Good Multi-Purpose Mid-Drive Class 3 E-Bike (E-mtb/Commuter) under $6k-ish

[Nonickles]

Looking for a mid-drive Class 3 E-bike (up to 28mph) that can be used as a mountain bike and commuter with a reliable mid-drive motor. I'd like to stay around $4K but willing to spend up to $6K for the right bike.

Any suggestions are appreciated...

Thanks,
Andy

 

[Stefan Mikes]

This is I think the only choice, with respected Brose TF motor (similar to Specialized 1.2s), large battery and proper components.

E-STREAM EVO 45 AM

The new class-3 E-Stream EVO AM 45 is back with more advanced features and the tag of the fastest eMountain bike. More speed with better handling.

www.bullsbikesusa.com

However, there is a remark to be made. All MTBs are equipped with knobby tyres that are very noisy on-road. To use the Bulls e-bike for commuting, you need to create a second wheel-set with more slick tyres and including brake rotors of the same size. The rear wheel has to be equipped with speed-sensor magnets mounted exactly as they are in the original rear wheel. Once having that, you can replace the wheel sets between your rides.

 

[rich c]

Personally, I don't think a good emtb makes a good commuter and visa versa. I have one of each. I don't want knobby tires on a commuter, and I don't want long fenders, integrated lights, mirrors, and rear rack with panniers on a Mtb. My Haibikes are 2016 speed models, and got both during off season for under $6,000.

 

[FlatSix911]

Looking for a mid-drive Class 3 E-bike (up to 28mph) that can be used as a mountain bike and commuter with a reliable mid-drive motor.

I'd like to stay around $4K but willing to spend up to $6K for the right bike.

Any suggestions are appreciated...

Thanks,
Andy

Hi Andy, welcome to EBR. I think a Gravel bike might suit your needs for a bike that is capable on the road and trails.

Take a look at the EBR reviews on Gravel bikes to get familiar with the available models that are rated for Class 3 speeds of 28mph.

I would recommend that you check out the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Carbon @ $6,500 and the BD e-Mulekick Express Alloy @ $2,000 - $3,000.

Electric Gravel Bike Reviews | ElectricBikeReview.com

These electric bikes offer a blend of road and cyclo-cross performance, and are capable on tarmac, gravel, cobblestone, single track, and other light off-road. Wider handlebars, studded tires, and occasional suspension provide better traction, float, and comfort, but compromise on efficiency.

electricbikereview.com

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products...tric-flatbar-road-bikes-emulekick-express.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products...s-electric-gravel-road-bikes-emulekick-sl.htm

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $6500.00 | Model Year: 2020 | A lightweight gravel grinder road ebike with flared handlebars, wide treaded tires, a seat post dropper, and unique Future Shock 2.0 steer tube suspension. Available in six frame sizes, sold through a vast network of dealers with professional fitting systems...

electricbikereview.com

 

[Johnny]

Lore DS IE Full suspension and bosch hs motor. Raleigh had a sale for $3K a month ago I believe, maybe you can find it in some online retailers.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

(A gravel bike is not a mountain bike, FlatSix911).

 

[FlatSix911]

(A gravel bike is not a mountain bike, FlatSix911).

yeah... and OP wants a mountain bike / commuter bike
I don't think gravel bike is good for either of them

He said he was "Looking for a mid-drive Class 3 E-bike (up to 28mph) that can be used as a mountain bike and commuter with a reliable mid-drive motor."

That is the definition of a Gravel Bike. Where I ride in the California mountains, many fit athletic riders favor Gravel bikes as the best all-purpose machine.

Don't knock it until you have tried it...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

mountain bike

He meant a MTB (Mountain Bike). You know, one you can ride single track uphill
P.S. I understand what you're saying. Don't agree with your interpretation of the OP's question.

 

[FlatSix911]

He meant a MTB (Mountain Bike). You know, one you can ride single track uphill

I think something may be lost in translation... watch the video to understand the capabilities on single track.

Gravel Bikes are now the fastest-growing bike category and regularly beat mountain bikes in local races.

My next EBike will be a Gravel bike to bridge the gap between road and mountain... I like to ride on the road from my home to the trail and back again.

 

[TomD]

Maybe get 2 bikes? Here's one for $2.1K for commuting. And you could save ~$3.9K of budget for a legit eMTB, say a Luna X1 (when they come back in stock).

Crazy Deal | Crazy Lenny's eBikes

Check out our Crazy Deals for the best prices in ebikes that you'll find.

www.crazylennysebikes.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I think something may be lost in translation... watch the video to understand the capabilities.

I've added a postscript. It is better to wait for the OP's reply to determine his real needs.

You said "Creo SL". The bike is under-powered and you need to be really athletic to use it both for the commute and on the trail. Same with the Levo SL when we talk All Mountain purpose only. The Specialized 1.1 motor is of 35 Nm torque. The Brose TF is at least 72 Nm. I also could say something about the small battery on the Specialized SL e-bikes

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@FlatSix911, as much as I like and respect you, cannot find anything on the gravel bike here:

Mountain bike - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The gravel bike was conceived as a hybrid between an on-road and an off-road bike because the U.S. sport many thousands of miles of gravel roads...

 

[FlatSix911]

Good point... Let's see what the OP comes back with regarding his needs and fitness level.

 

[Nonickles]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

I’m looking for more of a mountain bike than a gravel bike the trails are pretty sandy in NM. Maybe even some sort of mountain bike hybrid commuter. I’ll definitely check out all your suggestions and if anyone else has some feel free to pass them my way. I really appreciate it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Then you won't be able to commute and go on off road trail while commuting... or something.

I think OP is looking for a multi-purpose bike.

The idea of off road capable commuter isn't new.

What's that @Timpo? Is it the Class 3 e-bike?

In all honesty: If I could turn the time back, I wouldn't have bought both the Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 (Class 3 commuter e-bike) and Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro (EU Class 1 e-MTB) but would have probably standardised on the Class 3 Bulls e-MTB with double wheel-set...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-axis-eride-evo-bike

This is a Class 1 e-bike... Most of e-MTB are of Class 1. The Bulls is the only Class 3 e-MTB I heard of. Interestingly, as a German brand, they equip the Euro version of that bike with all bells and whistles required from an S-Pedelec in Europe.

 

[TomD]

Seems like the OP would be a candidate for @Ravi Kempaiah's SUB if it were available.

Rohloff Speed hubs on E-bikes (Mechanical and E-14) - Discussion

This guy does put his bikes through very punishing conditions and if he can vouch for a product, that counts for something. It is not an e-bike, is it.

electricbikereview.com

 

[byunbee]

From his description, if he wants a true trail capable ebike that's class 3, he's probably better off with buying an eMTB that has Bafang mid-drive with extra set of wheels with commuter tires. Some options that come to mind for his price range are Frey AM1000, Frey EX, Frey M600, and Luna X1. I'm sure there are many others, but for the price, I'd probably go with the Luna X1.

X2 Enduro Ebike

Carbon fiber mid drive beauty.

lunacycle.com

 

[byunbee]

Frey might be a good off road capable commuter bike too.

Just add fenders.

That's a another good option, although I read that range isn't that great.

 

[FlatSix911]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

I’m looking for more of a mountain bike than a gravel bike the trails are pretty sandy in NM. Maybe even some sort of mountain bike hybrid commuter.

I’ll definitely check out all your suggestions and if anyone else has some feel free to pass them my way. I really appreciate it.

Good to know... take a look at the article on the Best Class 3 bikes from EBR for some in-depth recommendations.

I like the suggestions so far on the Watt Wagon Commuter Pro and the Dost Kope... both very capable machines.

Best Class 3 Electric Bikes | ElectricBikeReview.com

Here’s our top picks for best Class 3 electric bikes. These top Class 3 ebikes represent the best combination of features and value right now, but you can see all 226 of our detailed Class 3 electric bike reviews listed by date here. Reviewing ebikes is our primary focus. We’ve been doing this...

electricbikereview.com

Ultimate Commuter Pro - Titanium (Out of Stock)

Ultimate Commuter Pro is the best in class, precision engineered, titanium ebike based on the Bafang Ultra . The Ultimate Commuter Pro is a virtually maintenance free ebike. Now with the Archon X1 controller to give you power up to 3000W ! Ultimate Commuter Pro is revolutionizing ebiking for...

wattwagons.com

DŌST KOPE Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $3199.00 | Model Year: 2020, 2021, 2022 | A sturdy, highly-functional, high-step hybrid electric bike with upgraded components and optional second battery pack. Adjustable angle stem improves fit, 100mm spring suspension fork offers compression lockout and preload, high quality 2.4

electricbikereview.com