VAM² SL 9.8

This off-road speed score leans toward efficient rolling, not downhill stability or comfort. On an e-bike, the motor helps, but the bike's rolling setup still matters - this rating captures that side of speed. What pushes it in this direction is a heavier build, wheel momentum that helps it carry speed between pedal strokes, typical trail-width tires, and a solid drivetrain that supports efficient riding.

Climbing rating: 1.1/10. Within e-mountain bikes, it ranks near the bottom. The lowest gear is very tall when the road tilts up. In numbers, the low gear is roughly 77.3 gear inches. Most comparable bikes have an easier low gear; this is easier than only about ~1% of them. Gear inches is basically “how easy is the easiest gear”. Lower numbers help you keep your legs spinning on steep bits. With roughly 18.4 kg under you, you’ll feel the weight on longer climbs even with a decent low gear. The motor support helps you keep rolling when the slope kicks up. On proper hills, you’ll feel it — this setup isn’t built to make climbing effortless. Real-world feel depends on setup and size, and some details aren’t always listed, so this is best seen as a well-informed estimate.

For bump control, it’s 6/10 — “Confident trail control”. It’s built for clear bump absorption and more reliable wheel control on mixed surfaces. Both ends absorb impacts, improving how consistently the tires can follow rough terrain. This level helps keep traction when the surface is uneven and choppy. This level usually brings more reliable wheel tracking on rough patches and repeated hits.

Sporty fit - you'll lean forward more and feel ready to push the pace. It feels this way because the bar sits about 59 mm below the saddle (a moderate drop), and you'll be stretched forward about 632 mm in total (very long). You'll likely be near 30 degrees of lean.

Main reasons for the fit flexibility result: This front-end is not locked into a one-piece system, which helps adjustability, A headset-integrated routing system reduces practical flexibility for cockpit changes; A standard round seatpost size gives you many options for fit and replacements. That is why we tag it Moderately Adjustable. In practice, it is about how easy fit changes are with normal parts and service work.

This scores 7.8/10 for comfort, so it feels highly forgiving out on the road. For Trail, it’s labeled Balanced. In absolute terms it’s highly forgiving; it’s just not as sofa-soft as the most plush setups. It’s running about 61 mm tires on 29" wheels, and the big tires calm small hits and take the edge off trail chatter on roots, rocks, braking bumps, and repeated hits. The posture is forward, attacking (posture 7/10, torso ~30°), which loads the front wheel, which feels great for control but a bit more direct through the bars.

Against comparable bikes, this comes out looking overpriced. Value is scored 1–10: higher is better value, lower means you’re paying more than similar bikes. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). On the spec comparison, it sits roughly 38% above what similar builds typically cost. In its peer group, it’s one of the pricier listings, beating only about 25% of them. Quick reference: €7.245 listed versus about €5.241 for a comparable build. Overall, you can likely find better value elsewhere.

This setup suits typical singletrack and varied natural terrain. It has about 125 mm of suspension travel (how much it absorbs bumps), which works well for everyday trails. The Full setup supports this riding style.