Entry Level Bike - Anyone have 2 cents?

[SirPj]

I have been researching entry level eMTB's (available in Japan) for the purpose of providing tours to outdoors people, not necessarily hardcore mountain bikers. Here is my short list:

Giant - Fathom E+ Pro
Panasonic - XM2
Merida - Ridge-Runner
Yamaha - YPJ-XC

What do you think? Any and all feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[SirPj]

UPDATE: more research, more thinking... more budget. Full suspension over hard tail. Back to looking at options.

Any and all feedback welcomed.

 

[CodyDog]

I always suggest no matter what you buy, if possible, purchase from a LBS.

 

[SirPj]

Thanks CodyDog! Will definitely go to a LBS to assure reliable after sales support. Really grappling with this decision as I need to buy x5 bikes. I will get one first to try for a little while and then assuming all is okay, the rest.