Off roading with e-bikes?

[Ericjames]

Hey!
I am curious to know how many of us are using our e-bikes off road, and if so, What bike spec are you running?

I have a Cannondale Contro-E Speed. I am happy with it but never been off road. I am not sure if I should go off road. On a normal road, I have ridden it at 40kph max and it's fairly easy to drive up steep roads.
What's your experience with an electric bike, especially off road?

Is there any particular brand or model of e bike that's good for off road riding?

 

[elyhim]

I use the Trek Powerfly 8 FS on all mountain bike trails/ singletracks. It's amazing, I put 400 miles on it last month without hitting pavement or gravel. The trek frame is a trail bike with a heck of a warranty and the Bosch mid-drive motor is imo indestructible. I'm learning how to Mountain Bike...

Here's a video of some fun and at the end hitting a rock on the downstroke resulting in 16 mph to 0. Mid-Drive - no problems.

 

[mrgold35]

I have two his/her Radrovers with 4" fat tires, 750w rear hub motor, and just front spring suspension forks. My ebikes see double-duty as a weekday work commuter and morning/evening/weekend paved or single track rider. I usually 2X-4X my mileage fun riding compared to 13 mile round trip work commuting. I added a larger seat and suspension seatpost and that improved work and trail riding (Sunlite Cloud-9 and Bodyfloat V2.0 with orange springs).

We have about 20-30 miles of paved, dirt service roads, horse trails, and single track paths along the Rio Grand River in ABQ. I wasn't able to ride the single track trails much for a few months because the spring run-off from the mountain snows raised the Rio Grande river and flooded a lot of the trails nearest to the river. The trails are almost completely dry with the lower river height and 95-103 degree temps. I like the north/south river run because it is half way on my east/west work commute, mostly level paths, and a few degrees cooler because of the river and tall trees. There are around the same amount of trails near the foothill at the base of Sandia mountains starting at 6000 feet (a little steep in spots and can be really rocky). My tail heavy Radrover didn't do as well on steep rocky terrain because you need to "bunnyhop" up some of the rocks that are +6 inches tall.

I also purchased very bright Niterider lights for my handlebars and helmet for night rides along the river trails. I really like night riding and I usually have the trails to myself once the sun goes down. I did have to purchase elbow and knee pads because of a few spills and got tired of scratching my arms and legs on branches on the single track trails. I always wear a helmet, gloves, and eye protection day and night when riding. My head has hit a few branches and had a lot bugs in my face on the trails day or night.

The only downside to trail riding is having to clean and lube your bike afterwards (and getting use to all the dents and scratches).

 

[EddieJ]

https://electricbikereview.com/forums/forum/mountain/


.

 

[Ericjames]

Thanks guys for sharing your wonderful experience. @elyhim Loved that video and it makes me want to go off road at least once. I hope you didn't hurt yourself after hitting the rock.
@mrgold35 That's a really nice bike set up you have. And the way you describe your trail route is making me wonder why I haven't tried it yet. I agree with using safety gears while riding, not just on trails, but even on weekday work-home commute it's something one should never avoid.

 

[ChuckT]

If I recall, you have 26" wheels which means that there is a whole bunch of MTB tires out there that you can use. Tires make a huge difference when you are doing trails.

You don't have much suspension on that thing, so you are likely to be limited to less demanding trails. Hardtail MTB can do some amazing things, but I don't think your bike is built for that.

Thanks guys for sharing your wonderful experience. @elyhim Loved that video and it makes me want to go off road at least once. @mrgold35 And the way you describe your trail route is making me wonder why I haven't tried it yet. I agree with using safety gears while riding, not just on trails, but even on weekday work-home commute it's something one should never avoid.

 

[Larry Ganz]

I use the Trek Powerfly 8 FS on all mountain bike trails/ singletracks. It's amazing, I put 400 miles on it last month without hitting pavement or gravel. The trek frame is a trail bike with a heck of a warranty and the Bosch mid-drive motor is imo indestructible. I'm learning how to Mountain Bike...

Here's a video of some fun and at the end hitting a rock on the downstroke resulting in 16 mph to 0. Mid-Drive - no problems.

Looks like a great ride until the end. I'd consider wearing gloves (and maybe adding kneepads too). How do you have your suspension set up to prevent problems in the future when hitting a rock while compressed?

I've turned up my rebound speed on my Powerfly 7 so that my suspension doesn't stack up with multiple bumps, but not so much that it pogo's down the trail. I have the front fork at about 120-125psi for 27% sag, and it should soak up the rocks pretty well, but you've got about 30% more travel than I do and it looks like it wasn't enough.

 

[elyhim]

I keep front forks about 105 and rear about 250-260. The problem was the line I chose with that rock and my platform pedals. I pass that rock an awful lot before and after and no more problems. I aim for 20% sag and I now check before every ride.

I have friends who wear gloves, I don't. In winter maybe.