Help me decide - light eMTB

[Hob Nob]

The Propain Sresh SL has the new TQ, certainly cheaper than the Yeti. Good efficiency, silent operation and decent sized battery appeals to me. I also think it's a nice looking bike.

But you could also get an Amflow and add some light bits to it and get it close to weight. Detune it for most rides, but have that boost when you want to get party laps.

I have a Forbidden on order, so will be going the latter route (when though it will never be light).

Yep, the Propain does look good - definitely one to also consider. I like the fact it’s customisable too - I can’t really see the point of a massive fork/coil on it, mostly as I have a 22kg 800wh Bosch bike as my self uplift bike, but in the lighter trail spec it looks like it makes a lot of sense.

The comments pop up always about an Amflow, but I literally couldn’t be less interested, the approach of shilling bikes into the market & the whole “do you even ebike if you don’t Amflow/Avinox” is wearing a bit thin.

Having ridden one, the bike is pretty average & whilst the form factor is nice, riding up hills a couple of % faster than my Bosch bike doesn’t interest me.

Plus every single one I’ve now ridden, (Amflow, Unno & Forbidden) all rattle like an old Bosch.

I’m glad other brands are putting them on other bikes now, it’s amazing how much hype you can get with a load of free bikes & some headline power numbers

 

[Hawk13]

I agree the Propain does look good ...but beyond my budget. And no way would I risk buying a bike that i can't test ride and has no local dealer back up.

As I say, I can get a Trek Exe 9.7 and a spare battery with change from £4,000.

 

[Dax]

I am not concerned about having to peddle uphill - and in fact I want to. Even more so if it gives me the feeling that I want when riding - which is not a 25kg full fat bruiser.

Sounds like SL is definitely the way to go. Other than shuttling downhill laps, I far prefer riding my SL to my full fat, it feels more bike. I get about 25 miles/3500ft on a KSL without RE, mix of trail eco and a dash of turbo occasionally, don’t understand what everyone’s talking about with limited range.

Yes, Amflow are leading the charge on lower weight full power bikes but I would say that even the entry level bike (which needs a good few upgrades IMO) is 50% above my budget and weights 22kg. I am also concerned about a lack of dealer network in the UK.

Amflow dealer support in the UK is actually quite good. I had a long chat with the manager of my LBS on Amflow (who knows I’m not buying one, so it wasn’t a sales pitch). Apparently they have sold loads, had much less failures than Levo/Bosch, and when they do have a failure, they call the uk importer and have parts next day. I’m still not buying an amflow, although it would be fun to try the e-Druid.

 

[Ride 2d@y]

I have ridden both SL and full power on our local trails. I sold my Levo SL a few years ago because I hated the range anxiety plain and simple - no fun riding Eco or off on the longer rides etc. I am back on full power these days.

 

[Hob Nob]

Sounds like SL is definitely the way to go. Other than shuttling downhill laps, I far prefer riding my SL to my full fat, it feels more bike. I get about 25 miles/3500ft on a KSL without RE, mix of trail eco and a dash of turbo occasionally, don’t understand what everyone’s talking about with limited range.

Like all these things, I think a large part of it applies to where & what you ride. Going metric on the above, 40km & 1000m of climbing is less than I do on a pedal bike, and as being a former KSL owner, if you turn it down enough to squeak 1500m of vert out of it, you might as well ride a normal bike, as the assistance is basically non existent.

 

[Bogdan_CH]

if you turn it down enough to squeak 1500m of vert out of it, you might as well ride a normal bike, as the assistance is basically non existent.

Finally more people need to admit this. Lugging a bike for hours in eco is the most ridiculous thing out there.

A regular bike does this way better.

 

[Dax]

Finally more people need to admit this. Lugging a bike for hours in eco is the most ridiculous thing out there.

A regular bike does this way better.

I find this a really odd statement. Whatever I can do on a regular bike, I can do more on an ebike. With a SL, the weight penalty isn’t enough to matter, but it’s useful extra range

 

[Bogdan_CH]

Any SL bike out there to ride 1500 vertical meters you can't venture outside of ECO too much. Maybe the new TQ bikes with the 580wh battery but even that not much outside middle support.

So we're talking of 100 to around 200w of support. It's not negligible but not ground breaking.

Over a long distance and with vertical climbs anyone becomes tyred so it's not going to easy.

So put that into balance with a 20 kgs bike and the other guy ridding a trail bike at 5 kgs lighter at just a tad lower pace. That weight difference is not negligible at all so the ideea is for long rides, light assist bikes don't make too much sense.

 

[Tekmotiv]

As a retailer for several brands we always suggest trying a few before you decide. Other than the amazing new Megamo Reason which is over the budget, definitely the Mondraker Sly and also things like Fantic Rampage ( TQ50 motor carbon frame ) could work for you as they are currently below the 4k depending on where you buy

 

[Hawk13]

As a retailer for several brands we always suggest trying a few before you decide. Other than the amazing new Megamo Reason which is over the budget, definitely the Mondraker Sly and also things like Fantic Rampage ( TQ50 motor carbon frame ) could work for you as they are currently below the 4k depending on where you buy

Thanks -appreciate the comments.

As regards everyone else who has commented that SL bikes are not for them, please take that to another thread. They are for me and I want help in deciding which bike to choose.

 

[NHrider]

Good morning,

I am new to EMTB having spent all of my time on an XC hard tail (and a BMX before that) but shot knees from playing rugby have led me to conclude that EMTB is the way forward. I have ridden a few over the years but was never sold due to massive weight and lack of 'feel' in single track and less technical descents.

Recently I have ridden a Trek Exe 9.5 and loved it. The TQ50 motor helped me when I needed it but wasn't intrusive and was relatively light. Don't get me wrong, coming from a 10kg hardtail it is very noticeable but manageable.

I have also ridden my mates Orbea Rise H20 which offerred more power and range but I am not sure I can deal with the motor rattle (and various other squeaks!)

And so I have been doing some research. Well a lot actually.

I have a budget of around £4k, want to be able to trial ride with a focus on singe track and speed but I still want to be able to hit a few tabletops and have narrowed it down to the following (being currently available on deals):

Trek Fuel Exe (be it 9.7, 9.8 or 8) depending on deal - love the motor, looks and the way it rides. Also liking a removable battery. LBS is a dealer.

Specialised Levo SL - not ridden one (yet) but understand motor is similar to TQ50. LBS is a dealer.

Mondraker Sly R - again not ridden one but seems to tick all of my boxes apart from no local dealer.

I also considered an Orbea Rise (like the power and range but discounted due motor rattle - am I being daft?) and Canyon Spectral On fly CF (put off by lack of dealer network).

Any thoughts? Anything I have missed as a contender? There seem to be lots of deals out there at the moment so very probably have overlooked something due to RRP.

I’ve been doing a lot of research as well. Talked to the guy who works on my bikes and he gave me two things to think about. He warned me about the Specialized turbo levo in that his comment was “Turbo Levo= Pedal Strike City”. It’s rocky here so that can be an issue. Then there’s the Orbea Rise. I really like those bikes. He’s not a fan. Customer came in with one where he had to replace a cable from the controller to the motor. $17 cable, few hundred for the time it took to drop the motor, battery and disconnect everything, internally, route the cable and put it all back together. And he doesn’t usually complain about stuff. Darn. I still have that saved. Back to the research.

 

[RM Rilke]

I’m a big fan of the TQ platform. The difference between the 50 and 60 is marginal. The larger battery is nice. I have a Slash+ and I have no complaints. As a brawler that bike is surprisingly fun on normal trails as well. I also have a Scott Lumen with the 360 battery and an extender. I completed a 25 mile loop on pretty rough singletrack today with just the 360. The Lumen with a Fox 36 SL at 140mm is a very fun (and very light) trail bike. Horses for courses. I have tried the Fazua. Not my cup of tea. If I was going Bosch I would just get the CX. Variety is the spice of life though. Try the different platforms and see which one catches your fancy. I would go with the EXe as a quiver killer for a deal and never look back. The 360 and extender has been enough range for me.

 

[JP-NZ]

Ive got a upgraded Gen1 EX-e and love it. Some of those on close out are a steal spec wise. I'm sure you could pickup an extender or even 2nd 360 battery like me. Great bikes

 

[Hawk13]

I got to ride my mates Orbea Rise again on Wednesday. I just cannot live the motor rattle but it is very accomplished bike in almost every other way. After we swapped back, he had a low speed tumble and smashed his computer display which I am guessing will be expensive. I know that top tube mounted screens (like on the EXE) are somewhat Marmite, but I am beginning to see the benefits.

I have a 9.8 on loan for the day tomorrow and can see me liking it. An additional battery and/ or RE is on the cards for the long days (when I am not using my XC bike) if I pull the trigger.

At the moment I can get a 9.8 for under £4000 and for an 18kg bike, that is a steal IMO.

 

[VWsurfbum]

I got to ride my mates Orbea Rise again on Wednesday. I just cannot live the motor rattle but it is very accomplished bike in almost every other way. After we swapped back, he had a low speed tumble and smashed his computer display which I am guessing will be expensive. I know that top tube mounted screens (like on the EXE) are somewhat Marmite, but I am beginning to see the benefits.

I have a 9.8 on loan for the day tomorrow and can see me liking it. An additional battery and/ or RE is on the cards for the long days (when I am not using my XC bike) if I pull the trigger.

At the moment I can get a 9.8 for under £4000 and for an 18kg bike, that is a steal IMO.

Out of interest, what wheels were on the Rise?
to high an engagement can cause motor rattle.

 

[Hawk13]

Out of interest, what wheels were on the Rise?
to high an engagement can cause motor rattle.

Pretty sure they are Race Face something or others - standard fitment.

 

[VWsurfbum]

Pretty sure they are Race Face something or others - standard fitment.

OK not mega engagement then.

 

[KTMJack]

There is this thing if you moto and peddle you will love thing.

 

[derkoe]

I have driven the Ghost Path Riot Advanced and it is a great bike downhill and has a light assist motor (Fazua Ride). I'm not sure if you can get it in the UK - in Germany they are currently selling off quite cheap.
For example here at KL Bikes for € 2800 Path Riot Advanced

I'll also suggest trying the bike before buying.

 

[F4Flyer]

I do not like heavy ebikes nor do I need that type of power. The few that stand out are the Specialized Levo SL, the Trek Fuel exe, and the new Yeti. I'd be happy with either one, with my preference being for the quieter TQ motor. I currently have a Pivot Shuttle AM. It is pretty heavy and not that much fun to ride. I ride regular MTNs and road bikes and do not need or enjoy full power anyway. The main issue is that heavy bikes handle terribly. Get either one of those. I like the Yeti the best but I;d be happy to own either one.

 

[DanDeride]

Good morning,

I am new to EMTB having spent all of my time on an XC hard tail (and a BMX before that) but shot knees from playing rugby have led me to conclude that EMTB is the way forward. I have ridden a few over the years but was never sold due to massive weight and lack of 'feel' in single track and less technical descents.

Recently I have ridden a Trek Exe 9.5 and loved it. The TQ50 motor helped me when I needed it but wasn't intrusive and was relatively light. Don't get me wrong, coming from a 10kg hardtail it is very noticeable but manageable.

I have also ridden my mates Orbea Rise H20 which offerred more power and range but I am not sure I can deal with the motor rattle (and various other squeaks!)

And so I have been doing some research. Well a lot actually.

I have a budget of around £4k, want to be able to trial ride with a focus on singe track and speed but I still want to be able to hit a few tabletops and have narrowed it down to the following (being currently available on deals):

Trek Fuel Exe (be it 9.7, 9.8 or 8) depending on deal - love the motor, looks and the way it rides. Also liking a removable battery. LBS is a dealer.

Specialised Levo SL - not ridden one (yet) but understand motor is similar to TQ50. LBS is a dealer.

Mondraker Sly R - again not ridden one but seems to tick all of my boxes apart from no local dealer.

I also considered an Orbea Rise (like the power and range but discounted due motor rattle - am I being daft?) and Canyon Spectral On fly CF (put off by lack of dealer network).

Any thoughts? Anything I have missed as a contender? There seem to be lots of deals out there at the moment so very probably have overlooked something due to RRP.

I really really love the ride & performance of my Levo SL. If you can try out a demo there I think you'll like it.

 

[Crazylegs1892]

I don't own an EMTB and I'm in a similar situation as yourself. I have however done a lot of work reading and research on SL. To me the Motor in the TQ isn't powerful enough unless you're extremely fit. If it were me I'd be going Bosch SX and something like the Mondraker Sly R or the Marin Rift zone EL1. The SX can run up to 600w peak power but from what I've read it's nearer 500 and with the recent 60nm upgrade, that extra power comes in at a slightly lower cadence albeit it's still a motor that requires a high cadence to get the best out of.

If you're unfit then anything with the Bosch CX over a Shimano motor. The 2025 Mondraker Chaser is full power Bosch CX and looks good for 4k or you have a Haibike ALLTRAIL 8 as well.

 

[MikeP]

Hawk - unless I missed it, you didn't mention your usual ride? How long (time or distance), what kind of terrain, etc.

Reason I ask, is that as an EXe owner and first eMTB buyer, I totally get the desire for buying something that's familiar but gives a little help, as opposed to a whole different sport (which full fat eMTB can seem to be).

I love my EXe, because it rides like a (slightly heavy) trail/enduro bike, but allows me to squeeze a lot more riding into the 2-3 hours I normally have available, and I get a proper workout. So SL bikes work for me, but I've done a few laps on friends' full fat bikes and had a great time too - I think you'd adjust pretty quickly if that's what you had.

So back to the original question - what sort of riding do you do / want to do? I would say if you want something that gives a lot of assist for rides over about 2-3 hours / 20 miles, you might find yourself draining the TQ 360 Watt/hour battery a lot, and needing to carry a spare. Not the end of the world, but might nudge you into looking for something that goes a bit further.

In any case, £4k for a 9.8 is a massive bargain (I paid £5.7k for a 9.5 when they first released).

 

[SlowBloke]

I am still a big fan of the Bimotal Elevate. I can blast up the mountain with it and blast down the hill on a 26lb carbon bike. I can either put the motor 3.3lbs in my back pack or just leave it on. Takes only seconds to do that.
Have fun you all switching bikes and paying for two bikes.

You do you.

 

[Superses]

Good morning,

I am new to EMTB having spent all of my time on an XC hard tail (and a BMX before that) but shot knees from playing rugby have led me to conclude that EMTB is the way forward. I have ridden a few over the years but was never sold due to massive weight and lack of 'feel' in single track and less technical descents.

Recently I have ridden a Trek Exe 9.5 and loved it. The TQ50 motor helped me when I needed it but wasn't intrusive and was relatively light. Don't get me wrong, coming from a 10kg hardtail it is very noticeable but manageable.

I have also ridden my mates Orbea Rise H20 which offerred more power and range but I am not sure I can deal with the motor rattle (and various other squeaks!)

And so I have been doing some research. Well a lot actually.

I have a budget of around £4k, want to be able to trial ride with a focus on singe track and speed but I still want to be able to hit a few tabletops and have narrowed it down to the following (being currently available on deals):

Trek Fuel Exe (be it 9.7, 9.8 or 8) depending on deal - love the motor, looks and the way it rides. Also liking a removable battery. LBS is a dealer.

Specialised Levo SL - not ridden one (yet) but understand motor is similar to TQ50. LBS is a dealer.

Mondraker Sly R - again not ridden one but seems to tick all of my boxes apart from no local dealer.

I also considered an Orbea Rise (like the power and range but discounted due motor rattle - am I being daft?) and Canyon Spectral On fly CF (put off by lack of dealer network).

Any thoughts? Anything I have missed as a contender? There seem to be lots of deals out there at the moment so very probably have overlooked something due to RRP.

I have an Orbea Rise and have had no issues with it. One issue that has come up relates to the inability to remove the battery for charging in Hotels and B@B's( In addition to the concern they have regarding fire risk when charging) Some do not even like storage in an outbuilding...........

 

[Hawk13]

Hawk - unless I missed it, you didn't mention your usual ride? How long (time or distance), what kind of terrain, etc.

Reason I ask, is that as an EXe owner and first eMTB buyer, I totally get the desire for buying something that's familiar but gives a little help, as opposed to a whole different sport (which full fat eMTB can seem to be).

I love my EXe, because it rides like a (slightly heavy) trail/enduro bike, but allows me to squeeze a lot more riding into the 2-3 hours I normally have available, and I get a proper workout. So SL bikes work for me, but I've done a few laps on friends' full fat bikes and had a great time too - I think you'd adjust pretty quickly if that's what you had.

So back to the original question - what sort of riding do you do / want to do? I would say if you want something that gives a lot of assist for rides over about 2-3 hours / 20 miles, you might find yourself draining the TQ 360 Watt/hour battery a lot, and needing to carry a spare. Not the end of the world, but might nudge you into looking for something that goes a bit further.

In any case, £4k for a 9.8 is a massive bargain (I paid £5.7k for a 9.5 when they first released).

It depends is the honest answer. I can either be out for a 90 minute thrash, all day (70 mile) XC or social pub to pub.

But mainly I am out for a couple of hours at a time which I know is enough with the EXe battery as I have ridden one for that amount of time.

Anything much longer than that will require a it of thinking but, direction of travel is currently a 9.8 and I add a spare battery and RE to my cycle to work order. I am very used to riding with a camel pack with 2 litres of fluid which is about the same as carrying a spare battery and an RE adds a kilo. So 18kg bike plus spare battery plus RE = 21kg for 800w (and that's worse case scenario if I can't leave bits in the car as I would at a trail center). Yes I get that I am still limited to 50 torque but on test rides have never felt the need for more.

I am also keeping my XC bike.

 

[Fangs2k]

I am very used to riding with a camel pack with 2 litres of fluid which is about the same as carrying a spare battery and an RE adds a kilo. So 18kg bike plus spare battery plus RE = 21kg for 800w (and that's worse case scenario if I can't leave bits in the car as I would at a trail center).

You don’t need to add weight you’re carrying onto the bike weight, the only time you’ll get extra bike weight is when you have the RE fitted.

Yes, you’ll weigh more carrying a pack, but the lighter bike underneath you will still be a benefit in my humble opinion.

The battery weight on your pack is just more sprung weight and your 18kg bike doesn’t become 21kg anymore than it becomes 98kg when you sling an 80kg rider on it.

 

[Hawk13]

You don’t need to add weight you’re carrying onto the bike weight, the only time you’ll get extra bike weight is when you have the RE fitted.

Yes, you’ll weigh more carrying a pack, but the lighter bike underneath you will still be a benefit in my humble opinion.

The battery weight on your pack is just more sprung weight and your 18kg bike doesn’t become 21kg anymore than it becomes 98kg when you sling an 80kg rider on it.

Agreed ... my 'maths' was intended to demonstrate that range anxiety isn't going to be an issue and that a 25kg full fat bruiser is not required.

As you say, having a lighter bike under me is an important consideration

 

[Fangs2k]

Agreed ... my 'maths' was intended to demonstrate that range anxiety isn't going to be an issue and that a 25kg full fat bruiser is not required.

As you say, having a lighter bike under me is an important consideration

For my ‘big day out’ rides, I often take my Specialized Levo SL (1st Gen) at 17.5kg and 2 x 250Wh REs in my pack, giving 820Wh available.

I prefer having a ‘light’ bike under me over my 21kg full power bike with larger frame battery.

That said, each has pros and cons, and depends what kind of terrain I’ll be covering, but I like to have the option of a lighter bike and the possibility of extending a ride rather than carrying a large battery that I never get through on shorter 2 hour rides.

I think you’ll be happy with the EXe, I was admiring a black one in a bike shop a couple of weeks back.

 

[Hawk13]

I think you’ll be happy with the EXe, I was admiring a black one in a bike shop a couple of weeks back.

As shallow as it sounds, bike colour is a consideration!

My LBS has agreed to hold a 9.8 in deep smoke (dark grey / black) for me