E mountain bikes

1911
Posts
4953
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4/2/2008
Location
LAS VEGAS, NV US
8/18/2022 9:33pm
Stewyeww wrote:
Lots of options, head to vitalmtb.com and ask on the forums there.
I looked there before I purchased my bike, honestly the place was not much help, kind of dead there.🤷‍♀️ On the main forum page, The Hub, I can only see 3-4 post for the 18th of August.
4
nytsmaC
Posts
5946
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8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off CA
8/18/2022 9:37pm
Stewyeww wrote:
Lots of options, head to vitalmtb.com and ask on the forums there.
1911 wrote:
I looked there before I purchased my bike, honestly the place was not much help, kind of dead there.🤷‍♀️ On the main forum page, The Hub...
I looked there before I purchased my bike, honestly the place was not much help, kind of dead there.🤷‍♀️ On the main forum page, The Hub, I can only see 3-4 post for the 18th of August.
Pinkbike is the spot for MTB stuff.
1
coastie44
Posts
559
Joined
1/19/2013
Location
NorCal, CA US
8/18/2022 9:51pm
Stewyeww wrote:
Lots of options, head to vitalmtb.com and ask on the forums there.
1911 wrote:
I looked there before I purchased my bike, honestly the place was not much help, kind of dead there.🤷‍♀️ On the main forum page, The Hub...
I looked there before I purchased my bike, honestly the place was not much help, kind of dead there.🤷‍♀️ On the main forum page, The Hub, I can only see 3-4 post for the 18th of August.
nytsmaC wrote:
Pinkbike is the spot for MTB stuff.
I actually found the more euro-centric forum www.emtbforums.com to be the most active eMTB forum. I live in NorCal and have a Trek Rail for going on a year now. It's the most fun I have had on a bicycle since I was 10 years old.

I have had road bikes and early generation MTB and never really found them much fun. I tried to get interested in the newer slack geometry 29er bikes during the pandemic and have both a hardtail and full sus. But the instant I got on the eMTB I was hooked. It's my jam. You can dial in how much you want to suffer any given day.

I am not a big dirt jumper but it's just plain fun to scoot down some hills, pedal up leisurely and then do it again.
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drewd237
Posts
57
Joined
8/1/2022
Location
Somewhere, OR US
8/18/2022 9:52pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2022 9:55pm
I love my 21’ Trek Rail 9.7. Swapped out the bars, suspension, and tires. I can’t ride Moto anymore, been riding mountain bikes for years. Have a traditional enduro for the non ebike trails. When I was looking into ebikes I knew I wanted the Bosch system. Trek had the biggest dealer network near me and I got a good deal on it.

I’ve only ran into one self entitled ass on the trail. He made sure he was far enough away when he was bad mouthing my ebike and me for riding one. There’s a 60/40 split now at the local trail where I ride it. More and more ebikes as time goes on. It makes mountain biking that much more fun and sustainable energy over a longer period of time. Idiots need to get over ebikes and calling them dirt bikes. Sorry my rail has pedals, no twist throttle. I’m still sweating my ass off getting my turns in.

Whatever you decide to get, like what most have said already, try for a middle of the line model, don’t cheap out, but you also don’t need drop $15k on one…unless you really want to lol. Enjoy!

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The Shop

drewd237
Posts
57
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8/1/2022
Location
Somewhere, OR US
8/18/2022 9:53pm
nytsmaC wrote:
Pinkbike is the spot for MTB stuff.
Not ebikes haha the comment section there makes Vital look like a bunch of saints 😂
1
1
nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off CA
8/18/2022 9:58pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2022 10:00pm
nytsmaC wrote:
Pinkbike is the spot for MTB stuff.
drewd237 wrote:
Not ebikes haha the comment section there makes Vital look like a bunch of saints 😂
Yeah there are a lot of interesting types there for sure. Your typical hypocrites, save the earth but ignore my need for petroleum. But for MTB related tech stuff, ig ore the idiotic comments, just like here, and you will find good technical info in what you’re looking for.

Lots of mountain bikers are really holding out on accepting ebikes, but they’re losing, because they sre just being stubborn. If you have a functioning bullshit detector it’s easy to sniff them out, they have no ground to stand on.
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1
drewd237
Posts
57
Joined
8/1/2022
Location
Somewhere, OR US
8/18/2022 10:13pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2022 10:18pm
nytsmaC wrote:
Yeah there are a lot of interesting types there for sure. Your typical hypocrites, save the earth but ignore my need for petroleum. But for MTB...
Yeah there are a lot of interesting types there for sure. Your typical hypocrites, save the earth but ignore my need for petroleum. But for MTB related tech stuff, ig ore the idiotic comments, just like here, and you will find good technical info in what you’re looking for.

Lots of mountain bikers are really holding out on accepting ebikes, but they’re losing, because they sre just being stubborn. If you have a functioning bullshit detector it’s easy to sniff them out, they have no ground to stand on.
Exactly! Since the buyout from Outside Magazine, it feels like Pinkbike is generating more ebike content. It’s a great website and has a ton of content. Just don’t read the comment section and like you said at bs detecting. You can tell the tone of an author of a product review where they have nothing good to say.

I always say, try an ebike and if you’re still miserable and pissed off about them, that’s on you. Go be miserable and leave the rest of us to have our fun.

I did a 27.5 mile ride in 5 hours and a total of 5000ft a couple of Saturdays ago. You can’t wipe the smile off my face…unless the battery dies and it did right when I got back to the parking lot
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1
Rotaholic
Posts
1706
Joined
4/2/2013
Location
NZ
8/18/2022 10:14pm
My Trek Rail 9 I added a DVO coil shock, Vorsprung fork spring conversion, XT brakes and sprayed it plastidip matt black. Bike was sick stock but yolo


3
McG194
Posts
4111
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
8/18/2022 10:43pm
coastie44 wrote:
I actually found the more euro-centric forum www.emtbforums.com to be the most active eMTB forum. I live in NorCal and have a Trek Rail for going...
I actually found the more euro-centric forum www.emtbforums.com to be the most active eMTB forum. I live in NorCal and have a Trek Rail for going on a year now. It's the most fun I have had on a bicycle since I was 10 years old.

I have had road bikes and early generation MTB and never really found them much fun. I tried to get interested in the newer slack geometry 29er bikes during the pandemic and have both a hardtail and full sus. But the instant I got on the eMTB I was hooked. It's my jam. You can dial in how much you want to suffer any given day.

I am not a big dirt jumper but it's just plain fun to scoot down some hills, pedal up leisurely and then do it again.
No idea why but most of YouTube seems to be Euro when it comes to e-bikes. I really wish there were more good USA based channels comparing and giving prices etc.
2
1911
Posts
4953
Joined
4/2/2008
Location
LAS VEGAS, NV US
8/18/2022 11:18pm
coastie44 wrote:
I actually found the more euro-centric forum www.emtbforums.com to be the most active eMTB forum. I live in NorCal and have a Trek Rail for going...
I actually found the more euro-centric forum www.emtbforums.com to be the most active eMTB forum. I live in NorCal and have a Trek Rail for going on a year now. It's the most fun I have had on a bicycle since I was 10 years old.

I have had road bikes and early generation MTB and never really found them much fun. I tried to get interested in the newer slack geometry 29er bikes during the pandemic and have both a hardtail and full sus. But the instant I got on the eMTB I was hooked. It's my jam. You can dial in how much you want to suffer any given day.

I am not a big dirt jumper but it's just plain fun to scoot down some hills, pedal up leisurely and then do it again.
McG194 wrote:
No idea why but most of YouTube seems to be Euro when it comes to e-bikes. I really wish there were more good USA based channels...
No idea why but most of YouTube seems to be Euro when it comes to e-bikes. I really wish there were more good USA based channels comparing and giving prices etc.
I noticed that too. The YouTube is mostly Euro when it comes to E-MTB.
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8/19/2022 4:39am
Go with a full power Specialized from your local shop. Great bike and dealer network , and you may need the after sale support just in case there's a problem.
I have a Santa Cruz Heckler which is also a great bike.
Specialized and Santa Cruz also have pretty good resale value (relatively speaking) and are not hard to sell if you are inclined to switch bikes from year to year.
3
WDSRCR
Posts
349
Joined
7/10/2017
Location
OH US
8/19/2022 5:05am
I bought a Giant Trance X E+ 0 about a month ago and am loving it. It has a Giant Branded motor that is actually built by Yamaha. It also has Fox Live Valve suspension that is pretty neat.

I also bought a Tazer MX Expert for my wife and saved $5k over the Giant. There is not $5k in difference between them. Keep that in mind.

The geometry is far different between the two and you should really assess what type of riding you'll be doing and where and select a bike with the geometry and specs that match your needs/

2
AMetts
Posts
1161
Joined
6/15/2022
Location
Lincolnton, NC US
8/19/2022 5:07am
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in the moto community for some reason, not sure if marketing or what. You guys need to go ride a lift access downhill park sometime you will really be hooked.

Anyways I would go with really any of the main brands are going to be good but if you are in Texas dont get something with a ton of travel it will feel sluggish and boring, id say anything around 140mm rear travel is probably what you are after. Do not get the Husky or any of the "motorcycle branded" Ebikes they are just rebranded Taiwan catalog frames.

Also make sure you are allowed to ride Ebikes where you plan to ride, here in NC you can ride them at alot of the local places but they are not allowed in any of our National Forests here which is probably some of the best riding in the country.
4
8/19/2022 5:20am
AMetts wrote:
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in...
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in the moto community for some reason, not sure if marketing or what. You guys need to go ride a lift access downhill park sometime you will really be hooked.

Anyways I would go with really any of the main brands are going to be good but if you are in Texas dont get something with a ton of travel it will feel sluggish and boring, id say anything around 140mm rear travel is probably what you are after. Do not get the Husky or any of the "motorcycle branded" Ebikes they are just rebranded Taiwan catalog frames.

Also make sure you are allowed to ride Ebikes where you plan to ride, here in NC you can ride them at alot of the local places but they are not allowed in any of our National Forests here which is probably some of the best riding in the country.
How bout these specs? I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Levo. From what I gather this should be kind of an all around bike right?



4
AMetts
Posts
1161
Joined
6/15/2022
Location
Lincolnton, NC US
8/19/2022 5:24am
AMetts wrote:
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in...
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in the moto community for some reason, not sure if marketing or what. You guys need to go ride a lift access downhill park sometime you will really be hooked.

Anyways I would go with really any of the main brands are going to be good but if you are in Texas dont get something with a ton of travel it will feel sluggish and boring, id say anything around 140mm rear travel is probably what you are after. Do not get the Husky or any of the "motorcycle branded" Ebikes they are just rebranded Taiwan catalog frames.

Also make sure you are allowed to ride Ebikes where you plan to ride, here in NC you can ride them at alot of the local places but they are not allowed in any of our National Forests here which is probably some of the best riding in the country.
Dirtydeeds wrote:
How bout these specs? I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Levo. From what I gather this should be kind of an all around bike...
How bout these specs? I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Levo. From what I gather this should be kind of an all around bike right?



Ive heard good stuff about the Levo and yeah its probably a good all arounder, cant help much as far as the actual motor/battery specs go as I dont know much about Ebikes but geometry and travel wise I think that will be just fine. Specialized have had the Ebikes figured out for a while.
2
WDSRCR
Posts
349
Joined
7/10/2017
Location
OH US
8/19/2022 5:28am
AMetts wrote:
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in...
Ive been into moto forever but way more into MTB the last few years and man it seems like the Ebikes have really caught on in the moto community for some reason, not sure if marketing or what. You guys need to go ride a lift access downhill park sometime you will really be hooked.

Anyways I would go with really any of the main brands are going to be good but if you are in Texas dont get something with a ton of travel it will feel sluggish and boring, id say anything around 140mm rear travel is probably what you are after. Do not get the Husky or any of the "motorcycle branded" Ebikes they are just rebranded Taiwan catalog frames.

Also make sure you are allowed to ride Ebikes where you plan to ride, here in NC you can ride them at alot of the local places but they are not allowed in any of our National Forests here which is probably some of the best riding in the country.
Dirtydeeds wrote:
How bout these specs? I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Levo. From what I gather this should be kind of an all around bike...
How bout these specs? I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Levo. From what I gather this should be kind of an all around bike right?



You won't be disappointed in a Levo. I have spent a decent amount of time on them and it's a solid bike. I really like specialized ergos and geometry.

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8/19/2022 5:37am
Dirtydeeds wrote:
Was lookin at this just have no idea what I’m lookin at or lookin for! Pretty sure I want a 29er and definitely E-bike. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/08/18/564548/s1200_9F865730_BDCA_4869_BF7C_E9D9B7095A8E.jpg[/img]
Was lookin at this just have no idea what I’m lookin at or lookin for! Pretty sure I want a 29er and definitely E-bike.


Love mine

4
Jack_4196
Posts
256
Joined
7/22/2015
Location
Franklin, MA US
8/19/2022 6:01am
My Intense Tazer Mx was the best purchase I’ve ever made!
4
MotoCoUSA
Posts
368
Joined
2/16/2018
Location
Colorado Springs, CO US
8/19/2022 6:02am
Me and my wife both have Orbea’s. She has a rise and I have a wild. hers is the ep8 rs motor and smaller battery which I’ve come to enjoy riding more than the wild recently. You can adjust the power settings and it still gives plenty of juice. Although the wild is so much better going downhill, the Bosch motor on the wild is also much louder.

Thing I like about the rise is I can ride it like an acoustic with my buddy who doesn’t have an ebike...yet.
1
Agent717
Posts
587
Joined
9/6/2009
Location
Cedar Park, TX US
8/19/2022 6:16am
I live in Austin and I’ve got a light use Husky HardCross 7 that I’m about to put up for sale. Really great bike for Central TX.

You’re welcome to ride it anytime. See if it’s something you like.
2
kNewc
Posts
1169
Joined
3/17/2017
Location
IN US
8/19/2022 6:47am
I got a Luna Cycles X2 last winter with the Ludacris option and that bike is amazing!! I have just as much fun on it as...
I got a Luna Cycles X2 last winter with the Ludacris option and that bike is amazing!! I have just as much fun on it as my dirtbike. I believe the motor is capable of 2500 watts vs the 750 that the other ebikes are restricted to and on a 50lb mountain bike it is so much fun. You can basically go anywhere/climb anything on it. I find the extra oomph it can put out makes it fun to jump stuff that you'd never be able to on the restricted bikes but for normal trail riding I have it in the lower power modes. Kinda nice to have that extra power for when you get a bug up your ass and want to get sendy.

I researched for months before buying it and it was between the Luna and the Intense Tazer MX Pro. I'm glad I went with the Luna.
Thank you for posting this. I was possibly going to start a new thread as the Luna looks like a really good option. I have really been eying the X2. Did you get the RockShock addition? I have knee issues and I like the "throttle" option it has, it looks like you can just use that and not have to pedal if you need to. For the price and build it looks like a really good bike.
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8/19/2022 6:53am
Agent717 wrote:
I live in Austin and I’ve got a light use Husky HardCross 7 that I’m about to put up for sale. Really great bike for Central...
I live in Austin and I’ve got a light use Husky HardCross 7 that I’m about to put up for sale. Really great bike for Central TX.

You’re welcome to ride it anytime. See if it’s something you like.
Dude thats awesome! Might take you up on that when it’s not a mud hole and if you haven’t sold it yet. Next question, why are ya sellin it?
scootch
Posts
608
Joined
1/24/2017
Location
Fort Worth, TX US
8/19/2022 7:48am
Do yourself a favor and spend a little bit more for a good one. You don’t need the $15K model, but my friends who tried to...
Do yourself a favor and spend a little bit more for a good one. You don’t need the $15K model, but my friends who tried to save a few bucks, ended up selling the one they bought to upgrade.
I bought a Pivot, so I can’t answer any questions on the Husqvarna E-Bike, but Specialized makes a great line of E-Bikes.
stone881 wrote:
This ^....you could also save some coin buying a YT.
E-bikes tend to have more warranty issues and YTs warranty department is basically non-existent. It will be a little cheaper up front but you'll pay for that dealing with BS down the road... at least from what I've seen. If I were you I would support your local bike shop! Building a relationship with your LBS ends up saving you money down the road. Just my .02

Also, I ride an alloy turbo levo and its a REALLY good bike. Definitely look at the 2022+ Levo models (if you end up looking at Levo's), they have the latest geo updates which are much better than the previous gen. And I wouldn't waste your money on a carbon e-bike. The 2lbs weight savings isn't really worth it when your bike weighs 55lbs.
2
8/19/2022 7:52am
Super insightful thread here. Thanks for all the posts everyone.
2
Whip
Posts
372
Joined
6/24/2012
Location
England GB
Fantasy
8/19/2022 8:01am
They are amazing... when they are working

Pretty much everyone I know who rides one regularly has had a motor/battery issue

Paying a bit more for dealer support seems worth it

Can't really go wrong with Specialized
3
scootch
Posts
608
Joined
1/24/2017
Location
Fort Worth, TX US
8/19/2022 8:02am
Here's mine for reference.. Base 2022 Alloy Turbo Levo ($5500) with quite a few upgrades. I like building my bikes frame up with components i like, so the base alloy model was my cheapest option. I'd definitely recommend the Alloy comp at $7500 for anyone else. The Comp build is bullet proof!

Also, do your research on these Super Light (SL) e-bike models and form your own opinion. With a motor the weight isn't as important. I'll take Torque and Range over weight savings on the e-bike all day long.


2
Agent717
Posts
587
Joined
9/6/2009
Location
Cedar Park, TX US
8/19/2022 8:06am
Agent717 wrote:
I live in Austin and I’ve got a light use Husky HardCross 7 that I’m about to put up for sale. Really great bike for Central...
I live in Austin and I’ve got a light use Husky HardCross 7 that I’m about to put up for sale. Really great bike for Central TX.

You’re welcome to ride it anytime. See if it’s something you like.
Dirtydeeds wrote:
Dude thats awesome! Might take you up on that when it’s not a mud hole and if you haven’t sold it yet. Next question, why are...
Dude thats awesome! Might take you up on that when it’s not a mud hole and if you haven’t sold it yet. Next question, why are ya sellin it?
Selling for a couple reasons. I'm considering buying an SL or waiting to pick up the Transition Relay when it comes out in the spring. The other reason is I bought it when there were NO bikes available in central TX so I had no choice but to buy a medium when I belong on a large frame.

I'm in Cedar Park. Feel free to hit me up when the rain clears up. Tyler - 480-773-1291
2
Tim507
Posts
3472
Joined
6/8/2010
Location
Oregon City, OR US
8/19/2022 8:07am
I have the Specialized Levo Turbo and it was a great addition to my 2 wheel stable! At my age riding by "normal" Mtn Bike it was difficult doing a lot of climbing without having my heart rate blowup!

The Ebike has extended by Mtn BikingWoohoo
1
FIREfish148
Posts
5477
Joined
1/20/2009
Location
Kirkland, WA US
8/19/2022 8:17am Edited Date/Time 8/19/2022 8:28am
I bought a specialized Levo a few months ago and love it. Specialized is the way to go especially if you have connections. I have a specialized comp which is one of the cheaper versions of the 3. The specialized knevo is also pretty sweet if you want a lighter e bike. I can spend 3 hours on my Levo in turbo mode and stil have 75% batter life sometimes. Honestly I kind of wish I got the knevo but it’s all good.
If you want the best of the best ebike I would say check out pivots new one they just came out with for the lighter side and yetis is I would say is the best if you don’t care as much about weight and money.
8/19/2022 8:23am
Where I live and most western states e-bikes are not allowed on mtb trails. I’ll likely get one at some point, and ignore the signs, it’s...
Where I live and most western states e-bikes are not allowed on mtb trails.

I’ll likely get one at some point, and ignore the signs, it’s basically lawless here in Oregon anyway.

They would be great for pre-riding off-road race courses.
basslips wrote:
Lots of "legal" places to ride here. Look for BLM land. Around you, Madras, and Horse Ridge on the way to EFR are emtb friendly. We've...
Lots of "legal" places to ride here. Look for BLM land. Around you, Madras, and Horse Ridge on the way to EFR are emtb friendly. We've ridden a ton near Tumalo and Peterson Ridge in Sisters, but do stay away from Bend now with our e bikes. Tons of assholes ride there anyway so not a major loss. However I have friends that ride a ton all over from Bend local stuff all the way up to Wanoga, and the xc trails around Bachelor and they see tons of e bikes out enjoying the trails.



You're dead on regarding tons of assholes in Bend on the Mnt Bike trails. I refer to Bend as the Asshole Vortex of the West. We seem to attract the most pompous of the pompous here. You California guys can thank Bend for removing a large portion of assholes from down there. They all moved to the Northwest Crossing neighborhood on the Westside of Bend. I bought my wife the Turbo Levo SL for Christmas this year, she's ridden Phil's on it with her girlfriends that also ride E-bikes they actually didn't have any trouble. The SL model is tough to tell at a glance that it's an e-bike anyway. I've putted around on it and the bike is sweet. The fit and finish of the Specialized is tight. If I could ever bring myself to drop $7,000+ on a bicycle I'd probably get the Specialized. I'll most likely continue buying motorcycles for that price and more instead. Good luck to the OP on his surgery. Mnt Biking is a great way to rehab.
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