Denago eXC1 E-Bike Review, 2024

The eXC1 includes a removable 48V, 499 watt-hour (Wh) battery integrated into its down tube. We performed two Range Tests using the process described above to determine a ballpark figure for the bike’s range. Denago does not provide an estimate – likely due to eMTB range being determined largely by the difficulty of the terrain it rides through.

In our testing, the bike traveled between 32.2 and 83.4 miles on a single charge. This bracket of figures lines up well with similar e-bikes we’ve tested, though it is worth noting that our range tests for the eXC1 and those similar bikes were performed on paved bike paths.

Riders should expect their range to vary when riding on trails; we recommend performing your own range test on your local trails to understand how the bike performs in that environment. Just be sure to head back toward the trailhead when the charge level is getting low!

Based on the specs of the eXC1’s 500W motor and 499 Wh battery, the bike met our expectations in its PAS 5 test. Through a process explained in our article on calculating the range of an e-bike, we estimated a time of roughly two hours and around 35 miles after allowances for changes in topography. Our results were nearly identical, showing that the motor and battery pairing is as efficient as expected.

Bottom line: we think the range of the eXC1 is on par for its specs. Those looking for greater range might consider Denago’s eXC2 instead; the upper-tier model includes a higher-capacity 720 Wh battery for even better range.

Our Hill Test (explained in the graphic above) presents an extreme challenge that tests the raw power of an e-bike’s motor. With its 250W mid-drive motor, we pedaled the Denago eXC1 to the top of Hell Hole Trail in 1 minute and 39 seconds at an average of 11 miles per hour.

Mid-drive motors such as that on the eXC1 amplify the rider’s effort, meaning that it can still take some work to tackle tough climbs. 250 watts of nominal output is enough to make the job significantly easier, but not so powerful as to take over the ride. We found that the eXC1 felt capable and fun, and we liked that it still felt much like an analog bike – just easier!

Comparatively speaking, the eXC1 performed very well. Its results were in line with many of the similar e-bikes we’ve tested, with only a few seconds of difference between them. As expected, Denago’s eXC2 model finished the test faster – and is currently one of the best-performing eMTBs we have data for – but its Bafang M510 motor has a maximum torque output higher than that of the eXC1.

Still, the eXC1’s M410 motor has 80 Nm of torque and plenty of low-end climbing power. Its 48-volt electrical system keeps power flowing quickly to its motor, allowing the bike to be effective on extremely steep climbs. It’s worth noting that the bike’s gearing range is relatively limiting, with a 40T chainring and a 9-speed 11-32T cassette. The added power of PAS 5 helped to counteract this limitation, however, and we found that the bike was able to handle steep chunky and chundery terrain alike.

To determine whether the Tektro E-350 hydraulic brake system of the Denago eXC1 was safe and effective, we applied the process explained above to calculate its average stopping distance. With two-piston calipers and 180mm rotors, the bike’s result was 25’-3”.

On paper, this result is on the long side; the current running average for all of the eMTBs we tested previously is over 3 feet shorter at an even 22 feet. Under real-world conditions, however, we were satisfied with the brakes’ performance and feel. The Tektro E-350 system provided good modulation and slowed the bike effectively when riding on singletrack, though we might recommend investing in a 4-piston hydraulic system if you tend to ride more technical terrain regularly or upgrading once the equipped system eventually needs replacement parts.

As an entry-level eMTB, we think the eXC1 is likely to be ridden on streets or bike paths at least some of the time, so in those cases we recommend some self testing to get a feel for its stopping distance. Practice makes perfect, after all! But overall, we feel that – especially for its price point – the bike is specced appropriately with safe and effective brakes.

Overall, we found the ride quality of the eXC1 to be solid; the bike has modern geometry for good stability and handling. We see this as one of the largest pros; despite being an entry-level eMTB that includes lower-tier components, it’s a great starting point for those who may want to gauge their interest before investing in upgrades or who might live in an area with smoother, less demanding trails.

We appreciated seeing that Denago offers the eXC1 in three frame sizes to accommodate riders from 5’-5” up to 6’-5”; many e-bikes on the affordable end of the spectrum are often limited to a single-size frame.

The Medium frame (for riders between 5’-5” and 5’-9”) includes 740mm handlebars, while the Large (5’-10” to 6’-1”) and XL (6’-1” to 6’-5”) are equipped with 780mm bars. Our test bike was a Large and fit our testers in that height range well, and we appreciated the stability and precise steering granted by the wider bars.

While the head tube angle is the same (67.5 degrees) across all three frame sizes, the seat tube angle ranges from 74.1 degrees on the Medium to 73 degrees on the XL. The reach ranges from 444 mm on the Medium to 484 mm on the XL.

We liked that the bike included 29” wheels with 2.4” wide Maxxis Ardent tires; these provided great traction on hardpack but also did well on loose terrain. The large wheel size helped the bike to feel much more comfortable when rolling over rocks, though the Suntour XCM 32 suspension fork softened the ride as well.

As a spring fork with 100mm of travel, it was basic but functional; we had no complaints when riding on beginner- and intermediate-level trails. The eXC2 features a better, but still entry-level XCM 34 Boost fork for riders seeking a more comfortable ride. Regardless of model, those spending more time on technical trails or those with rock gardens or lots of roots may want to upgrade to a higher-quality air fork.

A similarly-basic component was the mixed Shimano Altus/Alivio drivetrain. We found that it worked well enough, but we did encounter significant chatter when riding over chunky terrain. This is another component that eXC1 owners may want to consider upgrading when maintenance/replacement parts are needed; we recommend the Shimano Deore or SLX groupsets.

We found the motor to be suitably responsive, providing power when it was needed without much lag, though there is a built-in delay that occurs when shifting. This “shift sensing technology” is designed to protect the drivetrain from excess wear from shifting under load. While we think beginners may find it helpful, we’d prefer the ability to turn it off; it was easy to lose momentum in some situations on unfamiliar sections of trail.

The eXC1 does not include a display screen; instead it uses a series of LED indicators on the control panel to communicate battery charge level and PAS setting. We liked the clean, minimal cockpit that resulted from this choice, but we did find the blue PAS indicators to be difficult to see without leaning. Overall, the system worked well by feel, but we’d challenge Denago to find a more visible solution on the next iteration of the bike.

Minor gripes aside – and they are minor – we found ourselves highly impressed with the overall feel and capability of the eXC1. For its price, we think it would be tough to find a better-performing bike out there!

To summarize this Denago eXC1 review, we think that the bike is a solid starting point for those looking to jump into mountain biking without spending a fortune. The bike’s component package is comparable to other models from more established brands, but with a price below $3,000, we think it provides great value by offering a better overall ride experience than we expected.

The bike is completely functional on smoother, more flowy singletrack – and even some rougher, albeit less comfortable terrain – out of the box. For those who want a slightly more robust component package, the higher-tier eXC2 might be a better starting point. But with the same frame, upgrading the eXC1 with performance enhancements like dropper seatposts, more supple suspension forks, and sturdier drivetrain components is just as easy.

The eXC1 performed well in each of our standardized tests, proving that it has appropriate power, respectable range, effective stopping capability, and a great ride overall feel. We’d like to see a more easily-readable LED indicator panel and a way to bypass or turn off the shift sensor, but we think most riders will adapt to these elements after a few rides.

So if you’re seeking a bike that you can ride to school or work while also having enough flexibility for some weekend trail rides, we think both you and your wallet will be quite pleased with the Denago eXC1.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Denago eXC1.