best mid-powered bike right now?

Dave_B

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I know it's subjective, but in everyone's considered opinion, what is currently the best mid-powered bike at the moment?
I really like the new Trek Fuel+ and the Slash+ with the new TQ60Nm motor. If I got the Fuel+ I would get the LX with 170mm travel.
I don't want to go over 20Kg for the build/spec.
 
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I know it's subjective, but in everyone's considered opinion, what is currently the best mid-powered bike at the moment?
I really like the new Trek Fuel+ and the Slash+ with the new TQ60Nm motor. If I got the Fuel+ I would get the LX with 170mm travel.
I don't want to go over 20Kg for the build/spec.
Damo and Dan were riding the New YT's in Surrey on Saturday, obviously the best bike ever, but they seemed to like it.
 
Whyte elyte works looks good value on sale at £6500, but if you want longer travel then it's probably not the best option for you.

The slash+ doesn't use the hpr60 motor, it still uses the hpr50.
 
Whyte elyte works looks good value on sale at £6500, but if you want longer travel then it's probably not the best option for you.

The slash+ doesn't use the hpr60 motor, it still uses the hpr50.
it will use the HPR60 sometime soon I believe.....
 
I have a really hard time keeping a proper bike build under 20kgs. I currently have a Decoy SN MX and love it, but its over 21kgs (48lbs) with proper tires. My wife and I did a 24 hour demo of Fuel EXE bikes that were completely stock builds and they were over 45lbs.

My Decoy SN was 47lbs stock. After I swapped a Fox 38, DHX coil shock and DH Maxxis tires I was surprised it only gained a pound.
 
if I got the Fuel+ LX, which comes with a coil, I'd be immediately changing it for a RS Vivid Air.
Agree on tyres, they always add some weight, plus the pedals etc.......
 
I like the new Trek's (the new HP60 is MUCH better than the HP50, it's more efficient), and the RM Powerplay SL is dope and on sale everywhere with huge discounts. If I were buying a new SL, I'd buy the RM C50 (the base CF model, and save $3.5K), buy the mullet link and lots of trick parts and make it a 44# AM rig. Basically, convert it to a lightweight CF 'BC edition' with 150/ 160 travel. Class leading power (550w & 65NM), best range (480 battery and known great efficiency), tons of adjustability including Reach, removable battery in the best way from the bottom & it's a High Pivot rear suspension. That's a lot of good stuff. Two reviews I read praised the handling, saying the turning was phenomenal.

As far as that weight above of the Decoy, my XL Relay with dual coil suspension, dual DH tires, pedals & tools on board is only 45#s.

My Fazua has been very good to me, but I consider it a dying model and not something I'd buy again. It's unlikely to get updates or continue on. Also, even in a mid-power, I want a bit more power. Not much more, but a bit more as I keep my F60 in the top power mode full time and at times, it's still not enough for me.

PS. If anyone in the USA needs an XL carbon Relay, frame or complete bike, in the Fall, hit me up!
 
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If I were in the market for a mid-powered bike my first choice would be the Yeti MTe. My mate will normally sell any brand he carries as a frame only, I inquired about a MTe but was told that Yeti priced the bike so high that it doesn’t make sense for him to sell it like that.

My second choice would probably be the new Fuel+, mainly because you can buy it as a frame only for £4400 + another £260 for the LX rocker if you want the longer travel.
 
whyte elyte evo rs is a banger, not sure on exact weight but can't be that much and it's a total rocket.
 
My KSL is 20.5kg with a burly build and the RE fitted which was disappointing but it'll take anything and everything my clumsy fat arse has thrown at it.
 
I wouldn’t touch an YT with a 10 foot pole….. with the financial issues YT is having, you are taking a chance on future warranty coverage, just ask the Pole owners out there about that. My advice is see what shops near you sell, pick the shop, then the bike. JMO
 
I would hold out for the Slash+ to get the 60nm motor. The slash eliminates bumps and chop. Magic carpet ride but I haven't ridden a Yeti MTe.
 
The best mid power is a small battery light weight full power!

My full bosch Crestline s180 with 400wh battery takes the mid power win....

21.5kg, burly 180mm so its mid power weight for its travel, I set the tour plus at 70nm and can punch a 3 hour ride and around 1000mtr vert. Then if I get to a section than can't be cleaned mid power settings I wack it up to 85 or 100nm and boom shuckaluka.

I was close on to buying mid power but super glad I didn't and went for light weight full power with small battery option.

I spend most of my time in mid power mode with the small battery in riding around 70nm. But then when its time to do a brain melter full power ride with my mates I slap raw 600wh and go bananas.
 
This is outstanding value.


Trumped on value only by this.

 
The best mid power is a small battery light weight full power!

My full bosch Crestline s180 with 400wh battery takes the mid power win....

21.5kg, burly 180mm so its mid power weight for its travel, I set the tour plus at 70nm and can punch a 3 hour ride and around 1000mtr vert. Then if I get to a section than can't be cleaned mid power settings I wack it up to 85 or 100nm and boom shuckaluka.

I was close on to buying mid power but super glad I didn't and went for light weight full power with small battery option.

I spend most of my time in mid power mode with the small battery in riding around 70nm. But then when its time to do a brain melter full power ride with my mates I slap raw 600wh and go bananas.
“ boom shakalaka” surely?
 
This is outstanding value.


Trumped on value only by this.



They had a Spectral OnFly which was dirt cheap also.
 
The best mid power is a small battery light weight full power!

My full bosch Crestline s180 with 400wh battery takes the mid power win....

21.5kg, burly 180mm so its mid power weight for its travel, I set the tour plus at 70nm and can punch a 3 hour ride and around 1000mtr vert. Then if I get to a section than can't be cleaned mid power settings I wack it up to 85 or 100nm and boom shuckaluka.

I was close on to buying mid power but super glad I didn't and went for light weight full power with small battery option.

I spend most of my time in mid power mode with the small battery in riding around 70nm. But then when its time to do a brain melter full power ride with my mates I slap raw 600wh and go bananas.
How did you adapt the 400 Wh battery into the 600/800 Wh slot?
 
How did you adapt the 400 Wh battery into the 600/800 Wh slot?
there's battery adapters that click on to your battery so the smaller battery takes up the same space as a larger one.
Saves people have to adjust the battery rail.
 
there's battery adapters that click on to your battery so the smaller battery takes up the same space as a larger one.
Saves people have to adjust the battery rail.
Yes, I know about other types of batteries, but I haven’t seen an adapter for the Bosch 400 W compact battery
 
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converted ebike with cheap components and easy to maintain. why? Because I cycle for the commute approximately. 25km return daily
 
I'm with Suns-PSD. I demo'd every mid-powered bike I could, and went with the Transition Relay PNW carbon which comes in around 20kg/44lbs. I'm in Southern California where every ride starts with a long climb, and I rarely need more than the least amount of assist. I've ridden in Tahoe, Utah and Nevada, and it's an excellent bike. Plus, this bike shreds on the descents. I've had great luck with the Fazua, but it's a bummer there have been so many issues for other riders and they still haven't come out with an extender.
 
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