Description
The Shogun eTrail Breaker 2 is perhaps one of the best value electric mountain bikes (E-MTBs) we have in our range. It’s designed for recreational riders who want a new electric bike for general fitness rides. And something that’s versatile. It can handle suburban bike paths, rail trails and four-wheel drive tracks.
Its powerful Ananda drive unit delivers a huge amount of torque for better than average pulling power.
A 9-speed Shimano gear system and hydraulic disc brakes completes the eTrail Breaker 2 build.
In this preview, we’ll explain what the E-MTB is, who it’s for and the key components.
What is the eTrail Breaker 2?
It’s an electric mountain bike designed for suburban bike paths, rail trails and easy mountain bike trails.
Compared to most other E-MTBs in this price range, it has a very relaxed riding position that will suit new riders.
The steering is calm and predictable. This means on loose terrain or uneven surfaces, the eTrail Breaker 2 isn’t going to feel uncontrolled.
Who is the eTrail Breaker 2 for?
It’s designed for new riders who are looking for a versatile, comfortable and easy handling electric mountain bike.
Riders who are already riding on older hybrid or mountain bike, should also consider the eTrail Breaker 2.
Importantly, because the eTrail Breaker 2 has so much torque (100Nm) riders who have lots of steep gradients around their area will find climbing up these easy.
The Electronics
Ananda is the motor brand that Shogun uses to drive the eTrail Breaker 2. Ananda has been around for 14 years.
They started as a manufacturer of drive systems for e-mobility (not just e-bikes, but e-motorcycles, scooters etc.).
Over time they expanded to become a vertically integrated e-drive system supplier. They design and manufacture motors (hub motors, mid-drive), controllers, sensors, displays and other electronics. Everything is produced in-house to improve quality control.
Ananda isn’t a household name like Bosch but they are a massive brand in the e-bike space. They have grown in size to produce millions of motors every year.
The Ananda motor is one of our more powerful drive units. It outputs 100Nm of torque giving the eTrail Breaker 2 substantial pulling power.
The controller is very minimalist and ergonomic in its design. There are no bulky buttons and the controller is very easy to use.
The display is massive with data that’s easy to read.
Ananda’s D10 display shows:
- Battery Level
- Speed
- Total Distance (Odometer)
- Trip Distance
- Current Speed
- Average Speed
- Maximum Speed
There’s also a Walk button that helps drive the bike up to a speed of 6km/h.
The battery is integrated into the downtube for a cleaner look. The battery is mounted on the underside to bring the center-of-gravity down.
Meaning:
The eTrail Breaker 2 isn’t top heavy, resulting in better handling.
A key is required to remove the battery. Riders can therefore charge the battery on the bike or remove it and charge it inside the house.
There’s a safety mechanism at the bottom that catches the battery once it’s released from the frame. Simply rotate the lever to release the battery completely from the frame.
Lastly the charge port is located at the base of the downtube. A rubber plug ensures the connection remains protected from the elements.
The eTrail Breaker 2 build
Starting at the front.
Shogun has chosen an oversized and robust suspension fork.
The SR Suntour XCM34 uses larger 34mm diameter stanchions. This means the suspension doesn’t flex as much under the heavier weight.
Plus, the axle is a larger 15mm diameter instead of the standard 5mm. This significantly increases the rigidity of the front-end and enhances steering.
Shogun has used the XCM34 in the longest travel option of 130mm. Most other electric mountain bikes in this price range use a shorter 100mm travel option.
Increasing the fork travel has several benefits:
- It lifts the front of the eTrail Breaker 2 creating a more relaxed riding position. Your hands are higher, giving you a slightly more upright posture.
- It slows the steering response. This delivers safer handling on loose or wet surfaces.
There is a blue lever mounted on the top of the fork. This is called a Lockout lever.
Turning it completely clockwise (in the OPEN position) makes the suspension soft. Rotating the lever in the LOCK position, makes the suspension much firmer.
The Novatec hubs are much better than what other brands use on their e-bikes. Hubs are something that remain largely unseen and therefore most people don’t ask about them.
Shogun has used the Novatec brand because they are so robust, smooth and easy to service.
Novatec uses fully sealed bearings.
Meaning:
The bearings are protected from water, dirt and mud. This helps them roll very smoothly and last much longer than un-sealed bearings.
The rims are laced to double-wall alloy rims. The rims are also reinforced with eyelets, further strengthening the wheel.
Shogun has chosen a Shimano 9-speed gear system.
A single front gear is paired to 9 rear gears. Shimano’s 9-speed parts are designed for recreational riders who are riding most weekends on suburban both paths, rail trails and easy off-road.
A single right-hand gear shifter controls gear selection. The optical display makes it easy to see what gear you’re in.
Some advice:
Gears 1, 2 and 3 are used for going up a hill. For flatter paths Gears 4, 5 and 6 are a good range. And for going downhill or faster use gears 7, 8 and 9.
The eTrail Breaker 2 also uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
Hydraulic disc brakes don’t need much maintenance. Especially compared to mechanical brakes.
They have superior stopping power and modulation too. Allowing riders to control their speed much better (and with less effort) than other brake types.
Shogun has used all-terrain tyres. These are suitable for sealed and unsealed paths. The low-profile knobs reduce road noise and roll fast while still delivering traction on loose surfaces.
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