Test / SUV E-Bike: The Haibike Adventr 11 ABS is designed to consistently embrace the e-SUV category. As a full-suspension everyday and touring bike with a step-through frame, 140 mm of travel, Bosch CX Smart System, and integrated ABS, it's designed to strike the balance between ultimate comfort, off-road capability, and urban safety. We examined the bike's technical details and, in a practical test, clarified whether the concept works, where the all-rounder's strengths lie, and what compromises buyers have to make.
Haibike Adventr 11 ABS: Redefining the SUV concept?
The Haibike brand is considered by many to be one of the pioneers in the e-mountain bike sector. The company recognized the potential of mid-engines for sporty off-road use early on and played a significant role in shaping the category. With the Adventr 11 ABS, Haibike is now focusing intensively on the so-called SUV e-bike segment – a category that is often vaguely defined and encompasses bikes that fall somewhere between fully equipped mountain bikes and robust trekking bikes.
However, the Adventr 11 ABS strives to be more than just a modified bike from a different genre. It was developed from the ground up as a standalone concept, combining the robustness and suspension comfort of a mountain bike with the everyday practicality and ergonomics of a touring or city bike. The focus is on the model tested here, featuring a "low" frame, a distinctive step-through design that promises maximum comfort when mounting and dismounting.
The framework in detail: Two worlds, two concepts
The heart of the Adventr 11 ABS is its aluminum frame. Haibike offers the model in two fundamentally different versions: the "Low" version tested here with a low step-through frame (available in sizes S, M, and L), and a "High" version with classic diamond frame geometry and a higher top tube (available in sizes S, M, L, and XL).
Interestingly, these two versions differ not only in frame shape but also in their rear triangle kinematics. While the "High" version relies on a classic four-bar rear triangle with a Horst link (a pivot point in the chainstay), as seen on many mountain bikes, a different solution had to be found for the low-step-through version.
Kinematics: Single-pivot meets modern damper linkage
To achieve the low step-through of the "Low" model without compromising the frame structure, Haibike uses a single-pivot rear triangle. This means the entire rear triangle rotates around a single, central pivot point. This design is simpler in itself, but places greater demands on the shock linkage to control the influences of the drivetrain and brakes.
Haibike solves this problem with a multi-pivot damper linkage. The damper is not controlled directly by the rear triangle, but rather via a system consisting of a pushrod and a rocker arm. This complex lever system is designed to progressively shape the damper's characteristic curve and ensure sensitive response. The choice of a single-pivot damper may remind some observers of earlier mountain bike generations, but combined with modern air shocks, it can achieve high performance – a principle that has also proven successful for years in motorcycle racing (MotoGP or motocross), for example.
Serviceability: Praise for the cable routing
One point that stands out in this age of fully integrated cockpits is Haibike's decision against routing cables through the headset. While many manufacturers intricately thread cables through the headset bearings and stem for a supposedly clean look, the Adventr 11 ABS takes a more traditional approach.
The cables are routed into the frame through cleanly finished inlets on the top tube, directly behind the head tube. From a serviceability perspective, this is a huge advantage. Maintenance work, replacing a brake line, or servicing the headset bearing are significantly easier and therefore potentially more cost-effective for the end user. Purists may find the look "less tidy," but for every mechanic and bike enthusiast, this solution is a blessing.
Drive and components: The heart of Bosch
As the top model in the series, the Adventr 11 ABS is equipped with the appropriately high-quality features. The focus is clearly on durability, performance, and safety.
engine and battery
The proven Bosch Performance CX Smart System is used for the drivetrain, delivering 85 Nm of torque. If desired, torque and power can be increased to 100 Nm and 750 watts, respectively, via the Flow app. The motor is coupled with the Bosch Kiox 300 display and the practical LED remote on the handlebars. The Smart System offers modern features such as sensitive sensors, individually adjustable support levels, and a hill hold function that prevents rolling back on hills.
A Bosch PowerTube battery with a capacity of 800 Wh provides the necessary endurance. It is integrated into the solid down tube and ensures a low center of gravity. It can also be easily removed for charging if desired. Particularly relevant for touring riders: The system is "Range Extender Ready," meaning that an additional battery can be retrofitted if necessary to significantly increase the range.
Chassis and wheels
For the suspension, Haibike relies on SR Suntour components. An XCR 34 Air LOR suspension fork is at the front, and an Edge LOR8 air shock at the rear. This provides a whopping 140 mm of travel at the front and 130 mm at the rear. This is a generous amount for an SUV bike and promises plenty of comfort reserves, even on rough terrain.
The 27,5-inch wheels are fitted with Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires. These 60 mm wide tires are a classic all-rounder, rolling easily on asphalt but, thanks to their tread pattern, also offering sufficient grip on gravel paths and light terrain.
Gearshift and brakes: Safety thanks to ABS
Shifting is handled by a 12-speed Shimano drivetrain, which combines components from the robust Deore groupset (M6100 shift lever) with a high-quality Deore XT (M8100) rear derailleur. The 10-51 tooth cassette offers a massive gear range, which, combined with the Bosch CX motor, ensures that no climb is too steep.
The highlight of the equipment, which gives the bike its name, is the braking system. Haibike installs a Magura MTC brake – what makes it special is that the system is coupled with an ABS from Bosch. This anti-lock braking system prevents the front wheel from locking during emergency braking, reducing the risk of rolling over or skidding. The latter is a significant safety advantage, especially on loose or wet surfaces.
| Frame | High Aluminum Uni |
| Fork | SR Suntour MOBIE36-Boost EQ |
| Drive | Bosch CX |
| Battery | 800 Wh |
| Wheels | Schurmann YAK Disc |
| Tires | Swallow Johnny Watts |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Crank | Miranda Crius |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Magura MTC ABS |
| Seatpost | Limotec Dropperpost A4H |
| Saddle | Prologue Proxim W400 |
| Stem | Haibike |
| Handlebar | Haibike Flat bar TheBar++ |
The “SUV” equipment in practical testing
What truly makes the Adventr 11 ABS an SUV is its comprehensive equipment. This includes, among other things, a bright lighting system from Trelock, as well as robust mudguards and a luggage rack.
The rattling problem? Testing everyday attachments
Rattling attachments are often a nuisance, especially on fully equipped, full-suspension bikes. Similar designs are often plagued by noise from mudguards or luggage racks off-road. However, in practical testing on dirt roads and easy trails, the Adventr 11 ABS proved to be pleasingly quiet.
The attachments proved to be rock-solid. Neither the luggage rack nor the fenders exhibited any annoying rattling or clattering. The fenders are made of aluminum. The fact that you can hear stones thrown up by the knobby tires on the aluminum is due to the nature of the material and is not an indication of poor attachment. The construction leaves a stable and well-thought-out impression.
The Haibike Adventr 11 ABS: Test impressions
In practice, the bike has to prove whether the theory, which seems plausible on paper, also works on the trail and on the tour.
Chassis and kinematics: Does the single-pivot system work?
The kinematics of the low-step-through bike raise the question of whether the single-pivot rear end is powerful enough. In practice, for a touring all-rounder like the Haibike, the answer can only be: Yes!
In the road test, the Suntour suspension proved to be efficient and good. While it's less prominent in the high-end segment than the market leaders Fox or RockShox, it offers absolutely sufficient performance for the intended all-around use. It reliably absorbs bumps and performs well even on light terrain. For a bike that sits somewhere between a mountain bike and a commuter bike, the suspension is more than adequately dimensioned.
Our highlights on the Haibike Adventr 11 ABS
The test revealed three key advantages that distinguish the Adventr 11 ABS concept.
1. Motor and battery concept: The Bosch CX motor is one of the tester's absolute favorites on the market. The combination of the powerful unit, the large 800 Wh battery, and the optional range extender makes the bike a true "touring bike." It inspires confidence that even very long tours with lots of luggage and steep climbs can be easily handled. Added to that is the pleasantly quiet noise level of the drive system. its configurability and a successful app.
2. The ABS system: Another highlight is the anti-lock braking system—a feature that's still completely underrated in the cycling world. While cyclists are accustomed to sensitively controlling their brakes, ABS offers a tremendous passive safety advantage. The ability to "slam on both brakes without restraint" on gravel or wet roads without risking a front wheel skid or rollover is an invaluable advantage.
3. The overall SUV concept: The third plus point is the bike itself. The Adventr 11 ABS doesn't feel like a compromise—neither like a "bloated trekking bike" nor like a mountain bike with makeshift everyday accessories tacked on. It feels like a "new, better breed of SUV," designed from the ground up as such. It feels authentic and competent in both worlds—everyday use and light off-road.
Criticisms in detail: Where is there still room for improvement?
Despite the positive overall impression, the test also revealed some points of criticism that may be relevant depending on the buyer's requirements profile.
1. Luggage rack load capacity: The elegantly integrated luggage rack is officially rated for a load of only 15 kg. This isn't much for a bike so suited to touring. Anyone planning to use panniers for a multi-day tour or wanting to mount a child seat (which often requires a load rating of up to 27 kg) will quickly reach their limits.
2. Chain guard: One small detail that did stand out, however, was the factory-installed chainstay protector. It's quite small and doesn't completely cover the stay. It's foreseeable that the chain could impact the paintwork beyond the protector when riding off-road. The protector could be a bit larger and positioned further back—a flaw that a dealer can easily fix.
3. Maximum weight allowed: The most serious criticism concerns the permissible total weight of 150 kg. While this value is now a common standard in the industry, a simple calculation reveals the limitation in practice:
If you subtract the maximum luggage load (15 kg) from the total weight (150 kg), you're left with 135 kg. Subtracting the bike's own weight (29,2 kg according to the manufacturer) leaves you with just 106 kg. If you then add in the helmet, backpack, clothing, and shoes, the rider must not weigh in the three-digit kilogram range. For heavier riders who also want to load the bike with luggage, the load limit is too tight and excludes a certain customer base.
Who is the Adventr 11 ABS for?
The Haibike Adventr 11 ABS proves itself in the test as a highly sophisticated and competent electric SUV. It fulfills its claim to define its own category rather than being a mere compromise. Its strengths lie clearly in the outstanding comfort of the step-through frame, the powerful and durable Bosch drive system, and the genuine safety enhancement provided by the ABS.
Practical details such as the easy-to-service cable routing are also particularly positive. The chassis offers more than sufficient reserves for tours off the beaten track.
On the downside, the luggage rack's low load capacity (15 kg) and the permissible total weight, which is tight for heavy riders, are a disadvantage. However, anyone who stays within these limits will get an excellent overall package.
The bike has a recommended retail price of €6.499. At the time of testing, the model was already available in stores at a significant discount for around €5.000 – but the bike offers a very good and fair overall package.
