We’ve compiled a list of the best sub 9k bikes currently on the market, all of which offer brilliant bang for ‘ya buck and in many cases the ride quality of these bikes will rival, or even outperform, bikes that cost twice as much.

“Stealth, stealth stealth! By far the most futuristic looking bike to be featured in this section of the Buyers Guide – the Patron 920 is definitely going to be a head turner out on the trails with its clever frame design showcasing ‘supreme integration’ including a hidden rear shock. And, of course this bike boasts a Bosch Performance CX power unit which is the market leading motor in the category for sure.”

Frame: Full alloy

Sizing: S – XL

Wheelsize: 29”

Travel: 160mm front and rear

Motor: Bosch Performance CX SmartSystem

Battery: 750Wh

Key spec: RockShox Domain 160mm Fork, FOX Float EVOL eRIDE, 160mm, Shimano XT-Deore 12 Speed drivetrain, SRAM DB8 brakes.

Price: $8,999

Browse: www.scott-sports.com/au

This bike represents extremely good value for money when you look at all of the key areas that really matter which is a really nicely finished frame which is then coupled with a brilliant motor package. The only upgrade we’d be making ourselves would be to pop a dropper seat post on there to really unlock the bikes full potential out on the trails. We’re also loving the metallic dark grey paint which really sets this bike off!

Frame: ALUXX SL-grade aluminium throughout.

Sizing: S-XL

Wheelsize: 29”

Travel: 140mm front, 120mm rear.

Motor: SyncDrive Sport 2, 75Nm, powered by Yamaha

Battery: 625Wh

Key spec: SR Suntour XCR 34 LO-R fork, SR Suntour Raidon R rear shock, Shimano Deore rear mech, Tektro HD-M745 Orion brakes, Maxxis Minion DHF 29X2.50″ Foldable tyres.

Price: $6299

Browse: www.giant-bicycles.com/au/

Yamaha had already been making some of the best performing e-MTB motors for years (sidenote: Yamaha are Giant’s motor supplier) which meant we were excited to test out their version of a complete bike when it launched in Aus late last year, and it turns out the YDX-Moro 07 did not disappoint. It’s a cleverly designed bike that is very comfortable and easy to ride. It also showcases a very durable parts spec. We love the ‘Dual Twin’ toptube and downtube design as well, very eye catching.

Frame: Full alloy

Sizing: Small, Medium, Large

Wheelsize: 27.5”

Travel: 160mm front, 150mm rear.

Motor: Yamaha PW-X3

Battery: 500Wh

Key spec: RockShox Lyrick fork, RockShox RockShox Super Deluxe shock, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain, Magura MT5 brakes, Maxxis tyres.

Price: $8999.00

Browse: www.yamaha-motor.com.au/e-bike

Focus is one of key brands that continue to push the envelope of modern e-Bike design and trail performance. Even with their entry level ‘Throne’ range Focus have managed to create an impressive package and a family of bikes that perform much better than their affordable price tags would suggest.

Frame: 7005 hydroformed alloy Smart System

Sizing: S-XL

Wheelsize: 29”

Travel: 130mm

Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX

Battery: 625Wh

Key spec: Rock Shox Recon RL 29 Boost fork, Rock Shox Deluxe Select shock, Shimano Deore drivetrain, Shimano MT420 brakes, Post Moderne dropper post.

Price: From $6,499

Browse: www.focus-bikes.com

It feels a bit cheeky even including the Levo Alloy in the ‘entry level’ Guide because this bike is worthy of even the most skilled and experienced rider. You’re getting a top quality frame with perfect geometry and a buttery smooth, yet mightily powerful motor, and so much more.

Frame: ‘M5’ premium alloy

Sizing: S1-S6

Wheelsize: Mullet

Travel: 160mm fork, 150mm rear.

Motor: Specialized 2.2 Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor

Battery: 700Wh

Key spec: RockShox 35 Silver fork, RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock, SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed groupset, SRAM Guide RE brakes

Price: $8400

Browse: www.specialized.com/au

There’s a reason our staff voted the eOne-Sixty as the best ‘entry level’ e-MTB in this mag, and that reason is that these bikes absolutely kick ass out on the trails! Merida have nailed the ‘perfect all-rounder’ brief in a big way with the eOne-Sixty. The bike has been a staple in Merida’s line up for a number of years with several redesigns and it continues to prove itself as a highly versatile and capable bike regardless of the type of trails that you want to explore.

Frame: Carbon or alloy options

Sizing: XS – XL

Wheelsize: 29” front, 27.5” rear.

Travel: 160mm front, 150mm rear

Motor: Shimano EP8/EP6

Battery: 630Wh

Key spec: Plenty of spec’s to choose from dependent on your budget – but all come bolted to a very, very capable frame package!

Price: From $6,699

Browse: www.merida-bikes.com

Anyone that is buying their first bike in a certain new category and it has Trek written on the downtube is already in for a treat and is certain of a very nice ride indeed. Perhaps unsurprisingly that is exactly the case with the 3rd generation offering of the ever popular ‘Rail 5’. The finish of the alloy frame is second to none, it’s got sweet geo and plenty of travel so you’ll be able to attack any trail you can find and of course the biggest win is the Bosch motor – can’t beat those things.

Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium

Sizing: S- XL

Wheelsize: $7,499

Travel: 160mm front, 150mm rear.

Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX

Battery: 500Wh

Key spec: RockShox 35 Gold RL fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ RT rear shock, Shimano Deore drivetrain.

Price: $7,499

Browse: www.trekbikes.com/au

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that said some may dig the aesthetics of the Hammer-E, and some may not. The most important part of any e-MTB though is always going to be the geometry of the frame and the motor that propels it and those are 2 bases that Avanti cover nicely with this bike. Firstly, the geometry and reach figures mean that the bike promises to handle very nicely for a ‘all-rounder trail bike’ and then its motor speaks for itself as soon as you see that it says Bosch Performance Line CX – they don’t get any better even with bikes that cost thousands more.

Frame: Alloy

Sizing: S-XL

Wheelsize: 29″ (27.5″ on Small frame)

Travel: 160mm front, 150mm rear.

Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX

Battery: 500Wh

Key spec: Rockshox 35 Silver TK Solo Air fork, Rockshox Delux Select R shock, SRAM SX Eagle 12x drivetrain, Shimano M401 brakes, Syncros Duncan dropper post.

Price: $7,499

Browse: www.avantibikes.com

Definitely a very fine choice for any one looking to step foot into the world of e-Bikes, especially experienced ‘regular’ mountain bikers. The Moterra Neo perfectly hits the mark as a ‘do it all’ e-MTB, with it’s spot on geometry, well thought out parts spec, and sporting Shimano’s top of the line EP8 motor, this bike is definitely a package that will keep delivering in spades.

Frame: Alloy

Sizing: S-XL

Wheelsize: 29”

Travel: 150mm both ends

Motor: Shimano EP8

Battery: 630Wh

Key spec: RockShox 35 Silver R fork, RockShox Deluxe Select R shock, TRP hydro brakes, SRAM NX 12x Eagle drivetrain, Maxxis Rekon tyres, TranzX dropper post.

Price: $8,999

Browse: www.cannondale.com