eMTB Options For 2024

[reed scott]

Good trade.

Better than good. Now if I could just muster up the gumption to ebay that $10k worth of unused camera equipment I have bagged up ... in the attic.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What e-bike are you buying Reed? I must have missed that part?

 

[reed scott]

What e-bike are you buying Reed? I must have missed that part?

Well Stefan I have the two now ... the rebadged Frey AM 1000 from Bolton ebikes and the Wattwagons Hydra. I'm fantasizing about a custom Wattwagons Crosstour that Pushkar is 'maybe doing' but that's just me thinking too far ahead really. You may have misread my post about selling camera stuff. It was not about financing another bike. More about recouping dollars for whatever expenditure needs from unused equipment. But I'm very lazy. It may not ever happen. My heir may end up with a lot of junk.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I see Reed. My headache is I'm going to sell my extremely well equipped Lovelec e-bike (not because I'm lacking money but rather the storage space). I have probably increased the cost of the bike twice by heavily upgrading it; I can only expect selling the bike low below its real value...

I have found I actually need only two e-bikes: heavy but fast full power Vado and lightweight Vado SL (which I might want to de-restrict). Trance E+ stays with my brother (it is a great family relationship; and actually I don't need an e-MTB myself) but Lovelec has to go...

 

[reed scott]

I see Reed. My headache is I'm going to sell my extremely well equipped Lovelec e-bike (not because I'm lacking money but rather the storage space). I have probably increased the cost of the bike twice by heavily upgrading it; I can only expect selling the bike low below its real value...

I have found I actually need only two e-bikes: heavy but fast full power Vado and lightweight Vado SL (which I might want to de-restrict). Trance E+ stays with my brother (it is a great family relationship; and actually I don't need an e-MTB myself) but Lovelec has to go...

Got it. Yes one must winnow the fold, as the very old saying goes. Can't be sentimental in the face of pressing imminent demands ... or desires.

 

[reed scott]

I see Reed. My headache is I'm going to sell my extremely well equipped Lovelec e-bike (not because I'm lacking money but rather the storage space). I have probably increased the cost of the bike twice by heavily upgrading it; I can only expect selling the bike low below its real value...

I have found I actually need only two e-bikes: heavy but fast full power Vado and lightweight Vado SL (which I might want to de-restrict). Trance E+ stays with my brother (it is a great family relationship; and actually I don't need an e-MTB myself) but Lovelec has to go...

I've sold a lot of things as I grew tired of them and not wanting to haggle and prolong transactions I just tell myself the money seemingly lost was not really lost. It was rental. Truth really.

 

[PDoz]

As threatened....Me vs ME - Some figures from my training loop, it's a tight and technical xc trail, mostly loose conglomerate rock which is HARD to pedal through , lots of weaving through trees / switch backs and berms, but not a huge amount of elevation gain .( about 250 m)

ME - best ever lap on the giant using full assist (360% - pwx2) was an alleged average speed of 20.5 km/ h and that used 60% of the 500 wh battery.( I usually record between 17 and 19 km/h depending on conditions)

Me on the sl today, still dialing in the suspension , "full " assist (100% - mahle) was an average speed of 19.92 km/ h , and apparently I only used 52% of the 360 wh battery.

But it gets better - the ride duration was 20 secs quicker on the levo sl ! I guess snake oil distorts time.

Next test will be she vs ME , I'll try a lap with sprogette on the levo sl and me on the giant and see if I can keep up.

Subjectively, I think the cardiorespiratory workout was more consistent on the sl, but I'm feeling LESS tired - or at least my muscles feel pleasantly stuffed rather than absolutely abused. I realize this doesn't make sense.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Oh, you're Paul. Pleased to meet you!

 

[Browneye]

Paul from OZ.
And he's EVERYWHERE. LOL

 

[Prairie Dog]

As threatened....Me vs ME - Some figures from my training loop, it's a tight and technical xc trail, mostly loose conglomerate rock which is HARD to pedal through , lots of weaving through trees / switch backs and berms, but not a huge amount of elevation gain .( about 250 m)

ME - best ever lap on the giant using full assist (360% - pwx2) was an alleged average speed of 20.5 km/ h and that used 60% of the 500 wh battery.( I usually record between 17 and 19 km/h depending on conditions)

Me on the sl today, still dialing in the suspension , "full " assist (100% - mahle) was an average speed of 19.92 km/ h , and apparently I only used 52% of the 360 wh battery.

But it gets better - the ride duration was 20 secs quicker on the levo sl ! I guess snake oil distorts time.

Next test will be she vs ME , I'll try a lap with sprogette on the levo sl and me on the giant and see if I can keep up.

Subjectively, I think the cardiorespiratory workout was more consistent on the sl, but I'm feeling LESS tired - or at least my muscles feel pleasantly stuffed rather than absolutely abused. I realize this doesn't make sense.

View attachment 91108

Kudos to you PDoz! She's lucky to have you as a mentor and training partner. Looks like a bright future in whatever endeavor she pursues.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The Trance E is my first venture into the realm of e-MTBs and as a relative neophyte I have to admit that I’m quite impressed with its performance. Yes, it could shed some weight but it is what it is. I can’t really make any hands-on comparisons other than listening to and observing what others have said and experienced with respect to their lighter rides. All I know is that both guys that I ride the trails with own carbon Levos and the lighter more nimble but somewhat under powered SL is hard pressed to keep up on climbs when pitted against the Trance or the SL’s slightly heavier but full-blown cousin, the Levo CC. That hard-to-ignore edge in additional torque is something that I’m not sure that I would be willing to compromise on.

I must admit that the cost of admission on these high-end bikes is lofty but the few I’ve seen online or at Cdn dealers have all sold out so there are those who have deep pockets out there. My heftier Trance with 600 WH and 80NM is a relative bargain. That being said, it’s hard to beat the power-to-weight ratio and stealthy look of that Rise. I don’t have any need at this time to look any further than my current ride.

Footage from yesterday's ride.

 

[Dallant]

The Trance E is my first venture into the realm of e-MTBs and as a relative neophyte I have to admit that I’m quite impressed with its performance. Yes, it could shed some weight but it is what it is. I can’t really make any hands-on comparisons other than listening to and observing what others have said and experienced with respect to their lighter rides. All I know is that both guys that I ride the trails with own carbon Levos and the lighter more nimble but somewhat under powered SL is hard pressed to keep up on climbs when pitted against the Trance or the SL’s slightly heavier but full-blown cousin, the Levo CC. That hard-to-ignore edge in additional torque is something that I’m not sure that I would be willing to compromise on.

I must admit that the cost of admission on these high-end bikes is lofty but the few I’ve seen online or at Cdn dealers have all sold out so there are those who have deep pockets out there. My heftier Trance with 600 WH and 80NM is a relative bargain. That being said, it’s hard to beat the power-to-weight ratio and stealthy look of that Rise. I don’t have any need at this time to look any further than my current ride.

Footage from yesterday's ride.

As a neophyte myself who just bought a Trek Rail 5, I totally agree. I had to drive 4 hours to get one of only two in the country at that sporting goods chain.

 

[PDoz]

. That hard-to-ignore edge in additional torque is something that I’m not sure that I would be willing to compromise on.

I must admit that the cost of admission on these high-end bikes is lofty but the few I’ve seen online or at Cdn dealers have all sold out so there are those who have deep pockets out there.

I know exactly where you are coming from - my giant was a bargain 3 years ago and has served me well. I'm still struggling with the decision to sell or keep it - a few big elevation rides next week should answer that. Plus I hope to do a few rides with the kids on the sl and me riding the giant - that could open up a whole new world of expense ( imagine a fleet of 5 sl's !)

I'll argue value. The average smoker burns more per year - if I sold my giant now , the cost of smoking 25 cpd over 3 years would pay for what I lost AND the full price I paid for my (second hand) levo sl !!! Lets not even talk about what I sink into motorbikes - there's a 3 yo adv bike in my shed that cost me more than the levo, I'm scared to look at the pathetic number on the odometer ....lets just say a poster on the wall would be more usefull

A few years back I burnt out at work, the struggle back involved a long and hard think about the value of my work life balance. I've settled on working 4 days / week - so wed is my mid week recovery time. That's a VERY expensive day , in both $ plus a delay in retirement age. Without going into specifics, it makes a lot of sense to max out my relaxation on wednesdays, and if I manage to return to working a half day wed then toys are cheap!

Lots of words. I'm getting pressure from 2 colleagues to sell them the giant , so LOTS of thinking.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I know exactly where you are coming from - my giant was a bargain 3 years ago and has served me well. I'm still struggling with the decision to sell or keep it - a few big elevation rides next week should answer that. Plus I hope to do a few rides with the kids on the sl and me riding the giant - that could open up a whole new world of expense ( imagine a fleet of 5 sl's !)

I'll argue value. The average smoker burns more per year - if I sold my giant now , the cost of smoking 25 cpd over 3 years would pay for what I lost AND the full price I paid for my (second hand) levo sl !!! Lets not even talk about what I sink into motorbikes - there's a 3 yo adv bike in my shed that cost me more than the levo, I'm scared to look at the pathetic number on the odometer ....lets just say a poster on the wall would be more usefull

A few years back I burnt out at work, the struggle back involved a long and hard think about the value of my work life balance. I've settled on working 4 days / week - so wed is my mid week recovery time. That's a VERY expensive day , in both $ plus a delay in retirement age. Without going into specifics, it makes a lot of sense to max out my relaxation on wednesdays, and if I manage to return to working a half day wed then toys are cheap!

Lots of words. I'm getting pressure from 2 colleagues to sell them the giant , so LOTS of thinking.

Could you not pass the Giant down to your kids, that is, if they expressed interest? My sister and brother-in-law have done that with all of their vehicles and just recently handed the keys to their 10yr + old Acura to their daughter. My wife and I have several acoustic bikes that are not being put to full use so we may have to make some critical decisions to clear up space in the garage. My vintage but minty Trek 970 will likely be the first on the chopping block but I’m doubtful if it will fetch much given the current market for these older bikes. I keep telling myself that I’ll ride it during our Alberta winters when it’s too frigid outside for the Trance. I’m talking -30C wind chill here. I have second thoughts now that I can ride the trance on days when the winter chill isn’t so intimidating even if my overall ride count will decline over the dark season.

Finding the right work life balance is crucial and our penchant for toys does create an interesting dilemma, doesn’t it? You may want to think about keeping the Giant in the family in the interim as there will likely be more of those special ‘elevation’ days to come. Just be thankful that your SL is no slouch as a daily ride.

 

[PDoz]

Could you not pass the Giant down to your kids, that is, if they expressed interest? My sister and brother-in-law have done that with all of their vehicles and just recently handed the keys to their 10yr + old Acura to their daughter. My wife and I have several acoustic bikes that are not being put to full use so we may have to make some critical decisions to clear up space in the garage. My vintage but minty Trek 970 will likely be the first on the chopping block but I’m doubtful if it will fetch much given the current market for these older bikes. I keep telling myself that I’ll ride it during our Alberta winters when it’s too frigid outside for the Trance. I’m talking -30C wind chill here. I have second thoughts now that I can ride the trance on days when the winter chill isn’t so intimidating even if my overall ride count will decline over the dark season.

Finding the right work life balance is crucial and our penchant for toys does create an interesting dilemma, doesn’t it? You may want to think about keeping the Giant in the family in the interim as there will likely be more of those special ‘elevation’ days to come. Just be thankful that your SL is no slouch as a daily ride.

They're already riding a high quality fleet of my old bikes! I suspect it might make sense to keep the giant for days when I want to emtb ride with just one of them rather than doing family rides at conventional mtb places , we have a week coming up with lots of riding opportunities plus some big gravity days , I'll know by this time next week.

The x country loop I posted earlier becomes a 1.5 -2 hour ride with them , my oldest daughter is good enough and fit enough she nearly matches me anyway. My 12 yo son can JUST manage that loop on a conventional bike but would easily do it on the levo - trouble is he's keen on jumping so prefers his norco optic because it's light. The 14 yo daughter hates the levo , apparently it's way too sluggish - she is super fit and rides my old 2009 trance x 1 (12 kg and sharp geometry) . If anything, the giant is more likely to be ridden by their friends when they join us ( instead of them riding our marin alkatraz pump track bike) +/- workmates borrow it ( they used to borrow my older daughters scott genius)

 

[Prairie Dog]

They're already riding a high quality fleet of my old bikes! I suspect it might make sense to keep the giant for days when I want to emtb ride with just one of them rather than doing family rides at conventional mtb places , we have a week coming up with lots of riding opportunities plus some big gravity days , I'll know by this time next week.

The x country loop I posted earlier becomes a 1.5 -2 hour ride with them , my oldest daughter is good enough and fit enough she nearly matches me anyway. My 12 yo son can JUST manage that loop on a conventional bike but would easily do it on the levo - trouble is he's keen on jumping so prefers his norco optic because it's light. The 14 yo daughter hates the levo , apparently it's way too sluggish - she is super fit and rides my old 2009 trance x 1 (12 kg and sharp geometry) . If anything, the giant is more likely to be ridden by their friends when they join us ( instead of them riding our marin alkatraz pump track bike) +/- workmates borrow it ( they used to borrow my older daughters scott genius)

Nice to have youth on one’s side. I’ve seen lads at the local MTB park performing free ride stunts and launching their bikes and bodies high in the air off dirt ramps. My buddies and I prefer to stick to the trails there and no amount of persuasion could convince us to do otherwise. Besides, the single tracks that we ride on are challenging enough on our aging bodies.

So it seems that your kids generally approve of e-bikes but would rather ride something more in keeping with their style of riding then. Some may prefer not to since there is a bit of a stigma attached to them especially among many hard core cyclists.

 

[PDoz]

So it seems that your kids generally approve of e-bikes but would rather ride something more in keeping with their style of riding then. Some may prefer not to since there is a bit of a stigma attached to them especially among many hard core cyclists.

About 2 years ago I helped my daughter at a school fund raising event - 2 separate half day mtb rides, about 25 riders on each session.

At the start of the advanced group one kid started mouthing off about my emtb, the other kids shut him down quickly! I handed it to the best rider and he came back raving ( with a particularly impressive jump) . He's now competing at adult national level getting podium finishes ( at 17 yo) .

 

[PDoz]

Oh well, I'm officially not fit enough to use the sl for shuttling duties. I JUST managed the first shuttle trip (350 m in 3.5 km ) , but by about the 2/3 mark I'd decided to keep the giant for shuttle days..... I ended up driving the kids for 3 loops to each one I did just so my legs could recover. Still a fun say out, but grunting up a steep 4x4 track is not the sl's forte ! I never had to stop, but there were a few sections I was spinning away in 2 nd and trying not to look at the top of the hill....

It's strange, the actual trail sectiins are fine on the sl - including a couple of short, steep climbs people struggle to walk up. But on the long uphill grunts, my legs simply can't maintain the constant power delivery - on the giant I can drop back into the motor if I run full power and keep gently spinning - the sl needs me to keep punching leg power

 

[Prairie Dog]

Oh well, I'm officially not fit enough to use the sl for shuttling duties. I JUST managed the first shuttle trip (350 m in 3.5 km ) , but by about the 2/3 mark I'd decided to keep the giant for shuttle days..... I ended up driving the kids for 3 loops to each one I did just so my legs could recover. Still a fun say out, but grunting up a steep 4x4 track is not the sl's forte ! I never had to stop, but there were a few sections I was spinning away in 2 nd and trying not to look at the top of the hill....

It's strange, the actual trail sectiins are fine on the sl - including a couple of short, steep climbs people struggle to walk up. But on the long uphill grunts, my legs simply can't maintain the constant power delivery - on the giant I can drop back into the motor if I run full power and keep gently spinning - the sl needs me to keep punching leg power

Good to read those comments from someone who actually rides both models. The lighter bikes are nimble and will get you out of most situations on the trail but for those extended climbs that Yamaha power is pretty nice to have on hand.

The rise could fill that power to weight combo that we’ve all been searching for and component wise there’s no shortage of eye candy. The sticker shock, however, is another matter and I could easily have two top tier Trances hanging on my garage wall for the price of one Rise.

https://bicicletta.cc/products/orbea-rise-m-team?variant=33278545002559

 

[PDoz]

Good to read those comments from someone who actually rides both models. The lighter bikes are nimble and will get you out of most situations on the trail but for those extended climbs that Yamaha power is pretty nice to have on hand.

The rise could fill that power to weight combo that we’ve all been searching for and component wise there’s no shortage of eye candy. The sticker shock, however, is another matter and I could easily have two top tier Trances hanging on my garage wall for the price of one Rise.

https://bicicletta.cc/products/orbea-rise-m-team?variant=33278545002559

The rise is actually good value over here.

I'm not sure how us prices compare between orbea and giant, but a top tier trance x e1 is only 10% cheaper than the bottom spec m20 rise over here in Aus! That lowest spec orbea has comparable components to the top level giant ! The orbea is also carbon , and you get the option of upgrading suspension at the time of purchase - eg upgrading the forks to factory for $450 , or even factory 36 kashima for $699 ( that's an $1800 fork , the only bike giant offers that on is their top of the range conventional trance x 0 advanced - which is MORE expensive than an orbea rise - without a motor! )

It'll be interesting to see how orbea spec / price the alloy rise , and what weight it comes in at.