Feeling pampered by motor assistance on an e-bike is certainly not unusual; it’s somewhat expected from this type of bike. Yet if today there’s a down-country category of more downhill-capable XC full-suspension bikes, why couldn’t hardtail e-bikes have their counterpart? We’d describe our own E-Country category—which the tested gem 4EVER Exstream Pro clearly belongs to—as a cross-country e-bike even more XC-capable in terms of power delivery and the agility of its ride.
Two Fundamentals of Performance
On e-bikes, most riders focus first on battery capacity and motor torque, followed by geometry and overall ride feel. But geometry and handling can sometimes surprise and thrill so much that the powertrain becomes almost secondary. The Exstream is precisely such a bike—you’ll find yourself wondering if you wouldn’t want to ride it without motor assistance. We’ve tested numerous hardtail e-bikes, and while they’re typically characterized by chunkier tires, a shorter, more comfortable posture, and broader versatility, the Exstream has emerged as a pure athlete. Electrified, yes, but clearly tuned for a brisk pace with a sporty position—something a laid-back Sunday ride likely wouldn’t suit. A longer frame, forward-tilted stance, relatively “livelier” 29″ tire widths, a race-style saddle, and flat bars that don’t raise your hands needlessly high… all these design choices combine into a ride experience quite unlike the comfort-oriented hardtails aimed at recreational cyclists.
