The market for FATBikes has changed drastically in recent years. FATBikes with additional electric drive have almost completely replaced traditional “bio-powered” bikes. And for many FATBikers this makes perfect sense, because FATBikes are often used where strength and endurance play a special role: in the snow, for transporting luggage or on strenuous expeditions in the local jungle.

With the 2023 Silverback S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer, the traditional manufacturer of affordable FATBikes is ushering in a new era for its bikes. You can read about what the 2023 Silverback S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer is all about and what it can do in this article.

The 2023 Silverback S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer in detail

The beginnings of Silverback's e-FATBikes go back a few years, and a lot has happened since then. The most important step, at least from a technological perspective, was the switch from Bafang to Shimano drive technology last year. In 2023, Silverback will consistently continue this path and replace the E7000 drive with a modern EP8 drive. What remains is a rock-solid frame made of hydroformed aluminum, but it was developed from scratch around the new drive. This frame also offers several options for mounting drinking bottles or luggage racks, and a sturdy side stand can also be installed on the left chain stay. For a heavy (and possibly even more heavily loaded) e-Fatty, this is an extremely useful detail.

Another big step: for the first time in 2023, Silverback will install a fine Manitou Mastodon Comp suspension fork (with 120mm travel) instead of the now very dusty Rock Shox Bluto. You can read about the advantages of this in the driving test. However, one detail has remained that can now be described as a “signature feature” of FATter Silverback bikes: in 2023, Sun Ringle Mulefüt SL wheels with Vee Tier Bulldozer 26×4.7″ tires will continue to mediate between bikers and the environment.

A 12-speed menu made up of components from the SRAM GX Eagle and NX Eagle groups is responsible for power transmission. Simple, hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano take care of professional and appropriate deceleration, but they provide an unexpectedly impressive braking effect. The remaining components all come from Silverback's own "Surface" accessories shelf, although Silverback doesn't go out of its way and even installs a retractable seat post.

Charged: the drive

As mentioned, the 2023 Silverback S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer has a Shimano EP8 drive that shines with 250W and up to 85Nm of torque. He can satisfy his hunger for energy with a generous 720Wh battery from Darfon. Although batteries with over 800 Wh are already waiting to be used in the mass market, one can justifiably claim that Silverback is “up-to-date” in terms of drive and battery.

The large power block is hidden behind an aluminum battery cover, which is painted “in the vehicle color” and holds the battery securely in position. For charging, there is a charging socket in the down tube near the engine. Alternatively, the latch can also be taken out of the bike - secured against theft by an individual key - and loaded onto the desk. As is known from many current Shimano-powered bikes, the start button and USB socket are housed in the top tube. And of course, if desired, the Shimano head unit communicates with the cell phone via Bluetooth - for example, updates can be installed or individual settings can be made using the app.

The 2023 Silverback S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer in the road test

“Ready for any adventure” – that’s how Silverback itself describes the 2023 S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer. In a way, this also defines the target group that this bike is aimed at: people who like to push boundaries, especially their own, and take the step to try something new. And the Fat Explorer does this very well. The Shimano drive works noticeably in the “Eco” level, but above all for an extremely long time. In “Tour” mode, the power is modulated so that the power output corresponds to the incoming demand – light pedaling = light support, high power = high support. And in boost mode, the EP8 throws all its power into the balance and pushes as hard as it can.

So you have the choice whether the adventure you are looking for should be a particularly extended tour, an eventful trip into the mountains or exciting trail action. The Manitou Mastodon supports the latter in particular: since it is significantly stiffer than its Rock Shox counterpart, the front wheel is now guided much tighter. This means that straight-line stability, steering precision and braking stability have been significantly improved and are now finally appropriate for the heavy chassis.

Even if the Vee Tire tires are technically a bit outdated, the combination of drive, brakes, geometry and tires work together very well and reliably. And when things get tricky, the standard dropper post provides additional freedom of movement so you can circle the bike accurately around (or over) obstacles.

However, you shouldn't overexcite the single trail adventure. The still high weight of electrically powered FATBikes, but also the rather conservative geometry design of the Silverback, definitely puts the bike's “sweet spot” on more relaxed tours with a lot of comfort and without back pain. In fact, the features of the S-Electro Diamond Fat Explorer add up towards an exploration bike.

Of course, unlike many rigid forks, you cannot attach luggage racks to the Manitou Mastodon. Nevertheless, you can stow a lot on an optional luggage rack at the rear and a handlebar bag, plus there is space for 2 fully filled drinking bottles. Equipped in this way and equipped with a 720Wh power reserve, even the most impassable terrain can be explored and an overnighter in the middle of nowhere is within reach.

What remains?