Advice: Starting from scratch

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WABirdNerd

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I am a 53 yo male in Western Australia and I am about to buy my very first eMTB.
I am planning just trail riding at this early stage, I would like to hear peoples oppinion as to what should my first eMTB be?
 
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Hi mate, was in a similar situation as a 58yr old.

I thought about what I could realistically do, and continue to do as I wear out further 😂

First is budget.

Range was a major consideration, as I didn't want to get to the other end, and then run out of puff. Get you home Hand throttle essential 😉

What sort of terrain trails? Hilly, flat, single trail etc etc. This sort of dictates the power you want available, so motor size. I ended up with a Bafang mid drive, others swear by hubs, hence budget.

There is much more, and I'm sure others will chime in as you go through the journey.

Cheers,

Tim
 
In Australia, if you are just starting out, it's pretty hard to go past the new Merida E160 400 at AUD$4994.

Reasons being it has the top of the line EP801 Shimano Motor, and the 630Wh Shimano battery so you won't have any battery issues, that come from running the Shimano compatible batteries. And with that motor, you will not need to upgrade that motor for the foreseeable future, no matter how advanced in the riding you become.

The Transmission is basic for a EMTB, but if you really get into riding, you can easily and cheaply upgrade to the Electronic 11 speed Linkglide transmission, which will give you Autoshift and Freeshift.

The Fork is capable but heavy, so is another point of upgrade if you really enjoy the riding.

The rear shock is probably good enough to see you through to some pretty advanced riding. But once again, if you are really pushing the bike in the future. You can upgrade it.

I believe this is the best bang for buck in an Enduro capable EMTB in Australia, if you are just starting out. If you end up just sticking to Trail riding. You won't need to upgrade anything. But if you really love the sport and want to try more technical terrain. The bike will be capable, but best to upgrade those 3 items I talked about.

Best of luck with it.

1737942308313.png

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WABirdNerd said:
I would like to hear peoples oppinion as to what should my first eMTB .
Click to expand...
In my opinion, purchasing from a local bike shop (LBS) with reputable eMTB’s will be a good choice. Manufacturers motor type is another factor. (4-5).

Most of the other stuff is upgradable, changeable or personal (depending on the type of riding) or how big your wallet is?
 
Stihldog said:
In my opinion, purchasing from a local bike shop (LBS) with reputable eMTB’s will be a good choice.
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Yep, agree. 99 bikes has several stores in Perth. And they have been hugely supportive when you go in. And Merida is very reputable. That's why I suggested that bike. But yes there are many reputable Bike brands.
Stihldog said:
Most of the other stuff is upgradable,
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Motors and batteries are sometimes not easy to upgrade. So in my opinion, if you start with the best that's offered by a supplier. You should be good for the life of the bike, no matter your own personal growth in ability.
 
Astro66 said:
Yep, agree. 99 bikes has several stores in Perth. And they have been hugely supportive when you go in. And Merida is very reputable. That's why I suggested that bike. But yes there are many reputable Bike brands.

Motors and batteries are sometimes not easy to upgrade. So in my opinion, if you start with the best that's offered by a supplier. You should be good for the life of the bike, no matter your own personal growth in ability.
Click to expand...
Yeah. I’m fortunate that there are 3 reputable LBS’s within 10km of me. That narrowed my choices to any Trek, Spesh, Giant, Santa Cruz etc etc.

I eventually settled for a Trek Rail 9.7. I’ve since added a Trek Fuel EXE to the stable and upgraded both of those bikes to DEATH…my wallet is smaller now.
 
Hello
Maybe try to demo a few bikes and see what feels good most LBS will be happy to show you what's on offer.......bike fit above all else as you'll be spending some serious hours in that saddle.

Personally I'd go mid drive from a mainstream brand with a proper warranty and at least 600wh battery.

Other than that as above 😊
 
When you do the test ride, check out the differences in ride and experience that the different motors and their controls deliver. You may not like the jerky ride that some motors deliver on slow corners, or the multiple power modes. But you may prefer their extra peak power or torque. The ability to service them yourself (or not) may be a huge decision factor for you. Shimano motors are particularly good at delivering a ride experience that I would term as just like you on an mtb, only ten years younger. It was that feature more than anything else that convinced me to buy my first emtb. It was the first ebike that I rode (out of eight) where it all felt natural and that I was not actually riding a motorbike.
 
Thank you all so much for your input, I really appreciate the honesty.
I know I probably want range more than anything else, not interested in trying to kill myself over jumps or crazy downhill terrain and rocks.
Budget is limited as I am married haha.
 
WABirdNerd said:
Budget is limited as I am married haha.
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A few words of hard won advice 😉

I had a ocean going yacht for a long time. I learnt to navigate the treacherous waters of discussing boat 'accessories' with my dear wife in this manner. A said accessory would cost only 1 Boat Unit (1xBU=$1000) I'm sure you'll join the dots 😁

Perhaps use the term Bike Unit (BU=$100) for example...

On a more serious note, if you don't have much in the way of gear, to get the stuff you need to make it a more pleasurable experience (rather than a marginal slog) budget at least 10 Bike Units for stuff, and get a decent towball mounted bike rack (another 10BU).

All this stuff adds up.
 
Yeah, it looks like 99Bikes are the place to shop in Oz. I got my Merida from 99 in NZ and I have been really happy with it.
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It looks like there are a lot of options under $5500AUD, so with the exception of the "Pedal Titan", I'd say you couldn't really go wrong with any in that range.
I would advise taking a few for a ride, seeing which feels best to you, from a fit and finish perspective.
It's a big investment and you dont want buyer's remorse.
I have a friend in his forties who is about to pull the trigger on an eBike for the first time and he has narrowed his search down to the Polygon N8e (which is only available from Bikes Online in Oz, I think) and the Merida e160 675.
He's been riding a few years and he and I ride together fropm time to time, but he's a tall, heavy guy, so wanted a robust and more "enduro" style machine.
 
Here are a couple thoughts.
1)E bikes are tough on rear hubs, many budget e bike spec crap rear hubs.
2) alloy frames are cheaper and they allow manufacturers to spec higher end components for the same price. Most alloy frames are more durable in crashes so that’s another benefit.
3) my advice is avoid low and mid powered bikes, you want to work harder put the bike in economy mode.
4)suspension matters, try to buy the highest specs you can afford. A crap fork or rear shock will disappoint.

Hope that helps.
 
WABirdNerd said:
Budget is limited as I am married haha.
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Minimum you'll spend on a decent new dual suspension is AUD$5K

If you need cheaper, you'll need to look at a hardtail. Still probably about AUD$4K new.

I wouldn't go much cheaper than that. You might have issues, and you'll kick yourself.
 
I found a Specialzed Turbo Levo Alloy for $6499 on sale.
Everything in me is saying this is a great bargin but being a 2023 am I setting myself up for issues? or is all that stuff things I wouldnt even notice?
 
WABirdNerd said:
I found a Specialzed Turbo Levo Alloy for $6499 on sale.
Everything in me is saying this is a great bargin but being a 2023 am I setting myself up for issues? or is all that stuff things I wouldnt even notice?
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Great bike. 2023 is fine. Fork and shock aren't hi-spec. But a good starting point.
 
WABirdNerd said:
I found a Specialzed Turbo Levo Alloy for $6499 on sale.
Everything in me is saying this is a great bargin but being a 2023 am I setting myself up for issues? or is all that stuff things I wouldnt even notice?
Click to expand...
Not sure where you live but in the USA the 2025’s are very up spec and cheaper.
 
Greetings mate from Glasgow in Bonnie Scotland

Here’s my tuppence worth of advice based on my experience

It’s a minefield out there deciding what to buy based on your wants/needs and what is actually available from the dealers.
Therefore I can’t honestly recommend “A” particular bike.

Buy what YOU like and remember that as well as all the good advice given there’s also plenty of haters out there who go out there way to tell you a completely different story.

I ended up with major buyer’s remorse after buying a midpowered
lightweight non removable battery type of expensive emtb after becoming obsessed with all the negative online comments so much that I considered selling it immediately.

I’ve since learned to enjoy it for what it is and remembered why THIS was my choice.

These are expensive toys and WILL go wrong sooner or later,hopefully your good wife will still be on side once this new purchase honeymoon period is over.👍
 
Never buy a Trek.... just saying. As a beginner, source a 2nd hand Specialized Levo. I have a 2023, bought in 2024 as a beginner. Check the specs. Don't get caught it in the hype. Good battery 700Wh, torque 90Nm and power 565W. Good luck.
 
lar1337 said:
Why never a Trek?
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Must’ve had a bad experience with Trek. Do any other reputable brands have problems? Yup!

My main reason for buying an eMTB was proximity and easy access to a local bike shop (LBS).
 
lar1337 said:
Why never a Trek?
Click to expand...
Over here in RSA these bikes are more in the shop than on the road. I was told this by several friends who own them and when I was in the market. All e-bikes have shortcomings. Dont underestimate AI. It summarises what is out there in one place. Do the same even for Specialized. Still took me 3 months to decide. Other good options also available. Click the link. A Trek friend experienced loss of power just the other day riding with us. After a service. But decide for yourself.

 
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Tomash said:
A Trek friend experienced loss of power just the other day riding with us.
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Yeah. I’ve had that problem with my 2020 Trek Rail. So has my neighbor and several riding buddies. It’s a common problem. But in every one of those issues it was poor battery alignment. Easy fix.

In almost 6 years I don’t remember if I’ve had a warranty claim for my Trek Rail. I ride daily, all types of weather, crossed rivers, blah blah blah and wash only when needed. It’s the upgrades I have a problem with. $$$$
 
I bought my first emtb in Jan'19 after a few months of looking around and testing. I didn't know about this excellent site and it had never occurred to me to look for negative reviews. All the reviews I found were positive. I chose my first emtb because it was the first one that I had tested that felt like me on a really good day and not just a sack of shit sat on a motorbike.

You could say that I was lucky, because apart from a dodgy charger (quickly fixed), I had zero problems with the bike, motor, battery, electrics, anything mechanical etc. Maybe I was lucky, but I have been equally lucky with my second bike by a different manufacturer. Motor still a Shimano, but an EP8 not an e8000.
 
Tomash said:
Over here in RSA these bikes are more in the shop than on the road. I was told this by several friends who own them and when I was in the market. All e-bikes have shortcomings. Dont underestimate AI. It summarises what is out there in one place. Do the same even for Specialized. Still took me 3 months to decide. Other good options also available. Click the link. A Trek friend experienced loss of power just the other day riding with us. After a service. But decide for yourself.

Click to expand...
Latest Gen Trek is all Bosch though so if it sucks it'll be the same on all Gen 5 Bosch bikes I guess
 
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