Deciding on which bike is hard.

[Username]

Planning on purchasing an emtb. Price range of 3,000-5,000.
It’s so hard to wade through all the different manufacturers and components and motor types.
Is there some key things I should be looking for to help me narrow down my search?
I’m 6’1” tall so need something larger like 20-21” frame, and pretty new to mtb’ing in general so I won’t be riding very agressive.
I spent a good 3 seasons on dirt bikes(motor cycle) riding single track , and even then I didn’t like to ride very agressive.
What to buy?

 

[R120]

Welcome to the forum, I have posted this a lot recently, its the process I would use to chose an EMTB, following the order bellow - I have ignored budget:

• Do you have ability to charge the bike where you keep it? If you dont you are going to want a bike where the battery is designed to be easily removable.
• Do you regularly do rides over 30 miles or a lot of elevation gain? If so you are going to want to look at bikes with larger capacity battery, or again one with an easily removable battery so you can carry a spare.
• Once you have used the above criteria to narrow down the choices, apply the logic you would to buying any bike, namely that the fit is right for you, the intended use is right, and that the basic spec, wheel size and geometry is what you want. Also factor in things like ability to carry a water bottle if important to you.
• Buy from LBS or direct sale? If you are not mechanically minded, then an LBS and the back up they offer is going to be invaluable. If you go down the direct sales route, and are not confident mechanically, then having an LBS you are on good terms with is going to be useful too. If buying a Specialized IMO it is critical you get from a good local shop, as they are some minor issues that crop up with them that a good Specilized dealer can sort easily meaning you minimise time off the bike if you have an issue.
• Finally once you have used the above to get a short list, have a look at the motors and systems, as others have said the reality is there is not much difference in the real world out on the trail, and the basic geometry and components will make more of a difference to how you get on with the bike, but obviously each system may have elements that are more appealing to you than others.
• Now go buy the bike, set it up, and get out and ride!

There are now a lot of very good bikes out there, whereas only two years ago the truly decent ones where far fewer., and in addition the components on mid level EMTB's are really good now, so you dont need to go spending megabucks and you range of price has some great bikes in it.

 

[Steve940]

with so many possible issues I think lbs is an absolute must...

 

[davarello]

Lots of good bikes out there and great advice from R120, but for peace of mind go with something from a good local shop who know what they are doing. I've bought lots of regular bikes and gear online, but for the ebike purchase I went with the main Specialized dealer in town and got a Levo. I have had a couple of issues, but everything has been sorted out promptly (in days) with no hassles. Having broken a few regular frames over the years, all replaced, a good warranty is still the key.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Also, try before you buy if at all possible. Getting the correct frame size is just as important. 10 years ago I used to prefer the next larger size that the LBS insists I should have. These days with a paradigm shift happening in MTB geometry design, I prefer the next smaller size down.

I’m not trying to be difficult or contrary, I just know what feels right for me.

 

[Zimmerframe]

10 years ago I used to prefer the next larger size that the LBS insists I should have. These days with a paradigm shift happening in MTB geometry design, I prefer the next smaller size down.

I’m not trying to be difficult or contrary, I just know what feels right for me.

He's also shrunk a lot in the last 10 years...

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

He's also shrunk a lot in the last 10 years...

Hahahaha... in more ways than one!?

 

[urastus]

This guy is Australian, but still reviews stuff that is available all over. I think he is your height too. I know he reviewed the merida e160. He is pretty straight forward - looks at the specs, geometry etc. There are some definite good easy to make recommendations - for example, here in Australia Merida is very good value and a popular bike. Personally I like merida because of the spoke count and mullet. They have an aluminium model (LTD) which I have. I think aluminium is easier to live with. Have a look at his 2nd recommendation - vitus e escarpe. Also, in hindsight, I'd be OK with an e7000. I live in Tasmania and where I ride it is up or down and really on the limit of climbability. I've never used full torque; I have a custom setup, eco in medium and trail in low. The e7000 motor would romp this in. Also Rob, the founder of these forums likes the Merida e160 - see his review too. He's a tall dude as well.

 

[DrStupid]

I agree dealer support is key, it maybe the most important criteria depending on your financial and technical means.

I have been blessed with the option to ride one of 4 different ebikes, on almost 3 miles of private technical single-track, whenever I like for the last few months (Nevermind).

These 4 bikes, one yamaha and 3 shimano's, each built by different OEM'S, with different specifications, and components levels, philosophies???,

each have one thing almost excatly in common, they are all huge fun!?

I'm serious, find a good dealer, buy one and start the next phase or your life!