First emtb decision

[Cseven]

Hey everyone, I’m looking to buy my first EMTB. I’m on the fence about which bike to buy. I like free ride, DH, enduro, bike park-esque kind of riding. I’m torn between getting the torque on 8, commencal meta power sx and lastly the YT decoy core 3 which I already have a pre order on. I could care less about the climbing capabilities of any of these bikes because I’m only interested on the ride down. Sorry if this is a lame post but I just can’t decide….

thanks!

 

[The Hodge]

None of the above or any other ebike..just spend your money on a downhill bike..if that's all you are interested in ..

 

[Elover]

You may care when the battery runs out... Sx has a larger battery, so more climbs.

 

[RustyIron]

I could care less about the climbing capabilities of any of these bikes because I’m only interested on the ride down.

The reason to have an emtb is for its climbing capabilities. My downhill times are pretty close on my emtb and my acoustic enduro. If it's just about the ride down, the acoustic is a better choice.

 

[Cseven]

I want an emtb so i can do more laps and spend less energy on the climbs, isn’t that the purpose for most people getting an e-bike?

 

[The Hodge]

No..well not my reason anyway ..primarily it was (for me at least) a means to tackle more technical climbing ..Im not really going any further than I used to on day rides ..but if I'm with purely other e-bike riders ..then yes it's possible to shave a good bit off the time while climbing just about everything that used to have me off and pushing..( that's the fun bit) ..anything pointing down then most of the time the motor isn't used but because the bike feels so much more planted I would say my overall speed has increased too ..( bear in mind that I don't go looking for huge jumps ) ...if in a mixed group then it would be true to say that times have remained the same as its to the pace of the slowest rider ..which can be a little frustrating ..but I would rather be out with friends that I have ridden with for 25 years and reign in overall speed ..than not be out with them at all ..
My initial post when replying wasn't meant to be flippant ..but if you are a "downhiller" then wouldn't your money be better spent on that type of bike as your riding seems to be primarily "bike parks" ..( as you are talking about " laps" )..the majority of which have an uplift service anyway..?

 

[Cseven]

I guess I’ll just start over on the whole post. Which emtb would you choose? torque on 8, commencal meta power 27, or the yt decoy? I will want an aggressive EMTB to do jumps and steep tech. I have buddies that own emtb. I am aware that the motor is not in use when descending. Bike parks in the PNW do not always have chair lifts for bikers therefore it would be nice to have an e bike that can give me assistance up to the top.

 

[DtEW]

If you don't need either powerful or long-lasting climbing assistance, consider the Specialized Kenevo SL.

 

[tomato paste]

YT is an American brand, correct? If you are in the PNW a YT bike will be easy to service, won't it?

Canyon is in Germany and has notoriously bad customer service. Commencal is in Andorra and while their service is better Europe is still a long ways away.

Might make sense to buy from a company that can't hide behind an ocean. Otherwise you'll be just another guy waiting 3 months to hear back from Canyon via email.

 

[Cseven]

YT is an American brand, correct? If you are in the PNW a YT bike will be easy to service, won't it?

Canyon is in Germany and has notoriously bad customer service. Commencal is in Andorra and while their service is better Europe is still a long ways away.

Might make sense to buy from a company that can't hide behind an ocean. Otherwise you'll be just another guy waiting 3 months to hear back from Canyon via email.

Ahhh those are some good points. Thanks for the insight!

 

[jerry]

Canyon: Must have missed that notoriety. In what sense are they worse than other internet-shops like YT?
Other than that, if I count the number of times I needed to make use of a service point, I'd say: buy from a physical dealer.

 

[DtEW]

YT is an American brand, correct? If you are in the PNW a YT bike will be easy to service, won't it?

Canyon is in Germany and has notoriously bad customer service. Commencal is in Andorra and while their service is better Europe is still a long ways away.

Might make sense to buy from a company that can't hide behind an ocean. Otherwise you'll be just another guy waiting 3 months to hear back from Canyon via email.

YT Industries is is a direct-sales brand based in Forcheim, Germany.

 

[tomato paste]

YT Industries is is a direct-sales brand based in Forcheim, Germany.

There you have it. I guess they just do a better job of copying American-style marketing...?

 

[RustyIron]

The past few years, the number of YT's in SoCal has grown dramatically. Maybe it's because they have an office here. I don't know how popular their bikes are in the rest of the US.

It's interesting seeing what a lot of the kids here are riding. A lot of the bikes I wouldn't even consider, as I've never seen one, even in a dealer's showroom. But there are enough happy YT riders on the trail that I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

 

[congerball]

Looks like they’re setting up a “UK base”….

…”join our new YT UK team. The role will be based in our new building within the Surrey Hills.”

Customer Service Agent - BikeBiz

?

 

[Couchy]

Buy from a local dealer so you can take back if/when it has issues. I broke this rule with one of mine and it’s causing a bit of hassle getting in touch and then shipping bike back

 

[Finlayc]

YT is an American brand, correct? If you are in the PNW a YT bike will be easy to service, won't it?

Canyon is in Germany and has notoriously bad customer service. Commencal is in Andorra and while their service is better Europe is still a long ways away.

Might make sense to buy from a company that can't hide behind an ocean. Otherwise you'll be just another guy waiting 3 months to hear back from Canyon via email.

YT is also a German direct brand

 

[tomato paste]

Who are our American EMTB producers?

Trek
Specialized
Cannondale*
Santa Cruz

Your criteria 'downhill & bike park' might fit with the Kenevo and the Bullit:

Trek Rail

Specialized Kenevo

Cannondale Neo

Santa Cruz Bullit

EDIT: Does the the Bullit really have a cable just routed in the open air right through the middle of the bike?

 

[Winger]

Had the same problem 18 months ago...started to do some homework and very quickly realised which bike was a minor detail, it’s all about the motor and it was either a Brose which means a Speacilised or Bosch which are fitted to a larger number of different bikes.

Go back 3 years you will find Shimano in the mix as well but for what ever reason seemed to have dropped out of favour.

 

[jerry]

Had the same problem 18 months ago...started to do some homework and very quickly realised which bike was a minor detail, it’s all about the motor and it was either a Brose which means a Speacilised or Bosch which are fitted to a larger number of different bikes.

So there you have it! First, select your preferred motor (either Bosch or Brose, and forget about the worlds' second largest ebike motor supplier), and then choose any odd bike, and you're good to go!

 

[fenwick458]

Get whichever bike has the shortest waiting time

 

[Winger]

I went Levo, the wife first bought Whyte 150 then Cube Stereomatic 160 Action Team,both Bosch motors run very well but neither as quick as the Levo, the only other complication is 29” or 27” wheels....? best of luck...

 

[Cseven]

Who are our American EMTB producers?

Trek
Specialized
Cannondale*
Santa Cruz

Your criteria 'downhill & bike park' might fit with the Kenevo and the Bullit:

Trek Rail
View attachment 64985

Specialized Kenevo
View attachment 64986

Cannondale Neo
View attachment 64987

Santa Cruz Bullit
View attachment 64989



EDIT: Does the the Bullit really have a cable just routed in the open air right through the middle of the bike?

Would love to pull the trigger on a kenevo expert but obviously there aren’t any in stock…

 

[Pickle1970]

Marin alpine trail E2 ?

 

[searei]

Hey everyone, I’m looking to buy my first EMTB. I’m on the fence about which bike to buy. I like free ride, DH, enduro, bike park-esque kind of riding. I’m torn between getting the torque on 8, commencal meta power sx and lastly the YT decoy core 3 which I already have a pre order on. I could care less about the climbing capabilities of any of these bikes because I’m only interested on the ride down. Sorry if this is a lame post but I just can’t decide….

thanks!

I just picked up the Kenovo SL and it should be in your mix of bikes to decide based on your riding description. Just a fantastic enduro bike with a bit of help when you need it.

 

[SiDobsFig]

Don't buy Di2, what ever your choice. Rear Mech too prone to damage and unless you are loaded with cash, not worth it. (Unless the mechs have been revamped in the last three years). Still rate the Sram on my hardtail better and pretty bullet proof.

Test ride if you can and listen to your mates. Good luck.

 

[Cseven]

Marin alpine trail E2 ?

Been looking into Marin E2. Bike has the geometry battery size and mix wheel setup I’ve been looking for. Only thing I want to change is the suspension travel to
170 front/160 rear which is easy to do. Think I’m gonna pull the trigger on one. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Cseven]

Don't buy Di2, what ever your choice. Rear Mech too prone to damage and unless you are loaded with cash, not worth it. (Unless the mechs have been revamped in the last three years). Still rate the Sram on my hardtail better and pretty bullet proof.

Test ride if you can and listen to your mates. Good luck.

I’m not sure what a di2 is?

 

[DtEW]

I’m not sure what a di2 is?

Di2 | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

To Build Closer Relationships between People, Nature, and Bicycles. We believe in the power of cycling to create a better world as we move forward. We inspire all people to enjoy our products in their everyday lives and where they take them.

bike.shimano.com

 

[SiDobsFig]

Sorry, Shimano Electronic Gear Shift System. I found it a bit lightweight and prone to damage. Also if you run out of battery then you are stuck in that gear. Real fun going up hill. Also in UK the cassette and chainring, chain are about £190, which is really good until you smack up the rear mech at £280 each. I have worn out mine and am currently replacing with Sram 11 speed manual change.

Hope this helps. All the best.