Dilemma in choosing frame/motor

Anssi

Member
Jul 1, 2023
36
35
Helsinki
Here in Finland we have a thing where a max. 1000W ebike restricted to 25 km/h is legal as long as you get traffic insurance. I'm pretty sure you are ok if there is a label on the motor (or in documentation) stating power more than 250W but no more than 1000W and you have it restricted to 25km/h. That is what I am looking for in a bike fit for enduro / smallish jumps and drops. I'm 193 cm, 93 kg and thinking about something like 170-190mm fork and corresponding rear travel (I now ride a Canyon Strive and similar performance is fine).

Main candidates now are the Dengfu E10 (or wait for the rumoured new version) or some frame (thinking Pole Vikkelä) with a CYC Photon (maybe TSDZ2 but I think those are more difficult to fit into a frame (or rather, find a frame where one would fit with no issue). Why Photon and not the massive things CYC is known for? Because you can get it at 750W rated power.

Dengfu +/-
+Frame made for motor so no crap hanging under
-Carbon (environment)
-Chinese (politics)
-Hassle of payment (still feels sketchy, even though I know of many examples working out) shipping and possible tax and duty
-Frame geo so-so
-Resale value crap all

Vikkelä + Photon
+Finnish aluminium frame
+Best geo
+UDH
+Resale probably good for frame
+With the high swingarm mount and steep downtube, probably ideal for a mid-mount added motor
-MEGA ISSUE: motor still hanging under bottom bracket as I do sometimes hit some tech stuff and my bashguard has taken a few hits
-Have to fit battery somewhere, would probably go for a small one in pouch at bottle mounts à la Volabike.
-Feels bad messing with such a beautiful bike.

Any suggestions or experiences or a better frame candidate (mostly better = cheaper and somewhere close to the Vikkelä's attributes) than Vikkelä?
 
Last edited:

Anssi

Member
Jul 1, 2023
36
35
Helsinki
What about a Pole Voima?
Would definitely be on my shortlist if I could get one with a 250+W motor (as I want the traffic insurance, which you can't get with a "regular" ebike here). However, the only one available is the 250W Bosch. My riding experience would almost certainly be at least as good as a DIY build with many of the easily available options (Voima, Levo, Kenevo, Strive:ON, Torque:On).

As far I understand, no S-Pedelec bikes (45 km/h restriction) are available that are even close to enduro-worthy, either.
 
Last edited:

thaeber

Well-known member
Jan 26, 2021
887
769
Bruchsal, Germany
Ok got it. I run an E10 frame with M500/510 engine for over 2 years now, overstroked coil shock (170 mm rear travel) and Fox 38 180 mm fork. handling / geo / weight is awesome. I don’t get the hype for even steeper seat angles, there is too much weight on the hands / front end and the toptube is too short even at big reach values for my taste. That said, the E10 suits me very well, feels balanced and confidence boosting. I think using the M560 for more power would be an option for You to be considered. And they have a XL frame option.
 

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