Electrified in Israel

[Oded]

Hi all,
I’m 40 years old and live in Tel-Aviv. Been riding all my life and just made the switch from a Stumpjumper to a Merida eOne Sixty 8000.
So far I’m loving it and I’m discovering something new about EMTB on every ride.

 

[luna87824]

Hi all,
I’m 40 years old and live in Tel-Aviv. Been riding all my life and just made the switch from a Stumpjumper to a Merida eOne Sixty 8000.
So far I’m loving it and I’m discovering something new about EMTB on every ride.

 

[Philly G]

Hi all,
I’m 40 years old and live in Tel-Aviv. Been riding all my life and just made the switch from a Stumpjumper to a Merida eOne Sixty 8000.
So far I’m loving it and I’m discovering something new about EMTB on every ride.

I can ride for longer, go further, and enjoy myself more because I'm not hurting from the climbs. Every ride is an adventure!

 

[deanlute]

Hi all,
I’m 40 years old and live in Tel-Aviv. Been riding all my life and just made the switch from a Stumpjumper to a Merida eOne Sixty 8000.
So far I’m loving it and I’m discovering something new about EMTB on every ride.

how did you arrive at the choice of the merida?

 

[Oded]

I was considering the Merida Vs Trek Rail (don't like the Levo) .
In Israel the Merida 8000 costs 1k$ less than the equivalent Rail 9.7.
I also like the shorter chainstay and it’s supposed to be more agile.
Bottom line, you need to like the geometry. All of the rest is Shimano Vs SRAM, Rockshox Vs Fox. Is there really a difference?
You really cant go wrong with any of the top brands.

 

[Sophie777]

I was considering the Merida Vs Trek Rail (don't like the Levo) .
In Israel the Merida 8000 costs 1k$ less than the equivalent Rail 9.7.
I also like the shorter chainstay and it’s supposed to be more agile.
Bottom line, you need to like the geometry. All of the rest is Shimano Vs SRAM, Rockshox Vs Fox. Is there really a difference?
You really cant go wrong with any of the top brands.

Can you ride on the road in Israel?
When I visited, I don't recall seeing bike lanes; but maybe there are some now.
And in Israel, they drive cars like in other Mediteranean countries (ie., like maniacs ).

 

[Sophie777]

I was considering the Merida Vs Trek Rail (don't like the Levo) .
In Israel the Merida 8000 costs 1k$ less than the equivalent Rail 9.7.
I also like the shorter chainstay and it’s supposed to be more agile.
Bottom line, you need to like the geometry. All of the rest is Shimano Vs SRAM, Rockshox Vs Fox. Is there really a difference?
You really cant go wrong with any of the top brands.

Sorry, one other question...
Is it possible to ride along the coast, say for example, between Herziliya and Tel-Aviv?

 

[deanlute]

I was considering the Merida Vs Trek Rail (don't like the Levo) .
In Israel the Merida 8000 costs 1k$ less than the equivalent Rail 9.7.
I also like the shorter chainstay and it’s supposed to be more agile.
Bottom line, you need to like the geometry. All of the rest is Shimano Vs SRAM, Rockshox Vs Fox. Is there really a difference?
You really cant go wrong with any of the top brands.

Oded, which company's presence in Israel is best - specialized, trek, giant? someone else?
I'm thinking of moving to Israel and getting a commuter ebike. But am looking at a specialized turbo levo and putting on slick tyres. The range of Vado bikes in South Africa is rather limited and I want to buy the bike here if possible. So I am thinking about a Levo as opposed to a Vado. I will probably live and work round Tel-Aviv/Raanana. What are your thoughts?

 

[Oded]

Hi,
I never heard of Vado. Specialized and specifically Turbo Levo are amongst the common ebikes here, alongside Trek, KTM and Merida

 

[Oded]

Sorry, one other question...
Is it possible to ride along the coast, say for example, between Herziliya and Tel-Aviv?

Yes, i do it all the time, BUT one point is sketchy: near the Sea and Sun hotel (where the prostitutes gather at night) the road is blocked by a fence. You can go around it, but the detour is 50 meters of sand. Not pleasant in dark time.

 

[Oded]

Can you ride on the road in Israel?
When I visited, I don't recall seeing bike lanes; but maybe there are some now.
And in Israel, they drive cars like in other Mediteranean countries (ie., like maniacs ).

The law is to ride on the road, unless a bike lane is available (they do inside cities). I agree it’s far more dangerous then in other countries.

 

[deanlute]

Hi,
I never heard of Vado. Specialized and specifically Turbo Levo are amongst the common ebikes here, alongside Trek, KTM and Merida

Turbo Vado is the commuter bike from Specialized.