Some advice needed on emtb buy

[Lbrava]

Hi, Old man here (64 years) I've biked a lot used to do 2-3 60-70 mile rides a week and have done 100+ mile days road bikes only. Raced MX for about 30 years and always thought that MTB are cool as heck but never had one.
Now I'm selling my road bike (which I never ride anymore bad knee, uncomfortable & lazy) & gonna get an emtb.
I really like the Trek Powerfly FS 9 due to it's more of a dual purpose and would be perfect for me as I'll be riding probably 60/40 pavement/dirt seems like a nice compromise & 650w battery. I'm comparing it to the Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy which seems more of a focused dirt machine.
My question is will the Turbo Levo 27.5 rear wheel really hamper it's pavement cruising ?
Reality is I'm never gonna be hard core again and won't be getting big air or trying to do long distance touring. My thought is full suspension is going to some comfort on rough roads & safer when I do hit the dirt.
I'm sure there's ebikes out there that may be a better choice so I'm looking for opinions & suggestions.
Thanks in advance
Lou

 

[DaveMatthews]

Both look like great choices!
I ended up with a Giant Stance E+2.
It's been a great "SUV" type machine. Not hardcore, sort of mid level.
When I wear the original tires out I plan on getting replacements that are more hybrid for a smoother road experience.

 

[Lbrava]

I just googled the Giant Stance, looks like a real nice bike & price seems great compared to the Trek. And the 2022 Trek seems sold out everywhere, the closest bike shop to me is about a 2hr drive I'd like to test drive a few before I buy but that may not happen.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I just googled the Giant Stance, looks like a real nice bike & price seems great compared to the Trek. And the 2022 Trek seems sold out everywhere, the closest bike shop to me is about a 2hr drive I'd like to test drive a few before I buy but that may not happen.

I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" generally.
So, that said the battery on mine is a 500wh. That is fine for me as I would rarely go more than 60kms/40mi. I run mostly on assist level 2 which averages around 1km/1% of charge. So I'm relatively comfy in expecting 80km/50mi out of a charge.
The bike will also take a 625, and the new 800wh battery.
Compare the other critical components. The Stance might have slightly lower spec drivetrain/brakes than your other choices so far. It's been good for me, but maybe your expectations are greater than mine.
I'd also say that the Stance has somewhat entry level air suspension, but again at 65y/o I'm not going to drop 6' any more.
It's comfy, tracks well, and has all the power I'll ever need. I also like how the 29er takes bumps/roots/curbs.
The app is "OK", but I only use it for firmware updates and power adjustments. Everything else I leave to Garmin/Strava.
So far I've almost 2000km on it and the drivetrain has been good. Might need a new cassette/chain next year.

 

[Lbrava]

Good info. DM ! I was a little concerned on the 500w battery only because they make bigger ones ,you know how that goes. Good to know you can upgrade to 650/800 one. I didn't see that on there web site. The lower spec components really won't bother me most important is how the bike works as whole & it sounds like it works well 2000km without problems says a lot. I'm gonna see if can test ride one. I won't be doing any 6' drops (on purpose) either !!
My last MX crash at 54 was a 4th degree AC separation & it took about 6 months to "heal" shoulder will never be the same at 64 I don't ever want see the E room again !
Thanks

 

[DaveMatthews]

Good info. DM ! I was a little concerned on the 500w battery only because they make bigger ones ,you know how that goes. Good to know you can upgrade to 650/800 one. I didn't see that on there web site. The lower spec components really won't bother me most important is how the bike works as whole & it sounds like it works well 2000km without problems says a lot. I'm gonna see if can test ride one. I won't be doing any 6' drops (on purpose) either !!
My last MX crash at 54 was a 4th degree AC separation & it took about 6 months to "heal" shoulder will never be the same at 64 I don't ever want see the E room again !
Thanks

I'd def suggest trying as many different brands as possible.
I know that if I'm lazy I can eat up the battery using level 4/5 assist. I tend to only use that on sustained steep hills.
Still though it is a consideration as is rider weight, grade, wind etc.
Full discloser, my first stance had a power cut off issue. Giant replaced the bike (including battery) although I reused the wheels/bars/grips/saddle/pedals.
Some people like a Bosch system over the Yamaha etc.