Scared about reliability

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tws_andrew

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I am close to pulling the trigger but the horror stories I get with most every brand and down time or worse yet fighting warranty is keeping me at bay. I am looking at a Levo SL but honestly want reliability more than anything. I have been looking at 22-24 thinking the more simple electronics take away some of the possible issue points. I am open to any brand. I currently ride pivot and niner analog. Is there a most or more reliable solution? Every brand I look into seems to have major issues
 
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Not worried about breaking stuff. I am worried about motor failures. All the dealers around me are honestly behind on warranty stuff with motors in about every brand
 
tws_andrew said:
Not worried about breaking stuff. I am worried about motor failures. All the dealers around me are honestly behind on warranty stuff with motors in about every brand
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Bosch, Avinox, brose all are pretty dang reliable. I had zero issues with all mine and it’s pretty rare to hear of something for how many bikes are out there. What failures are you hearing about?

Worst case you go without your bike a month. The bike that you already don’t have lol. Man we have it good these days
 
Everyone says Bosch is the way to go with regard to reliability.
I have had a Shimano for 18 months and done around 1000km - no issues.
My son's Bosch CX Gen 2 has around 2000km and hasn't missed a beat.

I think if you look after your bike and have a good relationship with a local dealer you're as close to safe as you can be.
 
tws_andrew said:
I am close to pulling the trigger but the horror stories I get with most every brand and down time or worse yet fighting warranty is keeping me at bay. I am looking at a Levo SL but honestly want reliability more than anything. I have been looking at 22-24 thinking the more simple electronics take away some of the possible issue points. I am open to any brand. I currently ride pivot and niner analog. Is there a most or more reliable solution? Every brand I look into seems to have major issues
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It’s worth keeping in mind that what you read online is often affected by a strong selection bias. People who are satisfied with their products rarely feel the need to post about it, whereas those experiencing issues are naturally more vocal: they’re looking for solutions or simply venting frustration. Moreover, criticism attracts more clicks and attention than happy comments. As a result, the overall picture can appear much more negative than it actually is.

This applies to every product, service or shop.

I know quite a few friends and colleagues who own e-bikes, and I honestly can’t recall hearing any significant complaints about reliability. My own e-mtb (Trek Powerfly 7 FS, Bosch Performance CX motor) is now four years and several thousands km old, and it has been completely trouble-free so far. Just ordinary maintenance stuff.

Of course, no product is perfect, but based on real-world usage around me, reliability doesn’t seem to be a widespread concern.
 
With the exception of Fazua, current motors seem quite reliable. I disagree with your assertion about simpler electronics in 22-24, they would be fairly similar to today. Specilized SL, Levo 3, Bosch cx/sx have all proven themselves to my riding group in UK winter, I’d happily buy any of them. Avinox is proving very reliable according to my lbs.

First decide what bike you want for your riding style and terrain (180mm e-DH? 140mm trail?), decide if you want full fat winch/plumet for self shuttling or sl with more fitness required, then decide budget and see what brands fit that.

Buy new with warranty, consider what brands your local bike shop sells so you don’t have to drive miles or ship a bike if you have an issue.

Personally if I was buying today, I’d probably go Bosch SX as I never empty the battery on my CX in a single ride and the SX has proven very reliable. Transition regulator CX, Pivot Shuttle SL/AM maybe.
 
If you're buying a levo sl make sure you have a good local dealer, the last gen 2 levo sl I had, had 2 replacement motors within is first 2 years, and a kenevo I had a few years ago had 2 motors and a battery replaced in its first 2 years. They were replaced quickly with no drama from my local dealer though.
I know a few others who have had similar experiences but then again I know one or two that have had no issues.
Now on a Bosch cx5 and so far seems reliable.
I think the most important thing you can do is buy a bike with local support as there's a fairly good chance you may need it.
 
Or buy a cheaper used bike and buy a spare motor to keep in your bike shed :)

A few of our bikes are on the old EP800 motor, when I bought them used I factored in the price of a couple of new motors when they, according to the world, inevitably died. Still going strong several thousand miles in, but given what I paid for them, if anything does go wrong it’s not a biggie! I do always wash around the motor with a brush and bucket of water, I suspect hosepipes destroy a lot of motors.

If you buy new, I’d definitely get it from a local shop!
 
If you like the Pivot, demo their Bosch eMTB's. I've been very happy with the Shuttle SL/AM and its Bosch SX provides ample power (particularly with the firmware update pushing the torque to 60 nM). Between the SL/AM and a Transition Regulator SX, I've ridden over 3000 miles on Bosch SX motordrives without any problems (a vast improvement over a couple of previous bikes with Fazua 60).
 
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Before I purchased my Pivot SL Shuttle (Fazua Ride 60). My LBS (Mikes Bikes) who’s a authorized Bosch and Fazua repair like majority of lbs. They said the Fazua Ride 60 that had some issues when first rolling out couple + years ago. Have not had an issue for a while. When there was an issue there was no question with Fazua and sent out a new motor with warranty. All is good so far owning the SL Shuttle for two weeks with 50+ miles and 6k of climbing.
 
Mill72 said:
Before I purchased my Pivot SL Shuttle (Fazua Ride 60). My LBS (Mikes Bikes) who’s an authorized Bosch and Fazua repair like majority of lbs. They said the Fazua Ride 60 that had some issues when first rolling out couple + years ago. Have not had an issue for a while. When there was an issue there was no question with Fazua and sent out a new motor with warranty. All is good so far owning the SL Shuttle for two weeks with 50+ miles and 6k of climbing.
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Fingers crossed they’ve fixed the Fazua issues, enjoy the SL, I was blown away how well they rode. Absolutely sublime.
 
Mill72 said:
Before I purchased my Pivot SL Shuttle (Fazua Ride 60). My LBS (Mikes Bikes) who’s a authorized Bosch and Fazua repair like majority of lbs. They said the Fazua Ride 60 that had some issues when first rolling out couple + years ago. Have not had an issue for a while. When there was an issue there was no question with Fazua and sent out a new motor with warranty. All is good so far owning the SL Shuttle for two weeks with 50+ miles and 6k of climbing.
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Wish you luck with Shuttle SL. I had one, and 2 other eMTB (Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Ari Nebo Peak) with Fazua Ride 60. All needed motor or battery replacement within 1 year. Warranty covered them, but the down time and lack of confidence (especially when out on trails) convinced me to sell them and switch to Bosch SX builds.
 
I purchased 2, a 2021 levo sl and a 2023 kenevo sl 2 months ago used and we have done about 10+ rides and we have had no issues regarding electronics. They have about 600 to 700 miles and 100% battery health. The issues that we have had are more to wear and tear of the components. Im a handy person so naturally I decided to be the home mechanic. I used youtube and Gemini to help me with issues.

After looking over maintenance issues like sealant top up and brake bleeding, I would say the components that need extensive service or replacement are the slow to return cylinder of the the rear brake of the 6 yr old bike and and the seat post nitrogen cartridge of the 3 yr old manic seat post, which Gemini said is normal 🤷🏻‍♂️. It works fine but requires a little but of a butt slam to get it to work at the higher pt. When I use the other axs seat post it actuates much smoother.
 
I’m riding a 2023 Orbea Rise, which has a Shimano Ep801 motor. I have exactly 4223 miles on it and haven’t had any issues at all. Also, the Ep801 is much quieter than the Ep800 that was in my 2020 Rise.
 
Brawwp said:
It sounds like you should hit up your local dealer and buy what they carry. Most of the major brands are pretty reliable, but it’s bikes man, stuff’s gonna break.
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Plus few rider’s rely how well their ride is, just their problems. My ‘24 Cube has been very reliable. I do get mine service by LBS to stay on top of things. Major brands use good solid components that have been well tested.
 
I've just had the motor (Yamaha) on my Giant Reign E+1 replaced after four years and 5000 miles. I sent it back for service as I could feel a little play in the cranks (what would be bottom bracket on an acoustic bike) and Giant UK said they couldn't fix it. They discounted a replacement motor by £200 which I felt was fair enough. I have the old motor back as well and it still works so I have a spare if I need it and I may see if an independent motor repair centre can do anything with it (so get a second opinion).
I live and ride on the west coast of Scotland (which is very wet) so my bike has been subject to the worst possible conditions and I routinely jet wash it after a ride (a practice I will likely change with the new motor) but my motor has never missed a beat in all this time. My point is that most reputable ebike motors are pretty bomb proof even if you treat them like shit and if you treat them kindly (unlike me) they'll most likely last for ages. I'd just buy your new bike and go and have fun. If it's a quality bike from a reputable brand and you have a decent local bike shop to buy from you'll most likely be fine for ages. Happy riding.😉
 
tws_andrew said:
I am close to pulling the trigger but the horror stories I get with most every brand and down time or worse yet fighting warranty is keeping me at bay. I am looking at a Levo SL but honestly want reliability more than anything. I have been looking at 22-24 thinking the more simple electronics take away some of the possible issue points. I am open to any brand. I currently ride pivot and niner analog. Is there a most or more reliable solution? Every brand I look into seems to have major issues
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My gen 1 levo was faultless , my gen 3 levo did over 3000 miles , again faultless, my gen 4 levo has started well too , 1200 miles again faultless, but my riding mate has had gen 1-2 and 3 all had issues, but the dealer always got his bike going within hours of him taking it in , not days or weeks
 
Sounds like you are looking at the old first gen SL brose bikes with 35nm? If that is enough power for you those appear to be one of the most rock solid options for reliability. Lots of complains about the noise, but pretty much zero complaints out there about actual problems. Probably because the motor is operating well within its physical limits. But the assistance is truly minimal. Can be great if you're riding solo, but if you're riding with friends with full power bikes you'll be left in the dust. I loved my Kenevo SL, but sadly parted ways for this reason.

Agree about most issues being blown out of proportion on the internet, but also agree that it's a valid concern. Replacement costs are pretty serious and support can be hard to come by without going through dealers, meaning added expense of labor/fees.

Ultimately I'd focus more on the BIKE part of the bike to get what you want there, and if buying used just be sure to hold out for a clean and low mileage example (or a screamin deal that is so good you could survive a motor replacement down the road).

Only motor that seems truly horrid would have to be the Sram Powertrain, as evidenced by it completely disappearing from the industry.
 
I have 3885 miles on a five-year old Shimano EP8. Very recently, I sent the motor for a service. All it needed was new grease. The battery still shows the same range as the day I bought it. I have given the bike to my grandson in the certainty that as long as he doesn't behave like a lunatic, he will have trouble-free riding for years to come.

I had the same zero problem riding with my previous emtb with the Shimano steps e8000. No battery problems either, although I did have a problem with the charger for the battery that came with the e8000; it didn't like charging when under 10deg C. New charger (under warranty) fixed the problem.
 
Welcome
Whats your local got and more to the point do they know what there doing , if your worried about stuff start there .
 
steve_sordy said:
I have 3885 miles on a five-year old Shimano EP8. Very recently, I sent the motor for a service. All it needed was new grease. The battery still shows the same range as the day I bought it. I have given the bike to my grandson in the certainty that as long as he doesn't behave like a lunatic, he will have trouble-free riding for years to come.

I had the same zero problem riding with my previous emtb with the Shimano steps e8000. No battery problems either, although I did have a problem with the charger for the battery that came with the e8000; it didn't like charging when under 10deg C. New charger (under warranty) fixed the problem.
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I'm still riding a Moterra 2023 EP8, 4500miles and zero issues with motor or battery (I think earlier EP8's had hit or miss quality control, which damned them forever). My advice is on any emtb, is slow down when crossing streams, avoid submerging, and don't pressure wash anywhere near the crankshaft area. It'll be 6 months later before you realise you effed up.
 
Amber Valley Guy said:
" don't pressure wash anywhere near the crankshaft area. It'll be 6 months later before you realise you effed up."
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It was four years in my case but I agree with you in principle. I'll be changing my washing technique from here on and hand washing round the motor. For what it's worth I was using a Worx Hydroshot battery powered pressure washer on the eco setting (so not very high pressure, probably less than a garden hose) but it still took it's toll.
 
Ill echo what others have said. Buy what is locally stocked and yourl get the best service. I have had a good run out of bosch. So can recommend.

Ebikes have more to go wrong so prepare for more maintenance. Keep an mtb to when when the e isn't going them yourl still be able to ride.
 
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