First ebike for a 69 year old. help

[Mlody]

Hello everyone.
First of all, sorry for my English, a translator helps me.
I would like to ask for help in choosing my first electric bike. I am an active 69-year-old man who is "slightly" overweight. I'm riding an old 20 year old regular bike and it's time for a change. I ride mainly on small hills for a distance of 30-40km, every 3 days.
However, with an electric bike, I would also like to go to larger mountains, e.g. the Dolomites.
I have several bike shops in my area and each sells recommends its product, I don't know what to do. I have recommended models: Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 SL 750 at a good price, Orbea Rise H30 at a good price, Trek Powerfly at a normal price. Please help me choose, i'm so confused.

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

the cube will be a good choice as it has a more powerful motor than the orbea and a large battery for long range, out of those three that is what I would choose.
good luck !

 

[Zimmerframe]

Buying from a bike shop is good. If you have problems, even small ones, it's good to know you can take it back to the shop for help.

Any electric bike will feel heavier than you are used to when you're pushing it around. If you have to lift it anywhere, it will feel considerably heavier.

The Cube is a safe purchase. With the Bosch motor you have reliability and it's normally efficient. As it also has the 750wh battery, you would have a bike capable of covering large distances AND good altitude changes.

Kupowanie w sklepie rowerowym jest dobre. Jeśli masz problemy, nawet małe, dobrze wiedzieć, że możesz zwrócić je do sklepu po pomoc.

Każdy rower elektryczny będzie cięższy niż zwykle, gdy go pchasz. Jeśli będziesz musiał go gdzieś podnieść, będzie wydawał się znacznie cięższy.

Cube to bezpieczny zakup. Silnik Bosch zapewnia niezawodność i zwykle jest wydajny. Ponieważ ma również akumulator 750wh, miałbyś rower zdolny do pokonywania dużych odległości ORAZ dobrych zmian wysokości.

 

[Mlody]

thanks for the quick reply. And how does this Cube relate to Canyon Neuron ON or Spectral ON, I just got information that there are huge discounts on this model

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

thanks for the quick reply. And how does this Cube relate to Canyon Neuron ON or Spectral ON, I just got information that there are huge discounts on this model

I like the canyons but would prefer a bike with a bosch motor, otherwise the spectral is the one i would have out of those two. its also available with a massive 900wh battery !

 

[mike_kelly]

1. In the Dolomites riding up hill will require more power. But "full"power bikes are also heavier.
2. The lightweight bikes are easier to carry and store and push if needed. They feel more like a normal peddle bike rather than an electric moped.
3. Bigger batteries let you ride farther but the bigger the battery the heavier.
4. Lightweight bikes like the Orbea Rise are in the 40lbs range and heavyweight are over 50lbs.
5. Many eMTB are designed for Enduro riders who ride fast down mountain single track. They are not good for trail or dirt road riding.
6. Think about what kind of riding you want to do. Bike trails? Singletrack? Dirt roads?
7. If you like the paved bike trails in the Dolomites think about something like the Orbea Kemen SUV trekking bike.

Enjoy your new riding!

 

[maynard]

Test ride as many bikes as u can . I think how if feels and looks is most umportant part for me . Just be careful u will probably buy first bike u ride .

 

[Mikes56]

My wife and I are 60 years old and have Specialized Vados, the 3.0’s. We are so happy with them, and ride every chance we get. We typically do a 20 mile ride on our local bike trails. I used to ride a lot on my road bike when I was younger, and even did two Century rides one year. I just can’t do that anymore. We’ve signed up for the Solvang Half Century this Saturday, and can’t wait to get back out there riding with everyone.

Get the best bike that your budget allows, and enjoy it. It’s made us feel 30 again!

 

[Oldcreaky]

My wife and I are 60 years old and have Specialized Vados, the 3.0’s. We are so happy with them, and ride every chance we get. We typically do a 20 mile ride on our local bike trails. I used to ride a lot on my road bike when I was younger, and even did two Century rides one year. I just can’t do that anymore. We’ve signed up for the Solvang Half Century this Saturday, and can’t wait to get back out there riding with everyone.

Get the best bike that your budget allows, and enjoy it. It’s made us feel 30 again!

Hi,
I am 72 and recovering from a hip replacement op so not riding at present. I have owned 3 ebikes after a stroke left me without a driving licence about 7 years ago. The first was a Cube hardtail, sold after 2.5k miles with no problems only a replacement motor due to bearing noise done under warranty. Number 2 bike was another Cube a 160 sl full sus this one was sold after nearly 4k miles again no problems only the usual wear and tear, both bikes from lbs which provided excellent service.
Current bike is a Giant Reign e+1 which i have only managed to complete 338 miles due to the arthritis.
My advice would be to go for a Cube as i have had no real problems with both bikes, also consider the components i would only purchase a bike with Shimano components due to the reliabilty i have received.
I only purchased a Giant because Cube made the battery hard to remove and a carbon front triangle. My next bike will not be another Giant as the same model now has sram components so a no no for me. I have yet to really get to know my present Giant but seems very capable and reliable only had a replacement battery and charger under warranty with no issues, looking forward to riding when completely healed.

 

[sam.spoons]

I would buy the Rise but I'm a traditionalist and light weight is important (which is one of the reasons I bought my Orbea Urrun), but having a good relationship with a local bike shop is important and any of those bikes will get the job done so buy from the shop that gives you the best service.

 

[Giff]

An important consideration is reliability and I have always found Bosch very reliable. Cube for me!

 

[Beaker2135]

I’m 67 and I ride a Cube Stereo 160. It’s old, like me, but it does the job and takes me places I wouldn’t be able to go without it
I ride the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales and 40-50 km is the limit on a 500 battery so the 750 should be perfect

 

[Truckbiker]

Hello Mlody, I am 68, and I bougt a CUBE Stereo Hybrid 120 RACE 625 ALLROAD in 2020, made 12 tkm with it in 2 1/4 years, it is a fully and I would`t buy a hardtail now! Living and riding in the hills in the middle of germany, I make mtb tours (70%) with 40 - 50 km and 800 to 1000 HM, (till my 625 Ah battery is empty) and tours on the streets (30%) max. 80 km. For me the 120 Fox Fork and 120 mm damper in the back are really more than sufficient and I like all the Shimano things on it (complete gearing and brakes), changing chains, cassettes, brakes and even chainrings is not a big problem (when you have bought some special tools) . (I think the 160 SL 750 has Sram gearing? and Magura brakes?)
The cube with Bosch Performance CX gen 4 is a very good choice, the motor got an 550 error after warranty was void at approx 11,3 tkm but bosch has canged it without charging me! (I only had to pay the work of the dealer).
I can`t tell anything about the canyons, but agree with @Zimmerframe and @mike_kelly and would recommend the Cube.

 

[emtber]

The ultimate E-MOUNTAINBIKE buyer’s Guide - Everything you need to know before buying an eMTB!

The eMTB market is booming! Almost every bike brand now has several eMTBs on offer and the range of options is steadily growing. But how do you navigate the jungle of products, different models, constant new releases and special offers to find the model that suits your personal riding style the...

ebike-mtb.com

Here's a good article to read. Take your time learning about the different aspects of ebikes, and the type terrain you think you will be riding. Then you can better select a bike that fits your needs. Don't choose by price alone, plus there's no need to rush, especially now. There happens to be a glut of bikes and major sales have just started to appear. More sales should be coming.
Cube is a good bike but has 27.5" tires. That's a good size, but larger 29" wheels will roll over rocks and roots more easily/smoothly. It's also a bit heavy. The Bosch motor is excellent and popular, but Bosch and Shimano motors make a rattle clunking sound when rolling on uneven ground and bouncing over obstacles. Nothing wrong, just inherent to the design.
Obea Rise H30 is a great bike and it's lighter weight makes it easier to handle and lift. But it's detuned Shimano motor is a little noisy and 2/3 the power of a full power Shimano or Bosch. That's ok if your climbs will not be super steep or you aren't trying to keep up with another rider with a full power motor. You will have to pedal more but the motor is not weak, just not as strong as a full power. Much larger battery than the Carbon Rise will give good range.
Trek Powerfly is a hardtail and won't be as comfortable or capable a bike with a rear suspension. Also, Treks are knows to have great but fragile paint jobs.
Canyon Spectral On is the most capable full power ebike on your list. The Neuron has less capable suspension and might not be as good for the long and high mt. rides you're thinking about. As another said, the Spectral has the option of a very large battery, so you can use higher power modes more and go further, but that also adds some weight which makes lifting harder. Also, the Shimano motor is great, but a little noisy. Think of this Canyon as a heavier Orbea with more power, range and capability. Remember that Canyon sells only so you need to check with them regarding warranty servicing. Are there local shops or will you need to pack up and ship to them?
If motor noise is important to you, look at Specialized with the Brose motors, and Giant with there own brand of motor. No clunking and smooth running. Some of the Specialized Levos are on sale now. Also some Giant Trance and Reign models are on sale. Again, take your time and test ride different bikes to get a feel.
P.S.- I just turned 70 and bought my first ebike 16 months ago, a Specialized Turbo Levo, Gen 3. Expensive but it's great and I love riding it. Beware that an emtb will need more maintenance than your 20 yr old non-e bike, so after purchase, you will spend occasionally on parts and labor. With power and more miles, drive trains, brakes and tires wear more quickly. All part of ownership. Enjoy!

 

[DogRanger]

I'm also 69 but I got my first ebike as just a kid of 67. It changed my life. I'm down 20 pounds and much more fit. Around here our trails are too steep for an old, out-of-shape rider to go analog. So the ebike got me back into shape enough where I can even ride my analog again. My point is, any ebike will probably be the right one. Choose the best looking one so you're happy every time you see it. Or get the cheapest one because you like saving money. About the only advice I'd give about brand or model is one that fits and also a name your bike shop trusts and knows it can fix.

 

[sam.spoons]

^^ This is so true

 

[veryoldfart]

I’m 73 with two total knee replacements.

if mountain biking, we use spesh Levos ( full fat version ) - outstanding bikes that do the job. Had so many days of brilliant fun all over UK (& Alps) riding things that have not been possible for 10+ years

if road biking on flattish terrain, still trying to stay unaided, but on steeper terrain we use Spesh Vado 3.0 with range extender batteries. Again top quality.

its horses for courses. Try whatever bikes you can test or hire. We started by hiring Giant & Specialised Levos -expensive for a day, but outstanding value when we learned what the bikes could & could not do.

 

[bazxa]

72 riding a focus trail bike bosch motor, it's great. test ride & go with local service.

 

[ecotrials]

I received my 2021 Specialized Levo Comp in Oct 2020 after ordering it in Aug with a supposed wait time of 4 weeks. I was 70 then and had been riding my 30 year old Specialized Rockhopper for the previous 3 years having ignored the bike for around 15 years. My motorcycling was a bigger draw. I had also lost about 45 pounds about the time I started riding again. I live 1/2 mile from one entry into a super hilly 6500 acre park that has about 52 miles of fire roads. While waiting for my bike (which I ordered after renting for 1 day - cost went towards a purchase if so desired - and which totally blew all my hoped for expectations completely away. The dealer offered me the use of Levo SL for a couple of days which I accepted, and I got a chance to compare with the one I had already ridden. For me, and I kind of feel I lose a little bit of capability every year, despite riding fairly regularly. I also choose to add assistance only when necessary, so in 99% of the time when I use assistance, I am already in first gear. This is much easier on the drive train. Levos had been getting a bad rap in my opinion in many emtb forums with lots of warranty motor replacements. In fact, some research by one member found that the alloy bikes appeared to fair better than the carbon fiber frames and chalked that up to aluminum better handling motor heat buildup. I think a lot of those motors were damaged by people blasting around hills or mountains with lots of assistance in any gear. I asked Brose what temperature limits I should observe, they said ask Specialized. So I did, but they never gave me an answer. So I asked other riders, and was kind of stunned by some responses, like "I'm on my 3rd motor. I typically see Temps of 175 degrees F". What???
Then no big surprise from my perspective. I think Specialized did way more than their fair share with warranty replacements.
So what riding the SL showed me was I had ordered the right model, twice the power and a bit more than twice the battery. I configured the bike to match what I had setup for the rental bike and found that several hills I could climb with assistance on the full Levo, I could not with the SL. And finally getting the bike changed my life. Where previously my rides were between 10 and 20 miles and limited because I didn't want to explore only to find it too steep and having to push the bike back up, which is really no fun.
Now I typically ride from 2 to 4 hours, distances between 12 and 30 miles. My longest was a 9 hour marathon in the saddle covering 55 miles, 9000 feet of climbing and using 93% of the battery.
I have now ridden just over 3000 miles with over 600,000 feet of climbing in about 500 hours of pedaling. And I still absolutely love the bike. My wife is sick and tired of me talking about my riding.
So I won't talk about what brand or model, but would recommend staying away from the 'lights versions. The steepest hill in the park is a loose, rooty, rutty 46.5% gradient (27 degrees). The slightest wobble or rear wheel slip brings immediate stop to the climb. Thank goodness for walk assist, even with that my heart rate is near max. I have successfully climbed that hill three times in my approximately 40 attempts. But I still keep trying.
Sorry for the long winded reply, I hope this helps you in some small way. Paul

 

[FLOCO]

I've had an Orbea Rise H30 for about 6 months and absolutely love it, so that's the one I'd gravitate towards. I like the lighter weight, more analog looks, and find the Shimano motor has plenty of power in Colorado. It's not silent, but I find it to be pretty quiet. The larger battery lasts for a very long time as well. I have no complaints and it's been completely reliable.

 

[Moshe]

I am 71 years old and have a Specialized Kevevo SL. I love the lightweight for handling and ease of lifting but I can really get pooped out on hills. Sometimes I wish I got a full-powered emtb instead. I had one in 2020 and even though it felt too heavy it was easier on my old body and I didn't need to sleep after each ride.

 

[High Rock Ruti]

Hello everyone.
First of all, sorry for my English, a translator helps me.
I would like to ask for help in choosing my first electric bike. I am an active 69-year-old man who is "slightly" overweight. I'm riding an old 20 year old regular bike and it's time for a change. I ride mainly on small hills for a distance of 30-40km, every 3 days.
However, with an electric bike, I would also like to go to larger mountains, e.g. the Dolomites.
I have several bike shops in my area and each sells recommends its product, I don't know what to do. I have recommended models: Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 SL 750 at a good price, Orbea Rise H30 at a good price, Trek Powerfly at a normal price. Please help me choose, i'm so confused.

High Rock Ruti

I would buy a Bosch drive train bike, with a big battery.

I'd buy from a bike shop with good people, I recently had a shop refuse to put in a warranty claim, because it was "trail damage". $700 AXS derailleur with 300 miles, took it to another shop, a short phone call later new derailleur under warranty.

Bikes are so well made today, lucky enough to have 4, recently 3 out 4 needed service, they are not particularly dependable. When you consider what we're asking of them it's not surprising.

But they perform fantastically less about brand more about good service when needed.

Warm Regards Ruti

 

[maynard]

Watch robs video on the new orbea wild . Bosch motor huge battery 22 kgs . Looks sweet

 

[Tony4wd]

Whichever bike you choose, one point to consider is whether the cabling is routed through the head stem or through the side of the frame. A lot of newer bikes have the cabling through the stem and it's difficult to fit an adjustable head stem after you buy the bike, should you want to fit something like this: https://www.amazon.com.au/SATORI-UP2-Extension-Adjustable-Handlebar/dp/B08QZ9YPWB?th=1
I've got the 65mm and 90mm versions on different bikes for my older, creaky back.

 

[Mlody]

thanks everyone for the comments
I got a good offer and bought a bike Cube Stereo Hybrid 120 SL 750
when the weather is nice, I will test this bike and I will definitely write about it here

 

[Tony4wd]

The Stereo 120 is a great bike - powerful and reliable motor, dual suspension, relaxed riding position, just an easy to live with bike when you're not into jumping, etc.