Crestline Bike Co | Latest Limited Release Drop Feat. 2 Bikes with NEW Bosch System and a Frame Kit Option 1

Crestline Bike Co. has been one of the more exciting boutique brands to hit the scene in recent years. They've steadily gained recognition for crafting highly capable, customizable e-bikes, as well as for their relationship with Aaron Gwin and supporting Gwin Racing. On the eve of launching their newest model (equipped with Bosch's new Performance Line CX system), we hit up Crestline founder Troydon Murison for some more info on their fresh batch of bikes.

When developing your second-generation e-bike model, what were you looking to improve on from the original RS model?

Firstly, we aimed to retain the full-power, big-hit performance that Crestline is known for while enhancing the agility that first-gen bike owners continue to praise by offering options to reduce the bike's overall weight substantially. Another key goal was to increase range and alleviate range anxiety without compromising the bike's feel or limiting the power of the drive unit. This allows riders to go further without sacrificing the responsiveness and downhill control they've come to expect. We achieved both objectives by incorporating Bosch's latest CX motor and high-energy-density (HED) 600Wh and 800Wh batteries, which offer a significantly better power-to-weight ratio than previous models. The availability of the 800Wh battery is crucial, as it's 500 grams lighter than the 750Wh used in our first-gen bikes. This ensures ample range, especially as these motors become more powerful through simple software updates. It's important to remember that more power leads to greater battery consumption (think Tesla in Ludicrous Mode), so having the option to run the 800Wh battery future-proofs your bike and is essential for maintaining long ride times at peak performance. 

Something interesting to keep in mind: You could now technically run an 800Wh battery plus a 250Wh range extender and have a total of 1050Wh on a bike that would weigh and handle the same as our first-gen bike does! I'm blessed to be living in Bellingham, Washington, and I actually run this setup more often than I thought I would.

You are offering two travel options: the LS with 160mm and the S with 180mm. Is the same frame used but with different stroked shocks or flip-chip orientations?

Yes, the LS 160 and S 180 models use the same core frame platform. They are differentiated primarily by travel and variations in the stock build kits. Adjusting the shock travel is as simple as a flip-chip orientation adjustment. The samesize shock (230mm x 65mm) is used, allowing you to easily switch from 160mm to 180mm of travel. This versatility enables riders to fine-tune their bikes based on their current ride preferences, depending on the trails they ride most. It also allows customers the option to transition from a more trail-focused bike to a bigger-hitting enduro bike, or vice versa, should they wish to start riding more or less aggressive trails at any point. This helps to build confidence at any riding level, and it's important to remember that we recommend adjusting the fork travel appropriately in conjunction with the rear travel to achieve the full benefit of the bike's adjustability.

Has the geometry or suspension kinematics changed with the new bikes?

The geometry and suspension kinematics remain closely aligned with our previous models, which were already optimized for a surprisingly agile-feeling full-power e-bike with big-hit capability. However, with the addition of the new lighter Bosch CX motor and HED batteries, we've improved weight distribution due to the placement of the battery, further refining the ride feel. The chainstay lengths and reach measurements are designed to cater to specific rear-wheel configurations, allowing for an ideal balance based on rider height and relative frame size.

Are you still allowing riders to further customize the bike with custom links to achieve travel amounts or kinematics outside of the stock configurations?

Absolutely. We continue to work with customers to offer options for those who want to further tweak the travel or adjust the kinematics where possible. The bikes can be tailored to individual preferences, slightly different from what has been mentioned above, through a few different shock setup options. For example, one of these options can reduce rear travel to as low as 148mm if desired.

The bikes are launching with Bosch's new Performance Line CX motor. What excites you about the new motor that you think riders will appreciate?

Bosch's new Performance Line CX motor is a game changer, and one huge highlight for me personally is how quiet it is on descents. It's lighter, more dynamic, and offers snappier low-end torque, which translates into quicker power delivery and a more responsive feel on the trail. Riders will appreciate the seamless power, especially in technical sections, along with the absence of the clutch rattle mentioned earlier on descents. The reduced weight and compact design also enhance the bike's agility, making it feel more nimble.

What are complete builds weighing in at?

The LS 160 with the 600Wh battery tips the scales at just 21.74kg (47.9lbs), offering a super lightweight feel for an e-bike in this category and gets it really close to some SL offerings from other brands with nowhere near the same power. Even with the larger 800Wh battery, all the bikes remain able to ensure great handling on both climbs and descents.

Will you sell batteries individually for those who want both sizes or an extra battery?

Yes, we will offer batteries individually for riders who want the flexibility of both the 600Wh and 800Wh options or simply need an extra battery to swap out on longer rides or bigger adventures. Our batteries remain removable without needing to take out the motor, so it's easy to swap a depleted battery for a fresh one when you're riding in areas requiring more than one battery. The bikes' compatibility with the Bosch POWERMORE 250Wh range extender further enhances battery configuration versatility, allowing for a total of up to 1050Wh.

Is the previous RS model backward compatible with the new motor or new HED batteries?

Unfortunately, they are not. The new design required changes in frame integration to accommodate the 800Wh battery and its mounting systems, making the new motor and battery platform exclusive to the 2025 models. If you look closely, you'll notice that the entire bottom bracket area of the frame has been redesigned to house the new Bosch motor, which mounts with two thru-axles, whereas the previous model used three bolts on each side. We also took this opportunity to redesign the skid plate/bash guard, which is now a one-piece molded part.

Are you manufacturing a limited number of bikes?

Yes, we are sticking with our small-batch approach. The LS 160 Special Edition will be limited to just 50 individually numbered units for the 2025 model year, while the S 180 will have a slightly larger run. Our signature frameset is also limited but allows for personalized builds which we are a huge fan of.

With each build that Crestline has released, the MSRP has come down incrementally, with the new S 180 Classic Edition retailing for $10,000 USD. That's a pretty fair price, considering the limited production run and components. How have you been able to provide that?

As we gain more experience, we can work more closely with our suppliers and partners to streamline production while maintaining the high-end components and quality that our customers expect. The improvement in price for this batch of bikes is also due to our last batch of bikes featuring CX Race motors, which were substantially higher in cost. Now that we have the new CX motor, which is both lightweight and just as fun, it's also lower in cost than the old CX Race, andthis has helped significantly. By keeping production runs limited and our overhead low, we can focus on delivering bikes that are worth every penny, without unnecessary markups.

How many sizes are you offering, and are all sizes dual 29" and MX compatible?

We offer multiple sizes: RH2, RH3, and RH4. The RH2 always ships as MX, the RH3 can be either MX or 29/29, and the RH4 always ships as 29/29. That being said, we do our best to accommodate requests outside of these parameters, but this is how we feel the bikes work best. Aftermarket rear triangles are compatible with any size and are available on our website should you be after a custom setup not offered in our stock configurations.

It's been cool to see Crestline grow over the past two years—what are some of the pros and cons of being a small, up-and-coming bike brand?

As a smaller brand, we can maintain a close relationship with our customers, responding directly to feedback and making quick adjustments to our designs. We also have the flexibility to focus on quality and innovation without being bogged down by mass production demands. While we may not have the extensive resources of larger companies, this allows us to be nimble and creative in our approach, ensuring that each bike is crafted with care and the attention to detail we aspire to.

When will bikes be available for order, and when can riders expect to have bikes arrive for shredding?

Pre-orders will have opened on www.crestlinebikes.com by the time this article is published, and the first bikes are expected to ship before the end of December 2024. Customers can look forward to getting on their new Crestline e-bikes in time to enjoy some of the classic Southern California winter riding season or well within time to plan their spring and summer adventures for 2025.

Crestline Bike Co remains tireless in its pursuit of helping you maximize your time spent in nature on bikes, with gravity at the helm. Our goal is to ensure you're equipped with the best gear possible—whether it's a DH shuttle day with friends, endless laps in the bike park, big e-bike adventures into the backcountry, or sneaking in a quick session close to home. In this batch, we’re bringing you Bosch’s brand-new CX motor, combined with the new higher energy density (HED) battery options—meaning more ride time and less overall weight—along with fresh build kits and colorways for all 2025 e-bikes.  

Overall Concept of 2025 Models

Building on the core of our previous models, we wanted the Crestline LS 160mm and S 180mm rear travel bikes, along with the frameset option, to offer versatility and top-tier performance. Our goal was to maintain the full-power, big-hit capability while improving agility through weight reduction and increasing battery range—all without sacrificing drive unit power. Riders of our current models can testify to our initial vision's success, and these new releases build on that progress. Many have commented on how light our bikes feel compared to other full-power bikes they’ve owned. Initially achieved with Bosch’s previous motor and optimized mid-stroke support in our suspension, we've now upgraded to Bosch’s lighter CX motor, delivering quicker low-end torque and instant power. Combined with the new high-energy-density batteries, this enhances ride times with less weight.

The LS 160, with 160mm of travel front and rear, is perfect for local trails. Meanwhile, the S 180, with 180mm of travel, remains our most popular setup, handling whatever you throw at it. Riders can easily switch between configurations to balance trail agility with enduro capability. Both models retain the proven geometry of our earlier designs, optimized for climbing and descending. Chainstay lengths vary based on rear wheel configuration, which is tuned by frame size. Reach measurements ensure responsive handling and a comfortable position. Whether it’s big backcountry days or park laps, these bikes adapt to diverse terrain.

As always, Crestline e-bikes excel downhill. The low-positioned shock, motor and new battery position optimize weight distribution, lowering the center of gravity for a natural, intuitive feel. The battery remains accessible from the down tube and is removable without having to remove the motor. The LS 160 and S 180 can shift character based on their builds. A lightweight setup with a 600Wh battery is perfect for long, snappy alpine rides, and the LS 160 with a 600Wh battery tips the scales at a svelte 21.75 kg (47.09 lbs). Drop in the 800Wh battery and boost the travel to 180mm, and you’ve got a downhill machine ready to conquer rough terrain and chase KOMs. With the addition of a frameset option, you can make it personal—meticulously curate the parts you want to bring your dream build to life.

Key Points:

• Complete build options start tipping the scales at 21.75 kg (47.9 lbs)

• At just 2.8kg, this new drive unit is 100 grams lighter than its predecessor.

• Up to 3lbs (1.4kg) in overall weight savings when utilizing the latest Bosch HED batteries and our new mounting system.

• More dynamic, agile, and silent, no more clutch rattle on descents—all you'll hear is the sound of your tires on the dirt!

• Motor features include a durable powder-coated housing and reinterpreted, improved sensor signals.

• Crestline plans to provide enhanced performance options in the first half of next year, enabling you to custom-tune your power output beyond the standard settings through the app. *Customers will need to acknowledge the risk associated with higher NM numbers. This increased performance will lead to more wear on parts.

• Crestline is also working on a new integrated display screen which will be available in the first half of next year and did not want to delay this release while waiting on the screen. We've future-proofed the frame to accommodate this upgrade which will be offered to existing customers for a nominal fee.

• Powered and Backed by Bosch with 10 years of experience and proven service and support!

Available Models

The LS 160 Special Edition is built to slay your local trails. The GOLD anodized Cascade tuned link provides 160mm of rear travel and is paired perfectly with a Black Rockshox ZEB Ultimate 160mm fork.

Key Points:

• TRAIL FOCUSED  |  SHARP HANDLER
• FRONT 160mm  |  REAR 160mm
• 29/29 & MX CONFIGURATIONS
• NEWLY RELEASED BOSCH CX MOTOR & HED BATTERIES
• 600wh & 800wh EASILY REMOVABLE / SWAPPABLE BATTERY CONFIGURATIONS
• POWERMORE 250wh RANGE EXTENDER COMPATIBILITY FOR A MAX TOTAL OF 1050wh
• ADJUSTABLE REAR TRAVEL & REACH CONFIGURATIONS
• COLOR: CHALK TO GRAY FADE
• LIMITED TO 50 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED UNITS FOR MODEL YEAR 2025
• ULTIMATE LEVEL SUSPENSION, CARBON WHEELS, CARBON BARS, XO DRIVETRAIN, MAVEN BRAKES
• COMPLETE BUILDS STARTING AT $11 249 USD
• TIPPING THE SCALES AT 21.75 kg (47.9 LBS) WITH A 600WH BATTERY
• PRE-ORDER HERE TODAY TO ENSURE SHIPPING DEC 2024
• BUILD DETAILS AND GEOMETRY CAN BE FOUND HERE

The S 180 Classic Edition is built to take on anything you throw at it. The RED anodized Cascade tuned link provides 180mm of rear travel and is paired perfectly with a Red Rockshox ZEB Ultimate 180mm fork.

Key Points:

• GRAVITY FOCUSED  |  TESTED TO DH STANDARDS
• FRONT 180mm  |  REAR 180mm
• 29/29 & MX CONFIGURATIONS
• NEWLY RELEASED BOSCH CX MOTOR & HED BATTERIES
• 600wh & 800wh EASILY REMOVABLE / SWAPPABLE BATTERY CONFIGURATIONS
• POWERMORE 250wh RANGE EXTENDER COMPATIBILITY FOR A MAX TOTAL OF 1050wh
• ADJUSTABLE REAR TRAVEL & REACH CONFIGURATIONS
• COLOR: FADED RHINO
• ULTIMATE LEVEL SUSPENSION, ALLOY WHEELS, ALLOY BARS, GX DRIVETRAIN, MAVEN BRAKES
• COMPLETE BUILDS STARTING AT $9999 USD
• PRE-ORDER HERE TODAY TO ENSURE SHIPPING DEC 2024
• BUILD DETAILS AND GEOMETRY CAN BE FOUND HERE

Last but not least, Our RS 180 Signature Frameset, the perfect foundation for you to personally curate your build to take on anything you throw at it. The RED anodized Cascade Tuned link provides rear travel options of 160mm or 180mm via a flip chip setting adjustment.

Key Points:

• MAKE IT PERSONAL
• TESTED TO DH STANDARDS
• REAR TRAVEL SETTINGS FROM 160mm or 180mm WITH JUST THE FLIP OF A CHIP
• 29/29 & MX CONFIGURATIONS
• NO SHOCK, VIVID AIR SHOCK  or VIVID COIL SHOCK (*spring sold separately)
• NEWLY RELEASED BOSCH CX MOTOR & HED BATTERIES
• 600wh & 800wh EASILY REMOVABLE / SWAPPABLE BATTERY CONFIGURATIONS
• OPTIONAL POWERMORE 250wh RANGE EXTENDER FOR A TOTAL OF 1050wh
• ADJUSTABLE REAR TRAVEL & REACH CONFIGURATIONS
• COLOR: GT SILVER FADE
• LIMITED TO 100 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED EXAMPLES FOR MODEL YEAR 2025
• FRAME SETS STARTING AT $6499 USD
• PRE-ORDER HERE TODAY TO ENSURE SHIPPING DEC 2024
• BUILD DETAILS AND GEOMETRY CAN BE FOUND HERE

Bosch's New HED (High Energy Density) Batteries 

Each bike’s new BOSCH CX motor and high energy density (HED) 600Wh or 800Wh removable battery provides more power with less weight. NEW battery mounting system eliminates disconnection issues and allows a lower placement in the frame for improved performance. Compatible with the Bosch POWERMORE 250Wh range extender for up to 25% more riding. Contact us at info@crestlinebikes.com to discuss your ideal setup.

New Improved Motor Cover  |  Skid Plate

We totally redesigned the motor cover, taking the opportunity to improve its strength and functionality since we had to redesign the frame in the motor mounting area to accommodate the new motor. The new cover is now a one-piece item, making it much stronger to function effectively as a skid plate. We’ve also re-positioned the two mounting screws to protect them from mud and dirt buildup, ensuring they remain easy to remove. Additionally, the redesigned shape offers increased clearance under the bottom bracket.

For the material, we used PA66 / Nylon 66, which is recyclable. PA66, or Nylon 66, is a synthetic polymer created through the polymerization of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. Renowned for its excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and heat tolerance, Nylon 66 is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. By using Nylon 66, we guarantee the high-level performance and durability that our customers expect, while also considering environmental factors.

Pictures by Andrew Ford

To secure your allocation, you can place your pre-order now at: Crestline Bike Co., Worldwide Cyclery, Fanatik Bike Co. or in person at your Local Bike Shop depending on your location. These bikes will start to ship in December 2024. International customers please contact us at info@crestlinebikes.com to place your pre-order.