Anyone bought an Xtreme Cherokee 1250 front wheel drive yet?

[Jimbow]

I don't see a heading or review anywhere for them. Newer company so maybe that's why?
What do you think about the front wheel drive for trail riding?
I just bought a Rad Rover and it's great, but found the need for more umph going up hill so their 1250 watt model intrigues me.
Anybody?

 

[elyhim]

Look at real trail bikes like Treks Powerfly offers or Specialized, Scott, Giant, etc.. Front wheel drives don't get traction, rear wheels torque break spokes etc.. Look at the mid-drives and able to use without the motor assist as well. I got the Trek Powerly 8 FS and have zero complaints. It's addictive.

 

[Larry Ganz]

Agreed, a mid-drive would be better for climbing, and my Trek Powerfly 7 has plenty of power to climb and grip to go off road.

 

[Jimbow]

I know that you have to "pay to play" but man, the Trek is 3x more money than the bike I asked about.
Anyone have any experience with the bike I mentioned?

 

[J.R.]

I know that you have to "pay to play" but man, the Trek is 3x more money than the bike I asked about.
Anyone have any experience with the bike I mentioned?

I've never seen one, but I rode with a guy a couple times a year ago, that has a 1000 watt front hub. The bike lost traction often in loose gravel/dirt. I don't think it's the most stable platform for an ebike. Easy Motion has a 2 wheel drive fat bike, best of both worlds? Just a quick search here shows @XtremeFatTireE-Bikes is a member here. Maybe reach out to them.

 

[pxpaulx]

I'll give you my 2 cents. Don't bother with this bike, period. The vast majority of ebikes are NOT front hubs for a reason - loss of traction, especially with that much power, is a real possibility, likely often and especially when conditions are worst.

You're right, ebikes aren't cheap, but you do get what you pay for - the name brand bikes are well integrated with their motors and batteries and are a pleasure to ride compared to most sub $2k bikes. With that said, there are plenty of people here who are very happy with their Radrover and Voltbike fat bikes - both of those companies, although smaller, are quite established as reputable nationally at this point and have fat bikes priced right around $1500 give or take, with proper support and warranty. If that is your budget, stick with these established smaller known brands, no question.

 

[elyhim]

Last years models are on sale. Might be more palatable but yeah have to pay to play.

 

[Trail Cruiser]

Powered front wheels disrupts the front stability especially when turning, making it twitchy and unstable at the corners.

 

[Jimbow]

Wow, tough crash. Glad he was wearing gloves at least!
I see what you mean about the traction.

This will be my second e-bike. I bought a Rad Rover three weeks ago and like it but it is noticeably shy about climbing hills. My wife doesn't go crazy over trail riding or any hills so I plan on bequeathing the RR top her and upgrading to something more serious for myself. I guess you guys are moving me towards the mid drive platform and I'll start looking that way. Thanks very much for the advice!

 

[pxpaulx]

Wow, tough crash. Glad he was wearing gloves at least!
I see what you mean about the traction.

This will be my second e-bike. I bought a Rad Rover three weeks ago and like it but it is noticeably shy about climbing hills. My wife doesn't go crazy over trail riding or any hills so I plan on bequeathing the RR top her and upgrading to something more serious for myself. I guess you guys are moving me towards the mid drive platform and I'll start looking that way. Thanks very much for the advice!

Biktrix had several far tire models around $2k with mid drives.

While some hub motors do well on hills, mid drives do generally perform better.

 

[elyhim]

Mid Drive on Singletrack - is this what you're looking for? Trek Powerfly FS 8