Seeking dual purpose mountain/commuter

T

time326

New Member
I'm 5'3" and 108lb and I just moved to Vancouver Island in Canada from the USA. I sold my 13 year old mountain bike for the move and I want to be able to do most of my commuting around town here by bike, yet still be able to take it out on the trails. I work 12+ hour shifts as an emergency veterinarian so I don't always have a ton of energy on the way home so an electric assist is very appealing. My commute to work is only 1.8 miles, mostly level except for the hill right by my rental suite. I don't do any hard or extreme mountain biking, but easy to moderate trails are fair game. I have a joint issue that makes my wrists sensitive to vibration so front suspension is needed at a minimum. I could go with/without rear suspension and always do a seat post if needed. Fenders or ability to add fenders would be great. The ICBC states that the electric bike must be a 500W motor or less and 20mph (32kg/hr) max. They also have to have a sticker mounted from the manufacturer with the information about the bike so I don't know if every company does that. I can take a ferry across to the USA if a company doesn't ship to Canada. There are so many options and brands I don't know how to choose. I'm not looking to spend $10,000, but I'll spend a bit for something that will last and hold up. Local shop wants to sell me an EVO Fire Ridge. It looks like Evelo wouldn't be an option unless theres a way to drop the motor down. I've looked at Spark, Voltbike, Bulls, Trek, Spectacular, etc. Just need some help and guidance on what bike would be the best fit for me physically as well as one that blends commuting and mountain biking. Economical would be a bonus, but don't want to cheap out and have parts break on the trail. Thank you for any help!!
 
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Your biggest problem will be finding the right frame size. I am 5'6 with a 30" inseam. Most inexpensive e-bikes only come in a size that would not work for me. I am currently riding a Specialized Turbo Levo FSR. With the dropper seatpost down, I can place both feet on the ground. The frame size is a medium. It has the sticker required.
 
Time326,
I’m in a similar situation; 5’6 (but proportionately short legs so 5’4 bike wise) Agreed, frame size is a challenge. And big wheels. I’m so not a fan of 29” wheels. Need an elevator for mounting and dismounting!
Recently I purchased a Trek Dual Sport Plus 2019 and love it.
- Trek makes small frames 15” and extra small at 13”, not so common in ebikes. The small frame women’s model is perfect for me.
- Comes with front shocks, not air shocks, maybe 100 mm travel.
- Hardtail but suspension seat post takes care of most bumps.
- At 45 lbs this ebike is lift-able. I tend to haul and travel a bit so lifting an ebike on a car rack can be a challenge. Some mountain ebikes can be around 60 lbs.
- It will handle minor off road. Probably not handle tough single track, but neither can I.
- Great range with the 500 wh battery.

I could go on but that’s enough.
Congrats to you on your new ebike!
Looking forward to a photo of what you decide.
 
I'm in the same range @ 5'4" and 135lbs. I have a full suspension E-bike, however, while shopping, I found that most of the FS models tend to be a bit higher stand-over height vs hard tail models. Happy shopping!
 
time326 said:
I don't do any hard or extreme mountain biking, but easy to moderate trails are fair game. I have a joint issue that makes my wrists sensitive to vibration so front suspension is needed at a minimum.
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Here you go:
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

 
You say you've looked at Trek, but I'd second Mary jo's suggestion for a Trek DS plus, and it does seem to meet your personal and legal requirements, including being able to add fenders and a rack. I have had a manual DS for 6 years, as long as I've had my electric, and I like it very much. What a glorious biking-and-everything-else area to move to: you do want a lovely ride for the lovely paths you'll be trekking, pun intended ;). Unfortunately, Trek colors in this e-case may be as boring to you as they are to me. Enjoy your shopping and your eventual choice. Here's the US link: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...ual-sport/dual-sport/p/24005/?colorCode=black -AND, of course, the EBR review:
 
Time326, there is another option that I recommend if you'd prefer a more mountain-worthy bike. Unfortunately, there aren't any dealers in Canada, so I imagine you'd have to take a ride to Seattle, but I don't know that either. I'm referring to a German Haibike e-bike and they have several worthy models, though, again, I don't know what is available, even in the US. I was very tempted by an Sduro Fullseven 2017 model that was on the local Craiglist this Spring. Ultimately, I decided the color and look didn't merit the upgrade for me, but I was tempted by the full suspension and that the weight was even a little less that my hardtail. The 2019 models are nicer, with the same or similar Bosch looks that Trek offers, and I like the colors available. Like Trek, Haibike offers several sizes -with the same availability qualification. The current Sduro Fullseven is about $1K more than the Trek, but I think Haibike is offering the best bang-for-the-buck out there these days. They're not available near me either, but I'd be willing to travel, or even order -as US-advertised, shipped "fast, free, same-day". If interested, I'd start at https://www.haibikeusa.com/ which features the Fullseven up front, and the only good related video-review I found on Bing was in Italian:
. It's a very good hands-on review which I understood some, and you may as well, or better. Finally, it also may be worth your effort to see if BH e-bikes are available to you. I have had great luck with my BH Easy Motion, and I'd start there next time I'm shopping, though there isn't a dealer anywhere near me. BH has been in the bike and e-bike business longer than most, including Trek and Haibike, and has always offered the best warranties in the business -though fortunately I haven't needed mine and I'm now beyond my 5-year period. Again, enjoy it all!
 
Rodolfo said:
You say you've looked at Trek, but I'd second Mary jo's suggestion for a Trek DS plus, and it does seem to meet your personal and legal requirements, including being able to add fenders and a rack. I have had a manual DS for 6 years, as long as I've had my electric, and I like it very much. What a glorious biking-and-everything-else area to move to: you do want a lovely ride for the lovely paths you'll be trekking, pun intended ;). Unfortunately, Trek colors in this e-case may be as boring to you as they are to me. Enjoy your shopping and your eventual choice. Here's the US link: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...ual-sport/dual-sport/p/24005/?colorCode=black -AND, of course, the EBR review:
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In my area of upper Midwest, the Dual Sport Plus is almost impossible to get. Call around and the bike shops are not able to order any, even though customers are asking. I suspect Trek is pulling it and changing for the 2020 year. Maybe merging it with the Verve Plus??
 
I am trying to locate as many of the recommendations around me as possible to ride and see in person. Thanks for all the suggestions.
 
Rodolfo said:
there aren't any dealers in Canada, so I imagine you'd have to take a ride to Seattle,
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Actually, there is a dealer in Victoria. Kinda nice cause they have Bulls, Cube, Haibike, Moustache, Riese & Mueller, and Specialized all in one store. Just means I'm spending a lot of time going over bikes.
 
Ravi Kempaiah said:
For this year, they changed it to Class 1. Check their website.
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Interesting, the link I used last week is no longer active and now it's listed as a class 1. I'm not sure the frame size would fit me though since their guide has 5'6" and up. Might be missing something though.
 
time326 said:
Actually, there is a dealer in Victoria. Kinda nice cause they have Bulls, Cube, Haibike, Moustache, Riese & Mueller, and Specialized all in one store. Just means I'm spending a lot of time going over bikes.
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You're saying it as if it's a bad thing... ;), though I read how busy you are. Still: Wow, Love it: that is a wonderful, strong, and rare selection, and in a beautiful location! EBR must have been there already. Salivating enviously... do enjoy your patient shopping.
 
PDoz said:
Giant is about to release their 2020 range, I noticed last night an advert for a kids emtb - fathom e junior - not sure if it's going to be available in canada but 26 inch wheels and small frame, yamaha motor - it looks interesting ( nb those are australia $ , link provided so you can look at the specs)

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/mountain-e-bikes/giant/nsw/st-ives/fathom-e-junior/105584081
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If it’s 26 wheels and small frame I’m sure there’s alot of smaller adults that would be interested.
 
time326 said:
I am trying to locate as many of the recommendations around me as possible to ride and see in person. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Click to expand...

Citrus Cycles is in Ladysmith. I'd really strongly recommend that you pay them a visit.

Vancouver Island is not exactly small and if you were in Port Hardy or Tofino the long haul down to Ladysmith is unlikely to be convenient. But if you are in Victoria they are only about 90km to your North just off of highway 1.

There is great biking to be had on the Island. The Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail is a favorite of mine.
 
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