Off-road capable E-Bike recommendation!

[Zybane]

Hello, I'm just jumping into the Ebike world and usually just go to something quality when I start a new hobby. These are the characteristics of the E-bike I want to purchase:

1. Not made in China or any other "sweat shop" type country. Prefer US manufactured first, then Europe or Japan etc.
2. Full suspension.
3. Phat tire.
4. Hydraulic brakes.
5. Class III.
6. Non Chinese motor.
7. $8-$10K max.

Any manufactures that have models that fit the bill? (I've been looking hard at the Rungu but that does have a Chinese motor).

 

[indianajo]

Uh, no. Goswiss motor is bankrupt and the other swiss motor company only sells motors+batteries in lots of containers to bike manufacturers. Those are low wattage motors anyway, 40 nm I think was the torque, great for flat paths in Amsterdam but not Rocky Mountain trails. Europe has power limits lower than US or Can.
Class III and hill climbing are mutually exclusive, IMHO.
There are dutch made frames, gazelle arroyo comes to mind, but they are city bikes. Motor is I think bosch, which is - you guessed it, the inevitable China.
Check out reiss & mueller, they are high end and people seem happy with their quality.
For camping there is surlybike, which is US designed but I don't know where they are made. Steel frame, designed for heavy bags or heavy people. Surly pugsly was the original fat tire bike.
My yubabike with 2.1" tires is fine on trails but I wouldn't rock climb with it. Hard tail too. I do ride out in my grass fields sometimes to save time. Johnson grass makes them bumpy, also lots of molehills due to flooding in the winter.
One thing that bugs me in the US is you are not allowed to know where anything is made that is sold by mail, phone, or internet, until you open the box after shipping. My bodaboda had African references and an India name, but when the box came, it was china. Great bike, their QA team must have resisted all the bribes to let the trash ship. I wish congress would change the law, but nobody cares where anything is made but me. and maybe you. I make a lot of stuff myself to avoid sleaze & prison labor, like amplifiers and speakers with TW, MY, TH, PH, MX parts. Can't make a bike motor, or controller either.
Happy shopping.

 

[J.R.]

Hello, I'm just jumping into the Ebike world and usually just go to something quality when I start a new hobby. These are the characteristics of the E-bike I want to purchase:

1. Not made in China or any other "sweat shop" type country. Prefer US manufactured first, then Europe or Japan etc.
2. Full suspension.
3. Phat tire.
4. Hydraulic brakes.
5. Class III.
6. Non Chinese motor.
7. $8-$10K max.

Any manufactures that have models that fit the bill? (I've been looking hard at the Rungu but that does have a Chinese motor).

Drop the fat tires (you don't need them, ask most mtb'rs), and up your budget by a grand.

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[Zybane]

Wow, those Optibike elites are impressive pieces of kit. Time to drool some.

 

[Dewey]

Non-Chinese motor? You could use a TDCM kit hub motor made in Taiwan, available from Grin Tech, or Grin Tech’s own All Axle Motor they assemble in Vancouver. SR Suntour are another Taiwanese company that makes a Class 1 ebike hub motor available on some Raleigh and iZip models, but it’s not powerful enough for what you are looking for. The Neodrives hub motor is made in Germany, although I don’t know of a US importer.

Astroflight manufacture brushless electric motors for remote control vehicle and aerial drone applications in Irvine, CA, a few years ago a small number of DIY enthusiasts used German made reduction gearboxes with these fast spinning motors on ebikes but the last time I looked Astroflight had taken down mention of ebikes from their website.

 

[FlatSix911]

Hello, I'm just jumping into the Ebike world and usually just go to something quality when I start a new hobby. These are the characteristics of the E-bike I want to purchase:
1. Not made in China or any other "sweat shop" type country. Prefer US manufactured first, then Europe or Japan etc.
2. Full suspension.
3. Phat tire.
4. Hydraulic brakes.
5. Class III.
6. Non Chinese motor.
7. $8-$10K max.
Any manufactures that have models that fit the bill? (I've been looking hard at the Rungu but that does have a Chinese motor).

This is as close you may come to your wish list... https://wattwagons.com/pages/travalanche_specifications

Travalanche -Shipping late July 2020

Note: Next batch shipping late July. Please order today to reserve July delivery date. The first full suspension ebike with up to an incredible 3000W of power for unrestricted uphill and downhill performance. The Travalance has the core of the incredible Exess Bikes HP-E180 with an array of...

wattwagons.com

 

[ElevenAD]

This is as close you may come to your wish list... https://wattwagons.com/pages/travalanche_specifications

Travalanche -Shipping late July 2020

Note: Next batch shipping late July. Please order today to reserve July delivery date. The first full suspension ebike with up to an incredible 3000W of power for unrestricted uphill and downhill performance. The Travalance has the core of the incredible Exess Bikes HP-E180 with an array of...

wattwagons.com

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holyshit! what a beast but OP does not want a Chinese made bike.

 

[ElevenAD]

there are very few, non MIC Fatbikes that are class 3,good luck!

 

[ElevenAD]

Wow, those Optibike elites are impressive pieces of kit. Time to drool some.

it sure is! that is a beast of a bike!

 

[indianajo]

Wow, those Optibike elites are impressive pieces of kit. Time to drool some.

Looked it up. For $18000 you can get a US made frame, Colorado they said. Carbon fiber plastic, not sure how rugged it would be. And being limited to off road use is a real limiter. The Sou IN Wheelmen bike club carries their bikes out to Sellersburg on their SUV's, but I don't need a SUV to ride out there, 1/3 the way to my destination. I ride there on my bike on public roads.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Hello, I'm just jumping into the Ebike world and usually just go to something quality when I start a new hobby. These are the characteristics of the E-bike I want to purchase:

1. Not made in China or any other "sweat shop" type country. Prefer US manufactured first, then Europe or Japan etc.
2. Full suspension.
3. Phat tire.
4. Hydraulic brakes.
5. Class III.
6. Non Chinese motor.
7. $8-$10K max.

Any manufactures that have models that fit the bill? (I've been looking hard at the Rungu but that does have a Chinese motor).

Bulls Bikes E-Stream EVO 45 AM.

1. German made
2. Full suspension
3. I don't recommend fat tyre. 2.8" is already "fat" by MTB standards.
4. Of course hydraulic brakes
5. Class 3
6. The motor is German (Brose TF, same as in EU Specialized Vado 6.0)
7. $6000.

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.

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This is a proper e-MTB, and one of very few in Class 3. (MTBers prefer Class 1, in which you will find a ton of exciting e-bikes).

If you want a SUV, try Riese & Muller Superdelite Mountain but that's Class 1 (approximate price $9000). R&M Homage GT HS with GX option is Class 3 and off-road capable.

If you want a Holy Grail of e-MTB, look at Specialized Turbo Levo, aluminium or carbon-fiber versions (Class 1).

 

[J.R.]

Looked it up. For $18000 you can get a US made frame, Colorado they said. Carbon fiber plastic, not sure how rugged it would be. And being limited to off road use is a real limiter. The Sou IN Wheelmen bike club carries their bikes out to Sellersburg on their SUV's, but I don't need a SUV to ride out there, 1/3 the way to my destination. I ride there on my bike on public roads.

The Optibike Elites are made in the USA, even the $10.9k model, which is just 9% more than stated budget. The motors are made here as well. They've been manufacturing ebikes since 2007, that is a mature company in the ebike sector of bicycles. The owner of the company is a member here.

 

[kmccune]

My Gosh fella, you could build a fair bike much cheaper, you do allude to having DIY skills and you have the fever, get something cheaper to cut your teeth on (or used){the chase is more fun than the final product}
I have found out why a good bike is important-funny thing is I found this Chap @ "KevCentral" who expounds on a Philosophy I share, you can have a lot of fun cheaper if you pick and choose.My school of thought runs along the lines of"95% as good for 50% of the price"
You can get a "beater" to cut your teeth on then fine-tune to your ultimate ride.One good thing in this world is the state of flux, the "Static Guys and Gals" can play catchup while sometimes the newcomers arrive "state of the art". The tech simply amazes Me and the one thing to keep in mind is this" the ultimate goal of most companies is to make a profit" and you will see the plagiarism of "knockoffs' @ a far lower price point( some admittedly are not so bad.) It comes down to a twinge of conscience, how many People are in these factories turning out this stuff( with no choice actually-the Field or getting to work inside) and the relative newcomers from the 'Subcontinent' witch actually produce things that can be ridden very moderately.
The tech will change annually" no more "chain drop", cassettes will go away more maintenance-free products etc, enjoy and maybe "dip a toe" in the pond first .
Just my advice and welcome to the World of Mtb.

 

[Taylor57]

Wow, those Optibike elites are impressive pieces of kit. Time to drool some.

For 12k and weighing 70lbs, meh...

 

[Zybane]

Bulls Bikes E-Stream EVO 45 AM.

1. German made
2. Full suspension
3. I don't recommend fat tyre. 2.8" is already "fat" by MTB standards.
4. Of course hydraulic brakes
5. Class 3
6. The motor is German (Brose TF, same as in EU Specialized Vado 6.0)
7. $6000.

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

This is a proper e-MTB, and one of very few in Class 3. (MTBers prefer Class 1, in which you will find a ton of exciting e-bikes).

If you want a SUV, try Riese & Muller Superdelite Mountain but that's Class 1 (approximate price $9000). R&M Homage GT HS with GX option is Class 3 and off-road capable.

If you want a Holy Grail of e-MTB, look at Specialized Turbo Levo, aluminium or carbon-fiber versions (Class 1).

Unfortunately their web-site states their bikes are manufactured in "South East Asia"; which is the politically correct way of saying "Made in China".

It appears literally every fat tire full suspension off-road Ebike is made in China from what I can find.

The reason I want a Class III is that I have to ride 4-5 miles each way in Colorado on open/flat terrain to get from my house the the mountain trails. So I'll get rid of the fat tire requirement and update to the following:

1. Made in the "Western World" or Japan.
2. Class III - 28MPH.
3. Full Suspension.
4. Rohloff Internal Gear Hub (or similar).
5. Mountain bike/off-road capable.
6. Hydraulic Brakes.
7. Ideally $8,000 max but if to $10,000 if superb.
8. Mid-drive.

I'm not really sure I'd take advantage of the extra thousands in cost for a carbon fiber frame since I'm getting older and don't do crazy stuff with the bike. I just need a nice, powerful, comfortable bike that can get me to the mountain trails and then be capable on rocky trails/climbs.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

which is the politically correct way of saying "Made in China".

It is the Republic of China, Taiwan, The Worldwide Home of Bikes. The best bike gear is made in Taiwan.
Didn't you know that?

If you want Rohloff etc, look to R&M (Riese & Muller). You won't find a finer equipment elsewhere.

Riese & Müller | E-Bikes, Cargo Bikes and Folding Bikes

High-quality E-Bikes, Cargo Bikes and folding bikes perfected to the last detail, with groundbreaking technology and pioneering design.

www.r-m.de

Don't be badly surprised though after you discover "Made in Taiwan" labels on certain parts of the $10K e-bike...

 

[Zybane]

It is the Republic of China, Taiwan, The Worldwide Home of Bikes. The best bike gear is made in Taiwan.
Didn't you know that?

If you want Rohloff etc, look to R&M (Riese & Muller). You won't find a finer equipment elsewhere.

Riese & Müller | E-Bikes, Cargo Bikes and Folding Bikes

High-quality E-Bikes, Cargo Bikes and folding bikes perfected to the last detail, with groundbreaking technology and pioneering design.

www.r-m.de

Don't be badly surprised though after you discover "Made in Taiwan" labels on certain parts of the $10K e-bike...

Are you positive? From my experience, when a company goes out of their way to either not list where something is made, or they say general stuff like "SE Asia", it means China. I am aware of Taiwan and how good it is. Some of the best electronics in the world are made there too. If it is indeed Taiwan and not China, I'd consider Bulls again. But I'd have to confirm.

Yes, Riese and Muller is on my short list along with Optibike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Good luck on your quest!

 

[Taylor57]

I think it is darn near impossible to buy an Ebike and not have some of the components manufactured in Asia. (Shocks, brakes etc)

 

[FlatSix911]

Unfortunately their web-site states their bikes are manufactured in "South East Asia"; which is the politically correct way of saying "Made in China". It appears literally every fat tire full suspension off-road Ebike is made in China from what I can find.
The reason I want a Class III is that I have to ride 4-5 miles each way in Colorado on open/flat terrain to get from my house the the mountain trails. So I'll get rid of the fat tire requirement and update to the following:
1. Made in the "Western World" or Japan.
2. Class III - 28MPH.
3. Full Suspension.
4. Rohloff Internal Gear Hub (or similar).
5. Mountain bike/off-road capable.
6. Hydraulic Brakes.
7. Ideally $8,000 max but if to $10,000 if superb.
8. Mid-drive.
I'm not really sure I'd take advantage of the extra thousands in cost for a carbon fiber frame since I'm getting older and don't do crazy stuff with the bike. I just need a nice, powerful, comfortable bike that can get me to the mountain trails and then be capable on rocky trails/climbs.

Welcome to EBR... you will find a great deal of EBike knowledge from the members here.
Take a look at WattWagons... they are designed and built by an active member on the forum.

I would recommend the CrossTour... it is made of Titanium and has very high-quality components.
It has everything on your list except the western motor... they use the Ultra motor with a custom controller.

CrossTour Specifications

This is what makes the CrossTour an incredible machine. Titanium, Bafang Ultra, Archon X1 controller. and up to 3000W of power! Designed for all terrain, ultra touring. The CrossTour is a machine with no parallels.

wattwagons.com