Testing many ebikes is a truly wonderful thing. It allows direct comparisons and understand the nuances between them. I’m also aware that not everyone has access to ride a lot of bikes, so I’m really lucky that because of what I do it allows me this fortunate position.
I’m not tied down to any brand, or sponsored by a bike company, no contracts or ties, I’m not required to ride a specific bike. My bike this season that I bought from an independent bike shop is this 2022 Trek Rail 9.8 XT.
Why?
A combination of things: Some people say you shouldn’t buy an ebike because of a specific motor. But I’ve grown to really like the Bosch, the way it delivers power, and the outright grunt. Sure, there are things that suck, like that new remote control, the bulkiness of the screen. But they are lower down on the priority list to me. A motor really changes the characteristics of how a bike behaves and climbs, so I narrowed it down to the Bosch.
I also wanted a full 29er. Loads of bikes are going mullet, but I’ve decided that full 29er is for me. I’m certain I’m faster on 29er, although mullet brings some benefits, they’re not enough to make me want one over a 29er.
The Rail rides great. Its not a nimble warrior like some lighter ebikes, it’s brawler, can smash its way though stuff. And that matches my riding style! Geometry is great. Long, slack, low BB. Oh, I sized down for this year to a L. They are bigger, a lot bigger than last years!
Also its easy to over stroke the shock to give more travel, and paired with a 170mm fork (either air shaft upgrade the 160mm or a new 170mm). This gives 170F 163R, 63.5 HA and that will really help when I take it to the Alps this summer. Longer travel ebikes just work so well. Hardly any downsides for me.
There are so many amazing ebikes out there. As long as you’re buying something from a reputable brand, you’re going to get an amazing machine, capable of so much. Pick what works for you and what you ride and you’ll be ripping it up having an amazing 2022 on an ebike!
Can’t wait to get this one charged, set up and go out. Weathers looking good outside. And my new bike needs some battle scars on it already!!
I’m not tied down to any brand, or sponsored by a bike company, no contracts or ties, I’m not required to ride a specific bike. My bike this season that I bought from an independent bike shop is this 2022 Trek Rail 9.8 XT.
Why?
A combination of things: Some people say you shouldn’t buy an ebike because of a specific motor. But I’ve grown to really like the Bosch, the way it delivers power, and the outright grunt. Sure, there are things that suck, like that new remote control, the bulkiness of the screen. But they are lower down on the priority list to me. A motor really changes the characteristics of how a bike behaves and climbs, so I narrowed it down to the Bosch.
I also wanted a full 29er. Loads of bikes are going mullet, but I’ve decided that full 29er is for me. I’m certain I’m faster on 29er, although mullet brings some benefits, they’re not enough to make me want one over a 29er.
The Rail rides great. Its not a nimble warrior like some lighter ebikes, it’s brawler, can smash its way though stuff. And that matches my riding style! Geometry is great. Long, slack, low BB. Oh, I sized down for this year to a L. They are bigger, a lot bigger than last years!
Also its easy to over stroke the shock to give more travel, and paired with a 170mm fork (either air shaft upgrade the 160mm or a new 170mm). This gives 170F 163R, 63.5 HA and that will really help when I take it to the Alps this summer. Longer travel ebikes just work so well. Hardly any downsides for me.
There are so many amazing ebikes out there. As long as you’re buying something from a reputable brand, you’re going to get an amazing machine, capable of so much. Pick what works for you and what you ride and you’ll be ripping it up having an amazing 2022 on an ebike!
Can’t wait to get this one charged, set up and go out. Weathers looking good outside. And my new bike needs some battle scars on it already!!
But no place is safe from me, just broke the mount on my stem mounted Garmin.
Sorry! You looking for one? Msg me
