Ever bought more ebike than you need and regretted it?

[sparked]

Hello...

I'm an aussie girl and this might be my 4th or 5th post on this great site.

As some might know, eMTBs are hard to come by down here in Australia which makes shopping for one even more difficult. I'd wanted a EMTB for years and of course the pandemic hit and the decision made to buy one happened quick.

I bought a small sized Levo Hardtail in April. We love it. Note I said 'we'? Yeh my partner also loved it. Next thing I know its got a kid trailer on it and it often goes for rides without me.

So I want a full squish EMTB for myself. Why a full suspension and not another Levo HT? I have a bad back and do feel the bumps a bit on the HT. So why not be more comfy I say.

But which one? I am drawn to stay with same brand and go Levo (base model) but I know its more bike than i need.. but I also kinda want one.

I know I wont be sending it over jumps or sessioning rock gardens or big drops. I will though, hit the trails and plan on doing skills courses once we are allowed to again. Probably do rail trails and lots of green trails, join a club and would like to find some new friends to ride with... I dont live near any trails, so a lot of my riding will also be urban. So I'd want to lock out the rear shock at times.

Have any of you lovely people bought more bike than you need and regretted it? Wished you'd kept the money in the bank and gone with a lesser model/make?

Is there any downfall to owning a bike with more travel than you need vs something with less travel?? Is that a silly Q??

 

[Pdoz]

Gday, the problems with suspension are weight, economy, complexity, and height. Did I mention height? If you add lots of travel to a small bike, it's a TALL bike.

Each are relatively minor concerns but can add up to a bike that turns into a barge if you go too far.

The other problem is inequality in a relationship -fights about who gets the better bike.

So since it's going to be a source of conflict, you'd might as well make it worth the effort! Those technical skills will be a lit easier to learn on a Levo SL .....light, agile, enough suspension AND exotic enough to be worth fighting over. Mire importantly, the lower power motor means he gas to ride the hard tail when towing sprog.

 

[SquireRides]

In answer to your questions: Yes, and no, respectively.

 

[SquireRides]

So, I bought a Levo SL. I ride trail mostly, so while the Fox 34s people moan about are fine for me, the 150 travel is still over-biked. I guess everyone thinks enduro is the only proper mountain biking, so they probably had to go relatively long travel for their one and only SL1.1 bike. I'd have been quite happy with a XC/downcountry/trail bike around the 120/130mm mark, lighter tires etc.

But is it a problem. Nah.

Its an ebike, so the slight weight penalty of a harder-corer-frame is almost irrelevant. I tune the shock/fork to be relatively firm. And the frame geometry has always felt pretty spot on for me anyway. It's all fine.

 

[steve_sordy]

@sparked Only unasked questions are silly!

How else are you supposed to learn?

I will answer differently to most of those before. Yes, you can have too much travel. I can buy a 170 mm travel emtb or even more, but for me and where I ride it would be too much, too heavy and too barge like. Longer travel often comes with slacker geometries that can make twisting through the trees a bit more tricky (not impossible, of course). Longer travel bikes tend to be heavier too; stiffer and heavier forks, wider rims, stronger and heavier wheels and tyres and so forth.
I know that we are supposed to discount weight once we have an emtb because we have a motor to help, but I don't. There is a thread elsewhere on here on the topic and opinion is divided. I hold to the view that emtb lightness must not be pursued to extremes, like on XC analogue bikes, but a kilo here and a kilo there and soon it really does matter! Light bikes go further on the same battery, light bikes are more fun and more manoeuvrable (on and off the trail). Lighter bikes are easier to lift over gates, fences, stiles, roof-racks etc, especially when injured.

From what you have said something like this would be good. The Focus Thron2 130mm travel full suss emtb

But there are other lightweight shorter travel bikes out there. The Thron is just an example.

 

[sparked]

@sparked Only unasked questions are silly!

How else are you supposed to learn?

I will answer differently to most of those before. Yes, you can have too much travel. I can buy a 170 mm travel emtb or even more, but for me and where I ride it would be too much, too heavy and too barge like. Longer travel often comes with slacker geometries that can make twisting through the trees a bit more tricky (not impossible, of course). Longer travel bikes tend to be heavier too; stiffer and heavier forks, wider rims, stronger and heavier wheels and tyres and so forth.
I know that we are supposed to discount weight once we have an emtb because we have a motor to help, but I don't. There is a thread elsewhere on here on the topic and opinion is divided. I hold to the view that emtb lightness must not be pursued to extremes, like on XC analogue bikes, but a kilo here and a kilo there and soon it really does matter! Light bikes go further on the same battery, light bikes are more fun and more manoeuvrable (on and off the trail). Lighter bikes are easier to lift over gates, fences, stiles, roof-racks etc, especially when injured.

From what you have said something like this would be good. The Focus Thron2 130mm travel full suss emtb

But there are other lightweight shorter travel bikes out there. The Thron is just an example.

Hey Steve

Thanks for the reply. I have been researching geometry whilst on the hunt and have learnt that the shorter travel generaly shortens the stand over height which is a win for me.

I just had a look at the Thron above and it does look good! Will have more of a squiz for sure. I also like how they market the bike, they actually provide a good explanation of what the bike was made and its intended use.

This also made me think I should look for a thread on short travel bikes on EMTB to see what else I've missed.

So far I'm thinking:

Liv/Giant Embolden E or Stance E
Merida E140 (once 2021 bikes are released here - should be within the next 10 days)
Focus Thron 2
Trek Powerfly FS 4 - this is yet to be released here, but at $6999 RRP AUD its heading into 2020 Levo territory

At the end of the day these are machines to make us smile.. and for me even walking past it I know if it looks good it'll give me a buzz just seeing it there waiting for me! And hey thats priceless right?

 

[Norcalsl]

In my world, the perfect full suspension e-mtb would weigh no more than 30 lbs. That will be a reality in the not-to-distant future, but I couldn't wait. So I bought a 2021 Levo SL Comp Carbon. It weighed 40.4 lbs when it was delivered to my LBS, but weighed 35 pounds when it left. Still a compromise in terms of weight, but it is an acceptable one, and I have no regrets.

 

[urastus]

Because you're in Australia, I will say that Merida are one of the best value bikes to buy here. I have the e140 LTD (aluminium) and love it. I don't wish or want for anything more. I use it pretty much to it's limits without causing damage. The e140 is more trail oriented than the majority of other bikes out there. Shorter travel and slightly steeper head angle make it good for climbing and technical stuff. I descend stuff that my enduro riding friends do, just a bit slower. I like it that way because I pick my lines more rather than just riding over stuff. I also like the mullet set up.

 

[sparked]

Because you're in Australia, I will say that Merida are one of the best value bikes to buy here. I have the e140 LTD (aluminium) and love it. I don't wish or want for anything more. I use it pretty much to it's limits without causing damage. The e140 is more trail oriented than the majority of other bikes out there. Shorter travel and slightly steeper head angle make it good for climbing and technical stuff. I descend stuff that my enduro riding friends do, just a bit slower. I like it that way because I pick my lines more rather than just riding over stuff. I also like the mullet set up.

Merida seems to be undervalued in Aus. I've heard in Europe it's considered a high end brand. Unfortunately I dont think the E140 ltd will be available again in small anyways.

I am very much leaning towards the Liv Embolden E+ 2 - I can put a fully refundable deposit on one pending a test ride. I have ridden HT Liv EMTBs before and the sizing suited me. Although one thing I wasn't 100% keen on was how the power was delivered.. even slightest pedal pressure and it was ready to take off. Whereas the Levo HT feels far more natural. I'd imagine I'd get used to that. Also $2000 happier

Embolden E+ 2 (2022) | Women bike | Liv Cycling Australia

www.liv-cycling.com

 

[CjP]

I’d be looking at an SL, they are super light and ride like a mtb. They have more than enough power to get you up anywhere you’d likely ride. l have one and I haven’t had a problem climbing my usual trails.

Where are you located? Are you close to a Specialized shop? I’d be taking one out for a blat if I were you.

 

[sparked]

I’d be looking at an SL, they are super light and ride like a mtb. They have more than enough power to get you up anywhere you’d likely ride. l have one and I haven’t had a problem climbing my usual trails.

Where are you located? Are you close to a Specialized shop? I’d be taking one out for a blat if I were you.

They are double what the Liv costs. I'm not dropping 10k on a bike, I'd be in a lot of trouble at home!

I'm locked down in Melbourne - so no test rides for at least 3 weeks

 

[CjP]

Hahaha only because they would be jealous of your sweet ride

 

[Flatslide]

That Liv looks a good bike. Giant have always made pretty good value machines imo. My brother has a 120/90mm travel 29er, it's surprising how much better the ride with even a small amount of travel.

 

[sparked]

Hahaha only because they would be jealous of your sweet ride

No. No that's not how it works!

 

[Pdoz]

Merida seems to be undervalued in Aus. I've heard in Europe it's considered a high end brand. Unfortunately I dont think the E140 ltd will be available again in small anyways.

I am very much leaning towards the Liv Embolden E+ 2 - I can put a fully refundable deposit on one pending a test ride. I have ridden HT Liv EMTBs before and the sizing suited me. Although one thing I wasn't 100% keen on was how the power was delivered.. even slightest pedal pressure and it was ready to take off. Whereas the Levo HT feels far more natural. I'd imagine I'd get used to that. Also $2000 happier

Embolden E+ 2 (2022) | Women bike | Liv Cycling Australia

www.liv-cycling.com

The Merida e160 pretty much made emtb's main stream in 2018 ! It might just be your local shops don't cater to them? Fun fact - Merida bought most of Specialized a few years back.

As much as I love my giant , you should recognise the embolden / stance are at the budget end of their range. The sport motor will be less responsive and less powerful than their pro version in the intrigue / trance range, and the rear suspension is less sophisticated so will bob more / be less efficient. Not a deal breaker , but don't expect a specialized levo quality ride. Also, make sure you are being offered a 2021 bike because the 2020 embolden / stance only had a 400 wh battery!

I think push n pedal in Sale ( gippsland) still have a size small 2019 levo demo bike - it's the owners bike ( Kerri ). We're only in stage 3 restrictions out this way so it might be worth calling them and seeing if she wanted to sell it? It's all part of my cunning plan to get them to buy a levo sl so I can test ride one......I really love my giant, but suspect it's worth paying twice as much for the lower weight of the sl .

 

[CjP]

Oh it’s worth it

 

[Tooks]

Regret is probably too strong a word, but there’s no doubt I have more bike and more travel than I really need in the shape of my EMTB.

I ride mainly trails/bridleways interlinked by some single track and tarmac roads. I’m running 2.25” xc tyres and narrower rims on my bike, but I’m riding a more complex beast than I need to be, with more maintenance required as a result.

The bike shop did steer me towards a hard tail, which in retrospect would have probably been better for my requirements, but I was swayed by the full suspension dream.

I’m a middle aged bloke now, in hindsight I’ve probably been over biked since I was 12!

I’m tempted by a light weight hard tail as my next bike, maybe with a good suspension seatpost if I want a bit of comfort.

 

[sparked]

The Merida e160 pretty much made emtb's main stream in 2018 ! It might just be your local shops don't cater to them? Fun fact - Merida bought most of Specialized a few years back.

As much as I love my giant , you should recognise the embolden / stance are at the budget end of their range. The sport motor will be less responsive and less powerful than their pro version in the intrigue / trance range, and the rear suspension is less sophisticated so will bob more / be less efficient. Not a deal breaker , but don't expect a specialized levo quality ride. Also, make sure you are being offered a 2021 bike because the 2020 embolden / stance only had a 400 wh battery!

I think push n pedal in Sale ( gippsland) still have a size small 2019 levo demo bike - it's the owners bike ( Kerri ). We're only in stage 3 restrictions out this way so it might be worth calling them and seeing if she wanted to sell it? It's all part of my cunning plan to get them to buy a levo sl so I can test ride one......I really love my giant, but suspect it's worth paying twice as much for the lower weight of the sl .

Hey Pdoz.. your dastardly plan might work will let you know how I get on!

 

[Pdoz]

Hey Pdoz.. your dastardly plan might work will let you know how I get on!

They're good people - husband and wife team , they sell Specialised, Merida, Focus and Norco. Feet firmly planted in reality so they don't push top spec bikes to people like me who get sucked in by shinny things. I've lost count of the number of bikes we've bought from them over the years and my only complaint is they couldn't source an emtb during the great ebike shortage of 2018. I desperately wanted an e160 or levo back then. More than happy with my giant, but it's not a merida / specialized

 

[steve_sordy]

..................

At the end of the day these are machines to make us smile.. and for me even walking past it I know if it looks good it'll give me a buzz just seeing it there waiting for me! And hey thats priceless right?

Absolutely!!
I will not buy a bike that I don't like the look of. I may be shallow (no, I am shallow) but I don't care how well a bike rides if it looks like a bag of spanners. I call it the "look back factor". When I walk away from it, do I look back at it (in admiration). If not, then I won't buy it. I bought a car once that ticked all the boxes, bought with my head etc. But I was not happy with its looks. I never really enjoyed driving that car and sold it quite quickly for one that did float my boat.

Ref one of your other comments about the Giant Liv wanting to be off as soon as the pedal was pushed. That may be fixable in the software, so ask the dealer. Or someone on here may advise you.

 

[Cavi]

Hey Steve

Thanks for the reply. I have been researching geometry whilst on the hunt and have learnt that the shorter travel generaly shortens the stand over height which is a win for me.

I just had a look at the Thron above and it does look good! Will have more of a squiz for sure. I also like how they market the bike, they actually provide a good explanation of what the bike was made and its intended use.

This also made me think I should look for a thread on short travel bikes on EMTB to see what else I've missed.

So far I'm thinking:

Liv/Giant Embolden E or Stance E
Merida E140 (once 2021 bikes are released here - should be within the next 10 days)
Focus Thron 2
Trek Powerfly FS 4 - this is yet to be released here, but at $6999 RRP AUD its heading into 2020 Levo territory

At the end of the day these are machines to make us smile.. and for me even walking past it I know if it looks good it'll give me a buzz just seeing it there waiting for me! And hey thats priceless right?

Include this one also in your hunt:

Electric MTB

Climb higher. Go farther. Explore more. Shop E-Bikes.

www.fezzari.com

I currently own a Levo, but honestly think you are paying a premium for the Levo model, however the Levo name will mean it is easier to resell, especially now with a 4 yr motor warrenty. That being said the Idea of getting a similar bike for $2000 less is very appealing

 

[Pivot]

Hello...

I'm an aussie girl and this might be my 4th or 5th post on this great site.
...
Have any of you lovely people bought more bike than you need and regretted it? Wished you'd kept the money in the bank and gone with a lesser model/make?

Dear Aussie lady. Very good thinking, especially since you have family responsibility!

Please remember that many premium bikes are made in mega factories in Taiwan, and various brands compete mostly on Fonts and Colours, as they all use the same components, I.e. Shimano, Bosch, SRAM, Fox, etc.

So, what I have done, I located what really puts a grin on my face — Ducati MIG-S — and I offered my local shop if they want to import it for me and earn some margin. They declined, I suspect that they have better margins with their traditional suppliers (Merida & Focus), so I bought it on-line. It was delivered from Italy to England in 5 days!

IIRC, EU & AU have a trade agreement, so you might be able to get yourself a bargain, and the bike can be serviced by any Shimano dealer.

Also, I didn’t buy top of the range, as I know that I can upgrade any bolt-on component, if I want to, and I have a well balanced mid-range bike to start with.

Check it out: Ducati MIG-S | E-Bike | All Mountain e-mtb by Ducati

 

[Cabby.]

Ahh naw, it's not like Ducati are famous for their electrics

 

[Pivot]

Ahh naw, it's not like Ducati are famous for their electrics

True, although since Ducati was rescued and is owned by Audi for few years now, they have made major improvements.

However, let’s not be naive here. It is THOK bike, branded Ducati and made in a mega factory in Taiwan, with Japanese motor. Oh well, Bingo!

 

[sparked]

Dear Aussie lady. Very good thinking, especially since you have family responsibility!

Please remember that many premium bikes are made in mega factories in Taiwan, and various brands compete mostly on Fonts and Colours, as they all use the same components, I.e. Shimano, Bosch, SRAM, Fox, etc.

So, what I have done, I located what really puts a grin on my face — Ducati MIG-S — and I offered my local shop if they want to import it for me and earn some margin. They declined, I suspect that they have better margins with their traditional suppliers (Merida & Focus), so I bought it on-line. It was delivered from Italy to England in 5 days!

IIRC, EU & AU have a trade agreement, so you might be able to get yourself a bargain, and the bike can be serviced by any Shimano dealer.

Also, I didn’t buy top of the range, as I know that I can upgrade any bolt-on component, if I want to, and I have a well balanced mid-range bike to start with.

Check it out: Ducati MIG-S | E-Bike | All Mountain e-mtb by Ducati

interesting. It is very Ducati in styling!

I am a total Petrol head as well ( 4 wheels though not 2). What I really want to add is a 996 911! I’ve just totally fallen for the quirky styling.

EMTB wise - I am finding it hard to go past wanting a Levo!

 

[Woody2]

interesting. It is very Ducati in styling!

I am a total Petrol head as well ( 4 wheels though not 2). What I really want to add is a 996 911! I’ve just totally fallen for the quirky styling.

EMTB wise - I am finding it hard to go past wanting a Levo!

Plus one on being a petrol head (4 wheels & on 2 over the years) and now in the market for an emtb much to my wife's consternation! Being in NZ probably have a similar range to chose from as Oz. I had a look at a Merida e160ty carbon frame which I loved but wasn't sold on the motor/battery combo as I like touring as well (on a gravel acoustic bike previously) and thought range could be an issue. I also like the levo - they have a couple of 2020 comp carbon models but they still seem quite pricey compared to other brands. Waiting to see also what happens with Shimano and any motor upgrades as I'm in no rush - if I get something by Christmas that would work. All the research and review watching is quite tiring . On most things I buy I usually over think it and spend more than what I need performance wise.Not saying that will be the case here but who knows!

 

[djb]

Merida seems to be undervalued in Aus. I've heard in Europe it's considered a high end brand. Unfortunately I dont think the E140 ltd will be available again in small anyways.

I am very much leaning towards the Liv Embolden E+ 2 - I can put a fully refundable deposit on one pending a test ride. I have ridden HT Liv EMTBs before and the sizing suited me. Although one thing I wasn't 100% keen on was how the power was delivered.. even slightest pedal pressure and it was ready to take off. Whereas the Levo HT feels far more natural. I'd imagine I'd get used to that. Also $2000 happier

Embolden E+ 2 (2022) | Women bike | Liv Cycling Australia

www.liv-cycling.com

We bought my wife a 2021 Liv Embolden E+ and she loves it. She has been riding paved roads, fire trails, single track and she has no complaints at all. Its a really nice bike for the money. We've done 20 mile rides and she still has 4 of the 5 battery indicator lights on and she rides between level 2 and 3 most of the time. For the price, you would have money available for upgrades if you felt they were necessary, but I doubt you will feel the need.

 

[Pivot]

interesting. It is very Ducati in styling!

I am a total Petrol head as well ( 4 wheels though not 2). What I really want to add is a 996 911! I’ve just totally fallen for the quirky styling.

EMTB wise - I am finding it hard to go past wanting a Levo!

Funny you say that!

Porsche is owned by VAG (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Porsche, Lamborghini group)
Ducati is owned by Lamborghini, so you would keep it in the family

 

[sparked]

Plus one on being a petrol head (4 wheels & on 2 over the years) and now in the market for an emtb much to my wife's consternation! Being in NZ probably have a similar range to chose from as Oz. I had a look at a Merida e160ty carbon frame which I loved but wasn't sold on the motor/battery combo as I like touring as well (on a gravel acoustic bike previously) and thought range could be an issue. I also like the levo - they have a couple of 2020 comp carbon models but they still seem quite pricey compared to other brands. Waiting to see also what happens with Shimano and any motor upgrades as I'm in no rush - if I get something by Christmas that would work. All the research and review watching is quite tiring . On most things I buy I usually over think it and spend more than what I need performance wise.Not saying that will be the case here but who knows!

yeh I think NZ gets almost same range we do!

by Christmas all the newer 2021 models should released, not all but, many.

are all bikes sold out over there too? I spoke to a bike shop yest and the owner told me most brands are 18 months behind in catching up on manufacturing stock to their usual levels! Eeek

also given COVID has caused the bike shortage. I think once COVID is under control and life normality returns there might be a lot of shiny used eMTBS for sale!

 

[sparked]

I

We bought my wife a 2021 Liv Embolden E+ and she loves it. She has been riding paved roads, fire trails, single track and she has no complaints at all. Its a really nice bike for the money. We've done 20 mile rides and she still has 4 of the 5 battery indicator lights on and she rides between level 2 and 3 most of the time. For the price, you would have money available for upgrades if you felt they were necessary, but I doubt you will feel the need.

i am still quite attracted to this bike. It has the perfect stand over height for me and the price is easier to swallow. I’m just concerned that I like my Levo Hardtail that I might end up regretting not having a second matching one. Ugh