What is the lightest 170mm travel eMTB available?

The Dirtlab Paratu CP weighs 19.5 kg with 170mm rear travel and a full-power Maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S motor (620W, 88Nm). This is 2-3 kg lighter than comparable platforms.

How does a lighter eMTB affect riding?

Lower weight means better cornering, less fatigue on long descents, more responsive handling, and a bike that feels closer to a pedal bike. The Paratu CP handles like a sub-15kg enduro bike on the descent.

Does less battery mean less range on a lightweight eMTB?

Not necessarily. The Paratu CP's 400Wh battery achieves 1,056 Hm at full power (verified by emtb-test.com) because the lighter bike consumes less energy per meter of climbing. With the 250Wh extender, total range exceeds most 700Wh bikes.

Is 170mm too much travel for an eMTB?

Not if the kinematics support it. The Paratu CP's CP platform achieves ~100% anti-rise and 97.3% anti-squat — meaning the 170mm travel is fully usable without bob or brake dive. It climbs like a 130mm bike and descends like a DH bike.

What motor does the Paratu CP use?

The Maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S: 620W peak power, 88Nm torque, 400% max assist, weighing just 1.95 kg. It's as powerful as Shimano EP801 but 600g lighter and near-silent.

170mm Travel eMTB — Why More Travel Doesn't Mean More Weight

E-BIKE CARBON

170mm Travel eMTB: Why More Travel Doesn’t Mean More Weight

The industry accepted that long-travel eMTBs must weigh 22-24 kg. We refused. The Paratu CP delivers 170mm of rear travel at 19.5 kg — and we published the kinematic data to prove it works.

The Weight Problem in Long-Travel eMTBs

Every kilogram matters on a mountain bike. Extra weight makes the bike harder to manoeuvre, increases fatigue on long descents, and makes the bike feel sluggish when you need it most — in the corners and on technical terrain.

Most 170mm eMTBs weigh between 22-24 kg because manufacturers add bigger batteries (700-750Wh), heavier motors (Shimano EP801 at 2.6 kg, Bosch CX at 2.9 kg), and then over-build the frame to handle the extra mass.

The Dirtlab Paratu CP breaks this cycle. At 19.5 kg with 170mm travel and a full-power motor, it weighs less than most 150mm-travel competitors.

Weight Comparison: 170mm Class

Bike	Travel	Weight	Motor
Dirtlab Paratu CP	170mm	19.5 kg	Maxon AIR S (1.95 kg)
Specialized Levo	150mm	22.4 kg	Specialized 2.2
Canyon Spectral:ON	160mm	22.1 kg	Shimano EP801
Orbea Wild	160mm	22.8 kg	Bosch CX
YT Decoy	165mm	21.9 kg	Shimano EP801

How We Achieve It

Maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S

At 1.95 kg, Maxon’s motor weighs 600-950g less than Shimano EP801 or Bosch CX while delivering 620W peak and 88Nm. Full power without the weight penalty.

Optimised Battery Strategy

400Wh internal keeps weight low. The system is efficient enough that range matches heavier 700Wh bikes in real conditions — verified by emtb-test.com. 250Wh extender available for big days.

Full Carbon Frame

No aluminium rear triangle compromises. Full carbon monocoque with integrated motor mount saves 300-500g over mixed-material approaches used by competitors.

Suspension That Works at This Weight

170mm of travel means nothing if the kinematics are wrong. The CP platform delivers approximately 100% anti-rise at sag — meaning the suspension remains active and composed under braking regardless of terrain. Combined with 97.3% anti-squat (near-perfect pedalling efficiency) and only 3.0-3.5 degrees of pedal kickback, the suspension works as efficiently at 19.5 kg as heavier bikes do at 22+ kg.

All kinematic values independently validated by Fil Palmer (Bike Italia / MTBtech) using ASP kinematic analysis software.

Paratu CP Details K-Volve Kinematics Range Calculator