Anyone else not sold on their new eMTB?

[Ferd]

Hey folks. Newb eBiker here. Been riding MTB since 1985 so sorta long timer on that front.

just got a Levo SL comp and set it up pretty nice with Lyrik, Saint brakes, enduro spec wheelset...

How much time does it take before you liked your bike? I mean like before you couldnt stop thinking about the last good rip, or the next time you’ll be shredding?

I freaking love my normal bikes. Both are Evil 29ers. I’ve had my share of bikes over the years...

Maybe its the shit for anti-squat this bike was designed with? Or maybe it’s the weight? Or maybe it’s the lack of suffering during the climbs? Something is me from truly loving and obsessing positively over this bike..

i have another bike (Orbea Rise) on its way... maybe that’ll sell me..?

anyone else kinda have these same feelings/impressions?

 

[Ivabign]

Hey Ferd,

I've also been riding for a long time and just recently bought a 2021 Levo Comp. Besides the occasional howling from the SLX brakes, I have to say it's the most fun I've had on a bike in years. I would have suggested you wait to see if the Levo SL would grow on you before throwing down for the Rise, but if I rarely discourage anyone from getting additional toys, lol!

 

[Ferd]

Hey Ferd,

I've also been riding for a long time and just recently bought a 2021 Levo Comp. Besides the occasional howling from the SLX brakes, I have to say it's the most fun I've had on a bike in years. I would have suggested you wait to see if the Levo SL would grow on you before throwing down for the Rise, but if I rarely discourage anyone from getting additional toys, lol!

Mine is an SL

 

[Ferd]

Hey Ferd,

I've also been riding for a long time and just recently bought a 2021 Levo Comp. Besides the occasional howling from the SLX brakes, I have to say it's the most fun I've had on a bike in years. I would have suggested you wait to see if the Levo SL would grow on you before throwing down for the Rise, but if I rarely discourage anyone from getting additional toys, lol!

I go though bikes pretty fast. Have many each year and only the best stick around. I demoed both the Levo and SL before I went for the SL...
thought I’d have more fun. But.. maybe I will... it might take a few months before I figure out what these are really best for. .. High altitude suffer fests? Too snowy for that at the moment, etc...

 

[KeithR]

How much time does it take before you liked your bike?

Same bike, and I was besotted before I'd finished my short test ride.

Wouldn't have bought it, otherwise...

 

[rod9301]

I have a haibike nduro, 180/180 and i loved it from day 1

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Love at first sight... loved it even more, after the first ride.

I was never a hater to begin with... I just couldn't justify it. Two years ago, I retired and it was actually my wife's idea that I should get one. In fact, she insisted that I deserved it. ?

 

[Gary]

Liked mine from the very first ride (it's not a specialised though). But it took roughly 2 weeks to adapt to the subtle differences from proper bikes and get super confident at jumping, manualling and generally making it perform playfully like my 30lb 170m carbon Enduro bike. One of the most noticeable improvements for handling was fitting lightweight lower rolling resistance tyres. Reducing the overall weight to 47lb and improving acceleration and maneuverability hugely.
Ive been riding EMTB for almost 3 years now but I still ride proper bikes a lot and still prefer them to every Ebike I've ever swung a leg over(a fair number now).
Get the notion it's meant to handle like a normal bike out your head, give it time, find its advantages and negatives and ride learn to it appropriately. They're tons of fun. But ultimately very different to normal bikes

 

[KeithR]

i have another bike (Orbea Rise) on its way... maybe that’ll sell me..?

When the SL didn't?

I doubt it. There's something else going on here, I reckon.

 

[maynard]

What this sexy thing . Ummm yeh . Its tha bomb

 

[Ferd]

When the SL didn't?

I doubt it. There's something else going on here, I reckon.

Yeah like maybe my reason for riding is subconsciously the suffering out or something. Seriously. I can manual this bike and gap all the doubles... just is not rewarding. But then again I can say that about all the other FSR bikes I’ve owned..
I’ll be giving it time as I’m getting older and really want to keep up with my inshape non-ebike crowd that enjoys 6,000ft 30 mile rides.

 

[Gary]

One massive disappointment I had at the beginning was the realisation that my Ebike can't actually cover a 30mile 6000ft ride without carrying a spare battery . While I could still manage far more on my normal bike(s) without even carrying a pack.
For what they are, they're still fun though certainly not something I'd want as my only bike

 

[Ferd]

One massive disappointment I had at the beginning was the realisation that my Ebike can't actually cover a 30mile 6000ft ride without carrying a spare battery . While I could still manage far more on my normal bike(s) without even carrying a pack.
For what they are, they're still fun though certainly not something I'd want as my only bike

Mine will but I’m working really hard the whole time.

 

[The Hodge]

Mine will but I’m working really hard the whole time.

Try switching the motor on..you might enjoy it a whole lot more..

 

[EezyRider]

Been riding mtb a similar length of time, bought my 1st ebike a couple of months ago, actually bought it to get my mrs back on a bike (bad arthritis in her knee) but figured I would spend a bit more and get one I would benefit from too.
Loved it on my first ride but didn’t think it would replace my normal bike.
After a couple of proper rides and a few tweaks, I can’t see when I’d ride my normal bike now other than flying abroad (if only) or riding with the mrs.
I bought a second battery, that was painful but now I can get almost 10k feet of downhill over c. 40 miles.
What’s not to love.....
Well:
Lifting over fences and hike a bike is a bit strain but that can only make me stronger I guess.
Biggest downside I found is when you do run out of battery. It’s fine on descents, not that bad pedalling on the flat but damn, slightest incline and its like someone dropped anchor ?

 

[R120]

I think a lot of people are probably on the wrong bike for them, or rather one that has some compromises, but the grin inducing factor of an EMTB mitigates this. The better a rider you are, the less the motor matters and the mor important the geometry and overall spec of the bike becomes noticeable.

I see a lot of people on certain EMTB’s and think if that bike didn’t have a motor there is no way you would have considered buying something with that geometry or spec.

I would lump the SL into that category as its a great bike and i have nearly pulled the trigger on one twice, but then i would never consider a normal bike with that geometry, so why should I buy an EMTB with it?

For me the brand of motor, battery range etc is pretty irrelevant to the the fun of the ride, its about the geometry and how the weight is managed by the design of the bike, you can ride several 24kg bike, but they can feel very different in terms of how noticeable the weight is depending on the design of the bike.

 

[RickBullotta]

When the SL didn't?

I doubt it. There's something else going on here, I reckon.

Keith, c'mon buddy, they're different bikes. The Rise has nearly 2X the power of the SL - 35Nm max vs 60Nm (potentially unlockable to 85Nm). That's a massive difference.

 

[RickBullotta]

Hey folks. Newb eBiker here. Been riding MTB since 1985 so sorta long timer on that front.

just got a Levo SL comp and set it up pretty nice with Lyrik, Saint brakes, enduro spec wheelset...

How much time does it take before you liked your bike? I mean like before you couldnt stop thinking about the last good rip, or the next time you’ll be shredding?

I freaking love my normal bikes. Both are Evil 29ers. I’ve had my share of bikes over the years...

Maybe its the shit for anti-squat this bike was designed with? Or maybe it’s the weight? Or maybe it’s the lack of suffering during the climbs? Something is me from truly loving and obsessing positively over this bike..

i have another bike (Orbea Rise) on its way... maybe that’ll sell me..?

anyone else kinda have these same feelings/impressions?

My gut feel is that the limited power of the SL isn't enough to trigger that true "eMTB" sensation for you - not enough difference over your usual bike to give you that "wow" factor. A regular Levo or any of the many bikes that are full juice can maybe give you the stoke you're after.

The Rise could be just the beast you're looking for though. Enough power to be able to push you to the limit on twisty stuff and to allow you to ride some gnar that you might not otherwise attempt, but also not a 50 lb anchor.

My 47 lb Shuttle definitely triggers a lot of fun (and oh shit) moments, but it definitely isn't as flickable as my 26 lb Hightower. And my 235 lb KTM 350 definitely triggers a different set of fun (and even more oh shit) moments, but a very, very different sensation. Thus the reason I'm also adding a Rise to the quiver.

 

[KeithR]

Keith, c'mon buddy, they're different bikes. The Rise has nearly 2X the power of the SL - 35Nm max vs 60Nm (potentially unlockable to 85Nm). That's a massive difference.

Rick, the OP said:

Or maybe it’s the lack of suffering during the climbs?

Is the significantly more powerful Rise going to give him more of that?

I really am more considered in what I say than I think you give me credit for.

 

[RickBullotta]

Rick, the OP said:

Is the significantly more powerful Rise going to give him more of that?

I really am more considered in what I say than I think you give me credit for.

Ha. I think it's the lack of "holy sh*t" during the climbs. ;-) There's definitely a power inflection point where you realize the eMTB is something really different. Cheers.

 

[KeithR]

Ha. I think it's the lack of "holy sh*t" during the climbs.

From context, I'm pretty sure it's that even the SL is making the ups too easy.

 

[RickBullotta]

From context, I'm pretty sure it's that even the SL is making the ups too easy.

No doubt. It's when you transition from "easy" to "thrilling" that the fun begins! Braaaap!

 

[The EMF]

Hey folks. Newb eBiker here. Been riding MTB since 1985 so sorta long timer on that front.

just got a Levo SL comp and set it up pretty nice with Lyrik, Saint brakes, enduro spec wheelset...

How much time does it take before you liked your bike? I mean like before you couldnt stop thinking about the last good rip, or the next time you’ll be shredding?

I freaking love my normal bikes. Both are Evil 29ers. I’ve had my share of bikes over the years...

Maybe its the shit for anti-squat this bike was designed with? Or maybe it’s the weight? Or maybe it’s the lack of suffering during the climbs? Something is me from truly loving and obsessing positively over this bike..

i have another bike (Orbea Rise) on its way... maybe that’ll sell me..?

anyone else kinda have these same feelings/impressions?

I’ve been MTBing for 25 year or more and in July I bought a Whyte E150-RS and I absolutely love it. From the first ride I was sold m, love riding it up as well as down. I’ve kept my Stumpy HT which I still use
Constantly looking at weather forecasts as to when I can ride this incredible bike. ( I’m 64 and feel like a kid when I’m on this thing)

 

[KeithR]

Also, this:

Maybe its the shit for anti-squat this bike was designed with?

No idea what Ferd's problem is with the anti-squat, but my initial thought was "you haven't got the rear set up right."

 

[steve_sordy]

I had several good analogue bikes, the very last one being the Whyte T130C RS. I loved that bike and I wish I had kept it for those few days when the emtb was in the dock. But the first time I rode the Focus Jam2 I fell in love with the bike. It was the 7th out of 8 emtbs that I had ridden. But I just knew after number 7! No regrets, none!

 

[HinduKush]

What kind of climbs do you have around you? I found love on my Haibike All-Mountain when I climbed a hill there wasn't a hope in hell of getting half way up on an accoustic bike. An ebike will never be as nimble as an accoustic bike but once you challenge yourself with some awesome climbs I think you'll find the love. If you haven't already, watch the latest Chris Akrigg video to see what's possible climbing on an ebike. I think that will stoke a fire in you.

 

[Dustjunky]

Hey folks. Newb eBiker here. Been riding MTB since 1985 so sorta long timer on that front.

just got a Levo SL comp and set it up pretty nice with Lyrik, Saint brakes, enduro spec wheelset...

How much time does it take before you liked your bike? I mean like before you couldnt stop thinking about the last good rip, or the next time you’ll be shredding?

I freaking love my normal bikes. Both are Evil 29ers. I’ve had my share of bikes over the years...

Maybe its the shit for anti-squat this bike was designed with? Or maybe it’s the weight? Or maybe it’s the lack of suffering during the climbs? Something is me from truly loving and obsessing positively over this bike..

i have another bike (Orbea Rise) on its way... maybe that’ll sell me..?

anyone else kinda have these same feelings/impressions?

....All I can say is you must have some dosh if you can afford to buy bikes and not sure if you like them

 

[Mr President]

Hey folks. Newb eBiker here. Been riding MTB since 1985 so sorta long timer on that front.

just got a Levo SL comp and set it up pretty nice with Lyrik, Saint brakes, enduro spec wheelset...

How much time does it take before you liked your bike? I mean like before you couldnt stop thinking about the last good rip, or the next time you’ll be shredding?

I freaking love my normal bikes. Both are Evil 29ers. I’ve had my share of bikes over the years...

Maybe its the shit for anti-squat this bike was designed with? Or maybe it’s the weight? Or maybe it’s the lack of suffering during the climbs? Something is me from truly loving and obsessing positively over this bike..

i have another bike (Orbea Rise) on its way... maybe that’ll sell me..?

anyone else kinda have these same feelings/impressions?

I spent most of last year riding my son's Evil Calling. The best MTB I have ridden. Great fun.
Thing is MTB is not EMTB. They are different sports. Of course there is big overlap, but there are elements in each that are very distinct from the other. I see your sign off is: 'as much dirt as possible'. If jumping is your thing then EMTB will not be as much of a grin. I don't say it can't be done and enjoyed. EMTBs have other great abilities that a lung (I prefer acoustic) bikes can't match.
It takes a while to realise that you do different things on the different bikes. It's almost like comparing and XC bike and a DH bike. Both very capable in their own sphere and able to cross-over to a certain extent, but the aim is not the same.
I think the Levo SL concept is made to increase the overlap. It may well do that for some riders with particular requirements, but I also wonder if for others it ends up falling between two stools. A Jack of more trades. 'EMTB lite' is possibly a third sport?

 

[KeithR]

A Jack of more trades.

Oh yeah, it absolutely is - that's precisely its appeal for many of us.

I've got a good FF ebike and a really nice acoustic, and I've ridden neither since getting my SL, because it allows me to do - more or less - all the things I would want to do with the other bikes.

It's a two-wheeled Swiss Army knife.

 

[KeithR]

All I can say is you must have some dosh if you can afford to buy bikes and not sure if you like them

Yeah, that struck me too - it's exactly why I said this up the page:

Same bike, and I was besotted before I'd finished my short test ride.

Wouldn't have bought it, otherwise...