What the hell to do with my perfect condition emtb?

[steve_sordy]

My bike is over four years old, and I have always loved it. But then I rode an Amflow! Only for 50 yards, up a steep hill. And I never braked, changed gear, or shifted the mode, so not a real test in any sense of the word! But I can say that I was instantly smitten! My mate was testing it for the day and he loved it so much that he bought one within a week despite loving his old bike. I now have an itch that needs scratching! But there is absolutely nothing wrong with my current bike. This is hard.

Until now, I had told myself that if the battery or motor failed I would replace them, as I would any other component. This bike is the first mtb I have ever owned where I have changed nothing at all except the contact points (grips, saddle, pedals). However, I firmly expect the bike to be stll going strong in at least a year's time and I would not be surprised if I was still riding it wherever I wanted to in two or three years time. But I want a new bike!

I know that life is too short to not get a new bike when it can be afforded, but my financially challenged upbringing makes it hard for me now to just dispose of something when there is nothing wrong with it.

TBH not sure what I'm going to do with the current bike. I'm considering a new one, despite there being absolutely nothing wrong with the one I have. Do I postpone a decision until next year then see how I feel? Should I keep it, sell it for the pittance that passes for market value these days, give it away to someone I like, or dismantle it and sell it for spares? (my current favourite, although it's a hassle).

An alternative option presented itself recently. The above mate, was knocked off his bike by a rider and pillion who then rode off on his bike, never to be seen again. He took a week to heal physically and mentally and then got a new-for-old payout on his five-year old bike! The payout was subject to the usual penny-pinching from his insurance company, but still....!. So he bought an Amflow and he does not miss his old much-loved bike one tiny bit. Hmmmm. (Get behind me Satan!!)

Any suggestions? Serious ones preferred, but I need a good laugh.

 

[RickBullotta]

My bike is over four years old, and I have always loved it. But then I rode an Amflow! Only for 50 yards, up a steep hill. And I never braked, changed gear, or shifted the mode, so not a real test in any sense of the word! But I can say that I was instantly smitten! My mate was testing it for the day and he loved it so much that he bought one within a week despite loving his old bike. I now have an itch that needs scratching! But there is absolutely nothing wrong with my current bike. This is hard.

Until now, I had told myself that if the battery or motor failed I would replace them, as I would any other component. This bike is the first mtb I have ever owned where I have changed nothing at all except the contact points (grips, saddle, pedals). However, I firmly expect the bike to be stll going strong in at least a year's time and I would not be surprised if I was still riding it wherever I wanted to in two or three years time. But I want a new bike!

I know that life is too short to not get a new bike when it can be afforded, but my financially challenged upbringing makes it hard for me now to just dispose of something when there is nothing wrong with it.

TBH not sure what I'm going to do with the current bike. I'm considering a new one, despite there being absolutely nothing wrong with the one I have. Do I postpone a decision until next year then see how I feel? Should I keep it, sell it for the pittance that passes for market value these days, give it away to someone I like, or dismantle it and sell it for spares? (my current favourite, although it's a hassle).

An alternative option presented itself recently. The above mate, was knocked off his bike by a rider and pillion who then rode off on his bike, never to be seen again. He took a week to heal physically and mentally and then got a new-for-old payout on his five-year old bike! The payout was subject to the usual penny-pinching from his insurance company, but still....!. So he bought an Amflow and he does not miss his old much-loved bike one tiny bit. Hmmmm. (Get behind me Satan!!)

Any suggestions? Serious ones preferred, but I need a good laugh.

Wait until you get it out on real trails for a proper ride. I am BLOWN AWAY. Not just by the power - but more by the overall handling and experience. I've had a Levo S-Works, a Pivot Shuttle, and an Orbea Rise over the years and this is the best ever. I was able to sell my Levo for about $5000 USD

 

[The Hodge]

If it's at all helpful..
Don't mind knocking you off your bike and doing off with it I can hide in the bushes on a pre-arranged part of Sherwood Pines at a date & time to suit yourself ..
I'll even stick around to call for an ambulance if needed..but I'd need to use your phone as I don't want mine to be traced ..
My fee is open to negotiation but wouldn't be too much more than petrol money if Im getting a decent bike out of it ..
However don't mention this arrangement to anyone otherwise the deal is off ..
Oh shit ..I thought I'd PM'd this ..

 

[Montana St Alum]

You could wait until you die of old age and have your estate sell it.
Or, you could sell it, get a new bike, and then die.
I'd go with option #3. Buy a new bike and let tomorrow take care of itself, and your old bike.

 

[Fangs2k]

I now have an itch that needs scratching!

If you want it, can afford it and there’s nothing more important you could spend the money on, then get it?

You’re a long time dead etc, but, apart from the ‘wow this is quick’ type feeling and the endorphin rush from buying something new, will it change how much you enjoy your riding?

I mean, you’ll just end up waiting for your grandson or the group riders even more at Sherwood Pines!

 

[Montana St Alum]

You’re a long time dead etc....

Probably true.
Definitely NBD.

 

[Albertocsoares]

I made up my mind about getting an Amflow after putting my friend’s Amflow on my truck. I had just installed my Expert G4, and the 5 kg weight difference made a huge impact. I’m 60 and love eMTB—losing that weight made my rides so much more fun. I’m also loving snagging KOMs on technical rock uphills! I know they won’t last long as more skilled riders start getting their own Amflows.

 

[kefconstruction]

I'd say just get one deal with the other issues regarding old bike tommorrow

 

[irie]

If you have the spare £ just buy the new bike you want then sell the old bike at your leisure. But price it to shift - you really don't want it cluttering up your garage and mind. Simples.

 

[Tony4wd]

Why would anyone want to have only one bike

Keep it as a spare for when the Amflow is out of action or for when you need to leave your bike in a less safe place.

 

[OnEdge]

I'm with Tony4wd,
This is what I did with my Tero X5 when I got my Levo Gen4. I told the wifey I wanted to get a new bike and keep the old one for guest riders so we didn't have to cough up big dollars on a demo bike when friends or family wanted to join me for a ride. It turned out out I've ridden it a few times myself, like today when it was all muddy out. I had SKS Mudrockers on it currently so I chose it instead of my Levo. It's kinda nice having multiple bikes . I have a static bike too, but it's not fun and barely gets ridden. ME-Bike not near as much fun as E-Bike

 

[MeatBike]

I'll be the angel on your other shoulder.

As there's nothing wrong with your current bike, stick with it and see what happens next year with the M2 motor and what other brands adopt the Avinox. Then you can be the envy of your mate.

 

[RustyIron]

I know that life is too short to not get a new bike when it can be afforded, but my financially challenged upbringing makes it hard for me now to just dispose of something when there is nothing wrong with it.

There once was a grape farmer. He had the oldest most luxuriant vines in the region. He got up early, tended his grapes all day, came in late, ate dinner, and went to bed. He did this every day of his life. He loved his vines so much that when the grapes became ripe, he couldn't bear to pick them. So they withered on the vine and fell to the ground when winter came. The farmer tended his vines every day of every month of every year, but he never harvested a grape, and never enjoyed a glass of wine. One day, instead of getting up to tend his vines, he was found dead.
The End.

Buy the bloody bike, Steve.

 

[Astro66]

But I want a new bike!

Jebus Steveo. You aren't a spring chicken. And we are all headed to the same place. Just some of us a little sooner than others.

Buy the new bike. Worry about disposing of the old one later. Just give it to a grandson or mate later, if you can't bear to sell it so cheaply.

My spare Merida E160 is lent out to mates all the time. So you can keep yours as a spare. Sure, every day that passes it is losing value. But if worrying about resale is troubling you. Fear not. At that place we are all headed too. You'll worry no more.

I am a massive tight-arse at heart. And my Amflow was one of my biggest purchases. I am so pleased I spent the money. It has completely changed the way I ride.

I love riding it. I love working on it. I love doing little upgrades. Life is good. ...........

 

[Highland Wheels]

Hang fire til Spring/Sea Otter next year Steve. Be lots more choice on the market then along with the updated Avinox

 

[Fangs2k]

I’ve ended up with more bikes than I should have, even for somebody who has always loved cycling.

When I think back to the most epic or most enjoyable days out, whether that’s alone or with others, what I seem to remember is the ride and often struggle to remember even what bike I was riding. Yeah, and I’m not even that old!

Quite often the antidote to NBAS (New Bike Acquisition Syndrome) is to just go out on a big ride to a new place. For me, riding the bike and being out in nature is the buzz, not what bike it is or how powerful the motor is.

I remember the sounds of suspension squishing, twigs snapping as tyres roll over them, the smell of pine trees and gorse, maybe finding somewhere quiet to stop in the forest for a minute and listen to leaves rustling. The chance encounters with a deer, squirrel or fox, or rounding a corner to a breathtaking view I’ve never seen before, those are the things I enjoy and the bike enables it, but it is secondary.

I don’t care how quick or powerful a bike is, that’s maybe why I don’t understand those who do.

 

[irie]

... those are the things I enjoy and the bike enables it, but it is secondary ...

This ^^^

 

[steve_sordy]

Probably true.
Definitely NBD.

NBD?

 

[Bndit]

I’ve ended up with more bikes than I should have, even for somebody who has always loved cycling.

When I think back to the most epic or most enjoyable days out, whether that’s alone or with others, what I seem to remember is the ride and often struggle to remember even what bike I was riding. Yeah, and I’m not even that old!

Quite often the antidote to NBAS (New Bike Acquisition Syndrome) is to just go out on a big ride to a new place. For me, riding the bike and being out in nature is the buzz, not what bike it is or how powerful the motor is.

I remember the sounds of suspension squishing, twigs snapping as tyres roll over them, the smell of pine trees and gorse, maybe finding somewhere quiet to stop in the forest for a minute and listen to leaves rustling. The chance encounters with a deer, squirrel or fox, or rounding a corner to a breathtaking view I’ve never seen before, those are the things I enjoy and the bike enables it, but it is secondary.

I don’t care how quick or powerful a bike is, that’s maybe why I don’t understand those who do.

Well said, I totally agree.

 

[Pyr0]

NBD?

New Bike Day?

 

[Montana St Alum]

New Bike Day?

Why yes, it is!

 

[Montana St Alum]

NBD?

Yep!
If there are components you like on your current bike, just shift them over. I have a friend who seemed to collect white water kayaks. H had an arrangement to keep a few at the shop, just so his wife wouldn't notice another kayak in the garage. No need for that, but you NEED that bike.

 

[Type1]

If you can afford it then go for it! As you say, life is too short.
I would then use your old bike as a way to get other friends, family, or those who can't afford an eMTB into the sport and to join you on rides. I imagine this in its self will give you a great sense of fulfilment.

 

[steve_sordy]

I’ve ended up with more bikes than I should have, even for somebody who has always loved cycling.

When I think back to the most epic or most enjoyable days out, whether that’s alone or with others, what I seem to remember is the ride and often struggle to remember even what bike I was riding. Yeah, and I’m not even that old!

Quite often the antidote to NBAS (New Bike Acquisition Syndrome) is to just go out on a big ride to a new place. For me, riding the bike and being out in nature is the buzz, not what bike it is or how powerful the motor is.

I remember the sounds of suspension squishing, twigs snapping as tyres roll over them, the smell of pine trees and gorse, maybe finding somewhere quiet to stop in the forest for a minute and listen to leaves rustling. The chance encounters with a deer, squirrel or fox, or rounding a corner to a breathtaking view I’ve never seen before, those are the things I enjoy and the bike enables it, but it is secondary.

I don’t care how quick or powerful a bike is, that’s maybe why I don’t understand those who do.

100% agree with you on the experience aspect. It is what I have always loved mtb. It's why I am still doing it twice as long as other sporting activities that I have pursued.
But there is a short climb on my regular trail that I used to be able to surmount on an unassisted mtb; it was hard, but I could do it even at 64. Now ten years later, I can't even get up it with my 85Nm of torque! Because of the orientation, it cannot be taken at speed; it is almost a standing start. I have tried everything, different rear tyre, different motor settings, different modes, sitting, standing, crouching, everything I can think of and everything my mate can think of. The problem is that my arthritic knees give up before I get to the top (2 seconds over run would work!) When I was briefly astride my mate's demo Amflow, I went up a longer steeper climb from a standing start. It wasn't easy, but I did it. Tomorrow, I will be trying his Amflow (yep, he bought one!) and I will soon see whether I can beat my Nemesis. It's a big test for me.
That is why I want/need a more powerful bike (maybe).

 

[Mikerb]

I think what you are contemplating is an impulse buy...nothing wrong with that as long as you recognise what your motives are so you do not end up disappointed.
I have 3 emtbs! 2 of them the same except for age. The third was a "NBD" itch albeit quite practically motivated. So my advice?
First, do not bin everything you have learnt about buying EMTBs...e.g. good warranty, good LBS service and backup, proven quality of brand, all the right components etc.
Second, there is no rush. Sleep on it, play the field...........there are plenty of more powerful motored bikes now to choose from if that is your priority.
Based on all the a bove the Amflow would not even be on my list!!

 

[steve_sordy]

I think what you are contemplating is an impulse buy...nothing wrong with that as long as you recognise what your motives are so you do not end up disappointed.
I have 3 emtbs! 2 of them the same except for age. The third was a "NBD" itch albeit quite practically motivated. So my advice?
First, do not bin everything you have learnt about buying EMTBs...e.g. good warranty, good LBS service and backup, proven quality of brand, all the right components etc.
Second, there is no rush. Sleep on it, play the field...........there are plenty of more powerful motored bikes now to choose from if that is your priority.
Based on all the a bove the Amflow would not even be on my list!!

Impulse buy! That is one of the reasons I will wait. I have a fairly expensive trip to Brisbane next year for a family wedding, plus a big project in the front garden. So I'm using that as an excuse to wait. I am heeding the advice of @MeatBike and @Highland Wheels in that respect to have something to look forward to. I have bought big items on impulse before and it never ended well, I I know what I'm like! Until I saw/rode the Amflow I wasn't even interested in it (flash in the pan, too early to tell etc). I was homing in on the Santa Cruz Vala, I have sat on one and rode it up and down a showroom, but hadn't got far enough to decide which model, or even arrange a test ride. So it was all daydream stuff.

But think of the fun I'm going to have contemplating, planning, researching, test riding, deciding and finally ...NBD!

 

[Fangs2k]

But there is a short climb on my regular trail that I used to be able to surmount on an unassisted mtb; it was hard, but I could do it even at 64. Now ten years later, I can't even get up it with my 85Nm of torque! Because of the orientation, it cannot be taken at speed; it is almost a standing start. I have tried everything, different rear tyre, different motor settings, different modes, sitting, standing, crouching, everything I can think of and everything my mate can think of. The problem is that my arthritic knees give up before I get to the top (2 seconds over run would work!) When I was briefly astride my mate's demo Amflow, I went up a longer steeper climb from a standing start. It wasn't easy, but I did it.

I’m not sure I’d be buying a new bike based on one climb, but I know that purchase justification takes many forms!

I’d be looking forward, as you say, to seeing what other bikes may use the Avinox, especially this M2 version that’s supposed to be coming.

The Megamo Reason AL looks an interesting option as well, should be available early next year.

 

[steve_sordy]

I’m not sure I’d be buying a new bike based on one climb, but I know that purchase justification takes many forms!

I’d be looking forward, as you say, to seeing what other bikes may use the Avinox, especially this M2 version that’s supposed to be coming.

The Megamo Reason AL looks an interesting option as well, should be available early next year.

No I wouldn't either, but whatever bike i get, it has to get me up that short climb.
I am also looking foward to the new season bikes.

 

[irie]

Hang fire til Spring/Sea Otter next year Steve. Be lots more choice on the market then along with the updated Avinox

If it was me I would wait for the V2 motor and V2 bike.

 

[Chaser]

I’m in a similar position myself. I’ve had my current bike 4 years, it’s been great but there are better options out there. The Amflow has been on my radar since about April, but I’ve only recently seen one and I’m now contemplating buying one. I know there is talk about V2, the new enduro models coming next year and a load of manufacturers signing up to Avinox. In some way I’d like to wait and see, but I also wonder whether the next gen will be more expensive because the Amflow was designed to flood the market and convince riders that a new manufacturer could come in and show established brands how it should be done. My current bike is losing about 70% of its value if I sell it and I’m similarly minded over value as you are. That said, part of me wonders whether to just keep it as a spare and as a bike I can try and tempt mates to join in the eMTB party. I’d even sell it to them but wary that these can suddenly just break at any point (EP8) and I don’t want to fall out with a mate over a bike.