Haibike - eMTB

[DeepEnd]

Hi,

Always fancied an eMTB and the Haibike range keeps catching my eye.

Tempted to try a FatSix of some sort, assuming that the electric assistance offsets the increased drag/weight penalties of the 4" tyre/large set up.

Either that or just stick to a HardSeven or something.

You can probably tell I am far from up to date with MTB tech!

Where is a good place to get them? Had a google but there is an increasingly bewildering array of suppliers - good for competition but hard to tell who is reputable, who might be shifting unpopular stock etc.

I see good discounts on some but then find they may only have the smallest frame in stock etc. Are these good deals? Is it like some kit where the latest range sells out and you're stuffed? Some look light last years bike etc. but not sure I care? Ditto wrt Yamaha vs Bosch drive - not sure I'm bothered etc.

Any advice appreciated.

PS I have tried an eMTB, probably 5 years ago now. Loved it. It was a bosch Haibike.

[LeadFarmer]

I recommend you try as many as you can before choosing. Some look great, but aren't a good fit once your sat on it.

A local bike shop has a promotion day each autumn where they hire out a local park and have all their suppliers turn up with loads of bikes. You spend the day talking different bike out to find the one you like. It in autumn to promote the following years new models. I sent the day there and found lots of ebikes I fancied just weren't right for me. I ended up with a 2018 Cube Reaction Race ebike.

Theres also the bike show at the NEC where you can try them out.

[DeepEnd]

Thanks for the reply - NEC sounds like a good idea, cube have also caught my eye.

What do you find is the realistic range?

[Johnnybee]

It's the London Bike Show at the end of the month which has an ebike test ride area apparently.

I've got a Haibike Sduro fullseven and it's a proper laugh.

[Joscal]

I rented a cube at the local trails and rode for 3 hours or so and the battery was at just below half when I left it back. Absolutely brilliant fun!

[Craikeybaby]

Leisure Lakes Bike have a demo day at Cannock Chase this month, there are usually loads of ebikes there to try. You do need to book in advance though.

[LeadFarmer]

DeepEnd said:

Thanks for the reply - NEC sounds like a good idea, cube have also caught my eye.

What do you find is the realistic range?

Im a bit of an exception, I'm heavy, around 20 stone, and a lot of my cycling is up very steep hills (hence why I bought an ebike) and I get about 30 miles out of the battery. If it wasn't for the steep hills i would get a lot more mileage.