Ebikes (MTB). Who's made the switch?

[nickfrog]

Really tempted to sell my Foxy Carbon while it's worth something and buy a YT Decoy or a SC Heckler E.

If you've made a similar move, how has it been so far?

[daveknott5]

I have a Vitus E-Sommet as well as my "normal" bike. The e-bike is great for a quick blast around the local hills - enables me to get up the hills quickly and do more downhill runs. It's a different experience to the normal bike as it's much more weighty. The additional weight makes it feel like you can blast through roots and chunky rocks.

In summary I'd say it is a right laugh going UP now - but not quite as flickable/fun going down. It could also mean you get more unfit if it's your only bike....

[JB8]

I converted my hardtail to an e bike, but use that primarily for commuting duties. It means I can cycle to work more days each week, and means I can take the longer fun routes home using the same/less effort.

I still use my 'analogue' full sus trail bike for fun/leisure rides at the weekend, but I am seriously tempted with swapping things around so to speak, and pedalling to work under my own steam and getting a emtb for the fun leisure rides. Now I've got a family, my free time is rapidly shrinking, so an e bike would mean more miles/laps in the same amount of time.

[Justin S]

My mate has a Specialized fatty levo ? mtb and we have all as mates ridden it and found it a total blast, with the sounds of hysterical laughter in the local singletrack by whoever was on it at the time. He also has a Focus road bike electric , which I have only been round the block on and is pretty clever stuff also. It is something me and the Mrs will look at in a few years when the knees are duff and the back is creaking. For him, with a heart issue, means he can still go and do the biking he loves , which is just a great thing. They are pretty good bits of kit , although knowing me, will have to have a decent spec'd one , like the new Santa Cruz, which the wife had palpitations when I showed her the rrp

[Darth Paul]

I converted my old mtb to electric earlier this year after buying a new trek hybrid. Main purpose was commuting as at the time I was working at a different office and using the train, and the 5 miles to the train station can sometimes take 30-40 mins in evening rush hour. Obviously with everything going on I’ve been WFH for the last 6 weeks, but the electric has been my go to method of transport for shopping and fun. Still use the trek when I want a good workout, but the electric allows me to go further and tailor how much effort I want to put in. Only thing I’d have to say negative about it is being a kit with a big battery bolted to the frame, some of my old more rutted routes seem a bit precarious now with all that extra weight bolted just to the water bottle mounts. Completely sold on the e-mtb idea though, to the point that I’ve been looking at off the shelf bikes for the trails!

[nickfrog]

Justin S said:

They are pretty good bits of kit , although knowing me, will have to have a decent spec'd one , like the new Santa Cruz, which the wife had palpitations when I showed her the rrp

Yes pricey but my mate just got it for £5200 from bike—discount.de with full UK warranty through Jungle which belongs to SC. This is what has triggered my interest... Particularly as we can't really ride together anymore.

[Justin S]

nickfrog said:

Justin S said:

They are pretty good bits of kit , although knowing me, will have to have a decent spec'd one , like the new Santa Cruz, which the wife had palpitations when I showed her the rrp

Yes pricey but my mate just got it for £5200 from bike—discount.de with full UK warranty through Jungle which belongs to SC. This is what has triggered my interest... Particularly as we can't really ride together anymore.

Thats still a lot of money................ as she wants one too.............

[dalenorth]

I made the switch from a Santa Cruz Bronson carbon to a Specialized Kenevo last month.

I really enjoy the downhills and have never been bothered about using the bike for fitness, so thought it was worth the jump.

I’ve done about 150 miles so far and loved the extra distance I can go and don’t feel my downhill pace has suffered at all.

My advice is go for it. You’ll get about 10% discount if you haggle too!

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

Ordered a 2020 Kenevo expert this morning.

It was the 520mm reach that sold it to me at 6' 5".

Hadva go on a mates bultaco last year. 2kw motor was a blast but way way too short. Most other ebikes have just been too short up until now. It will go with my pole nicely.

Really looking fwd to:

a) In built shuttle to get more DH in.
b) whole new world of super tech climbs... it'll be fun going out with my 11 year old son on his Oset trials and doing some trialsy climbs on it.

[dalenorth]

take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey said:

Ordered a 2020 Kenevo expert this morning.

It was the 520mm reach that sold it to me at 6' 5".

Hadva go on a mates bultaco last year. 2kw motor was a blast but way way too short. Most other ebikes have just been too short up until now. It will go with my pole nicely.

Really looking fwd to:

a) In built shuttle to get more DH in.
b) whole new world of super tech climbs... it'll be fun going out with my 11 year old son on his Oset trials and doing some trialsy climbs on it.

You’ll love it mate!

[Omaruk]

Yep have been riding them for nearly 3 years now on my 2nd one . Both Specialized Levos. Have made biking super fun again and redefined MTB riding. Rob Warner sums it up

https://youtu.be/KCeout_8_m8

I had a YT Capra but it began to gather dust because of the Levo, so sold it. Still got my old school Yeti 575 though.

[LeadFarmer]

I've been commuting on my Cube Reaction Race 29er eMTB for a couple of years now. As I'm mostly cycling on roads Ive switched to road bias tyres, but revert back to mountain bike tyres when needed.

Edited by LeadFarmer on Tuesday 28th April 00:46

[bonerp]

I'm on my third. First was a KTM e Cross P. Sold it for a quicker FLX ride. Hideous cheap crappy chinese Indiegogo bike and the frame broke. They didn't care one jot.

Third bike and current - Giant E3+ from Rutland cycles and loving it. Decent components, strong yamaha drivetrain (tuneable) and generally a well planned out and geared bike.

[EdR]

I got a Specialized Levo (Carbon Comp) last year, having been riding a carbon Stumpjumper for a few years beforehand.

The Levo is an amazing thing - I have used it for commuting duties, for ~50km weekend rides, and on some of the trails near me (was going to take it to the alps this year, although that is looking less likely now). Seems to be nothing it cannot do - goes over anything, covers up my mistakes, and makes me far more inclined to just go out and explore new places and routes. Also means I can ride the 15km to my nearest trails, put in an hour on the trails, and then ride home without being too broken or having to load up the car.

Sad to say, my Stumpy hasn't been used since the day I got my Levo!

[Omaruk]

EdR said:

I got a Specialized Levo (Carbon Comp) last year, having been riding a carbon Stumpjumper for a few years beforehand.

The Levo is an amazing thing - I have used it for commuting duties, for ~50km weekend rides, and on some of the trails near me (was going to take it to the alps this year, although that is looking less likely now). Seems to be nothing it cannot do - goes over anything, covers up my mistakes, and makes me far more inclined to just go out and explore new places and routes. Also means I can ride the 15km to my nearest trails, put in an hour on the trails, and then ride home without being too broken or having to load up the car.

Sad to say, my Stumpy hasn't been used since the day I got my Levo!

Ditto what he said. My YT Capra gathered dust since I got the Levo, ended up selling it. Also helps that as a group of riding mates we ahve all made the switch, its really given out MTB rides a new lease of life and 10X the enjoyment

[PushedDover]

Omaruk said:

Also helps that as a group of riding mates we ahve all made the switch, its really given out MTB rides a new lease of life and 10X the enjoyment

Am buying two. One for me, one for the GF to use or as a spare for non-believers to come join out on....

[cml24]

I've had a go on a couple but just a quick ride around the block. Would love to have a proper go.

I'm hoping once lockdown is well over I can rent one nearby and take it on some of the trails near me. The local bike shop offer bike demos for £50, keep trying as many bikes as you want and the £50 comes off the bikes price when you decide. I was hoping they could offer a pure rental as I can't afford one right now so don't want to take the piss if I've no intention of buying.

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

cml24 said:

I've had a go on a couple but just a quick ride around the block. Would love to have a proper go.

I'm hoping once lockdown is well over I can rent one nearby and take it on some of the trails near me. The local bike shop offer bike demos for £50, keep trying as many bikes as you want and the £50 comes off the bikes price when you decide. I was hoping they could offer a pure rental as I can't afford one right now so don't want to take the piss if I've no intention of buying.

Rutland offer 48months interest free if it helps.

[nickfrog]

Went for the YT Decoy 29 in the end in black/black. Should arrive soon.
First foray into direct to consumer, not sure how that will go...
https://www.yt-industries.com/uk/detail/index/sArt...

[nordboy]

nickfrog said:

Went for the YT Decoy 29 in the end in black/black. Should arrive soon.
First foray into direct to consumer, not sure how that will go...
https://www.yt-industries.com/uk/detail/index/sArt...

Nice bit of kit. I've just bought a new car so will have to stick with my haibike allmtn 3 at the moment (that's still great fun though!!)