E-bikes anyone? (bicycles)

Pass looks like a bunch of wannabe Harley riders. Components look cheap.

 

I used to be skeptical about e-bikes, but after my dad had knee surgery, an e-bike turned out to be a real find for him.

 

Wife just got Cannondale e-bike. She loves the thing

 

Question:

Now I want a 27.5” wheel mountain e-bike!

Suggestions in the $3K to $5K range?

 

Regardless of how you feel about ebikes, they're here to stay. I was on the fence for a long time too. I still don't like to see them on trails, but I rarely do, because they've run me off the trails - too crowded. I stick to neighborhood trails these days 'cause they're underrated, underreported, and close to home. Or I just explore - which is fine with me.

I'm perfectly capable of riding analogs and still do, but I haven't started my truck for 6 days and it's because of the ebike. I can do most things on it. I've put more miles on the ebike than the Taco since I got it & gonna try to keep that going.

The only question I have going forward is - what will my next one be?

 

Lots of good sales out there right now. I'd be looking pretty hard at those manufacturers - Trek, Specialized, and maybe others are offering some amazing deals on electrics. I wouldn't get away from the majors just yet personally with ebikes. The tech is getting more mature, but I want local dealer support behind me where a motor & battery are involved. Bosch seems to have the best network of shops available to work on their stuff. Most of the other brands do proprietary partnerships (ex Specialized/Brose and of course others). But Bosch is used by Trek, Bulls, Cannondale, R&M, Canyon, Orbea and plenty of others. They seem to be the Toyota of the ebike motor world at the moment.

 

Thanks! Good move on Bosch's part.

My frustration: A lot of them are still pushing 29" bikes. I don't want a 29" wheel ebike. I have 29" Specialized carbon stumpy and I like it enough, but it's not the bike to ride with the wife on mellow trails. I mean there is no issue with it, just the size.

 

Just got my girl a new one. We sold her aventon aventure because it was just to big for her. She likes this one much better.
https://youtu.be/5wpPwR6jDlE?si=38NtlFNi2b9w5C1D

 

I just ordered a Cannondale Moterra Neo 3

 

That aughta be a hoot. Find a good deal?

 

Supposedly on "sale" but same price everywhere.

 

Yeah, REI has them for 20% off - imagine that's across the board for their dealers. That's been standard for gobs of bikes this year. It's a much better situation than we saw the last few years where absolutely nothing was on sale.

 

I was hoping to spend a little less, but it had the features and bigger battery.

 

I have the 500W Powertube. As long as I'm using the lowest assist level, it will outlast me. After 50-60 miles of that I usually call it - never even made it down to one battery bar (of five). Still a good workout. That's on my commuter, which is pretty efficient. I wouldn't expect that on fat tires with a squishy rear, but you can probably still ride all day in the woods.

 

Long story

 

Is it just all the funs?

 

Yes, fun building too.

But getting from A to B with Cannondale has been a huge adventure.

Fedex delivered a bike shop package to my house! Supposed to go to Skagit Cycle then I pick up a complete bike. On a Sunday. Cannondale put my address on it, not the shop. Ugg. Shop is in Burlington/Mt Vernon. Assembled myself. Bought some pedals at Trek store. Ordered a special tool for front disk hub and also high pressure air shock pump. They ship without pressure.

The main pisser, Cannondale conglomerate double charged me, well overcharged me $1900. Idiots!! And getting through to them is not simple. Lousy experience right there! I wish REI had it to sell at the $5K sale price!!

So far the $1900 has not come back although I am finally working with a CS rep.

Anyway need my stuff (tool and pump) to ride - charged to 95%

 

Are E-bikes really worth it for the money?

 

Define money

For some a $1500 e-bike is great. For others a $1500 pedal mountain bike is a piece of shit

My Specialized carbon stumpy was $5000 and my Cannondale Moterra $5000

Neither are really worth it and both are absolutely worth it

It comes down to personal wants and needs.

 

I picked up this super73 almost a year ago and it has been an absolute blast. I don’t really ride bikes much but my friend peer pressured me into getting one and I’m just over 1,000 miles on it with no regrets. I mostly use it to cruise around the beach, grab lunch/coffee. We’ve taken them on a few basic trails but they don’t really have the power for that. Mostly just take bike paths and every now and then zipping through the street.