We ride Husqvarna’s latest electric-assist enduro mountain bike.

We know what you’re thinking, “Oh, look, another electric bike.” Well, sort of, except this one doesn’t have a throttle, a clutch, pegs, or fenders. In fact, it’s not a motorcycle at all. We recently got our hands on the Husqvarna Hard Cross LE electric mountain bike and have been logging miles over the past few weeks. It made perfect sense to ride something from a brand we already know, and if you’re anything like us, then mountain biking is your go-to for cross-training. For this test, we headed to the trails and traded the throttle for a set of pedals.

The Hard Cross LE is the most affordable enduro model from Husqvarna bicycles. At 180mm (7.1 inches) of travel, it’s one step below the Extreme Cross downhill bikes (200mm / 7.9 inches) but still has more cushion than the “all mountain” Mountain Cross models, which ride on 150mm (5.9 inches) of suspension. The enduro options come from the Hard Cross LE, the Hard Cross 7, and the Hard Cross 9. Each model is spec’d with different groupsets (fork, shock, shifters, brakes) and range from $5199 to $6999.

Our ride came with a lengthy spec sheet. A 180mm RockShox Domain R fork is paired nicely with a RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select shock. This plush combo provides just over seven inches of travel and is what ultimately classifies the Hard Cross in the enduro category. Shimano’s EP-8 motor powers the Husky and is a popular off-the-shelf choice of electric assistance.

The aluminum frame houses the motor and battery, and the charger is easily integrated near the bottom bracket. A 1×12 Sram SX Eagle drivetrain and TRP brakes are technically more budget-friendly components when compared to the electronic shifters of the Hard Cross 9. But that’s where mountain bikes differ from motorcycles. Think of the Hard Cross LE as the “base” model, whereas the Hard Cross 9 is more like a Factory Edition with all the coatings, bells and whistles.

Riding the Hard Cross LE is when the real fun begins, and you don’t even have to wait for the downhill. Climbs become enjoyable with the electric assist motor. There are three power modes to choose from, one being the least and three being the most. It’s a 250-watt motor with 630-watt hours, which should mean the battery will last about two-and-a-half hours, depending on which ride mode you choose. We didn’t want to be left stranded on the side of the trail so we put this baby back on the charger anytime battery levels dipped below the halfway mark.

What’s cool about these e-bikes is they reciprocate the energy you put in. The harder you push, the more the motor rewards you. This makes normal climbs more manageable and even encourages you to tackle tougher hills that would typically be out of reach. Usually, a 180mm enduro bike would be dreadful to climb, but with the electric assistance, you get the best of both worlds.

Suspension is another big plus for this bike. Riding on slacked-out geometry and big, plush suspension makes any downhill more fun. The Hard Cross LE eats up choppy bumps like a trophy truck and plows through anything you throw its way. The 27.5-inch wheels make the bike feel smaller than it is and allows the rider to maneuver it easily through tight switchbacks. Pair that with the 2.6-inch wide Schwalbe tires that grip the ground on any off-camber or corner. Motorcycle riders will also favor the heavier weight on downhills as the bike carries momentum and feels more planted to the ground than a lighter carbon fiber bike. Props to the Husqvarna team for adding a dropper post standard, as this is a must-have for any enduro riding.

Overall fit and finish of the Hard Cross feels top-notch. While this isn’t the most expensive bike in the lineup, it offers some serious bang for the buck. For instance, other brands like Trek’s Rail come in at $5649, Specialized’s Levo at $5800, and Intense’s Tazer at $6999. These bikes are relatively comparable and offer similar components. Peace of mind also comes from knowing the Pierer Mobility Group, the company that owns KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, recently purchased Felt Bicycles. What it tells us is that the company, top-down, has its future focused on mountain-bike technology and e-bike development.

There’s something about being on two wheels that just feels natural. Gas motor, electric motor, or even no motor at all, if you ride, you know the feeling. The Husqvarna e-bike is no different. Many top-tier motocross athletes also choose an e-bike for their cross-training. The continuous delivery of the electric assist allows them to consistently manage heart rate zones and avoid harsh spikes. This is good for building a strong preseason base or recovering after a long weekend at the races. Rides can also last longer since you’re not expelling so much effort on a few climbs. With help from the electric motor underneath, you can handle a longer duration with roughly the same effort.

The electric bicycle scene is growing fast, and for good reason. E-bikes are easy to use, allow new riders to get into the sport, and they’re just plain fun. It’s even better when it’s from a brand we know and trust, like Husqvarna. Shoot, even the gear we’re rocking is from Fly Racing which is obviously well-known in the moto world. We love seeing our two passions collide and think it’s a win-win for everyone involved. If you still haven’t ridden an e-bike, we highly suggest you try one. Who knows, we just might see you atop the local Strava leaderboard. CN

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