Hello from Melbourne

[Tony Fa]

Thanks for the add to the group. Currently looking at purchasing an EMTB and I have joined the group for advice and to learn.
My budget is limited for an EMTB and I have narrowed the choice as below.
NCM Moscow Plus (2nd hand $1500AUD )
VelectriX Ascent Electric Mountain Bike Grey (New $1450AUD)
VelectriX Ascent Pulse Electric Mountain Bike Grey (New $1900AUD)
Any advice on which one is better would be appreciated. It will be my first EMTB. I understand that some people will say I need to increase my budget, but at this stage it is not possible.
Thank you

 

[JGcycle]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[gromike]

I'd say the consensus is for a mid-drive bike for more technical trail riding. You would also want a good full suspension bike. That stuff cost more. A true EMTB is going to cost significantly more than an entry level $1500 bike.

Myself, I ride trails with whatever I'm riding. A hub motor bike needs a good range of gearing if you're going to tackle the hills, and on my home brew hub drive FS EMTB I use all of it's 24 gears.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Tony, do not buy cheap crap. That's all what I am saying.
Welcome to the Forums!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

As @gromike said, real e-MTBs belong to one of the most expensive categories of e-bikes (road e-bikes are the other expensive class).
Please do your own research. Have a look at Specialized, Giant or Trek websites to see the real price of e-MTBs and other classes of e-bikes you can trust.
I hate myself for saying that but if your budget is so limited, get yourself a good pedal MTB and convert it to an electric with a mid-drive conversion set from a brand such as Bafang... (I cannot believe I wrote that!)

 

[PedalUma]

Welcome!

 

[gromike]

The world turns! Doing a conversion on an existing bike can make a great ebike, though you will never beat the price point of those low end ebikes.

 

[PedalUma]

the price point of those low end

You wouldn't want to participate in a race to the bottom. But you can get something better than bikes from bike shops while saving money over a bike's service life.

 

[PDoz]

Tony, are you after something for mountain bike riding, or just looking for a gravel capable electric bike?

At that price point, you may want to make some compromises to get something that is reasonably reliable .

Perhaps sacrifice front suspension and your pride and consider a giant lafree ?

Momentum Lafree E+, Anthracite Grey ***Available Now, 50% Off!*** 2023 | City E-Bikes for sale in Ashmore

DONT MISS OUT - 50% Off! Please call us on the numbers below to secure your New Vida e-bike today! Giant Nerang Ph: 07 55313403 Giant Gold Coast Ph: 07 55645655 Explore neighborhood streets, ride for…

www.bikeexchange.com.au

Or you could try bargaining - I see giant nerang has a transend discounted to $2 k , no suspension, and really just a cruiser. https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/c...able-now-50-off/118245939?variant_id=21223145

If you really must have forks, then perhaps a giant roam - it seems weird to shop for budget bikes in south yarra.....https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road-e-bikes/giant/vic/south-yarra/roam-e-gts/116323312

But whilst you are in st yarra - this would be my pick - liv are giant but rebadged " female" versions, this bike is almost identical to a giant Talon , it comes with forks that are at least safe, acceptable brakes, and a decent motor. Sure, it's $400 more than that v electrix , but you won't need to replace the tyres , the brakes will have easilly available pads when they wear out, and you're getting a reliable yamaha mid drive that'll grunt up hills rather than a hub drive that's going to struggle. Oh, and it's sort of a mountain bike.

Liv Tempt E+ 3 2022 | E-Hardtail for sale in South Yarra

MORE THAN JUST A WAY TO GET AROUND—THE TEMPT E+ IS FREEDOM, FUN AND JOY.

www.bikeexchange.com.au

 

[PedalUma]

Ex Demo - 2023 Marin Sausalito E1 ST - Urban E - Bike [Size: S (height: 157 - 168cm)] | Bikes Online (AU)

The Sausalito lives up to its namesake city as the perfect bike to tackle steep hills in the middle of your commutes or fun bike p

www.bikesonline.com.au

 

[PDoz]

Ex Demo - 2023 Marin Sausalito E1 ST - Urban E - Bike [Size: S (height: 157 - 168cm)] | Bikes Online (AU)

The Sausalito lives up to its namesake city as the perfect bike to tackle steep hills in the middle of your commutes or fun bike p

www.bikesonline.com.au

Something to keep in mind with this company - YOU pay postage on warranty inspections / work - even if the product is brand new and they accept the claim based on photos. I bought a marin frame from them, the bottom bracket had overspray clogging the thread - bad enough that I couldn't install the bearings. I was disappointed enough with the quality control that I wanted a refund, but they insisted on repair - with me paying postage both ways ( expensive in Aus ) . It ended up being easier to borrow the tap from my lbs and do the work myself.

I would not be buying an ebike from them - especially one with a shimano motor that leaves you with 2 potential struggles on warranty claims!