Paratu HL
Carbon eMTB Enduro — Horst Link
“Paratu” means Lightning in the Taiwanese indigenous Bunun language. The HL brings that lightning in its most proven form — the classic Horst Link platform, refined over years of racing and trail development.
The Paratu HL is a full carbon monocoque enduro eMTB frame kit powered by the Maxon Bikedrive AIR — the original system that started the lightweight eMTB revolution. Developed in collaboration with Maxon from 2020, the HL uses a traditional Horst Link suspension layout trusted by enduro racers worldwide. Factory to rider, no middlemen.
At a Glance
| Motor | Maxon Bikedrive AIR — 40 Nm, 280 W |
| Battery | 250 Wh in-tube + optional 250 Wh range extender (500 Wh total) |
| Frame | Full carbon monocoque, ~2,400 g (size/color dependent) |
| Engine System Weight | 3.5 kg (motor 1.85 kg + battery 1.2 kg + HMI + crankset) |
| Complete Bike Weight | 14.5 kg (SL Trail build) – 18 kg (full enduro coil) |
| Head Angle | 63.5° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 77.8° |
| Rear Travel | 130 mm or 150 mm (205 mm trunnion shock) |
| Fork Compatibility | 140–150 mm (130R) or 150–170 mm (150R) |
| Wheels | 29″/29″ or 29″/27.5″ mullet |
| Sizes | S / M / L — with RA Reach Adjust headset (±5 mm per size) |
| Derailleur Hanger | UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) |
| Warranty | 5-year frame / 2-year motor / Crash replacement available |
| Price | From $6,269 USD / €5,699 EU (frame kit with Maxon AIR system) — free worldwide DDP shipping |
Descending: Horst Link
HL stands for Horst Link — the suspension design trusted by World Cup enduro teams for decades. The pivot point sits ahead of the rear axle on the chainstay, delivering a progressive leverage curve that resists pedal bob while remaining supple over impacts.
The Paratu HL uses carefully tuned anti-squat and anti-rise values to deliver consistent behaviour: firm when you pedal, active when you descend. The 63.5° head angle provides confidence in steep terrain without sacrificing agility on tighter trails.
Climbing: Featherweight eMTB
At just 3.5 kg for the complete engine system, the Paratu HL is one of the lightest eMTB platforms available. Complete trail builds start at 14.5 kg — lighter than most pedal enduro bikes.
The Maxon Bikedrive AIR delivers 40 Nm and 280 W of smooth, natural-feeling assist:
- Tuned for MTB-specific cadence averaging 65 RPM
- Near-zero drag when the motor is off — ride it fully analog
- Three ride modes (Eco, Trail, Boost) customisable via the Maxon app
- The closest you can get to real biking with 2× your strength available
The lighter motor (compared to the AIR S in the Paratu CP) makes the HL the choice for riders who prioritise natural ride feel and minimal weight over maximum power.
Paratu HL vs Paratu CP
| Spec | Paratu HL | Paratu CP |
| Suspension | Horst Link | Concentric Pivot |
| Motor | Maxon AIR (40 Nm / 280 W) | Maxon AIR S (90 Nm / 620 W) |
| Battery | 250 Wh (+250 Wh RE = 500) | 400 Wh (+250 Wh RE = 650) |
| System Weight | 3.5 kg | 3.7 kg |
| Complete Bike | 14.5–18 kg | 16.9–19.5 kg |
| Rear Travel | 130 / 150 mm | 145 / 150 / 160 / 165 mm |
| Shock | 205 mm trunnion | 230 mm eye-to-eye |
| Best For | Natural ride feel, weight-conscious riders | Maximum power, aggressive enduro |
| Price | From $6,269 USD / €5,699 EU | From $6,589 USD / €5,990 EU |
The DIRTLAB Formula
G-Volve Geometry
Long, not too low, and slack. 63.5° head angle × 77.8° STA. Balanced for speed on descents and efficient power transfer on climbs. Each size proportionally scaled.
K-Volve Kinematics
Horst Link layout with tuned anti-squat and anti-rise. Progressive leverage curve that resists pedal bob while staying supple over impacts. Consistent across all sizes.
S-Volve Sizing
Each frame covers a range within its size. Our RA Reach Adjust headset system gives you ±5 mm of reach tuning — perfect for dialling in fit or bridging between sizes.
Make It Yours
- Travel: Two rear travel configurations — 130 mm (trail) or 150 mm (enduro) via 205 mm trunnion shock.
- Forks: 140–150 mm forks for the 130R setup, or 150–170 mm forks for the 150R setup.
- Wheels: 29″/29″ or mullet 29″/27.5″.
- Reach: Fine-tune with the RA headset system — 0, -5, or +5 mm positions.
- Cable routing: Internal for clean looks, or external for easy serviceability.
- Colors: Standard finishes (Gloss UD, Matte UD, Gloss Black, Grey, Light Green, Bronze Metallic) or full custom Pantone colors (contact us for pricing and lead time).
- Decals: HRTF colour-changing silver brushed or black water decals under clearcoat.
Maxon Bikedrive AIR Components
Every Paratu HL frame kit ships with the complete Maxon system, ready to build:
Drive Unit
1.85 kg • 40 Nm • 280 W
In-tube Battery
1.2 kg • 250 Wh • 3 hr charge
HMI Display
Integrated processor • Mode indicator
Mode Shifter
Magnetic • By Zirbel
Also included: E13 crankset with 32T chainring and 104BCD 4-arm spider.
Frame Kit Includes
- Full carbon HL frame
- Maxon Bikedrive AIR motor
- 250 Wh in-tube battery
- HMI display + mode shifter
- E13 crankset + 32T chainring
- RA Reach Adjust headset
- UDH hanger (Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- Internal cable routing kit
Battery & Range
The Paratu HL ships with a 250 Wh in-tube battery. For extended range, add the 250 Wh range extender (sold separately, $769 USD / €699 EU) — it mounts on your bottle cage bosses for up to 500 Wh total.
- 250 Wh: 2–3 hours of trail riding in mixed modes
- 500 Wh (with range extender): 4–5 hours, full-day rides
- Analog mode: Switch off the motor and ride it like a pedal bike — near-zero drag
For detailed range comparisons, see our Range Calculator. For battery architecture details, visit Battery System.
The Paratu Family
The Paratu platform comes in multiple configurations for different riding styles:
Paratu CP
Concentric Pivot enduro
Maxon AIR S (90 Nm)
From $6,589 USD / €5,990 EU
Paratu HL
Horst Link enduro
Maxon AIR (40 Nm)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Horst Link suspension?
The Horst Link places the rear pivot point on the chainstay ahead of the rear axle. This produces a progressive leverage curve that resists pedal bob while remaining supple over impacts. It is the most proven enduro suspension layout, trusted by World Cup teams for decades.
What is included in the frame kit?
Full carbon HL frame, Maxon Bikedrive AIR motor (40 Nm), 250 Wh in-tube battery, HMI display, mode shifter, E13 crankset with 32T chainring, RA Reach Adjust headset, UDH hanger, and internal cable routing kit. Add suspension, wheels, drivetrain, and cockpit to complete the build.
How does the Maxon AIR differ from the AIR S?
The AIR delivers 40 Nm and 280 W (1.85 kg motor). The AIR S delivers 90 Nm and 620 W motor). The AIR is lighter and provides a more natural ride feel — closer to a pedal bike with assist. The AIR S is for riders who want maximum power. Both feature near-zero drag when off.
Can I run it as a mullet (mixed wheel)?
Yes. The Paratu HL supports 29″/29″ or 29″/27.5″ mullet configurations.
How much travel can I run?
Two configurations: 130 mm (trail, with 140–150 mm fork) or 150 mm (enduro, with 150–170 mm fork). Both use a 205 mm trunnion shock.
How long does the battery last?
The 250 Wh in-tube battery provides 2–3 hours in mixed modes. Add the optional 250 Wh range extender ($769 USD / €699 EU, bottle-cage mount) for up to 500 Wh total and 4–5 hours of ride time. See our Range Calculator for detailed comparisons.
How light can a complete build be?
SL Trail builds start at 14.5 kg — lighter than most pedal enduro bikes. Full enduro coil builds reach around 18 kg. The 3.5 kg engine system (motor 1.85 kg + battery 1.2 kg + HMI + crankset) is one of the lightest on the market.
What is the RA Reach Adjust headset?
A proprietary headset system with three positions: 0, −5, or +5 mm of reach adjustment. Fine-tune fit within your frame size or bridge between sizes without changing other geometry parameters.
What does DDP shipping mean?
Delivered Duty Paid. The price you see is the price you pay — we handle all import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. Free worldwide shipping on all frame kits. No surprise fees at your door.
What is the difference between Paratu HL and Paratu CP?
The HL uses Horst Link suspension with the Maxon AIR motor (40 Nm, 250 Wh) — lighter and more natural. The Paratu CP uses Concentric Pivot suspension with the AIR S motor (90 Nm, 400 Wh) — more power and travel options. See the comparison table above for full details.
Build Your Paratu HL
Frame kit from $6,269 USD / €5,699 EU • 6 standard colors • Custom Pantone available • Free worldwide DDP shipping