, and I’m beyond pleased with its performance and value. It is everything I was looking for in a full suspension bike, with a boost on the uphills where I struggle most. I love that I can now go exploring without constantly worrying about petering out on the way home!

As with any bike, I’ve switched out the grips, pedals, and saddle already to both fit me better and add pops of color. We spent about a 1/2 hr setting the suspension up for my weight, so I’ll need to update my review after my next ride. I will also post updated pictures when I finish with customizing him.

60 MILE UPDATE (7/1/23):

I have now put over 60 miles on Zeus and all but the first 8 have been off road. I’ve done some exploring on local 2-tracks, and ridden some singletrack, and I’m even more impressed now than I was the first 3 rides. The HAL is really well balanced on the trail, with the perfect dimensions for our local trails. He’s a bit unwieldy on really tight, twisty trails, but I’m not sure if that’s from his weight or his dimensions. On the downhills, and at speed, however, he is a hoot! He is supremely sure footed and feels very planted on rough trail (tires currently at 30 psi, but I think I can go lower). I’ve continued riding with assist off except for uphills, or when my legs get fatigued, and I no longer look at uphills with total dread - I know ECO mode with a slight shift to the nose of the saddle and a strong pull of the bars down and back will get me up almost anything. Other reviewers have mentioned weak braking, but I haven’t had that issue at all; maybe because I never ride in any mode stronger than ECO?

I haven't charged the battery since the first ride, and I’ve still got 3 of the 5 battery lights on. The computer says I still have around 53 miles in full time ECO mode, so I’m figuring I should get around 75-100 miles on this charge

I had to cut 1 1/2” off each end of the bars (and I think another 1/4” will be coming off soon) to slow down the steering a bit and make it more comfortable for me. The only other things I’ve found are that the dropper thumb lever has gotten really sticky and won’t release unless I unweight the seat first; and the key slot to remove the battery is a pain-in-the-ass. I just can’t get the damn key to go in. Grrrr.

Here’s what he looks like now (still waiting on my Slik Graphics fork and rear shock decals to arrive):

300 MILE UPDATE (10/30/23):

I continue to be impressed with this bike. It's taken everything I've thrown at it without issue. I've been riding with the assist on "Normal" more often, just to keep up with hubby who has been riding his Cannondale Moterra in "Boost" mode. I switch to "High" only on climbs where I feel like I'm running out of steam. I have to admit, I've been finding true joy in riding with the assist on.

The last of the Zeus' color accents have been added now.

 

SIDE NOTE: 

While the State of Michigan considers Class 1 e-bikes not motor vehicles (and therefore a standard bike), the DNR and most land owners still haven’t made that leap. This means they are not currently allowed on most off-road trails. The League of Michigan Bicyclists is working to lobby the DNR and educate others on the benefits of Class 1 bikes, but for now, there are only a few trails that expressly allow their use. I truly hope this changes in the near future.

2023-2024 Atomic, Head, Rossignol and Salomon Demo

Testers:

Kris: 57 year old heavyweight who prefers finesse and technique over power and has a love of high speeds and junky snow. Ex-PSIA level 2 instructor, League and Nastar racer.

I have been kind of shopping for a replacement for my aging Volkl Shiros, especially since their 184 length will likely be too long for me by the time my weight stabilizes.  That’s why I spent so much time on the chubby skis this year.

Chet: 61 year old heavyweight who skis with power and speed. League and Nastar racer.

Conditions:

Solidly frozen groomers in the morning, breaking down into deep sugar over an ice base within the first hour. The piles of sugar got deeper and heavier throughout the day. Cloudy and spitting light snow all day.

Skis listed in the order tested

Atomic Cloud Q12 c, 166 cm, 132-84-117.5, R=13.6 m:

I got on this ski first thing in the morning and it put a silly grin on my face from the moment I got off the lift. It stayed absolutely calm on the ice/sugar surface and blasted through the crud at eye-watering speeds. Yet, it was also perfectly happy to mosey along and skid on the flats, too. The 166 cm length felt too short for me, although not drastically so. This ski is just a ton of fun!! This was one of two surprises for the day.

 

Head World Cup e-Race Pro, 170 cm, 117-68-102, R=14.8:

Chet got on this one in the early morning, while everything was still crusted over and he loved it in those conditions. It earned 5s in every category except short turns, crud, and forgiveness, which isn’t at all surprising given that it’s basically a full-on race ski. This one is not for the faint of heart, but a technically proficient skier will be able to make it sing.

Atomic Redster Q7, 173 cm, 134-84.5-118, R=14.4 m:

This is the men’s/unisex version of the Cloud Q12, and it was equally fun. The 173 was definitely the right length for me and the difference was noticeable. The Q7 was light and well balanced, but got a little tossed around as the sugar got heavier and deeper. While it is best for advanced and expert skiers who can access its best characteristics, it remains accessible even for intermediates. Chet and I had very similar scores and thoughts on this one - it’s just a really fun and super versatile ski, even in crap conditions.

Atomic Bent 100, 180 cm, 129.5-100-120, R=19.5 m:

I really expected to like the Bent series, but I just didn’t. Especially with the deep sugar, their light weight and soft nature required deliberate and excessive tip pressure to keep them from getting totally bounced around. Without the tip pressure, the tips never really stayed glued to the ground, and they made the skis bounce out of the turn before it even got started. I’m just not sure if they need stiffer tips or a more forward mount point but they definitely needed something. I gave them scores of 3-4 in general - Chet liked them even less, with scores of 2-3. I was quite surprised that he was equally disappointed.

Atomic Bent 110, 180 cm, 133-110-124, R=18 m:

Interestingly, we both disliked this one even more. I found the tips to be really soft and floppy, breaking loose and taking me for an uncontrolled ride across the biggest, deepest pile of sugar. Chet said he kept looking for some kind of response or feedback but got nothing. As a powder ski for someone with a quiver, or as a daily driver in the softer snow in the West, it may be a winner.

Rossignol Sender Free 110, 184 cm, 140-110-133, R=20 m:

The Sender Free is the “in between” ski of the Sender and Black Ops lines now. A stiff, burly ski, the tips kept locking into the turn with even the slightest forward pressure. The tails then powered up, making the ski feel really “hooky”. I found myself rocking back on my heels a bit to keep them steady - it really felt like the bindings needed to be moved back at least 1-2 cm. The hookiness was a really disconcerting feeling that even had me checking the edges for burrs before giving them back and forcing me to give them a 2 in forgiveness and stability.

Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, 178 cm, 138-104-128, R=18:

With measurements identical to the original Black Ops Sender Ti, this remains a great, versatile ski! It ripped off surprisingly short turns given its 18 m turn radius and easily held an edge on the ice under the sugar. The Sender was one of the few skis that didn’t get bounced around in the deepest sugar piles. Where Chet tends to blast through the glop, I’m more comfortable dancing around it, yet we loved this ski equally, giving it scores of 4s and 5s.

Rossignol Black Ops 118 River, 176 cm, 145-118-140, R=25:

The dimensions of the 118 made it the most direct replacement for my Shiros in the demo tents, so I was hoping to really like it. While I didn’t hate it, I felt like it got really tossed around in the thickest glop and Chet agreed. The 25 meter turn radius was really obvious - it excelled at big and bigger turns at high speeds, but could be coaxed into smaller turns with patience and fierce determination. The Black Ops is surprisingly light, forgiving, nimble, and poppy for a ski this big.

Rossignol Forza:

 

 Chet got on this one, but never gave me demo card for it. I got on the Essential, instead. Unfortunately, I can't give any dimensions or review on it.

Rossignol Essential, 167 cm, 122-69-103, R=13:

The Essential is Rossi’s attempt to keep skis out of the landfill. It’s made of 72% recycled material, and is 77% recyclable. Buyers are asked to fill out contact info and to return the skis back to Rossi at the end of their life. The top skin is really cool, with a naked wood “lumber yard” look.

This was my last ski for the day and I was skeptical about riding a skinny little slalom race ski on tired legs in the increasingly deteriorating conditions, but Chet said I HAD to try it. I’m SO glad I did!! It was the surprise winner of the day for both of us. I found it to be a zippy yet relaxed short turn specialist with fantastic grip and an easy going nature. It earned almost all 5s from me, with a 4 for medium turns and a 3 in long turns - not surprising given its dimensions. The biggest surprise was that it was the only ski we rode in the afternoon that was absolutely unaffected by the piles of glop. It simply asked to be rolled up on edge and given a touch of tip pressure, then it just cruised through the deep sugar like it wasn’t even there.

This one earned Best in Test from several of us in the demo group. If you get a chance to try it, you simply MUST.