What a good Electric Bike?

There's no need for a Tacoma "chip." We can already reprogram the engine and transmission using OVtune software and a cable.

That said, the chips and other methods of hacking e-bikes are my largest point of contention with the entire e-bike fanbase/industry. The fact that some MTB e-bike models can be hacked to go 40 or 50+ mph makes all of them a very tangible threat to our trail systems. I can only hope that U.S. land managers continue to ban them from our otherwise non-motorized multi-use trails. They can and should enjoy the trails at any motorized trail system they choose, but that's where their access rights should end. Full stop.

Too much time and effort has gone into building/accessing mtb trail systems. For that reason, I'll remain hostile until e-bikers stop trying to infringe upon non-motorized trails.

 

Not for 4cyl

 

The lack of proofreading prior to posting in this forum constantly amazes me. "What a good Electric Bike?"...and 3rd gen section?

 

This is an interesting thread. I quit riding 4-5 years ago and have not kept up with the trends. The e-bikes seem cool but I would be concerned with letting them share bike trails. I'm pretty sure all the trails around my area prohibit motorized vehicles. Do you share the trails with Moto's? Thanks for posting this OP.

 

I don't really care about e-bike vs traditional as long as people realize it's a motorized vehicle and keep it on trails that permit motorized vehicles.
Ebikes don't belong on MTB trails. If you are not allowed to ride a dirt bike there, you cannot ride an ebike there.

I think it's a great option for the elderly and disabled to get some fresh air and a little exercise. Or as vehicle for running errands or commuting to work.

 

Just playing devil's advocate.

I don't own an eBike and I'm not a fanboy... But you guys realize these aren't motorized in the sense that you twist a throttle and instantly tackle crazy climbs going 20+mph? Watch the videos I posted above. Even the professional riders are in lower gears pushing through the climbs when using pedal-assist.

If you aren't pedaling, there is no motor assistance. You're still putting in a ton of your own effort. Pedal-assistance cuts out at 20mph. I would never reach 20mph except on a semi-flat fireroad sprint, in which case none of us would be using pedal-assist anyway.

If you're elderly or disabled, adding 100-250 watts of modulated pedaling assistance isn't going to help you get up a lot of the technical climbs you and I all ride.

My biggest issue is crowds and inexperience. Our trails are already crowded with bikers, hikers, and equestrian riders. Some weekends are insane. Even using my Timber bell every time I ride, I've had some really close calls with hikers and riders who aren't paying attention. I've yet to see an eBike on my local trails, but they are currently banned in our National Forrest and within our City's Open Space trails. As they gain popularity and access, even a rider volume increase of 10-20% on our trails will make riding/hiking that much more annoying and unsafe. Add in the inexperience factor and this could be a recipe for some injuries and collisions on our trails.

 

What makes you think all ebike users harm trails? Plenty of them never go off the pavement.

 

I think the problem will be, where do you draw the line. As the electric bike technologies quickly develop, you will no doubt see bikes that are capable of traveling at increasing speeds and distances with little or no physical assistance necessary. Do we just say, if it has pedals and is capable of propulsion only with physical exertion it's OK for bike trails?

 

I don't think anyone is saying that. But a quick glance at the bikes on the links provided in this thread lead me to conclude they are undoubtably set up for off road riding.

 

There are plenty of hacks that allow for actual throttle compatibility, governor removal, and even power increases that allow for speeds higher than 50mph on certain models.

In fact, there are entire forums dedicated to hacking e-bikes and DIY conversions.

I have no problem with those who stick to pavement, and I never said that "all ebike users harm trails."

See above. All it takes is one, and there is absolutely no way to tell at a glance which of these motorbikes have been modified/hacked and which haven't.

Stay the hell off our trails with your motorized nonsense. Period.

This topic has already ruined too many mtb forums, so I'm going to bow out now before it ruins my time here at TW, as well...

 

Look your truck will go 100+mph...Do you drive it at that speed very much? I doubt it.
Its all about not being a dik.

While I may be able to go 32mph I generally enjoy about 20mph in the dirt, I stay off the bike trails and ride out in BLM dirt roads...all to myself, because there are so many hater/elitist types around here.
Most of these Ebikes are nothing like a dirt-bike, your not roosting all over the place.

They are great to get out and breath fresh air, really nice if your not some cool jock dude.
I was in on the beginning of Mt. bikes, first bike in 1987, Bridgestone MB-3.
I have had dirt bikes and quads over the years, had a Yamaha Banshee on paddles.

These Ebike are a different beast, you guys giving all the negative need to go ride a Ebike.
I bet after you get off your face will hurt because you have been grinning the whole time.

 

Riders aren't going to be riding 50mph on singletrack. They'll die.

 

Like this?

https://youtu.be/nsNnGZZusiQ

 

I wonder, does anybody have experience riding single track on an eBike? I can't imagine it is any fun maneuvering a 50lb bike around a winding track.

I'm trying to decide if I should go hardtail or full suspension. I mostly just ride around dirt trails and gravel roads. I do occasionally like to do some singletrack, but am hesistant buying an eBike for single track due to its weight.

Considering my intented use, is there any reason to go full suspension?

 

i REALLLLY want to get one of these https://super73.com/collections/super-73-north-america/products/super73-s1-black

 

Quiet Kat. Day6 Behemoth.

 

That's cool! I want one too!

 

I just picked this bike up today. Was a steal. $1500. Guy only used it once. Retails with the accessories he had for around $3400. It’s so fun and I hit 30mph on it today! Easy to ride around with my daughters too.

 

hey guys, trying to win a new UNIMOKE e bike. Would be nice to have a 2nd one for the wife so she can keep up on rides. made a video on mine. can you go to this link and throw me a vote. I am "Brian Pike"