Bang for buck recomendations

Lar

Well-Known Member
Hey all... I'm looking for a emtb to use for mostly cross country and some all mountain also (extended) inclines generally not excessively steep but sometimes. I do like the appeal of class 3 speed for the flats. The bafang ultra sounds like a good fit so would like to hear offerings of that kind mainly. Also would like fs w/somewhat decent components. Not interested in fat bikes too much. Less than $4500usd with shipping to lower 48 states.
 
When talking best bang for the buck, a good way to do that is to go with an outfit that's not charging a lot for support - because they don't/can't offer much.

This would be best suited for those that don't NEED much in the way of support. Safe bet it's not going to turn out well if it turns out you ARE in need of more support than they offer.

You're on your own when deciding on "decent components".

Just bought a Rize RX Pro hard tail on the bucks spent for bang received basis. It's got a set of street tires that will be installed as it comes out of the box.

If you're set on FS maybe one of these would work -


or something from Frey http://frey.bike/index.htm
 
I have looked at those and also the juggernaut ultra but at around 75lbs I lose some interest so kinda why I am not too interested in fat bikes.

Have to look at what Frey is offering but thought their fs was a fat bike also.
 
This one is 27.5x2.8

That's not "FAT" in my book.

Most of what you are going to find, that I've seen, are going to be in that 65-75 lb weight range.

If you want much lighter, safe bet it's going to be reflected in the price.
 
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Have to ask them about the weight on the AM1000 but that is in the range of what I am looking for if it's in the 60s lbs weight wise.
 
$3900 with shipping not bad but 110 day lead time before shipping. Shipping weight around 80lbs.

Still looking...
 
I would say $5000 buys a proper e-MTB. I said proper. The one designed for mountain biking, not the B-thing joke.
Besides, having a LBS responsible for any maintenance, repair, and warranty is worth every cent. I also need to add MTBers do not accept Class 3 on trails.

 
I do have a mtb for mountain biking trails that don't allow ebikes the emtb is for state trust land and here it is allowed but I get what you're saying about having a LBS though it's going to be tough to find what I'm looking for in the price range mentioned.
 
The full suspension, tubeless ready wheels or a dropper post are not free. Same with a proper e-MTB optimised motor (not a speed demon but a terrific climber). Classy drivetrain, brakes... What can I say?

The hardtail e-MTBs come cheaper.
 
Btw I am a Giant fan but 80nm is half power of the ultra not sure how that would do on extended climbs.

I've come to believe it's all chinese junk to some degree.
 
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I have a Giant Fathom E+1 Pro, and the limiting factor for climbing is traction and technique. This motor is willing and capable. At least, that's my experience.

With double the torque on a bike, would it still be useable?

For reference I'm 95kg (210 lbs) 62 year old.
 
I want to be sure I'm not going to tax the motor and PAS is expected but also I want speeds of over 20mph at times for some jeep roads.
 
I could get this with a few upgrades for just under $4500 with 27.5x3" tires and I feel like it's a company that would be somewhat responsible but 75 lbs would probably be an awkward beast?! They will unlock it and it will do 32mph though.

 
Hey all... I'm looking for a emtb to use for mostly cross country and some all mountain also (extended) inclines generally not excessively steep but sometimes. I do like the appeal of class 3 speed for the flats. The bafang ultra sounds like a good fit so would like to hear offerings of that kind mainly. Also would like fs w/somewhat decent components. Not interested in fat bikes too much. Less than $4500usd with shipping to lower 48 states.

This is a good place to start your search... best full suspension electric bikes.

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I emailed volt earlier tonight about the enduro. The sight is listing as out of stock till June. I was hoping the sight was not up to date and they were not talking about next year but I have gone through many of the 2019-20 reviews.
 
Hey all... I'm looking for a emtb to use for mostly cross country and some all mountain also (extended) inclines generally not excessively steep but sometimes. I do like the appeal of class 3 speed for the flats. The bafang ultra sounds like a good fit so would like to hear offerings of that kind mainly. Also would like fs w/somewhat decent components. Not interested in fat bikes too much. Less than $4500usd with shipping to lower 48 states.

Sonders Rockstar and Frey CC are probably your best bets but yeah, lead time, bike weight (tad heavy) and service after the sale are questionable.
 
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I could get this with a few upgrades for just under $4500 with 27.5x3" tires and I feel like it's a company that would be somewhat responsible but 75 lbs would probably be an awkward beast?! They will unlock it and it will do 32mph though.


The bike I'm on now is 65-68lbs or so, and for my purposes, I don't notice the weight. That might change if I were lugging it up steps or something, or using it in tight quarters on a technical climb/decent. The question would be then, how often do I plan on being in those situations? Do I want to buy a house with a pool in an area where the season for using the pool is only a month long?

Establishing some priorities in order I believe. Including those regarding service requirements it sounds like.
 
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The bike I'm on now is 65-68lbs or so, and for my purposes, I don't notice the weight. That might change if I were lugging it up steps or something, or using it in tight quarters on a technical climb/decent. The question would be then, how often do I plan on being in those situations? Do I want to buy a house with a pool in an area where the season for using the pool is only a month long?

Establishing some priorities in order I believe. Including those regarding service requirements it sounds like.

Agreed. You should probably stick with your LBS if you have limited bike repair skills. I personally like getting a deal and have found the internet to be very helpful in assisting in fixing the basics...
 
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I'm a noob with no bike yet but it's sitting on the dock in China and I should have it in about six weeks. I determined quickly in my research that I did not want a small restricted Eurobike motor. I dropped Luna from my possibilities shortly into my thoughts as they are unresponsive and seem to be presently out to lunch. I keyed in on Biktrix and they are indeed a very good company. Then I ran across Frey. If you can stand dealing with a CCP run outfit like Alibaba you can get a VERY good bike but you have to sit on your hands waiting for a few months to get one. I bought a rebadged Frey AM 1000 from Bolton Ebikes. Yes I paid a premium but it was worth it. I am a long way from getting the sort of support a local bike shop can provide but I will have the bike I want and if it breaks I will just buy new parts and do the repair myself. Even motors can be swapped out without too much trouble. In all my deliberations I still can't come up with anything better than either Biktrix or Frey for my needs. And I like Bolton and Kyle Chittok.
 
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Sonders Rockstar and Frey CC are probably your best bets but yeah, lead time, bike weight (tad heavy) and service after the sale are questionable.
I don't think I've checked out the rockstar yet I'll take a look.
 
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