Electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) are undeniably here to stay, evolving rapidly to enhance the mountain biking experience. As a passionate advocate for e-bikes, I believe they amplify the joy of off-road cycling, offering more miles and smiles on the trails. However, the allure of traditional mountain bikes remains strong, with their simplicity and direct connection to the ride, free from batteries and complex technology. Some trails simply feel more authentic on a non-electric bike.
The Ari Bikes Nebo Peak represents a significant step into the lightweight e-bike category for Ari, and marks my first experience with a Super Light (SL) e-MTB. Having spent considerable time on a full-power Specialized Turbo Levo, I approached the Nebo Peak with curiosity. What I discovered was a bike engineered purely for enjoyment. If Ari’s mission was to craft a lightweight e-bike that mirrors the playful agility of a trail bike, feels remarkably like a conventional mountain bike, and offers intuitive handling, then they have unequivocally succeeded with the Nebo Peak.
Geometry and Feel: Nimble Like a Traditional Trail Bike
Weight undoubtedly plays a role in the Nebo Peak’s trail-bike-like feel, but the geometry is arguably even more critical. Ari has seemingly perfected the geometry of this machine. At 6’3″ and change, the XL frame felt impeccably balanced. The 505mm reach, paired with a 77.5-degree seat angle, struck a comfortable chord. Interestingly, despite similar geometry numbers to other bikes I’ve ridden, the Nebo Peak avoided the cramped cockpit and front-end heavy feeling that can lead to hand and wrist fatigue. The consistent chainstay length across all sizes, with a 434.6mm rear center on the Nebo Peak, contributes to its balanced ride. Sizing primarily hinges on reach preference due to consistent standover heights. A flip chip allows for geometry adjustments, but I opted for the “short” setting throughout my testing, which leans towards trail-oriented riding. This proved ideal for the fast, flowing trails I primarily explored on this bike.
Geometry chart showcasing the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak’s trail-oriented setup in the short setting.
Component Spec and Value: Ready to Shred Out of the Box
The demo Nebo Peak I tested mirrored Ari’s Pro build, enhanced with a OneUp Carbon bar and SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes instead of the standard Silvers. Ari has meticulously curated the componentry of this bike. It’s reassuring to invest in a high-end bike and know that immediate upgrades are unnecessary. The inclusion of my preferred Ergon saddle was a welcome touch. My sole critique of the build was the Maxxis Dissector tires, front and rear. While I appreciate the Dissector as a rear tire, its front-end tracking felt less predictable. I’d personally prefer a Maxxis DHF II upfront for enhanced grip. Ari also demonstrates a keen understanding of value. While an $8,000 price tag is substantial, comparable lightweight e-bikes with similar motor and battery configurations often command prices nearly $2,000 higher with similar specifications.
A glimpse at the competitive pricing and various build options available for the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak.
Riding the Nebo Peak: Uphill and Downhill Performance
Uphill Performance
Climbing on the Nebo Peak felt remarkably intuitive from the outset. The Fazua Ride 60 motor delivers power in a refined, controlled manner, placing the rider in command rather than being dominated by the motor’s output. In contrast to my Turbo Levo’s more potent and sometimes abrupt power delivery, the Fazua motor offered consistent, predictable assistance throughout the pedal stroke, akin to the responsiveness of a naturally aspirated engine.
The Fazua system features three modes: Breeze, River, and Rocket. I primarily utilized Rocket mode. The motor’s lower torque facilitated finesse through technical, loose climbs, preventing front-end lift. It genuinely felt like riding a standard trail bike, but with the sensation of shedding 50 lbs and being in peak fitness. Full-power e-bikes can sometimes overwhelm with torque, leading to traction loss or unwanted wheelies on steep ascents. For fire road climbs or self-shuttling for descents, full-power e-bikes excel. However, for cross-country style trails with technical climbs, the Nebo Peak emerges as the preferred choice.
The suspension remained active and responsive on rocky, technical sections, providing excellent traction. While not quite the otherworldly traction of some DW-link bikes I’ve ridden, it was exceptionally close. Pedal bob was nonexistent, even when standing and applying power. The bike felt remarkably efficient, translating every pedal stroke into forward motion. For reference, I set the rear suspension to just under 30% sag and maintained this setting throughout my testing. The motor’s near-silent operation is another significant advantage. Most riders would be hard-pressed to discern it’s an e-bike, appealing to those who prefer a stealthier e-MTB experience.
Navigating uphill terrain with ease on the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak, showcasing its climbing prowess.
Downhill Thrills
Pointed downhill, the Nebo Peak truly awakens, eager to play. If I were to encapsulate the Nebo Peak in a single word, it would be “fun.” There was no acclimation period required; the bike felt immediately natural and intuitive. The suspension platform offers a supple initial feel, leaning towards supportive rather than plush. It maintains composure through rocky and bumpy sections, yet excels at launching off obstacles and catching air. Manuals and bunny hops are effortlessly achievable. While my testing lacked significant downhill terrain, smaller drops and jumps were handled with composure. The suspension ramps up progressively and smoothly, avoiding harsh bottom-outs. Cornering, especially in berms, is confident and precise. However, flatter, loose corners exposed a slight lack of confidence with the Dissector front tire – potentially a personal preference, but a tire swap to a DHF or similar would be my first modification. The bike accelerates rapidly and thrives when pushed harder, instilling confidence in its rider. The frame rigidity is commendable, with no unwanted flex detected. The Nebo Peak feels capable of handling rowdier trails without feeling out of its depth. I’m eager to revisit the Nebo Peak on higher elevation trails in the long geometry setting when conditions permit.
A detailed view of the SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain, highlighting a standout component of the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak.
Standout Components: Drivetrain and Brakes
Two components particularly impressed me: the SRAM XO Transmission Drivetrain and the SRAM Maven brakes. Both were first-time experiences for me, and both exceeded expectations.
Despite some mixed opinions on the Transmission drivetrain, I found it exceptional. Its quiet operation and ability to shift flawlessly under load is a game-changer, eliminating the apprehension of drivetrain damage during aggressive shifts.
The Maven brakes were equally remarkable. Despite Ari’s spec of smaller 180mm rotors front and rear (I typically run 200-220mm rotors with Magura MT7s), the Maven’s provided ample stopping power throughout the test. While the lever feel isn’t as light and snappy as my Maguras, the Mavens offer a solid, confident feel with excellent modulation, preventing abrupt lock-ups while delivering immense power when needed.
SRAM Maven brakes, delivering exceptional stopping power on the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak.
The robust and reliable SRAM Maven brake system, a key feature for confident descents.
Battery Life and Range
Riding primarily in Rocket mode during my limited test window, I completed a couple of 8-mile rides with approximately 1000 feet of elevation gain each. Post-ride, the battery indicator showed three out of five bars remaining. Extrapolating, I estimate a range of nearly 20 miles with 3000 feet of vertical ascent in Rocket mode.
Pros and Cons of the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak
Pros:
- Lightweight for an e-bike, enhancing agility and handling.
- Powerful motor relative to its compact size, providing ample assistance.
- Exceptionally playful and engaging ride quality.
- Near-silent motor operation for a discreet e-MTB experience.
- Premium component spec, ready for demanding trails.
- Feels remarkably like a traditional trail bike, blending e-assist seamlessly.
- Excellent climber with impressive traction and efficiency.
Cons:
- Front tire choice (Maxxis Dissector) could be improved for enhanced front-end grip.
- Fazua mode controller knob feels somewhat plasticky and less refined.
Final Verdict: Is the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak Right for You?
If you’re seeking an e-bike for your local trails that provides substantial assistance while retaining the natural feel of a traditional mountain bike, the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak is an outstanding choice. This bike is guaranteed to deliver an exceptional riding experience. Explore the Ari Bikes Nebo Peak further here.
