Pondering a budget-priced EMTB with full suspension.Thoughts?
- Thread starter Dallant
- Start date
Mike_V
Well-Known Member
OK,
"Don't buy someone else's problems."
&
Good Luck
electricbikereview.com
"Don't buy someone else's problems."
&
Good Luck
BPM Imports F-35X Review | ElectricBikeReview.com
Price: $1695.00 | Model Year: 2019 | A value priced dual suspension fat tire electric bike with a unique frame design and driven by reliable brand name Bafang, Shimano, and Tektro electric and mechanical components, is at home commuting on the road or even off road on trails with it’s...
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
A full suspension e-MTB is not going to be budget-priced... Additionally, the market is ravaged. Perhaps you should wait for 2021 models?
P.S. Trek is never inexpensive.
P.S. Trek is never inexpensive.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
It is a joke, not a proper e-MTB...OK,
"Don't buy someone else's problems."
&
Good Luck
BPM Imports F-35X Review | ElectricBikeReview.com
Price: $1695.00 | Model Year: 2019 | A value priced dual suspension fat tire electric bike with a unique frame design and driven by reliable brand name Bafang, Shimano, and Tektro electric and mechanical components, is at home commuting on the road or even off road on trails with it’s...
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Your avatar is of one of my favorite import beers. Just outstanding.
I'm 63 and have been riding motorcycles since I was 11 years old. Getting into mountain biking has been one of the most fun things I've done in my life. Had I known how much fun they were I would likely have taken it up sooner. It had to take getting so old I couldn't riding motorbikes any longer, and sold them all. I was heartbroken. One more crash and I was likely to end up in a wheelchair - it just wasn't worth it any longer. Plus, wifey of 30 years said if I became invalid from a motorcycle crash she would wipe my ass with sandpaper.
You may get by with a 'hardtail', depending on the terrain you want to tackle. For smooth groomed trails and roads and more like cross-country riding, they work really well. All of the 'big-3' offer a hardtail version of a eMTB, you save the cost of the rear-suspension setup.
I'm more familiar with Giant since I've spent more time studying them, and I really like the Yamaha drive system. So the FATHOM is their hard-tail, then the full-suspension entry-level STANCE, and then the TRANCE in at least a couple of component levels. Their REIGN is their down-hill racer model, just mentioning it as part of their lineup. You might get by with their less expensive models here.
Everything is sold out for the year. Trek is the only brand that you MIGHT find something in stock/for sale. They also have a hardtail and FS model as well, and the brand is well regarded. Giant and Specialized are sold out 'till the '21 models arrive.
Depending on the size you need, you might find something at REI - their GHOST line seems to get good reviews. Their eMTB has the Shimano Steps system, very good, and priced really well at $3695:
Electric Mountain Bikes | REI Co-op
Shop for Electric Mountain Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
FlatSix911
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Silicon Valley
Check out the recommendations from EBR on the Best FS eBikes for 2020... 3 categories are listed, Premium, Value, and Affordable.
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Looking for the best electric bike for your lifestyle and budget? As of today, we have reviewed 1222 electric bicycles. EBR conducts the industry’s most complete and objective reviews. Reviewing electric bikes is all we do. Since 2012, we have helped millions of people find and choose the best...
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Best Full Suspension Electric Bikes of 2020
Explore all of the full suspension electric mountain bikes I’ve reviewed (ordered by date) on the category page here.
Premium
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon Review
- MSRP: $9,025
- MODEL YEAR: 2020
One of the most satisfying lightweight full suspension electric mountain bikes available... just 38.8lbs total! Uses a proprietary mid-drive motor and downtube-integrated battery pack that weigh under 8.3lbs combined. Optional range extender bottle-shaped batteries weigh 2.3lbs, are easy to use, and the control system allows for simultaneous or independent drawdown. You can even remove the downtube battery and rely solely on the range extender packs, which may be eligible for commercial air travel. Boost hub spacing for strength, varied front and rear tire for improved handling and traction,… Read Review
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BULLS COPPERHEAD EVO AM 3 Review
- MSRP: $5,899
- MODEL YEAR: 2020
An all-mountain style electric bike with longer travel 150mm air suspension from Fox with thicker stanchions and preload + rebound tuning, internal Powertube 625 battery looks great and offers 25% more range, perfect charge port and locking core position on upper right side of frame. Mid-sized 2.8" plus sized tires provide increased traction, reduced deflection, and improved comfort but are… Read Review
Affordable
VoltBike Enduro Review
- MSRP: $1,999
- MODEL YEAR: 2019
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
In my opinion, Turbo Levo Comp (aluminium frame) is even too good and it does not cost as much as the carbon model.
Good option is the Bulls E-Stream Evo AM, not mentioned there. I own Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro and have never regretted my purchase (I wanted the Levo in the first place).
Good option is the Bulls E-Stream Evo AM, not mentioned there. I own Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro and have never regretted my purchase (I wanted the Levo in the first place).
Mike TowpathTraveler
Well-Known Member
If you hold out long enough until Black Friday, Haibike always seems to come up with some great discounts on various mtb models in their lineup. A heck of alot cheaper then those 6 to near 10 grand for........a bicycle with a motor. Good grief.
Dallant
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
I’m not in any hurry but have some trails I just don’t want to attempt with my Allant.
OMG..LMAO! As I’ve often told folks, “I used up 8 1/2 of my 9 lives on motorcycle without ever breaking my skin”! I came so close to death w/o ever being injured even I find it hard to believe! I sold my last motorcycle last year.Your avatar is of one of my favorite import beers. Just outstanding.
I'm 63 and have been riding motorcycles since I was 11 years old. Getting into mountain biking has been one of the most fun things I've done in my life. Had I known how much fun they were I would likely have taken it up sooner. It had to take getting so old I couldn't riding motorbikes any longer, and sold them all. I was heartbroken. One more crash and I was likely to end up in a wheelchair - it just wasn't worth it any longer. Plus, wifey of 30 years said if I became invalid from a motorcycle crash she would wipe my ass with sandpaper.
You may get by with a 'hardtail', depending on the terrain you want to tackle. For smooth groomed trails and roads and more like cross-country riding, they work really well. All of the 'big-3' offer a hardtail version of a eMTB, you save the cost of the rear-suspension setup.
I'm more familiar with Giant since I've spent more time studying them, and I really like the Yamaha drive system. So the FATHOM is their hard-tail, then the full-suspension entry-level STANCE, and then the TRANCE in at least a couple of component levels. Their REIGN is their down-hill racer model, just mentioning it as part of their lineup. You might get by with their less expensive models here.
Everything is sold out for the year. Trek is the only brand that you MIGHT find something in stock/for sale. They also have a hardtail and FS model as well, and the brand is well regarded. Giant and Specialized are sold out 'till the '21 models arrive.
Depending on the size you need, you might find something at REI - their GHOST line seems to get good reviews. Their eMTB has the Shimano Steps system, very good, and priced really well at $3695:
Electric Mountain Bikes | REI Co-op
Shop for Electric Mountain Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteewww.rei.com
Old age and illness has forced me to work harder on my fitness. I like riding paved trails but (because of my dirt biking past) I’m wanting to get out into the countryside and away from the multitudes.
Thanks for your thoughts and humor!
I love Smithwicks and got hooked on it in Ireland, where I took that picture.
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Ok, another dirtbike rider to corrupt....
Start by reading Browneyes' journey to enlightenment https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/emtb-options-for-2020.32057/
Don't waste your $ / safety on a budget emtb. Those " affordable" style things are evil to ride monstrosities with absurd geometry and token excuses for suspension. At the absolute minimum try a giant stance.
I'd also be cautious about a used emtb - not all companies transfer warranties between owners, and NONE of the manufacturers have perfected the electric vs mud factor.
If at all feasible, support the best local dealer because you WILL need them at some stage. Just make sure they have a decent mechanic and a brand that honours warranty claims.
Try thinking motorbike fun $ when shopping. Eg Shrug off the asking price for a levo sl as cheaper than a ktm.....or if you like yamaha then giant should feel like good value. My dirt bike sulks in the shed surrounded by a collection of mountain bikes - there are more km on my giant than my motorbike this year!!! The annual cost of broken bling is less than registration / insurance on the motorbike. Come to think of it, I could sell the motorbike and buy a brand new guant every couple of years with what I'd save on running costs!
Start by reading Browneyes' journey to enlightenment https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/emtb-options-for-2020.32057/
Don't waste your $ / safety on a budget emtb. Those " affordable" style things are evil to ride monstrosities with absurd geometry and token excuses for suspension. At the absolute minimum try a giant stance.
I'd also be cautious about a used emtb - not all companies transfer warranties between owners, and NONE of the manufacturers have perfected the electric vs mud factor.
If at all feasible, support the best local dealer because you WILL need them at some stage. Just make sure they have a decent mechanic and a brand that honours warranty claims.
Try thinking motorbike fun $ when shopping. Eg Shrug off the asking price for a levo sl as cheaper than a ktm.....or if you like yamaha then giant should feel like good value. My dirt bike sulks in the shed surrounded by a collection of mountain bikes - there are more km on my giant than my motorbike this year!!! The annual cost of broken bling is less than registration / insurance on the motorbike. Come to think of it, I could sell the motorbike and buy a brand new guant every couple of years with what I'd save on running costs!
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
@PDoz is the person worth to listen to, and I was affected by him and @Browneye when making the decision to buy an e-MTB, @Dallant. I was in the same position as you are: My Vado was not good enough for rough terrain. As I understand now, the battery capacity matters very much if you don't like to be limited to trail-park riding but need some touring as well. Saying that, a 500 Wh battery is decidedly too small... And an e-bike with a larger battery costs more.
Sprogette rode a 375 w powered focus when we did the buller epic -60 km, about 1200 m ascent . She had over 25% left at the end. Then again, there were guys carrying spare 500 w batteries who had range anxiety half way! I find that dirt touring with my 500 w I use 0.8 % per km if I'm relaxing, or 3% per km if I'm feeling energetic. Why carry the extra weight of a big battery all the time? Consider a spare if you are into huge days, but mere mortals don't need massive batteries.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
PDoz, my legs are ill. Even if I am riding in mountains at low power assist levels (and it makes the ride slow), the battery charge disappears on ascents quickly in my case. I'm saying the 500 Wh battery of Giant is a joke for me when the Levo Comp has a 700 Wh battery, higher Giant models sport the 625 Wh battery that weighs the same as the 500 Wh one (different cells used), and some Bulls e-MTBs come with a 650 Wh battery. I didn't say anything of a spare yet.
P.S. My typical range in the flatland (with some rolling hills) off-road is 64 km. A 28 km ride with 560 m elevation gain in the mountains ate 67% of the battery!
P.S. My typical range in the flatland (with some rolling hills) off-road is 64 km. A 28 km ride with 560 m elevation gain in the mountains ate 67% of the battery!
Fair enough, but MOST people don't have the stamina to ride long or hard enough to chew through more than 500 w. Early on in ownership we all have range anxiety and the manufacturers realised that in 2019 - the start of the battery battles. I'd argue they are moving on , and weight will be the battle for 2021. The levo sl makes a lot of sense - less power with a smaller / lighter battery driving similar ranges, but with the option to fit a range extender. I'm still waiting for a chance to test ride one, but I've been a fan of the concept since riding that 2019 focus jam - 375 w battery, weaker shimano motor, but 3 kg lighter than my giant. It's a pity they had so many issues with their range extenders.
Dallant
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
75 lbs?! No thanks.OK,
"Don't buy someone else's problems."
&
Good Luck
BPM Imports F-35X Review | ElectricBikeReview.com
Price: $1695.00 | Model Year: 2019 | A value priced dual suspension fat tire electric bike with a unique frame design and driven by reliable brand name Bafang, Shimano, and Tektro electric and mechanical components, is at home commuting on the road or even off road on trails with it’s...
Dallant
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Hey, in my world a tank of gas is an investment! I’m still learning what goes into getting a decent EMTB, including what investment level I may need to ponder. I’d love to keep it under two grand.
Frankly the stimulus checks were key to me justifying the Allant I have now!
Ebiker33
Well-Known Member
I own a Sondors, if you are looking for a deal this is hard to beat.
Rockstar
But you have to move fast these were just released and they are almost all sold out now, they sent me an Email saying only 6 were left yesterday.
Some will say it's too cheap, but you did say "budget priced" in your title OP.
Edit: Only available in the US/CAN......
Because the motor is too powerful for the EU.
Rockstar
But you have to move fast these were just released and they are almost all sold out now, they sent me an Email saying only 6 were left yesterday.
Some will say it's too cheap, but you did say "budget priced" in your title OP.
Edit: Only available in the US/CAN......
Because the motor is too powerful for the EU.
Last edited:
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