Black Friday Deals? Most Comfortable E-MTB for trail usage - Bosh gen 4

[rzr]

of course those discounts are cuz Bosch gen4
I doubt Bosch will just 'forget' about all 'old' bikes/models....there are millions, also EU forces manufactures to support old models for at least 7 years.
also there are also other repair shops (not owned/authorised by Bosch)

 

[Raili’s People]

of course those discounts are cuz Bosch gen4
I doubt Bosch will just 'forget' about all 'old' bikes/models....there are millions, also EU forces manufactures to support old models for at least 7 years.
also there are also other repair shops (not owned/authorised by Bosch)

They are not Black Friday sales only is what I meant. Hope they won't, but where can you buy Shimano motors or batteries? It's not given, especially during this time when there can be serious stoppages in production in coming years.

 

[Stihldog]

I have Gen 4 … Crazy depreciation when you buy a 7-12k bike.

Thought about selling selling my Rail 9.7(2020). But the upgrades I put into it …I would never recover a fraction of that.

So I’m gonna rebuild it. Motor, suspension and a major overhaul service. Hopefully I’ll be good for a few more years.

 

[rzr]

well... deprecation happens also because of a geometry, and a lot of older ebikes (like your Rail), had not so aggressive geometry (they were at least 5 years behind current (at that time) progressive trail and enduro bikes).

 

[irie]

well... deprecation happens also because of a geometry, and a lot of older ebikes (like your Rail), had not so aggressive geometry (they were at least 5 years behind current (at that time) progressive trail and enduro bikes).

What eMTB do you have?

 

[rzr]

What eMTB do you have?

I had Rail (2021) for a moment, but it was like an "old trail" bike
I've changed to Levo g3 - main reason was full integration (I didn't like Bosch feeling, massive displays and controls and lack of customisations) and aggressive geometry, pretty long reach, short chainstays, slack head angle and weight from a battery quite close to a motor (better than in most of Bosch bikes, cuz Bosch batteries are big/cumberstone and it's not possible to put them close to BB)

(now I run it with 170mm fork and Cascade long travel link)

 

[Stihldog]

I had Rail (2021) for a moment, but it was like an "old trail" bike
I've changed to Levo g3 - main reason was full integration (I didn't like Bosch feeling, massive displays and controls and lack of customisations) and aggressive geometry, pretty long reach, short chainstays, slack head angle and weight from a battery quite close to a motor (better than in most of Bosch bikes, cuz Bosch batteries are big/cumberstone and it's not possible to put them close to BB)

(now I run it with 170mm fork and Cascade long travel link)

I’m sure the geometry of some newer bikes are changing. I’m almost certain that my personal geometry is not. I’m not an aggressive rider but I’m not a rookie either. I ride black and blue trails.

I purchased a new Trek Fuel EXE this year. I’m not sure of the exact geometric’s…but the wheel base is 47’ 1/2”. My 2020 Trek Rail 9.7 has a wheel base of 48”, but it much heavier than the Fuel. I setup the new Fuel with the exact same seat, seat hight, bar, bar angle, stem length, grips, tires (Maxxis 2.4 and 2.6 respectively), cranks, crank length, peddles, blah blah blah …

Basically, if I was to close my eyes, I could not tell you which bike I was sitting on…until I ride on a trail. They behave differently. Ones a tank, which I like. And ones a sports car, which I also like. It kinda depends on what I feel like doing that day.

 

[Raili’s People]

well... deprecation happens also because of a geometry, and a lot of older ebikes (like your Rail), had not so aggressive geometry (they were at least 5 years behind current (at that time) progressive trail and enduro bikes).

It is old skool but the trailish geometry is the reason I went with Rail as we have only shorter hills. Kinda like East Coast but without the mountains. I'm also between sizes and the slacker seat tube angle suited me well as it gives more top tube length. If I went with an acoustic FS, it would've been a dc 130/130 bike. No displays on the Rail 9 Gen 3 luckily. Yes the battery is heavy but it's a kilo lighter as it's the 625Wh. Best part is the AXS shifting. Compared to Levo, this cost 5k new with ZEB and Super Deluxe, AXS and Codes. No comparison there.

Good video over here on E-MTB geometry by Rob.

 

[Mikehorti]

I struggled with shoulder pain and arm pump as a result of the shoulder issues. I changed to the Spank Vibrocore bar and don’t suffer either now. SPANK SPIKE 800 Vibrocore™ Bar

 

[rzr]

Basically, if I was to close my eyes, I could not tell you which bike I was sitting on…until I ride on a trail. They behave differently. Ones a tank, which I like. And ones a sports car, which I also like. It kinda depends on what I feel like doing that day.

I understand and I think this is because Rail battery placement, it's way higher and closer to a headtube.

 

[rzr]

. Best part is the AXS shifting. Compared to Levo, this cost 5k new with ZEB and Super Deluxe, AXS and Codes. No comparison there.

I'n not comparing prices, I bought mine Levo with 10% discount (a few weeks later there were -20% :O )
However later, I've changed suspension (fork, linkage, shock), handlebar to OneUp, drivetrain ("upgraded" to XT 11s), brakes to Saint.

 

[Stihldog]

I understand and I think this is because Rail battery placement, it's way higher and closer to a headtube.

Which probably explains why I don’t install a new type of shock with a piggy-back on the Rail. It bumps or rubs the water bottle. Yet on the Fuel EXE that’s not a problem. (Both are medium).

But the final feel of both bikes are in the same position (seat, grips and pedals) while at rest. I may not be as sensitive to suspension or suspension feel as others. Someone could change my suspension settings overnight and I probably wouldn’t notice on the next ride.

But change geometry positions of my seat, bar grips and pedals …I would notice instantly, lose my sh*t, accuse my wife, scold my dog and increase the security of my home.

 

[skizzian]

save a chunk of money for immediate upgrades
I'd recommend :
SMC Core Men

GXR Series

GXR grips are the ultimate upgrade from simple silicon foam style grips. Made in Germany from our soft proprietary Air Cell rubber compound and molded into a comfortable ergonomic shape, GXR grips have a grippy texture, vibration damping and durability that silicon foam grips just can't match...

ergonbike.shop

OneUp Carbon E-Bar Handlebars | Biketart

The Most Compliant E-Bike Rated Bar On the MarketE-Bikes let you ride further for longer. They’re heavier and more physically demanding to ride. That makes reducing fatigue even more important. The OneUp Components Carbon E-Bar is 20% more compliant than other carbon handlebars. That means more...

www.biketart.com

Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial Soft Folding MTB Tyre - 29" | Merlin Cycles

Buy your Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial Soft Folding MTB Tyre - 29" at Merlin. Free worldwide delivery available on most items!

www.merlincycles.com

other retailers are available
it's a LOT of money on top of a new purchase
BUT it will cut out a LOT of the vibrations that will create pain
I bought all of the above for my new Orbea Rise and they have made a huge difference to my comfort

 

[billium]

I would not be so quick to just go lighter for comfort sake....
A heavier bike may be much better at absorbing trail 'chatter' i.e. small bumps, and perhaps cost 1000 less so you have money left over for softer grips, better handlebars, saddle etc

 

[rzr]

https://www.pro-mstore.com/en/focus-sam2-67-bike-42376003

focus sam2 -50%

 

[Calinca]

Hi Everyone I got him a focus jam 8.0 in XL, as I got a really good deal on it. In the meantime we are finally on vacation, so will only report back after the 15, hopefully we will enjoy the surprise, i'll let you know!!! Thanks again everyone for their help and tips