The Sleekest E-MTB of 2026? RAYMON Tarok Ultimate Tested

James Moore · 2026-09-08

### A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing At first glance, the RAYMON Tarok Ultimate might fool you. It's got that clean, almost analogue look, but hidden inside is a 700 Wh battery and a full-power Avinox motor. Weighing in at just 46.4 pounds (21.06 kg) for a size large, it's the lightest full-power eMTB in our 2026 group test. With 6.3 inches (160 mm) of front travel and 5.9 inches (150 mm) out back, it's built to handle rough trails. But does this sleek package deliver where it counts? We spent weeks testing to find out. ### From Budget Brand to Premium Contender RAYMON has undergone a serious transformation. Under the PIERER umbrella, they were all about budget-friendly bikes. But since Susanne and Felix Puello took the reins again, the brand has shifted upmarket. The Tarok Ultimate is the perfect example: high-end components, a distinctive design, and a price tag that's still reasonable for what you get. At $10,999 (converted from €9,999), it's not cheap, but compared to other top-tier eMTBs, it's actually a steal. ### First Impressions: Light, Sleek, and Ready to Rip Lifting the Tarok, you immediately notice the weight—or lack thereof. At 46.4 pounds, it's lighter than most full-power eMTBs, which makes a huge difference on the trail. The carbon frame is impressively slim, especially considering the big battery. The Avinox motor is integrated so cleanly you might mistake it for a non-electric bike. Plus, there's a handy tool mount on the top tube—a small detail that shows RAYMON is thinking about real riders. But it's not all perfect. The cables and hoses are routed through the headset, which looks tidy but can be a pain when you need to adjust something. There's also no down tube protection or chainstay protection on the underside, and on our test bike, the chainstay protector was already coming loose. On the pre-production model, the bonded guides for the brake hose and speed sensor cable also came unstuck. And the dropper post offers only 7.1 inches (180 mm) of travel—a bit short for aggressive descents. ### On the Trail: Does It Walk the Walk? Once you hit the dirt, the Tarok Ultimate feels lively and playful. The 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels strike a nice balance between rollover capability and agility. The Avinox motor provides plenty of punch, and the 700 Wh battery kept us going for hours. The suspension, with 6.3 inches up front and 5.9 inches in the rear, soaked up roots and rocks without feeling overwhelmed. It's not the plushest ride out there, but it's supportive and efficient. Climbing is where this bike shines. The lightweight build and responsive motor make technical ascents feel almost easy. On descents, it's confident but not quite as planted as some heavier competitors. If you're looking for a bike that feels like a trail bike with a motor, this is it. If you want a downhill monster, you might want more travel and heft. ### The Verdict: A Serious Contender The RAYMON Tarok Ultimate is a remarkable achievement. It's light, sleek, and powerful, with a price that undercuts many rivals. The flaws—cable routing, missing protection, and limited dropper travel—are minor but worth noting. For riders who value agility and a clean look, this bike is a top choice. But if you're after maximum descending capability, you might look elsewhere. In our group test, it's a strong contender for the best trail bike of 2026, but it's not without compromise. **Highs:** - Exceptionally sleek silhouette despite the 700 Wh battery - Very compact integration of the Avinox motor - Tool mount on the top tube **Lows:** - Cables and hoses routed exclusively through the headset - No down tube protection or protection on the underside of the chainstay - Chainstay protector on our test bike had already started to come loose - Bonded guides for the brake hose and speed sensor cable came loose on the pre-production bike - Only 7.1 inches (180 mm) of dropper post travel **Key Facts:** - Full-carbon frame - 6.3/5.9 inches (160/150 mm) travel (f/r) - 46.4 pounds (21.06 kg) in size L - 29"/27.5" wheels