Recent content by Bad Mechanic

I had the e*13 base pedals. Within a year both pedals had developed a shocking amount of play. This appears to be a common issue with them. I replacement them with Deity Deftraps which have been perfect. I'm not interested in touching another e*13 product. Yes, their warranty might be good...

FYI, eMTBs wear their chains a lot faster than normal mountain bikes. That's why it's important to regular check your chain for wear with a gauge or ruler, and change the chain as soon as it's worn. If you want more longevity, either go with Shimano Link Glide (cheap) or high end SRAM (expensive).

Have your tried way oil?

If you don't mind spending a bit of money, buy. Marzocchi Bomber CR and send it to Avalanche to replace the stock shaft with a chromed steel shaft. You'll still need to service the shock regularly, but the shaft won't break.

Welcome to Specialized suspension! They insist on using a long clevis mount which puts a LOT of side load on the shock. Breaking coil shafts and wearing out air shocks is a very common issue. It's something they've FINALLY addressed with the latest Kenevo. Basically, this will keep happening...

How are the hitches different?

I don't know what their availability is in Europe, but I'm the States the go-to rack is 1UP. All metal construction, all parts available separately, they only touch the tires if the bikes, expandable up to 4 bikes, and loads of available options. After owning one, I would never use anything else.

I'm late to the party, but Ohlins. Their dampers actually work and can be effectively tuned. Design and architecturally they're in a different class than Fox.

I absolutely hate Magura brakes. I've had several sets fail, their bleed process is ridiculous, and all that plastic is absurd. If you want powerful brakes with a lot of bite, but very low maintenance, this is what your want: - Shimano 420 calipers. They have resin pistons which are less...

I purchase mine off eBay. There's a guy who breaks it down into 16oz bottles and sells those. Motorex Supergliss 68K is an alternative which might be easier to find.

You're missing the most important option: A completely serviceable motor and battery.

My first eMTB was a Husky Mountain Cross, and I loved how it fit me. However, I didn't want to worry about the Shimano motor breaking outside of warranty, so I'm on a Rocky Mountain now. Yeah, I still definitely miss the Husky, even though I love the Rocky.

It's a late reply, but for future reference: https://oldbikeshop.blogspot.com/2025/12/dyname-powerplay-transfer-chain.html

Just FYI. There are now aftermarket crankarms in the 150mm range which will work, though they're not cheap. If you pull the battery out your can increase the tension of the anti-rattle battery bracket which should solve the issue. Most quality chains now come in longer 126 link versions...

I recently did a deep dive on maintenance for the Dyname 4 transfer chain and wrote up an article. TL;DR - Don't use grease. - Use 20 weight way oil (Vacuoline 1409 is ideal). - Replace the transfer chain frequently. - Replace the motor sprocket o-rings frequently. Rocky Mountain Powerplay /...