eMTB Options For 2024
- Thread starter Browneye
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Browneye
Well-Known Member
I was shopping Jenson again, this time for new ebikes. Seems they're a pretty active ORBEA dealer, have both Rise and Wild models in stock. The Rise in particular gets really high marks from professional reviewers - super light approach to eMTB design. I would be curious what the failure rate of the Bosch drive is compared to, say, Shimano or Yamaha.
They also have Santa Cruz and Marin.
www.jensonusa.com
They also have Santa Cruz and Marin.
Electric Mountain Bikes: Full Suspension & Hardtail eBikes | Jenson USA
www.jensonusa.com
I was shopping Jenson again, this time for new ebikes. Seems they're a pretty active ORBEA dealer, have both Rise and Wild models in stock. The Rise in particular gets really high marks from professional reviewers - super light approach to eMTB design. I would be curious what the failure rate of the Bosch drive is compared to, say, Shimano or Yamaha.
They also have Santa Cruz and Marin.
Electric Mountain Bikes: Full Suspension & Hardtail eBikes | Jenson USA
I assume you are asking about bosch for the wild? ( rise uses yamaha)
Bosch have a great reputation locally for reliability, I have mates with 20,000 km of hard core emtb riding on multiple bosch powered treks, the bikes wear out before the motor does. BUT that's dry conditions. Over on the UK sites, there is a lot of talk about bearings / seals giving way.
Ride before you buy, though - they're an aquired taste. Too much over run for me - much more than your giant in full power mode.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Orbea Wild has Bosch, the Rise has Shimano EP8. Rise is their answer to Spec Levo SL - a super lightweight with lighter motor.
www.orbea.com
The M series is carbon, the H-series alloy. I'm good with alloy for a conventional ebike like the Wild. For a super-light, like Levo or Orbea H, the carbon makes a lot more sense.
I was looking at Yamaha again, they're still building 27.5'rs and alloy frames. Prices are good though:
www.yamahabicycles.com
In other news, SRAM has released their assist powertrain based on Brose components:
flowmountainbike.com
RISE M10 20mph 2023
The M series is carbon, the H-series alloy. I'm good with alloy for a conventional ebike like the Wild. For a super-light, like Levo or Orbea H, the carbon makes a lot more sense.
I was looking at Yamaha again, they're still building 27.5'rs and alloy frames. Prices are good though:
E Bike | Yamaha E Bikes
Yamaha e-bikes enable more roads and trails bicycle riding. Cutting edge electric bike motors, reliable, long-lasting batteries and intuitive controls make Yamaha e bikes the perfect do-more ride. Yamahabicycles.com
www.yamahabicycles.com
In other news, SRAM has released their assist powertrain based on Brose components:
SRAM Unveils Eagle Powertrain | Here's 7 reasons we're excited about the long awaited e-MTB system from SRAM
Uitisling hardware form Brose, SRAM's new Powertrain e-MTB system sees auto-shifting capabilities and integrates the Transmission Drivetrain.
flowmountainbike.com
The wild is also an up to date bike - the rise is 3 years old now.
Their alloy rise is closer in design to a giant trance x advanced . A midweight, mid power bike with mid sized battery. The giant is a much better bike imho.
The carbon rise is getting a bit old , even when new it was heavier than the levo sl . With the gen 2 levo sl having more torque and a more modern design, the carbon rise would need to be a really good price.
Their alloy rise is closer in design to a giant trance x advanced . A midweight, mid power bike with mid sized battery. The giant is a much better bike imho.
The carbon rise is getting a bit old , even when new it was heavier than the levo sl . With the gen 2 levo sl having more torque and a more modern design, the carbon rise would need to be a really good price.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Transition Bikes anyone??
We had a break in the weather yesterday, temps warmed and the rain stopped for a few hours so I thought I would get out on the road for a little jaunt to my local bike shop. They were listed as a HAIBIKE dealer and had an interesting name so I thought I would visit. Bearded Monkey bike shop is a pretty cool place and Lance is a super nice and very knowledgeable bike guy.
Turns out he probably was a Haibike dealer at some point in the past but hasn't done anything with them for years. He specializes in TREK and of course Specialized (LOL
) and said he really likes the Bosch and Brose motors although he didn't have any ebikes in his shop. Just lots of analogs, and obviously caters to the local customer so lots of stuff for kids. Little kids. But he's an avid MTB'r so he had lots of great info to offer, even some recommended local trails to hit.
He said a two hour drive in nearly any direction from here there were awesome bike parks and trail riding for mountain bikes. I had arrived in MTB nirvana. How lucky is that????
Anyway, he also said he was impressed with and had some good results with a new company in Bellingham WA, TRANSITION Bikes, right across from one of the PNW premier riding areas/parks there. I had never heard of the brand and so was quite curious and excited to check them out. Turns out they are transitioning (LOL ) from Shimano to SRAM drivetrain for their ebikes. Kind of a niche/boutique brand for sure. He had one analog CC bike there with electric SRAM shifter, they're all carbon 29'rs, and really nice bikes. Big $$, but state of the art I would say.
So check them out here. One of these days I'm going to get over there for some riding and beers - they have a cafe and tap room onsite, and lots of fancy bikes:
We had a break in the weather yesterday, temps warmed and the rain stopped for a few hours so I thought I would get out on the road for a little jaunt to my local bike shop. They were listed as a HAIBIKE dealer and had an interesting name so I thought I would visit. Bearded Monkey bike shop is a pretty cool place and Lance is a super nice and very knowledgeable bike guy.
Turns out he probably was a Haibike dealer at some point in the past but hasn't done anything with them for years. He specializes in TREK and of course Specialized (LOL
) and said he really likes the Bosch and Brose motors although he didn't have any ebikes in his shop. Just lots of analogs, and obviously caters to the local customer so lots of stuff for kids. Little kids. But he's an avid MTB'r so he had lots of great info to offer, even some recommended local trails to hit.He said a two hour drive in nearly any direction from here there were awesome bike parks and trail riding for mountain bikes. I had arrived in MTB nirvana. How lucky is that????
Anyway, he also said he was impressed with and had some good results with a new company in Bellingham WA, TRANSITION Bikes, right across from one of the PNW premier riding areas/parks there. I had never heard of the brand and so was quite curious and excited to check them out. Turns out they are transitioning (LOL
) from Shimano to SRAM drivetrain for their ebikes. Kind of a niche/boutique brand for sure. He had one analog CC bike there with electric SRAM shifter, they're all carbon 29'rs, and really nice bikes. Big $$, but state of the art I would say.So check them out here. One of these days I'm going to get over there for some riding and beers - they have a cafe and tap room onsite, and lots of fancy bikes:
Transition Bikes
The Repeater 170mm Powertrain takes your eMTB experience to a whole new level.
www.transitionbikes.com
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Oh, and I got my Feedback Sports mechanic bike stand and it's the shiznit. These get rave reviews and I can see why - way sorted gear, it's really nice.
feedbacksports.com
Sport Mechanic Bike Repair Stand - Feedback Sports
The Sport Mechanic Bike Repair Stand includes the signature features of the entire Feedback Sports bike repair stand lineup – compatibility, stability, durability and portability. It has a wide base, with rubber-coated end caps for amazing stability on any surface, plus a secure, adjustable...
feedbacksports.com
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Tried out the stand with the two ebikes. Works fine, only problem is the front is way heavier and the bikes are way heavier than a normal bike, so they like to sag to the front tire. They're rated for 65 pounds, the bikes run about 53. So they're at the limit.
The other problem is holding up the bike and getting it into the clamp jaws is a chore. I'm used to just turning them over - handlebars and seat, which is about the same. My go-to for fifty years. LOL
Probly help to remove the battery first - they're pretty heavy. I do that when I put them on the carrier. Makes loading up and carrying a lot easier.
The other problem is holding up the bike and getting it into the clamp jaws is a chore. I'm used to just turning them over - handlebars and seat, which is about the same. My go-to for fifty years. LOL
Probly help to remove the battery first - they're pretty heavy. I do that when I put them on the carrier. Makes loading up and carrying a lot easier.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
My LBS carries transition bikes and I never really paid much attention to them but I will now. That top-of-the-line Repeater is a looker as well as its $15K CAD premium price. That being said, their range of analog mtbs is quite extensive and have rides to accommodate most with budgetary constraints in mind. The LBS did have a Pivot Switchblade SL/XT which caught my eye and at $2K off it’s pretty tempting to add it to the fleet.Transition Bikes anyone??
We had a break in the weather yesterday, temps warmed and the rain stopped for a few hours so I thought I would get out on the road for a little jaunt to my local bike shop. They were listed as a HAIBIKE dealer and had an interesting name so I thought I would visit. Bearded Monkey bike shop is a pretty cool place and Lance is a super nice and very knowledgeable bike guy.
Turns out he probably was a Haibike dealer at some point in the past but hasn't done anything with them for years. He specializes in TREK and of course Specialized (LOL
He said a two hour drive in nearly any direction from here there were awesome bike parks and trail riding for mountain bikes. I had arrived in MTB nirvana. How lucky is that????
Anyway, he also said he was impressed with and had some good results with a new company in Bellingham WA, TRANSITION Bikes, right across from one of the PNW premier riding areas/parks there. I had never heard of the brand and so was quite curious and excited to check them out. Turns out they are transitioning (LOL
So check them out here. One of these days I'm going to get over there for some riding and beers - they have a cafe and tap room onsite, and lots of fancy bikes:
Transition Bikes
The Repeater 170mm Powertrain takes your eMTB experience to a whole new level.www.transitionbikes.com
Your comments about the Feedback stand have me looking to replace my old (now discontinued) Park PCS 9. The swiveling clamp gets stuck and takes a herculean effort to loosen it. I usually lower the stand just enough so that I can lift the heaviest of my ebikes up to the clamp jaws with the front wheel just touching the ground. Then it’s just a matter of lifting the front wheel and locking the clamp in place. The 3 point legs open up into a triangle which offers up pretty good support even for my Norco VLT which tips the scales at 60lbs. What I don’t like about it is the screw top clamp which is extremely awkward to close particularly when lifting a heavier bike up to the jaws. The Feedback Ultralight, on the other hand, has a nifty slide lock ratcheting clamp that requires only one hand to tighten its grip on the seat post and the QR fittings make assembly and collapsing a breeze. It weighs 5lbs less than the Park and folds up in a more compact manner. Light enough to take out in the field as well. The FB Ultralight also claims a max weight capacity of 85lbs which is roughly what the Park holds. The PCS 9 is quite bulky and after a while can be somewhat of a pain to haul around with its legs flopping around.
Last edited:
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
How old is your PCS 9? Mine's maybe 3 years old. It has no issues so far. When I bought it I could have gone for the 10, but I liked the base on the 9 more.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
It's likely over three years old, Dave. Despite the swiveling clamp getting locked up, it’s not a bad stand. I think I paid less than $200 Cdn for it at the time.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Wow - that is a wild setup on the Canyon. Never seen anything like that.
EP8 is getting a bad rep out there. So many complaints people are shying away, going for other options. Transition has a few bargain ebikes with the Shimano lump. The new one with the SRAM is twice the price. 170mm forks too!
EP8 is getting a bad rep out there. So many complaints people are shying away, going for other options. Transition has a few bargain ebikes with the Shimano lump. The new one with the SRAM is twice the price. 170mm forks too!
We have a local family who are Transition fans . They are value conscious, but VERY demanding riders ( including a 19 yo son who races x country at national level and has just cycled from Asia to Europe solo....)
They've been buying new but 1/2 year out of date / old stock bikes at significant discount, and upgrading every couple of years. So far, they have managed to sell the bikes second hand and end up much less out of pocket than competing with the big name brands on the second hand market.
I don't think I'd want to try that with an ebike, but it's worked very well for them .
They've been buying new but 1/2 year out of date / old stock bikes at significant discount, and upgrading every couple of years. So far, they have managed to sell the bikes second hand and end up much less out of pocket than competing with the big name brands on the second hand market.
I don't think I'd want to try that with an ebike, but it's worked very well for them .
Browneye
Well-Known Member
If I hadn't heard so many horror stories about the EP8 motor, I would pick up their sale model for five grand or so. Nice setup otherwise. 
I need to find some more content on the new SRAM drive train. Sounds intriguing. A big investment into progressing the ebike concept.
Ebikes are sure not going away anytime soon, are they? The new models just get more and more non-E looking, with well integrated assist drive components. A far cry from old hub-drive bikes.
I need to find some more content on the new SRAM drive train. Sounds intriguing. A big investment into progressing the ebike concept.
Ebikes are sure not going away anytime soon, are they?
The new models just get more and more non-E looking, with well integrated assist drive components. A far cry from old hub-drive bikes.
Rome
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
I thought Brose was perfect motor but changed my mind after two motor replacement. I'm on #3 motor it was out of pocket cost $1300 including brake bleed new pads and rotors installed. Forks and rear shock rebuild.
Downtime was 2 months.
EP 8 motor can't be costlier to maintain.
As for Sram motor I briefly read tourqe specs. It's only 50nm compared to 85nm on EP 8 500w peak and 400% assist very similar to my Brose powered Bulls.
.
Downtime was 2 months.
EP 8 motor can't be costlier to maintain.
As for Sram motor I briefly read tourqe specs. It's only 50nm compared to 85nm on EP 8 500w peak and 400% assist very similar to my Brose powered Bulls.
.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
A different application...the super-lights are running smaller packs and assist levels on 35-40lb bikes.
I test rode a Levo SL quite some time ago, probly before I bought my giant. But just around a parking lot, so you can't really get a feel for what differences there might be in actual trail use. The MTB purists are more attracted to them as being more like a regular bike than not.
I only notice how heavy my Giant is when I try to lift it up. I'm not a good enough rider offroad to make a fair assessment, but lighter has always been better offroad. The chief complaints about the early SL's was it was quite down on assist power - the Rise came along with a bit more and got good reviews. As far as the SRAM, that 50nm is quite a bit more than a SL's 35. IIRC the Rise is closer to the 50-60 level.
What I do know is they all keep getting more and more expensive.
I spent today riding a newly opened trail network " gravity eden" , it's an example of tourism funded mtb trails - take a dying country town, toss a few $million into commercial trail building - and watch the tourism $ flow in. About 59 km of trail cut into a couple of hills with about 300 m elevation between the top and bottom. Lots of kid / shuttle friendly fast flowy down hill riding, but just enough up hill to make it worth having the levo sl. I think we did about 40 km today , but only used half the lsl's battery.
It was wet, slippery and humid , I'm looking forward to returning in the dry
It was wet, slippery and humid , I'm looking forward to returning in the dry
Browneye
Well-Known Member
The forest! 
It's winter here...snow in the mountains - they gear up for snowmobiles in a big way. I haven't ever dug into that.
The bikes are dialed in though, waiting for winter to pass.
I got a 20mile paved bike path ride in last week, a little chilly but fun anyway. Lots of thorny sticker thingies stuck in the tires. The front tube had 3 pinholes.
BTW, the M8000 cassette does seem to shift really smoothly. My bike shop guy also said this about the Shimano XT series. Maybe I'll order one for my dirt wheel set after all, it has the other SLX cassette.
It's much easier to get super smooth shifting without that 46T cog - the 42 is plenty low enough and the derailleur can be set closer to the gears.
Along the Greenway in our town...it's 18 miles long.
Yakima River - yes it's a premier fishery upstream a few miles. Eventually flows into the Columbia. Such a contrast from the arid area of Southern California.
Park in town:
Bike path under the old railroad bridge:
It's winter here...snow in the mountains - they gear up for snowmobiles in a big way. I haven't ever dug into that.
The bikes are dialed in though, waiting for winter to pass.
I got a 20mile paved bike path ride in last week, a little chilly but fun anyway. Lots of thorny sticker thingies stuck in the tires. The front tube had 3 pinholes.
BTW, the M8000 cassette does seem to shift really smoothly. My bike shop guy also said this about the Shimano XT series. Maybe I'll order one for my dirt wheel set after all, it has the other SLX cassette.
It's much easier to get super smooth shifting without that 46T cog - the 42 is plenty low enough and the derailleur can be set closer to the gears.
Along the Greenway in our town...it's 18 miles long.
Yakima River - yes it's a premier fishery upstream a few miles. Eventually flows into the Columbia. Such a contrast from the arid area of Southern California.
Park in town:
Bike path under the old railroad bridge:
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