Newbie, researching EMTB's

C

Crazylegs1892

New Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2025
Messages
20
Reaction score
7
Location
Conwy, North Wales
Hello all

I'm based in beautiful Conwy, North Wales. I own a 2020 Calibre Bossnut at the moment which I'm not getting much use of mainly as I'm struggling with fatigue.

I would like to get an emtb at some point this year. I'm close to the end of my existing C2W scheme but I'm limited to a cap of 4k for a bike via the Vivup scheme.

I've done a lot of research and reading and I've definitely narrowed a bike down to something Bosch engined.

I could get a Marin Rift Zone EL1 for £156 a month repayable over 18 months, so a good £1000 saving on the price. Bosch SX motor and classed as a SL which would making handling it a lot easier on trails etc as I'm quite puny at the moment. The suspension etc isn't the best but it would be fine for my needs and the Shimano Cues 10 speed gets good reviews for an E-mtb.

Other options I've found are the 2025 Haibike ALLTRAIL 8 which is a full fat CX motor and a semi decent setup for just under 4k.

I also like the Mondraker Chaser but the 2025 model is just over budget which a shame.

I'm thinking full fat would be the best move maybe with the extra power and the Gen 5 receiving the 100nm torque upgrade.

Is there anyone local to Deganwy that has an SX motored bike I could try briefly at all please? Or know of any shops at all nearby? We Cycle in Llandudno Junction don't have SL ones to try I don't think.

Many thanks
 
⚡ EMTB Pro Go Pro — Living Intelligence Reports, exclusive discounts & ad-free Up to 25% off Peaty's, PEMBREE, Magicshine & more · Ad-free browsing · Pro badge See the deals →
Back end of the year means lots of discounts on the last models, so look for those over the next few months. Leisure Lakes have this Bosch powered £6k5 bike down to £3k5 . .
Screenshot_20250718_164436_Chrome.jpg
 
We need weekly updates on some of the "good deals" as they become available on the market. I am currently looking at buying a Cube One77 SLX hopefully at a discount since I am not able to find a second battery for a Amflow to travel with.
 
Bare in mind the amount of Shimano motors out there, plus the Internet amplifies any small amount of problems as it's only those that post about it, whilst millions of satisfied customers just ride on . .
 
Crazylegs1892 said:
I've read the opposite. Lots of reports of motors breaking mid-ride and needing restarting, poor after care from Shimano dealerships as well.
Click to expand...
Honestly, apart from reliability. I will look into the after-sales service. So, being close to an authorised dealer is another factor you need to consider.
 
Crazylegs1892 said:
Hello all

I'm based in beautiful Conwy, North Wales. I own a 2020 Calibre Bossnut at the moment which I'm not getting much use of mainly as I'm struggling with fatigue.

I would like to get an emtb at some point this year. I'm close to the end of my existing C2W scheme but I'm limited to a cap of 4k for a bike via the Vivup scheme.

I've done a lot of research and reading and I've definitely narrowed a bike down to something Bosch engined.

I could get a Marin Rift Zone EL1 for £156 a month repayable over 18 months, so a good £1000 saving on the price. Bosch SX motor and classed as a SL which would making handling it a lot easier on trails etc as I'm quite puny at the moment. The suspension etc isn't the best but it would be fine for my needs and the Shimano Cues 10 speed gets good reviews for an E-mtb.

Other options I've found are the 2025 Haibike ALLTRAIL 8 which is a full fat CX motor and a semi decent setup for just under 4k.

I also like the Mondraker Chaser but the 2025 model is just over budget which a shame.

I'm thinking full fat would be the best move maybe with the extra power and the Gen 5 receiving the 100nm torque upgrade.

Is there anyone local to Deganwy that has an SX motored bike I could try briefly at all please? Or know of any shops at all nearby? We Cycle in Llandudno Junction don't have SL ones to try I don't think.

Many thanks
Click to expand...
Just bought a Chaser September last year in Tredz... £3599
Bargain 🤫
 
TimC7 said:
Bare in mind the amount of Shimano motors out there, plus the Internet amplifies any small amount of problems as it's only those that post about it, whilst millions of satisfied customers just ride on . .
Click to expand...
This doesn't address the fact that at least in US but also elsewhere is getting them serviced and warranty lead times. Your still dealing with an issue whereby your going to wait weeks as they are most likely to replaced rather than repaired.
 
TimC7 said:
Bare in mind the amount of Shimano motors out there, plus the Internet amplifies any small amount of problems as it's only those that post about it, whilst millions of satisfied customers just ride on . .
Click to expand...
@Crazylegs1892 I have had two Shimano-powered bikes in the last 7 years. The first was an e8000, then an EP8. I did over 3000 miles on the first one and have done nearly 4000 on the second one, still got it. Both have been flawless and with a great natural ride feel.
 
I like the look of the Render. Pity they won't deliver to the UK. Suppose you could make a road trip out of it & collect in person.
 
RustyMTB said:
I like the look of the Render. Pity they won't deliver to the UK. Suppose you could make a road trip out of it & collect in person.
Click to expand...
ah that is a PITA
my days of 'a road trip out of it' are over - my last was coming back from Glastonbury '99 ;)
 
Montana St Alum said:
Re: Shimano systems in the U.S. this guy is a pretty well respected industry insider:

Click to expand...
that got me a bit worried - but my EP801 is tuned for less power and torque, it does feel natural and I definitely don't want an information screen distracting me, a bigger battery would put the weight up - the fact they are very reliable is good - having said that I don't want to try out the warranty...
 
skizzian said:
that got me a bit worried - but my EP801 is tuned for less power and torque, it does feel natural and I definitely don't want an information screen distracting me, a bigger battery would put the weight up - the fact they are very reliable is good - having said that I don't want to try out the warranty
Click to expand...

skizzian said:
that got me a bit worried - but my EP801 is tuned for less power and torque, it does feel natural and I definitely don't want an information screen distracting me, a bigger battery would put the weight up - the fact they are very reliable is good - having said that I don't want to try out the warranty...
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm generally pretty neutral on this stuff. The Shimano seems to be reliable with poor support and I'm on the Fazua which appears to be unreliable with good support. Pick your poison, I suppose. I also run low power which is probably relatively safe from wear and tear.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Keep reading
    Browse all

    Similar Threads

    Community Stats

    Since 2018
    671K
    Messages
    41,258
    Members
    Join 30,000+ Riders, it's free!
    Back
    Top