Thinking of buying soon! Any advice would be great.

[8ranga8]

Hi guys,
New to the forum so wanted to say hello. I’ve been thinking about buying an Emtb for some time now and tried my mates Cannondale Moterra LT1 today. I really enjoyed it and I think it may have help me to bite the bullet and get one. There’s so much to choose from out there though.

 

[118]

Welcome along..

 

[8ranga8]

Thanks a lot. When I come to buy I’m sure I’ll be looking for input and recommendations.

 

[ggx]

hello

 

[TheBikePilot]

What's your budget mate as that will determine your choices somewhat?

 

[8ranga8]

What's your budget mate as that will determine your choices somewhat?

Sub £4000, some good deals just now. Been looking at the trek Powerfly lt 9.7 for just under £3900. Ideally I don’t wanna hit the 4K mark but for the right bike/spec then I would

 

[TheBikePilot]

Have a look at FOCUS as well. The JAM2 is a great bike, I think they all ship with a Tec pack as well which gives you extra range as the standard battery is 378wh. I just rode one in Stuttgart and it's a very fun playful bike that feels just like a normal MTB:

FOCUS Jam2

 

[8ranga8]

Have a look at FOCUS as well. The JAM2 is a great bike, I think they all ship with a Tec pack as well which gives you extra range as the standard battery is 378wh. I just rode one in Stuttgart and it's a very fun playful bike that feels just like a normal MTB:

FOCUS Jam2

I was actually looking at one last night online funnily enough. I’m a heavier rider (107kgs) do a decent battery is important for me but yeah I’ll def check it out

 

[TheBikePilot]

Check and see if the TEC pack is included, I think it is. It's an extra 400wh battery that bolts on which would give you over 756wh battery. That's all-day riding and you can unbolt it if you just want an after-work burn or a short ride, or loop back to the car..

I rode the smaller battery for around 4 hours and 17miles before it gave in and I am 98kg All Up Weight...

It's a beautiful fun bike..

 

[MitchF]

GIANT Stance or Trance, good spec and you’ll have change for all the kit you’ll need.

Can’t fault mine ?

 

[8ranga8]

GIANT Stance or Trance, good spec and you’ll have change for all the kit you’ll need.

Can’t fault mine ?

Again, checked it out online and looks the part. Too much to choose from. I’m guessing that pretty much anything I get is gonna be a mark up on my current 120mm travel trail bike.

 

[MitchF]

Budget, personal choice of style/colour/ brand and fit/size.

Don’t take too long, your missing ride time , they’re so much fun you’ll have the “silly grin” we all get ?

 

[R120]

If you have the money buy a Specialized - I say that as a non specilized owner. The reality of EMTB ownership is the most critical thing is dealer and manufacturer back up, and if you buy a Specilized from one of their main dealers you will have the best back up and most hassle free time if something goes wrong.

They are the only brand which have really thought about the logistics of having to deal with warranty claims, and most brands really haven't go their head round how to deal with any issues.

We are lucky that we are now at a time in the market where we are seeing lots of great bikes out there and we are spoilt for choice, but these bikes can go wrong, and if its a problem with the motor or battery sytstem its not something an lbs can sort unless its a very minor problem.

 

[Pukmeister]

Specialised are a good call, plus there are plenty of bike shops with expertise in replacing their motors.

Whichever brand you choose, be sure to consider where you can find warranty support should you need it, and how much hassle it might be on your part to arrange repairs/servicing or the inconvenience of being without your bike. Also factor in chains/cassettes/brake pads and rotors, some models have more expensive components versus others.

Basically, do your homework before committing to purchase.

 

[steve_sordy]

Think about the following:
# How far away will your dealer be when (not if) you have a warranty claim? 30 mins down the road, 6 hour round trip, another country.......
# Range required. How long are your rides, really? Less than 20 miles, more than 40? What elevation will you be riding. How much do you weigh in your riding gear? These will influence the battery size.
# How will you transport the bike, and what sort of security do you need? Do you ride from home, or travel long distance to ride? Do you need a roof-rack, tow-bar, boot-rack, will it fit inside the car? Will you be strong enough and tall enough to lift the bike onto a rack, and is your back strong enough to put the bike inside the car?
# Do you go overnight a lot? How will you charge the battery if you can't get it out of the frame and the landlady won't let the mucky bike into the house?
# Where do you keep the bike at night, and does it have a power supply? How will you charge the bike if the battery doesn't come out, or is a pain to remove and you have no power in the shed/garage?

There are some fantastic bikes out there, great to just sit and look at as well as great to ride and with great reviews. But do they suit your body and the way you ride? Ideally, you should test ride them. I say this as someone who bought several clockwork bikes without a test ride because I went off geometry tables and reviews. But I knew what I was looking for. It's different with emtbs because the "e" part of the bike makes such a massive difference and the motors, batteries, software, weight distribution etc., all make a big difference and they are all different to each other.

 

[TheBikePilot]

Great post @steve_sordy ?

 

[Gogogadgetwilly]

I’m in the same boat. I’ve made the decision to buy an E bike, but I’m stuck between full fat and half fat options, and I’m a little worried if I went half fat, I’d be eternally underpowered and regret it..

help ?

 

[TheBikePilot]

Go full fat..