Black Friday Deals? Most Comfortable E-MTB for trail usage - Bosh gen 4
- Thread starter Calinca
- Start date
Fox factory have gold stanchions and fox performance elite have black stanchions.
Internals are the same on each.
An adjustable stem can make a big difference to comfort where sore shoulders/arms/back are concerned, allowing the rider to adjust reach and sit more upright. They're best suited to bikes without headset cable routing: SATORI UP3 Bike Bicycle Riser Adjustable Handlebar Stem 1-1/8" x 31.8mm | eBay
I put an adjustable stem (Ergotec) on wife's bike to find out what she was most comfortable with. Then replaced it with a fixed stem and bars with ideal sweep and rise.
DirkWisely
New Member
Keep in mind you can make pretty drastic changes to your posture on the bike with a riser stem/bar. I was having hand and shoulder issues with my stock Levo, but it's way better with a significant rise on the stem and bar. I can sit comfortably much more upright, while still being able to get into more of an attack posture where I need to.
The only real downside is needing to shift my weight more forward for steeper sections, but that hasn't proven an issue.
The only real downside is needing to shift my weight more forward for steeper sections, but that hasn't proven an issue.
Raili’s People
New Member
Wow, I’m stoked to read this. Such a nice surprise for him, and you both, hobbies together are what makes life worth living. Chronic pain gets to your head too and enjoyable things are essential to keep your head together while recovering. Really appreciate what you’re doing for him.
Where are you based, EU?
I’m leaning towards a lighter bike too, it’ll hurt your shoulders and elbows more when trying to wrestle a heavier bike. I’d say forget the enduro bikes weighing over 25kg in size M. That is the standard size when given weight. Weight comes with stability though but these things weigh over 20kg anyway - they all are nice to ride on sketchy fireroads. More to do with brakes, suspension and tires - and tires you can easily change. Comfortable saddle, nice grips and pedals (possibly clip ins) and mtb shoes (with cleats possibly) are also vital to enjoy the bike.
I have a Trek Rail 9 AXS with Rockshox Zeb and Super Ultimate Deluxe. I’d say go Fox for comfort.
Wouldn’t buy the 2023 Wild as they have had broken frames (mostly chainstays I believe). Yet another new frame for 2025 for the Wild.
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Raili’s People
New Member
This is the way to do it. Never adjustable stems in mountain bikes for safety reasons.
Raili’s People
New Member
Marzocchi Z2 has the Rail damper, owned by Fox. It’s basically a cheaper Fox 34. I think he needs a better damper than this for comfortability (his size and ailment considered), a Fox Rhythm or an Elite would probably be a match. I have the Z2 on an Orbea hardtail, it's a decent fork for that use. On a 10kg heavier EMTB I'd get a better damper.
edit. Noticed that the Cube has the Fox 36 AWL with Rail damper, no experience on that but could be enough on the fireroads? Otherwise that bike has good components on the price point as always with Cube.
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Here I bought a cool bike, some years ago.
www.der-fahrradmister.de
Der-Fahrradmister
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That’s what I did. I purchased the Trek Fuel EXE 8. A lighter full suspension eMTB. (Other good versions out there.)
I hated riding my Rail 9.7 on fire roads, tame trails, urban areas, with my sweetheart …it was just overkill for me. I save that for the high altitude climbing and any trail I can reach.
But the Fuel EXE will do it all also …but it’s lighter and requires more effort.
Good idea
The Ergotec Octopus 2 is very well engineered - if anything it is over engineered.
Still have the Octopus 2 Ahead 50/ 31.8 / Black / 90mm stem in the garage.
Raili’s People
New Member
Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 C:68X SLX 750
Here's a good discount with L and XL available. A 2024 model so with the 750Wh battery, the 2025 Stereo comes with the new Gen 5 motor and the new 800Wh battery. It has a 160/150mm fork/suspension but with the Lyrik, flexier than the Zeb. More comfortable too? MT7's are one of the best brakes in the market, a carbon frame that is light for the purpose, good wheels and GX gears, MaxxGrip tires are really grippy so good for mud, steep and wet stuff - for dry they could be faster rolling. All in all a really nice bike for that price. Someone else could probably compare Fox and Rockshox comfortability for you more?
Cables go through the headset as usual nowadays, which is a minus. Battery is a Bosch 750, you should be wary to buy a bike with a custom/proprietary battery. A lot of batteries are being manufactured for a couple of years only, so they could be impossible to replace later on. With Bosch you should be safe, they are in stock as we speak - even for older 500 and 625 batteries.
I might still go with the 2025 Cube if you're not in a hurry, it has a new motor and battery and that usually means less depreciation and more spare parts available in the future. No big changes in the motor it seems but it's more silent. If you want to buy now, less options with Gen 5 motor but better discounts.
I like your Mondraker Chaser X option too. They usually are big for the size, an L might be an XL with another brand. On Geometry Geeks you can compare the numbers, just check them on the manufacturer site too.
Nice components, Bosch 750 and 3500€. That is really cheap for a bike like that. Weaker parts are shifters, chain, cassette and tires. Not too expensive to ride them until they give up and replacing after. Personally I wanted an aluminum frame, you can always buy a carbon handlebar. Mondraker is imo the best looking bike out there if that matters, the frame is so sleek.
Here's a good discount with L and XL available. A 2024 model so with the 750Wh battery, the 2025 Stereo comes with the new Gen 5 motor and the new 800Wh battery. It has a 160/150mm fork/suspension but with the Lyrik, flexier than the Zeb. More comfortable too? MT7's are one of the best brakes in the market, a carbon frame that is light for the purpose, good wheels and GX gears, MaxxGrip tires are really grippy so good for mud, steep and wet stuff - for dry they could be faster rolling. All in all a really nice bike for that price. Someone else could probably compare Fox and Rockshox comfortability for you more?
Cables go through the headset as usual nowadays, which is a minus. Battery is a Bosch 750, you should be wary to buy a bike with a custom/proprietary battery. A lot of batteries are being manufactured for a couple of years only, so they could be impossible to replace later on. With Bosch you should be safe, they are in stock as we speak - even for older 500 and 625 batteries.
I might still go with the 2025 Cube if you're not in a hurry, it has a new motor and battery and that usually means less depreciation and more spare parts available in the future. No big changes in the motor it seems but it's more silent. If you want to buy now, less options with Gen 5 motor but better discounts.
I like your Mondraker Chaser X option too. They usually are big for the size, an L might be an XL with another brand. On Geometry Geeks you can compare the numbers, just check them on the manufacturer site too.
Nice components, Bosch 750 and 3500€. That is really cheap for a bike like that. Weaker parts are shifters, chain, cassette and tires. Not too expensive to ride them until they give up and replacing after. Personally I wanted an aluminum frame, you can always buy a carbon handlebar. Mondraker is imo the best looking bike out there if that matters, the frame is so sleek.
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I was tempted with this bike
Then you have the one44, thinking do I need a lot of travel on the 55
Raili’s People
New Member
On an acoustic bike I'd gone for the trail bike with 140/130 suspension but with an E-MTB I didn't care - no bobbing with the motor assisting you. 38m stanchions feel stiff and heavy though for an everyday rider. Depends where you ride too, we don't have mountains so a trail bike is enough. There's always that itch for a lighter bike but I'm not yet ready to pay 2-3k more for a 2-3kg's less. Wanted the Bosch motor too so a light E-MTB wasn't an option.
Calinca
New Member
- Thread starter
- #47
Hi thank you so much for your input. We ski together, train some together as well, hoping to add bike to that!!!
I'm in EU, Portugal, no issues with online ordering. Not really in a hurry necessarily but would like to have the bike by the first weeks of December ideally. The idea was the catch some BFriday deals, and gen4 older stock as they move to the new generations. I don't eel the need to have the lastest.
Cube off course has always great pricing, I myself have a cube, it's an nice bike but I hear and read many nightmare stories about cube frame warranty and many says their geometry isn't so good.
Our home trails here are steep, I train regularly, use E-bike and still get a hell of a work-out!
I have used 99spokes to compare geometry, but still it's not like I really understand what I'm seing...
your recommendations would be:
Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 C:68X SLX 750: L or XL (great weight)
Mondraker CHASER R : Only available in L
You didn't say anything about the Focus (8.8 or 8.0 if the fork is worth it, tre is even one with a CX race motor....for the same price), spec wise is good, found some Spanish reviews that really liked the bike, but I've hardly found any reviews besides the big comparisons, were someone deslikes the e-bike
I got here the several models with the closest reach?
XL
Cheers
Raili’s People
New Member
You're welcome! I understand. You can read the article on this forum's front page about Gen 5 motor, it might or might not be worth it. It's basically either that and new 800wh battery or Gen 4 + 750 and better components. Frame, motor or battery you can't change afterwards, everything else you can. I'd be tempted to go the Gen 5 route IF you can later spend a few hundred when the need for speed comes and maybe change the damper in the fork, better brakes, tires etc. On fire roads I'd believe the Fox 36 AWL will do the job, no experience on that fork though. Sometimes you can find parts cheap stripped of new bikes, used for a month etc. RCZ-shop is cheap for parts but they usually take a looong time to deliver. A different concept.
Is the Cube's riding position more up-right IIRC? I'd think it could be better if your shoulders and elbows hurt. Not so good on steep climbs maybe as the front might lift but otherwise I don't see a problem.
Can't really comment on the Focus, never seen one. The 8.8 MSRP seems crazy, just don't look into those prices and think it's cheap now. The Fox Rhythm has a better damper than the AWL. The shock is better on the Cube. I'd still take the Gen 5 Cube if it was for me. The most important thing is the right size and fitment, you have to see what the manufacturers or the LBS recommend for him, or google "Cube Stereo sizing" etc.
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Bbmtb
New Member
Length in an eMTB is a big deal affecting maneuverability. The motor adds 8-10 mm. With the added weight and then length, it can feel like you are trying to throw around a school bus. My advice on sizing is look at the reach within 15 mm of your target from an analogue bike, With the shortest length compared to analogue, then adjust reach comfort with stem and seat. In my case, I went for a super light with Transition Relay in size XL and it was too large because of above. I had to swap to a size L and that took extra time and money. I am 6’2’’ 180 lbs. My analog ideal reach was 500 (fit perfect to an XL IBIS Ripmo) and my final Relay size L is 485 reach. If you could afford it, as per comments below, I recommend check out the SL bikes Relay, Orbea, Trek ExE, Santa Cruz or whatever the equivalents are in Europe. A forty something lb bike is really a different experience that a fifty something lb bike.Hi Everyone I've been really enjoying my EMTB. My husband has some chronic elbow and shoulder issues but has been steadily recovering. So I want to surprise him with his own EMTB. My main issue is COMFORT. I want it to be a comfortable ride, he wont ride nothing extreme, but our home trails tend to have loose rocks, can be steep and are irregular tractor/fire roads.
Not really sure about sizing larger is supposed to be more stable, does it mean more comfortable as well in detriment to less maneuverability?
Probably Carbon frame is better for its dampening properties?
From my search this is what I've found for Black Friday Deals, any opinions?
THANK YOU!!
Budget up to 4k
150 minimum travel
Good suspension (comfort and less vibrations are mandatory)
Bosh Gen 4 Cx motor
Buying in EU, online no problem (I have a nice bike shop that services everything Bosh)
Size L or XL (He is 187 cm with 88 inseam and 105 Kg)
Black Friday Deals:
1. Cannondale Carbon Moterra LT 2 2023 - Size XL - price around 3800 €
It's more Enduro, but described as a very comfortable e-touring bike
Carbon but heavy 26-27Kg
Reach 511
170mm /165 mm
RockShox Zeb Select - RockShox Deluxe Coil Select+
Magura MT5
XT, SLX
2. Focus JAM2 8.8 - Size L - Around 4000 €
Carbon frame around 25 Kg
Reach 485 mm
160 mm / 150 mm
FOX 36 Float Rhythm + FOX Float DPS
Magura MT5
XT
3. Orbea Wild M20 23 - Size XL - around 4000 €
Carbon frame around 24 Kg
Reach 505 mm
160 mm / 160 mm
RockShox 35 Silver + Fox Float DPS Performance
XT, Deore
3. Mondraker Chaser R 2024 - Size L - around 3500 €
Aluminium frame around 25 kg
Reach 490 mm
160 mm / 150 mm
Fox 36 29 Float FIT GRIP - Fox Float EVOL Performance
SRAM DB8
GX Eagle, SX Eagle
4. Stereo Hybrid ONE44 race 2025 - size L/XL - 4200€
Reach 477 mm/ 512 mm
Carbon 25 Kg + 800w battery and Gen 5 Bosh motor
150 mm / 140 mm
Fox 36 Float AWL + Fox Float Rhythm R
Magura MT Thirty
XT, Deore
5. Focus JAM2 6.9 2024 - Size L - Around 3600 €
Aluminium frame around 25 kg
Reach 485 mm
160mm / 150mm
FOX 36 Float Rhythm + FOX Float DPS
Sram DB8
XT
Thank you so much for your input, if anyone has experience with any this bikes, specially with confort with would help me immensely to make a decision.
Cheers!
Raili’s People
New Member
Really good points there. I'd lean towards the lighter bike too, but Transition and Santa Cruz are expensive in Europe. LTM Racing sell the premium brands but they are well over the 4k budget.
Calinca
New Member
- Thread starter
- #51
Hi @Bbmtb as raili's says Us brands are expensive brande in EU. Orbea and trek and goopf componentes are also expensive. With ou hilly surroundings and his weight a big motor is necessary.
@Raili’s People The Whyte seem like a great deal, bur still more expensive then I would like, also not Whyte DE would ship here.
@Raili’s People The Whyte seem like a great deal, bur still more expensive then I would like, also not Whyte DE would ship here.
I think now everyone is overthinking this 
aforementioned Focus, Mondraker and Cube are very good options,
485-495 reach should be good, however XL bikes have higher stack (handlebar is higher) - which makes them more comfortable
Mondraker Chaser R 2024 looks good too, 26kg. 160/150mm - at the end, a bit heavier, more travel.
Focus JAM2 8.8 - a bit lighter, weight around 24kg, 160/160mm - and just a few milimeters shorter, will be just a bit more manouverable, geometry quite similar to Mondraker
Stereo Hybrid ONE44 race 2025 - 24kg, new motor, 150/140mm, but suspension simplier (cheapest fork and shock - could work a bit worse), geometry looks quite close, just a few millimeters difference here and there.
all of them on 29x2.6 tires (more comfort).
difficult choice
you could read some reviews about Chaser and Jam2 8.8 and decide.
somehow Stereo looks least interesting to me, maybe becase of less travel or because simpliest suspension.
aforementioned Focus, Mondraker and Cube are very good options,
485-495 reach should be good, however XL bikes have higher stack (handlebar is higher) - which makes them more comfortable
Mondraker Chaser R 2024 looks good too, 26kg. 160/150mm - at the end, a bit heavier, more travel.
Focus JAM2 8.8 - a bit lighter, weight around 24kg, 160/160mm - and just a few milimeters shorter, will be just a bit more manouverable, geometry quite similar to Mondraker
Stereo Hybrid ONE44 race 2025 - 24kg, new motor, 150/140mm, but suspension simplier (cheapest fork and shock - could work a bit worse), geometry looks quite close, just a few millimeters difference here and there.
all of them on 29x2.6 tires (more comfort).
difficult choice
you could read some reviews about Chaser and Jam2 8.8 and decide.
somehow Stereo looks least interesting to me, maybe becase of less travel or because simpliest suspension.
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Calinca
New Member
- Thread starter
- #53
I think now everyone is overthinking this
aforementioned Focus, Mondraker and Cube are very good options,
485-495 reach should be good, however XL bikes have higher stack (handlebar is higher) - which makes them more comfortable
Thank you so much for simplifying this for me!!!! My mind is blowing out with so much information!!!
What eMTB do you have Calinca, and what eMTB's does your LBS (Local Bike Store) mostly sell and/or service?
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Calinca
New Member
- Thread starter
- #55
HI myself have a Cube SH SLX 140, it was an impulsive internet purchase on a good proice deal, after changing to a bigger dropper, I can now plant my feet on the ground (much better) and for the newbie me it's working great. But now that I've been reading a bit more Cube opinions seem to very polarizing( some no issues at all, others claim a lot of warranty frame issues, bad customer service). I'm lucky to have a local bike shop that will assist with no issues my internet bough bike.
Some how I think probably with his health issue I should ge something better, if I can.
Chaser has nice reviews, but no removable battery, not that I think we all need to take it out except for servicing only available in L as is the heavier. Will talk tomorrow to LBS that has mondraker to see if that have something nice on sale? Hopefully it wont be 1k more.....
Focus clearly has the best components but not to many reviews, found some and all in general say good things about the bike and haven't found anything on the internet reporting problems in frame, warranty, service etc. There is even the 8.0 that has a better fox factory fork and a race motor (not clearly for newbies), but a little lighter. And this still would be under the Cube ONE44 race 2025 price. I've posted on the FOCUS forums trying to get extra info on these bikes.
Thank you all, I'll keep you posted of the journey!
Some how I think probably with his health issue I should ge something better, if I can.
Chaser has nice reviews, but no removable battery, not that I think we all need to take it out except for servicing only available in L as is the heavier. Will talk tomorrow to LBS that has mondraker to see if that have something nice on sale? Hopefully it wont be 1k more.....
Focus clearly has the best components but not to many reviews, found some and all in general say good things about the bike and haven't found anything on the internet reporting problems in frame, warranty, service etc. There is even the 8.0 that has a better fox factory fork and a race motor (not clearly for newbies), but a little lighter. And this still would be under the Cube ONE44 race 2025 price. I've posted on the FOCUS forums trying to get extra info on these bikes.
Thank you all, I'll keep you posted of the journey!
Raili’s People
New Member
Yet it might the best bike of them all because of Gen 5 motor and new 800Wh battery. Orbea and Shimano combination is a good example why not to buy an older model.difficult choice
you could read some reviews about Chaser and Jam2 8.8 and decide.
somehow Stereo looks least interesting to me, maybe becase of less travel or because simpliest suspension.
CX Race is based on the older Gen 4 motor. I'd still go for the Gen 5.
Calinca you can always wait, there'll be 50 new bikes with Gen 5 soon.
Raili’s People
New Member
The more you read, the more confused you'll get. That's why test ride is the best way to buy a bike. Next best is to read reviews but they can be paid ads. Fb groups are a good way to get info, you should join a few brand groups.
Can you elaborate (about shimano/orbea) ?
At the end Bosch gen4 is very popular/successful motor, without many problems.
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Raili’s People
New Member
I have Gen 4 myself, was just trying to advise her that you should always go for the newest Bosch (or Shimano) available as it's easier to get a replacement motor or battery later if/when needed. Gen 5 is also more silent and the delivery of power seems to be even better/more natural. It seems they haven't changed the motor too much - Bosch is German after all - but it's not backward compatible. I would definitely go for Gen 5 myself.
I was thinking of Orbea Rise for months but you can't get a battery for that even if you paid with Bitcoin it seems. There's at least 4 different batteries for the first gen and now there's the new Rise available. Frustrating that you can't get another battery for a new 2024 bike. That's why I went with Trek and Bosch. Then again, I like the idea of a lighter bike but they seem more unreliable and more expensive to me. Fazua, TQ, Shimano all have had their problems. Crazy depreciation when you buy a 7-12k bike.
Raili’s People
New Member
It's basically this again, or a well-thought process of buying the right bike for him. You can't return it after riding so try to make it fit. Doesn't matter what shock or wheels it has if the bike is of wrong size. Btw, these discounted prices are not for Black Friday only, at least the ones I've seen have been discounted for a longer time. I wouldn't rush it if you can't find a perfect size bike for him just for Black Friday.
Try to read on emtb sizing, it's the key here. We have tight trails so a bit smaller bike is nice here. On fire roads or high speed a bigger bike would be ok too. If the stem is really short already, you can't shorten it anymore. Try to check that before ordering. I wouldn't oversize.
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