Anyone got an E MTB?
Discussion
Currently me (and other half) have a Santa Cruz each (way better bikes than we are!) which we use for 30-40km sundays out in the Chilterns and 2 or 3 times a year to BPW/swinley.
Have 2 issues - She is fast down hill but slow up....I end up walking with her/waiting at the top/pushing! when we encounter boring climbs. Also, we got a little into motorbikes off road and were pondering that as a hobby.
But, I recently had a go on Simon Pavey's E Bike (as you do) as he was raving about it and I told him "yeah, yeah....when I'm 60" - and it seemed pretty fun (round the car park).
So...will ditching the Santa's for a couple of E's tick the boxes? She can fly up hill and I can tackle even more techy climbs to pass the time if I dont have to wait for her. Or is up hill still a slog.....just not as much a slog.
On a motorbike, climbs are the most fun - does an E bike get even close to making a climb fun, or are the youtubers raving over them just doing so because a normal climb is SO grim that anything is better?
Budget would be £5k each - so a good bike but I realise prob down on spec a bit from the current ones (not that we use much of the current spec....we do blue runs at BPW and thats ample for us!)
Have 2 issues - She is fast down hill but slow up....I end up walking with her/waiting at the top/pushing! when we encounter boring climbs. Also, we got a little into motorbikes off road and were pondering that as a hobby.
But, I recently had a go on Simon Pavey's E Bike (as you do) as he was raving about it and I told him "yeah, yeah....when I'm 60" - and it seemed pretty fun (round the car park).
So...will ditching the Santa's for a couple of E's tick the boxes? She can fly up hill and I can tackle even more techy climbs to pass the time if I dont have to wait for her. Or is up hill still a slog.....just not as much a slog.
On a motorbike, climbs are the most fun - does an E bike get even close to making a climb fun, or are the youtubers raving over them just doing so because a normal climb is SO grim that anything is better?
Budget would be £5k each - so a good bike but I realise prob down on spec a bit from the current ones (not that we use much of the current spec....we do blue runs at BPW and thats ample for us!)
I've wondered this a few times when struggling up hills but then I think if I did get an E then I'd be losing a lot of the health benefits as well about going out for a ride.
It can be gruelling sometimes but once your up the down feels so much better because of the effort you put in
I have no experience of E bikes but I'd imagine they are fairly heavy, so wouldn't be good for trails that have any medium+ drops.
Interesting to hear other peoples thoughts though.
It can be gruelling sometimes but once your up the down feels so much better because of the effort you put in
I have no experience of E bikes but I'd imagine they are fairly heavy, so wouldn't be good for trails that have any medium+ drops.
Interesting to hear other peoples thoughts though.
That'd be my view. I know the e only helps on the up, but it's still cheating (for want of a better word) IMO.
What does she ride? And if you beat her up hill, how much less often does she go out? And how hard does she push before getting off?
Would she be able to keep up on something lighter?
What does she ride? And if you beat her up hill, how much less often does she go out? And how hard does she push before getting off?
Would she be able to keep up on something lighter?
Well she has a £5k carbon bike now so I dont think I can get her bike much better - she just isnt as strong/fit.
The cheat thing doesnt really register with me - Every single day I lift, row, run, etc so the weekends are "active rest". I dont need to do some HIIT in the middle of ride out for a picnic in the hills
I just want to get out in the country side, wizz along and have fun - If I was in remote USA or Northern Oz we'd have dirt bikes and be balsting around on that.......its just not possible to ride motorbikes for fun off road out of Reading (its hard enough finding places to ride a push bike without walkers/dogs/whatever)
The cheat thing doesnt really register with me - Every single day I lift, row, run, etc so the weekends are "active rest". I dont need to do some HIIT in the middle of ride out for a picnic in the hills
I just want to get out in the country side, wizz along and have fun - If I was in remote USA or Northern Oz we'd have dirt bikes and be balsting around on that.......its just not possible to ride motorbikes for fun off road out of Reading (its hard enough finding places to ride a push bike without walkers/dogs/whatever)
Your situation sounds very similar to my parents. My dad would get frustrated waiting on the hills and feeling like they weren't getting anywhere. They have bought my Mam a Haibike 5.0 E bike full suspension. They haven't looked back, well apart from my Mam now looking back at my Dad on the hills 
So why not just try getting your partner an e-bike for now and see how you get on? I've had a blast on the e-bike and its unbelievable what you can climb, provided you can find traction and keep the front wheel down you can have loads of fun trying to climb technical sections. Also with the extra low down weight the bike can feel really stable on the single track descents.
So why not just try getting your partner an e-bike for now and see how you get on? I've had a blast on the e-bike and its unbelievable what you can climb, provided you can find traction and keep the front wheel down you can have loads of fun trying to climb technical sections. Also with the extra low down weight the bike can feel really stable on the single track descents.
I did think about just getting her a bike - and I get it's no crosser - just thought I might be able to have a laugh doing climbs too.
For example - I can think of one where its steep fireroad, just a slog for me and a "get off and push" for her.
On E bikes I was hoping she could do the fireroad with ease and I can leave the path and do the single track that runs alongside that I'd never dream of climbing normally - and both would be fun. I dont mind effort - its just effort V reward. A regular climb is high effort low reward - a decent is medium effort high reward.....I just want to get climbs to med effort/med reward!!!
For example - I can think of one where its steep fireroad, just a slog for me and a "get off and push" for her.
On E bikes I was hoping she could do the fireroad with ease and I can leave the path and do the single track that runs alongside that I'd never dream of climbing normally - and both would be fun. I dont mind effort - its just effort V reward. A regular climb is high effort low reward - a decent is medium effort high reward.....I just want to get climbs to med effort/med reward!!!
Tiggsy said:
I did think about just getting her a bike - and I get it's no crosser - just thought I might be able to have a laugh doing climbs too.
For example - I can think of one where its steep fireroad, just a slog for me and a "get off and push" for her.
On E bikes I was hoping she could do the fireroad with ease and I can leave the path and do the single track that runs alongside that I'd never dream of climbing normally - and both would be fun. I dont mind effort - its just effort V reward. A regular climb is high effort low reward - a decent is medium effort high reward.....I just want to get climbs to med effort/med reward!!!
Well you could definitely do that if you both had e-bikes. As for the fun factor as you know yourself its never going to be as fun as a moto crosser or trials bike but it will still put a smile on your face climbing at upto 25kmph. Beware though it's not nice switching back to your normal mountain bike, you keep expecting a surge when you pedal.For example - I can think of one where its steep fireroad, just a slog for me and a "get off and push" for her.
On E bikes I was hoping she could do the fireroad with ease and I can leave the path and do the single track that runs alongside that I'd never dream of climbing normally - and both would be fun. I dont mind effort - its just effort V reward. A regular climb is high effort low reward - a decent is medium effort high reward.....I just want to get climbs to med effort/med reward!!!
We hired some e-MBKs in the Alps last summer. The Mrs never gets far on a hill without a rest. With the e-bikes we climbed an Alp, and didn't realise how far we'd come until we freewheeled back down, then we went halfway up another Alp before the batteries got lowish. I did enjoy trying to use up the batteries before returning the bikes :-)
Only thing to consider is that they are heavy old things with all that elektrickery going on. Certainly not very good handling on the twisty stuff.
Only thing to consider is that they are heavy old things with all that elektrickery going on. Certainly not very good handling on the twisty stuff.
I get the handling stuff but my DH skills are so low I dont think I'd notice - a £5/6k bike will get me a set up not far off my current bike and the guys on youtube seem to fly DH on ebikes WAY beyond my ability.
I'm 6ft6 and 16 stone so (although fit) not a natural DH'er anyway - far too much mass to dodge trees!
I'm 6ft6 and 16 stone so (although fit) not a natural DH'er anyway - far too much mass to dodge trees!
If you're not riding to get fit then absolutely get an E-Bike, cover more ground and get to spend more time in the fresh air.
I occasionally ride in a MTB group over the Purbecks, there's a lady in the group with quite a serious health issue (I forget what exactly), but she keeps up with us no problem at all and it's very hilly over there.
E-Bikes do have their place that's for certain, but I ride for fitness so it isn't something I'd personally want.
I wonder if Santa Cruz are considering an E-Bike anytime soon?
I occasionally ride in a MTB group over the Purbecks, there's a lady in the group with quite a serious health issue (I forget what exactly), but she keeps up with us no problem at all and it's very hilly over there.
E-Bikes do have their place that's for certain, but I ride for fitness so it isn't something I'd personally want.
I wonder if Santa Cruz are considering an E-Bike anytime soon?
Coin Slot. said:
If you're not riding to get fit then absolutely get an E-Bike, cover more ground and get to spend more time in the fresh air.
I occasionally ride in a MTB group over the Purbecks, there's a lady in the group with quite a serious health issue (I forget what exactly), but she keeps up with us no problem at all and it's very hilly over there.
E-Bikes do have their place that's for certain, but I ride for fitness so it isn't something I'd personally want.
I wonder if Santa Cruz are considering an E-Bike anytime soon?
This. I remember last year chatting to three "old boys" in Peaslake. They were taking a "Cheese Straw" break at the shop when I passed through on my road bike. Their combined age was "more than 210 years", they said, and also said that they'd no longer ride if they had to pedal without the electric assistance. So there's definitely a place for electrical assistance. It means that many life-affecting conditions need no longer be a barrier to getting out on a bicycle. I occasionally ride in a MTB group over the Purbecks, there's a lady in the group with quite a serious health issue (I forget what exactly), but she keeps up with us no problem at all and it's very hilly over there.
E-Bikes do have their place that's for certain, but I ride for fitness so it isn't something I'd personally want.
I wonder if Santa Cruz are considering an E-Bike anytime soon?
I neither need, nor want one, right now, but who knows what lies around the corner. As I've contributed to another E-bike thread already today, there's this mob...
https://www.cytronex.com
...in Winchester who'll wire up almost any bike you want (road hubs only at the moment I think) with a motor in the front hub and a battery in a bottle cage. They have them in their shop fitted to everything from a high-end Pinarello to a step-through Bobbin.
The idea of converting a bike you already own to electronic assist really appeals to me for the future. That way I might still be able to ride my much-loved bikes instead of having to fork out for a complete new machine.
Ive got a eMTB - Cube Reaction Race ebike and I love it.
I use it for commuting every day. I have to ride up some very steep hills which kill me on a normal bike. It has four different assist settings, ECO - Tour - eMTB & Turbo. It can fly up hills with ease on Turbo setting, or you can drop the assisted power down so that you get more exercise. Eco mode is similar to not having any assistance at all, if thats what you want.
Its got Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres which are fine for the tarmac commute, but are also good when I want to take it off road. Ive derestricted it so that instead of the motor cutting off at 15mph, it now cuts off at 30mph, It's pedal assist, so you always have to be pedalling for the motor to be working...
Some of the hills I have to ride up when commuting might be easy for some cyclist, but are tough for me on a normal bike. The ebike makes them as easy or as difficult as I like. Use lower assistance to get some exercise, or use more to get home fast...
I use it for commuting every day. I have to ride up some very steep hills which kill me on a normal bike. It has four different assist settings, ECO - Tour - eMTB & Turbo. It can fly up hills with ease on Turbo setting, or you can drop the assisted power down so that you get more exercise. Eco mode is similar to not having any assistance at all, if thats what you want.
Its got Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres which are fine for the tarmac commute, but are also good when I want to take it off road. Ive derestricted it so that instead of the motor cutting off at 15mph, it now cuts off at 30mph, It's pedal assist, so you always have to be pedalling for the motor to be working...
Some of the hills I have to ride up when commuting might be easy for some cyclist, but are tough for me on a normal bike. The ebike makes them as easy or as difficult as I like. Use lower assistance to get some exercise, or use more to get home fast...
Edited by LeadFarmer on Saturday 24th March 18:23
Edited by LeadFarmer on Saturday 24th March 18:26
I have a Merida eOne-Sixty with the Shimano e8000 crank motor
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-eOne-Sixty-800-27-...
I'm an amputee and its completely changed my mountain biking. Even though I'm reasonable fit the hills where a struggle, I'd huff and puff up the hills while my pals waited at the top. my good leg would get such a hard work out I'd struggle to walk the following day. With my Ebike I can easily keep pace with my pals but also really work my heart and lungs. I'm really surprised how little difference there is to my max and average HR I'm just going quicker and no exhausting the leg.
This utube channel has some great features
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Txz5nUDD14vCdNS...
While I have a decent excuse for an Ebike I'm seeing more and more of them up here in Scotland being ridden by fit capable MTBers who basically use them as an "easy" uplift then hammer it downhill. They are getting more runs in
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-eOne-Sixty-800-27-...
I'm an amputee and its completely changed my mountain biking. Even though I'm reasonable fit the hills where a struggle, I'd huff and puff up the hills while my pals waited at the top. my good leg would get such a hard work out I'd struggle to walk the following day. With my Ebike I can easily keep pace with my pals but also really work my heart and lungs. I'm really surprised how little difference there is to my max and average HR I'm just going quicker and no exhausting the leg.
This utube channel has some great features
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Txz5nUDD14vCdNS...
While I have a decent excuse for an Ebike I'm seeing more and more of them up here in Scotland being ridden by fit capable MTBers who basically use them as an "easy" uplift then hammer it downhill. They are getting more runs in
Bought 2 today!
Moustache Samedi 27 Race 8 for her and a 9 for me!
Cant wait to get out - We ride for fun (bike park wales/swinley) or "active rest" so dont need to be killing ourselves - more than we go out for 30/40k i the Chiltens, have a picnic and feel like we've had an active day.
As an enduro/adv motorbiker I simply find cycling (other than downhill) too boring - I'm happy to put in the effort if its rewarded by fun and hills dont hit that ratio for me with hard work to achieve a slow jog pace. Hoping I can now have a blast up as well as down.
Its all about the fun! Already had a mate say it's cheating but its not a theory I understand.....Theres no competition, its a quest for a laugh outdoors. You might as well argue jetskis cheat as they should all be paddling!
Moustache Samedi 27 Race 8 for her and a 9 for me!
Cant wait to get out - We ride for fun (bike park wales/swinley) or "active rest" so dont need to be killing ourselves - more than we go out for 30/40k i the Chiltens, have a picnic and feel like we've had an active day.
As an enduro/adv motorbiker I simply find cycling (other than downhill) too boring - I'm happy to put in the effort if its rewarded by fun and hills dont hit that ratio for me with hard work to achieve a slow jog pace. Hoping I can now have a blast up as well as down.
Its all about the fun! Already had a mate say it's cheating but its not a theory I understand.....Theres no competition, its a quest for a laugh outdoors. You might as well argue jetskis cheat as they should all be paddling!
Tiggsy said:
Bought 2 today!
Moustache Samedi 27 Race 8 for her and a 9 for me!
Cant wait to get out - We ride for fun (bike park wales/swinley) or "active rest" so dont need to be killing ourselves - more than we go out for 30/40k i the Chiltens, have a picnic and feel like we've had an active day.
As an enduro/adv motorbiker I simply find cycling (other than downhill) too boring - I'm happy to put in the effort if its rewarded by fun and hills dont hit that ratio for me with hard work to achieve a slow jog pace. Hoping I can now have a blast up as well as down.
Its all about the fun! Already had a mate say it's cheating but its not a theory I understand.....Theres no competition, its a quest for a laugh outdoors. You might as well argue jetskis cheat as they should all be paddling!
They look greatMoustache Samedi 27 Race 8 for her and a 9 for me!
Cant wait to get out - We ride for fun (bike park wales/swinley) or "active rest" so dont need to be killing ourselves - more than we go out for 30/40k i the Chiltens, have a picnic and feel like we've had an active day.
As an enduro/adv motorbiker I simply find cycling (other than downhill) too boring - I'm happy to put in the effort if its rewarded by fun and hills dont hit that ratio for me with hard work to achieve a slow jog pace. Hoping I can now have a blast up as well as down.
Its all about the fun! Already had a mate say it's cheating but its not a theory I understand.....Theres no competition, its a quest for a laugh outdoors. You might as well argue jetskis cheat as they should all be paddling!
Enjoy
Tiggsy said:
Already had a mate say it's cheating
I hear that all the time. What usually shuts them up is when I tell them that they are also cheating by having gears on their bike, which are there to make riding easier for them.I honestly don't understand the cheating comments, theres nothing to cheat at. Competing in a competition with non ebikes would be cheating, but enjoying yourself on your ebike is certainly not cheating.
I bought mine so I could get some exercise during my commuting time. Doing it on a normal bike would take about 1hr to get home, which is time I don't have as I need to be home quick for my child. My ebike gets me home in 25mins, about then same time it takes me on my motorbike once I've got all my motorbike gear and helmet on, and then taken it off again when I get home. But by cycling I get home in the same time but having had some exercise. How can that be cheating????
I purchased a e mtb last year. Felt I might be cheating but the reality is you are not. I have done swinley quite a few times wearing my heart rate monitor on my non electric bike and the electric bike. Results of average heart rate was exactly the same. The only difference was the amount of ground covered and that the uphills become more challenging as you have to brake for some of the uphill corners. We went round and round one short section practicing the jumps which would have been a pain without electric assistance.
Can’t recommend them enough
I purchased a trek powerfly EX9 LT plus. Great bike. Off up to Cannock Chase in 3 weeks time and counting down the days.
Can’t recommend them enough
I purchased a trek powerfly EX9 LT plus. Great bike. Off up to Cannock Chase in 3 weeks time and counting down the days.
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