ABOUT THE VELDURO ROGUE R
The Rogue is the first eMTB to hit the market by New Zealand-based Velduro Bikes. Powered by the Avinox M2S drive unit and featuring some purposeful enduro geometry and a high-pivot suspension design, Velduro made a splash when they hit the market with this machine.
VELDURO ROGUE FRAME DESIGN
The carbon fiber-only frame of the Velduro Rogue was made for the “ultimate MX Enduro experience”, equipped with a mixed-wheel setup as standard, but compatible with a pair of 29” wheels thanks to the seat stay flip chip.
The I-Track Idler-enhanced high pivot four bar suspension design delivers either 165mm travel or 172mm travel, depending on the progression rate flip chip position on the lower shock mount, which allows for a standard or progressive suspension progression setting. I-Track is a patented Idler design, which mounts the 16T idler to the rear triangle and affords increased tunability of the anti-squat kinematic at different points in the suspension travel.
AVINOX M2S
Although we tested the Velduro Rogue with an Avinox M1 drive unit, anyone buying one new will now receive the Avinox M2S, which produces 1300W Peak Power and up to 150Nm max torque. This is powered by the 800Wh Avinox battery, fixed inside the downtube.
The Avinox ecosystem features the touchscreen display and wireless 2-button handlebar remotes. A 4A charger is supplied with the Rogue R, but the optional 12A fast charger can be purchased aftermarket for quick replenishment. Thanks to the wired-in SRAM T-Type drivetrain, the Smoothshift functionality can be utilized for shifting while coasting.
VELDURO ROGUE GEOMETRY
The geometry on the Velduro Rogue is fairly typical of an aggressive enduro emtb, with a slack 63.5° head angle, and 34mm bottom bracket drop giving an aggressive stance. The 440mm rear end length felt balanced and offered neutral handling characteristics in combination with the high pivot suspension system.
VELDURO ROGUE BUILD SPECS
Velduro has distribution in most markets, though currently is not available in the USA. In the UK, the Rogue R build tested retails for £9,000, while the cheaper spec Rogue X comes in at £6,750.
The Velduro Rogue R features a high-end parts spec, with Fox Factory 38 170mm fork and Float X2 shock. SRAM’s Maven Silver brakes handle stopping, and the GX Eagle T-Type drivetrain handles shifting.
A OneUp alloy cockpit and V3 dropper post in generous drop lengths. This is topped with a Fizik Terra Aidon X5 saddle.
A Velduro own-brand E-Enduro carbon rim is laced to sealed bearing non-brand hubs, and wrapped in a set of Maxxis Double Down tires with the Assegai front and DHR 2 rear tread patterns.
Total build weight on the Velduro Rogue R is claimed at 23kg / 50.7lbs.
THE DIRT
Though my testing time on board the Velduro Rogue R wasn’t extensive enough to constitute a full review, I managed to log some purposeful test rides on board the Velduro Rogue R. From full power hours to more exploratory missions, I quickly became a fan of its character once I got the suspension dialled in.
Getting the suspension setup to a happy place took a little bit of experimentation. 30% sag on the shock shaft gave plentiful support for smoother trails, but left me wishing for increased bump-eating ability, with some harsh notions coming through the feet on isolated square edges. Moving towards a more sag-heavy 35% on the shock shaft and balancing the bike out with a slightly reduced fork pressure left me in a happy spot, and the Rogue really came alive with this more compliant setup.
Climbing on the Velduro Rogue R was a mixed bag, but mostly enjoyable. The power of the Avinox M1 drive unit was undeniable, and the M2S is only going to help. The tuning possibilities of both systems are stellar, letting you tweak the power delivery to your preferences. There were some instances where the M1 drive unit gave an excessive surge of power, compromising traction or lifting the front end on the steepest terrain, but it was mostly manageable. The Avinox M2S displays improved control and sensitivity, and may have mitigated these concerns. Pedal clearance was okay with the 155mm cranks for the most part, but the low bottom bracket still presented some clearance issues on the chunkiest climbs. For me, it’s a tradeoff I welcomed, as it’s hard to beat the sunk-in feeling of a low bb on the way down.
Though the 78 degree seat tube angle should be nicely centered in combination with the chainstays elongating beyond the 440mm static number at sag, the actual seat tube angle is slightly slacker, pushing my long-legged saddle height ever so slightly more rearward. Even so, I was able to climb impressively steep terrain relying on the brutal power of the Avinox motor. In lower power modes, it was quiet and smooth, and provided reasonable efficiency.
Going down, I was impressed by the agility this long-0travel, full-power, big-battery eMTB provided. The reasonably low overall weight, balanced geometry, and fairly stiff wheel and frame, combined to retain stellar fun factor on flowier trails. With a low bottom bracket and fairly tall stack bolstered by reasonable bar rise, there was a solid feeling of integration and safety. As a result, I found myself keen to take on some of the steeper trails I’ve ridden in quite some time, and had a riot in doing so.
When the going got rough, the Rogue R devoured the chunk effectively, if not at the absolute top of the list. There’s no doubt that the setup could have been dialled in further with more trail time, especially if ultimate comfort and traction were the goals. For my time around Queenstown, NZ, I favored a more sporty setup to enjoy the varied trails on the menu of each ride, and the Rogue R gave me few reasons to complain.
My one complaint stemmed from the Avinox M1 system on the descents. Primarily, it was the rattle present in this drive unit which detracted ever so slightly from the descending experience. It seems to only affect some drive units, and the M2S has been proving to be quieter, so there’s a chance you could get a silent-running and extra-dialed Rogue.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Velduro ran dialled and performed amicably for this review. A machine that would be happy taking on the rowdiest trails or being set up a little firmer for more general descending, the Rogue is a stellar enduro eBike offering to come out of this new Kiwi brand. 
Price: $10,551 | $14,300 CAD | £9,000.00
Website: Velduro.com
SHARE THIS REVIEW
ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
SUPPORT AND JOIN THE LOAM WOLF PACK
Want to test products for The Loam Wolf or be a Guest Tester at one of our Shootouts? Join here and be entered into monthly giveaways, have access to industry discount codes, sneak peaks of new products and more!
This is a new and positive MTB community that directly impacts future of MTB product development, shares helpful tips, setup suggestions and more.
Check out our NEW community here.