The Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC6 – Review
In the realm where moto brands dare to challenge the bicycle world, success has been an elusive thing. But when Husqvarna decided to venture forth, they trod a path of careful consideration. Their debut was a marvel: offering a fleet that included a nimble sprite, a sturdy steed, and a mighty giant. Yet, it was their mid-sized steed that has hit the coveted ‘just right’ Goldilocks spot – The Husqvarna MC6, a true tale of Goldilocks in the world of wheels.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good fairytale story, and isn’t the bicycle industry exactly that for some of us? The bicycle industry, much like fairytales, has pedaled its way through centuries of evolution. The e-bike has been a branch of that evolutionary tree as if sprouted from magical beans. Now, e-bikes are as ubiquitous as happily-ever-afters in literary collections.
Husqvarna, originally a Swedish company founded in 1689, started as a manufacturer of muskets, believe it or not. Over the centuries, it diversified into various industries, including motorcycles, outdoor power equipment, and bicycles. We’ve always had a soft spot for Husky (as we fanboys and girls like to call them). Their last bicycle was produced in 1962. So this is an enormous leap back into the bicycle world for them, and they have come out with all their muskets blazing.
The mullet setup combined with a tall stack height, and short rear end gives it somewhat of a moto feel, which is possibly tapping into their moto heritage.
Husqvarna MC6 First Impressions
The MC6’s bold black and white colour design is striking to look at with its matte finish and 40/60 black and white colour spread. The rear end is all black as if it’s been dipped in some sort of dark matter, whereas the front two-thirds of the frame is pure white. This contrasting colour scheme follows the lines of the slick carbon fibre frame design featuring beautifully crafted ergonomically designed aspects such as the thru-frame shock housing.
As beautiful as they are to look at, the decals on the frame serve a purpose. Take the Husqvarna badge on the head tube for example. This serves as a heat exhaust, allowing the heat from the downtube where the battery is stored to escape, improving battery efficiency.
The frame design and supporting elements all tie together to give the Husqvarna MC6 a fresh, bold, and striking appearance.
The traditional four-bar setup, featuring an extended linkage and yoke, delivers a consistent and reliable sensation throughout its range of motion.
2024 Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC6 – Features
The Husqvarna MC6 is the top dog from the Mountain Cross lineup. The Mountain Cross range sits smack bang in the middle of the three Husqvarna ranges on offer. Completely revamped, it’s Husqvarna’s take on the ultimate All-Mountain eMTB.
Husqvarna offers three specific e-mountain bike segments, Light Cross (130/120mm travel), Mountain Cross (150/150mm travel), and Hard Cross (180/170mm travel). The core differences between each segment are based on travel, battery size, and component specs. The top of the line in each segment is adorned with the same carbon fibre frame, top-spec suspension, drivetrain, and brakes. Aluminum frames are available on the lower-spec models in each range.
The Husqvarna MC6 is the top-of-the-line in their Mountain Cross range. Featuring a carbon fibre frame in a mullet configuration with 150mm of travel provided by a FOX Float X Factory air matched up front with a FOX Float 36 Factory, Grip 2, 150 mm fork. The MountainCross range all offer a head angle of 65.5° degrees, a whole degree steeper than the Hardcross (64.5°) range above it and 1 degree lower (66.5°) than the Lightcross below.
The newly improved Shimano EP801 motor provides the grunt with its powerful 85 Nm of torque. The lightweight and more intelligent EP801 system offers controllable high-performance power to provide a more natural ride feel than its predecessor. The Shimano LCD Bluetooth display offers a range of data information as well as the ability to set up two completely different power profiles via the customisable E-Tube Project app. Although the LCD screen is wired, the cabling is neat with the screen itself positioned behind the bars to keep it protected in a crash situation.
The Husqvarna MC6 has a 720w battery that sits neatly into the downtube and is easily removable. The charging port is via a small spring-loaded foul-wether proof panel on the underside of the shock downtube above the motor that allows for seamless charging.
The Husqvarana MC6 has been adorned with a set of powerful Magura MT5, 4-piston, Hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors front and rear, and the German brand “Newmen Components” provides the wheelset with a set of “NEWMEN Evolution SL” rims with an inner width of 35mm. Wrapped around these is a set of Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres.
The newly improved Shimano EP801 motor weighs in at only 2.7kgs.
A full X01 SRAM package covers the drivetrain with an X01 Eagle Derailleur, X01 shift lever, X01 Chain, X-Sync 34T chainring, and a SRAM XC Cassette 10-50T with Shimano Aluminum forged cranks. The stem, handlebar, grips, chain guide, saddle, and dropper post are all Husqvarna branded.
Husqvarna MC6 Specifications
- Frame: 27.5″, Carbon, Integrated battery, Boost, New HQV Carbon, 150 mm
- Fork: FOX Float 36 Factory, Grip 2, Air, 150 mm, tapered
- Shock: FOX Float X Factory, Air, 230×62.5 mm
- Motor: Shimano EP8, DU-EP801, 250 W, 85 Nm (Walk, Eco, Trail and Boost)
- Battery: Core S3+, 720 Wh, 36 V
- Display: Shimano SC-EN600, LCD-Display, Bluetooth (E-Tube Project app)
- Wheel size: 29/27.5
- Brakes: Magura MT5, 4-piston, Hydraulic disc brake
- Rotors: Magura MDR-C, 203 mm, 6-hole
- Deraillieur: SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-S
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, 10-50 T
- Chain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Chainring: SRAM X-Sync Eagle, 34 T
- Shift Lever: SRAM X01 Eagle, Single Click
- Crank Arm: Shimano FC-EM900, Aluminum forged, Shimano EP24
- Wheelset: NEWMEN Evolution SL E.G, Tubeless ready, 6-hole, 15×110/12×148 mm, thru-axle
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Evolution, 65-584, 27.5, 2.6, Tubeless ready
- Stem: Husqvarna 35mm
- Handlebar: Husqvarna Riser 35 mm, 780 mm, Sweep: 8 °, Rise: 18 mm
- Seatpost: Husqvarna Pro, 31.6 mm, Dropper post. Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M-L), 170mm (XL)
On The Trails with the Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC6
Out on the trails, the Husqvarna MC6 is an interesting bike. It offers a confident, tall riding position supported by a very plush suspension platform. The bike is no point-and-shoot machine, instead, it offers a spritely ride characteristic with a strong emphasis on fun.
Due to its mullet setup and short chainstays, the bike is highly maneuverable in the corners and the air allowing you to explore and experience a more active approach to the trails rather than perhaps straight-lining everything, similar to the Intense Tazer we recently tested. The MC6 has a slightly “easy rider” feel (Millenials will need to Google that) with its high front end combined with the smaller rear wheel, which weirdly feels more like a motocross bike. Perhaps this is Husqvarna tapping into their moto heritage a little?
We tested the XL but it rode much more like a large due to its short 445mm chainstay (which remains the same across all the sizes) and added to the easy handling aspect of the bike. We experienced a very plush ride with the Fox Float 36 Factory fork and Fox Float X Factory shock. The XL MC6 came in at just over 24kgs (including battery). For a full-powered e-bike with a 720Wh battery, that’s not bad at all.
The mullet setup, short chainstays, and plush suspension make the MC6 a lot of fun when ripping into chunky corners.
The full-carbon frame is super intuitive and balanced, making both climbs and descents a blast. Plus, with the new Shimano EP801 motor, it’s more responsive and trail-ready than ever.
Suspension & Pedal Platform
The shock with its 4-bar linkage and large yoke design works incredibly well to deliver a supple and bottomless ride that we never had an issue with or had to overly think about. It’s like any good component that works, it doesn’t become front of mind, it simply fades into the background and allows you to just ride.
The Fox 36 forks did feel a little under-gunned on some trails we rode, and this is a symptom of how good the overall suspension platform performed resulting in us taking on trails that were perhaps above our pay grade. Yes, that’s a compliment. The Fox 36 fork does provide a level of compliance versus a 38, and we felt this on some of the trails, especially with the poor choice (in our opinion) of tyres. The skinny 2.4 Nobby Nics with their placid tread did nothing to help confidence levels when we were on sketchier terrain and had that “noodly” unnerving feel. Put a more aggressive and wider tyre on, and that would quickly solve that issue.
The pedal platform on the MC6 is surprisingly supportive considering how plush the suspension feels. Getting up out of the saddle and sprinting has an immediate effect, driving the bike forward without excessive bounce or sluggishness. Again, this all ties into the overarching goal of what the MC6 is about and how good a job Husqvarna has done with the engineering and development of this bike. They haven’t just slapped some components onto a generic frame, this has been built from the ground up and the ride handling testifies to this approach.
The updated Shimano EP801 motor with its improved assist sensitivity makes for a more natural feel when climbing.
Did we say the MC6 was fun in the air? The bike just wants to go, whether you’re ready or not.
Motor & Battery
The Husqvarna MC6 is fitted with the updated Shimano EP801 motor. It is now a much quieter motor which results in fewer on-trail distractions. It has improved heat management so less drop-off on longer climbs, and a lighter overall package than its predecessor, delivering 85Nm of max torque across a wider cadence range.
The Shimano EP801 power delivery is smooth and controlled, making for a more natural feel on the trails, and on longer rides and extended hilly climbs, we noticed less drop-off in power. Shimano claims this is due to its better heat management capabilities. But what we like about the Shimao motor is the ability to use two different motor profiles. This means you can switch between two settings depending on the trail or day ahead of you, such as a social ride or race day for example. We also were able to download the Bosch CX Race profile that was made available, and if you know about that, it’s a good thing.
We set our profiles up as two very different modes via the E-Tube Project app. Profile 1 was 100% maxed out whereas profile 2 was a little more refined. We wanted to experience two very different variations and how that changed the feel of the bike. Profile 1 was as expected, full tilt and full support on tap. Just to note, the updated Shimano motor has vastly improved its assist take-off feel. Previously it was all of nothing, with a slight delay, which was disconcerting at first. Now it has a much smoother curve into the assist.
Our profile 2 settings with lower power assist ended up being our favorite. Why? because it felt much closer to an analog experience. It was still supportive in assistance and power but we dialled it back enough to not feel like we were being boosted forward. We put in many hours in this mode and if your energy levels are good, this suits the spritely essence of the MC6 much more than the full power of our profile 1 setting. This is of course only our personal opinion.
Having a higher-powered setting on a heavier, burlier bike makes sense, but for us, the max settings felt slightly overpowered for this bike and we rarely ever went into Turbo mode. Horses for courses. The main point is that you can fine-tune one or both of the two profiles till the cows come home. This simple fact is a big plus for us with the Shimano offering.
Husqvarna MC6 Geometry
The MC6 does have a relatively steep head angle making it feel like we’ve gone back a few years in the geo department. The Mountain Cross range has been targeted at the trail rider for broad appeal, and the slightly tighter head angle does provide a very maneuverable bike on the trails. If you want something a little beefier and slacker, then maybe look at the HardCross range.
The seat angles however change on each frame size, getting slacker as the size increases, which is a little frustrating as the XL has a seat angle of 76.8°. The downside of this is that combined with the high stack height, it felt a little laid back, but you soon get used to this the more you ride the bike. If anything, the higher stack height did add a lot of confidence when on steeper terrain.
Brakes and Components
The Magura MT5s provide a very good level of stopping power and modulation and these were excellently bled which makes a world of difference with Magura and their unique lever design. However, we really would have liked a 220mm rotor up front. With a bike weighing over 24kgs and a 90+kg rider tearing down the trail, that extra 7mm of rotor surface helps with the braking power. In our opinion, any fully powered e-bike should come with 220 upfront as standard these days.
Husqvarna opted for the German brand Newmen for the wheelset. The top-end model used on this bike added strength and compliance and kept the weight down, coming in at around 1780g a pair. These rims impressed us with their ability to withstand some big impacts making them perfect for a heavy bike in chunky terrain. The FADE hubs were nice and quiet on the trails (almost silent) with their specially designed freewheel and tooth profile, and have been rated for use with eMTB’s with a max system weight of 175kgs, so they are strong enough to take a lot of abuse with heavy riders.
Everything else on the bike worked flawlessly, from the dropper/lever to the drivetrain. Changing gears under pressure was smooth direct and easier with the improved EP8 motor and the dependable workhorse of the SRAM X01 drivetrain.
One negative for us, (rider height being 6′ 2″) was the seat post dropper length on the XL being 170mm due to the frame design and battery position. If you need a longer post then an after-market option would need to be looked at. Thankfully due to the nature of the e-bike and the assist element, we didn’t notice as much as being on an analog bike. But still, a 200mm option for an XL or even a large should be pretty standard these days.
The Fox Factory suspension combined with the frame platform offers a level of support that allows you to take on larger features than expected.
One of the big takeaways for us was how predictable the Husqvarna MC6 was. It’s an easy bike to ride and easy to correct when things go a little sideways.
If you enjoy popping off every bump in the trail, you’ll love the Husqvarna MC6 with its lively personality.
Husqvarna MC6 – Conclusions
The Husqvarna MC6 is basically the Swiss Army knife of full-powered trail e-bikes. It’s perfect for anyone who wants their ride to be as responsive, nimble, and lively as a caffeinated squirrel. With the freshly upgraded Shimano EP801 motor and a battery that packs enough juice to keep you going longer than your last Netflix binge, this bike’s got more pep than a trampoline factory.
Add in the plush suspension that feels like riding on a cloud, a top-notch German wheelset, and brakes and components that actually do what they’re supposed to (unlike that one friend who always says they’ll call but never does), and you’ve got a ride that’s tough to beat. The Husqvarna MC6 isn’t just a bike; it’s a serious contender for the title of “Best of the Best” in this class.
As a bike that sits in the trail/enduro segment, we would like to see a slightly slacker head angle and steeper seat post angle across the entire Mountain Cross range for future versions of this bike. The Fox 36 does add a level of compliance than the stiffer 38s but considering the trails that the MC6 urges you to ride, some additional slackness and confidence in the front end wouldn’t go a miss, as well as a 220 rotor up front, and a set of burlier, wider tyres as default.
Husqvarna would never be happy to follow an off-the-shelf approach with any of their products, and that is why they have not gone down that path with this bike. They opted for a complete ground-up design approach that encapsulates what new bike development should be. Some may think they need to be cautious with a brand such as this. Agreed, Husqvarna is not your typical bicycle brand name, but you can 100% trust what Husqvarna has done with their e-bikes as much as you can trust Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz et al.
Husqvarna MC6 – Where to Buy / Price
Husqvarna MC6: From $7,999 AUD – $12,499 AUD ($12,499 AUD tested bike)
