So.....E-bikes

prunudo

Nearly every week another brand is bringing out their latest version, Focus entering the light weight market just this week. Wonder will Santa Cruz enter that end of the market or stick with their current range.

Thinking of going down the 140-150 trail bike route for my first rodeo with ebiking. Anyone switched over recently and have any pointers.

Alkers

I dont really get the "light weight" e bikes - you have a motor for the climbs so you may as well get a big beefy bike with DH tyres and plenty of travel

prunudo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119808812#Comment_119808812

Given where I plan to ride, I don't need a 160/170 travel bike, plus I'm still relatively healthy and fit so don't necessarily need a 25kg full fat ebike.

Tenzor07

Have we finally reached the era where 19kg is considered a "lightweight" MTB? :-D

prunudo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119809683#Comment_119809683

The marketing people tell me yes 😀

Alkers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119809071#Comment_119809071

I get you but the difference between a 19 or 25kg ebike on a climb is minimal as the motor is doing all the work, not you. Also, even a 19kg ebike will probably be a pig to cycle if the battery dies.

prunudo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119811898#Comment_119811898

There's so many variables these days and its only getting worse. Maybe I'm wrong but presently I feel a mid travel, mid assist emtb is what suits my needs most. I don't want a big travel bike or a bulldozer to bash through trails. I want something nimble and fun for both tight natural and Coillte type trails and with a bit of assistance on the climbs to get more laps in.

Maybe I'll revisit it in a year or two, but for the moment a heavy >700w ebike doesn't do it for me.

fatbhoy

I think a good few lightweight bikes will be coming out next year, featuring the new Fazua motors and batteries.

Ceepo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119811965#Comment_119811965

As you say there is lots to consider. Including who you go out with, if you're meeting up with people with full fat ebike then you might be a little underpowered with the some of the LT bikes. Specialised Levo SL a fine bike but very much underpowered compared to the other LT bikes out now. The Orbea Rise H range are more powerful 60nm and have bigger battery and not much heavier that the carbon version, and certainly are a lot of fun to ride. I would say pretty similar to a non ebike. Full fat are certainly more planted going down single tracks but do take bit more to muscle them on very technical stuff. Tbh they are chalk and cheese, both have there merits and drawbacks. As you say it would come down to lots of different things really.

The one big draw back can come with batteries and motors failing even under warranty this can be a rell pain in the butt. Outside of warranty they are costly to replace. Buying from LBS has some benefits in this regard.

Tenzor07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119809760#Comment_119809760

Ha! Must follow the trend!

If you're going to buy a E-bike i'd go for the full fat one, for the sake of about 6kg, though if my only choice was the lighter ebike i'd rather spend the money on a fitness coach and try loose the 6kg so i could climb as quick as on a low powered ebike! :-D