Husqvarna is a big name in the moto world with a long, storied history, but that's only a fraction of the brand's heritage. The Swedish company formed in 1689 and has specialized in building weapons, sewing machines, motorbikes, lawnmowers, and a whole lot more. In recent years they have used their motorsports background to develop a range of e-MTBs, which they had proudly on show here at the Eurobike show.
The e-MTB range consists of three models, all utilizing the same four-bar suspension platform but with refined kinematics on the different travel options and aim to be some of the best electric mountain bikes around.
Frame details
Carbon and alloy models are available across the Husqvarna range, all are specced with either Shimano EP801 or EP6 motors with 720wh batteries. All e-bike motors have different features and feel, and you can find out a bit more with our guide to choosing the best e-MTB motor.
All models use larger bearings in the suspension pivots to improve longevity. Husqvarna offer various options for motor placement and battery removal, with the more common opening on the underside of the downtube on alloy models to the fully enclosed setups on carbon frames.
The headtube badge is a clever take on keeping the battery cool. When a battery is completely enclosed in the frame tubes, it can be prone to overheating. Husqvarna get around this by putting four large vents in the headtube neatly hidden behind the porous badge, perfect for those who like to have big days out in the mountains, though it seems less of a good idea if you like to keep dirt and damp away from your headset bearings.
Husqvarna Light Cross
The Light Cross is the shortest travel model in the range, with 120mm rear and 130mm front travel. There are six models to choose from, starting with the LC1 alloy version up to the top-of-the-line LC6 version, which has a carbon front end and alloy rear.
Although short on rear-wheel travel, they all come with a mullet wheel setup and progressive geometry, so they should be great fun and perfect for those who like to ride less aggressive flowy trails.
Husqvarna Mountain Cross
Next up is the Mountain Cross. Again, it has a mullet setup but this time with 150mm travel front and rear. It's also a six-model range from the alloy MC1 up to the full carbon MC6.
Geometry-wise, this actually has a slightly shorter reach than the Light Cross range, which suggests it's a more agile, fun take on the trail e-MTB genre.
The carbon-framed versions have the motor rotated upward in the frame, which gives plenty of room for the neat battery port – enabling you to slide the fully enclosed battery out for easier charging off the bike. Using a fully enclosed battery means the downtube can be significantly stronger and lighter on the carbon models whilst maintaining usability.
Husqvarna Hard Cross
The Hard Cross is the latest model in the range and is a hard-hitting 170mm travel enduro beast. Five models are available, and all use their own HQV alloy frames in a mullet setup. It follows the tried and tested route of long, slack, and low geometry and should be great for the growing e-enduro race scene.
The use of 38mm stanchioned forks shows the Hard Cross’ burly intentions, and the neat replaceable bash guard hints at the brand's moto and enduro heritage, as does the use of sturdy, reliable components.
For more information, check out Husqvarna-bicycles.com.
