First eMtb purchase decision / advise

[AzzaD]

looking to get my first eMtb. im not after a full on downhill rig, more interested in xc, with a bit of downhill.

I’ve been eyeing up all the light (Sl) models, which as far as I can see are the trek exe, orbea rise, pivot sl, focus jam sl, and scott lumen. they’re all quite expensive as they are new models, with pretty much new motor systems.

I do have an option on a secondhand Cannondale Montera 1, which would be much better for my wallet, but it’s a 24kg full fat monster mtb. And I’m not at all sure how good this will be doing xc? I also don’t think it takes a range extende, but then it’d be 26+kg.

im relatively fit, after a year of getting over pneumonia and covid, so don’t feel like I need A full fat eMtb - but I’ve never ridden tan eBike off road.

I do have a concern that from what I see the Montera isn’t that popular a model, so I may be buying something I can never move on.

am I overthinking this, or is a super light eMtb the way to go?

 

[Stihldog]

If I had to do it again I would have both a Rail and Fuel EXE. Different types of riding in my opinion. But I have a Rail and Powerfly 5. The hardtail is great for long flat rides thru a flatish type of trail network.
If 90% of my riding was xc or gravel or paved, I’d get a full suspension light eBike such as the Fuel EXE. But I use the Rail most of the time.

 

[Chris ledger]

Go for the moterra and ride in eco so you still work hard and will get great mileage but if you need the extra power its there waiting for you

 

[onehundredthidiot]

I went for a kenevo sl. Today was the first day that I used it as I wanted. Got twice as much climbing, so descent, in the "normal" amount of time. I wanted something more enduro if I'd wanted less enduro I'd have gone for a levo sl. The great thing about the SL, it handles more like my analogue bike. I was a bit e-sceptic but glad I went for it. Look for an ex demo bike they will be much cheaper and you'll usually be the first registered owner so full warranty etc.

 

[AzzaD]

If I had to do it again I would have both a Rail and Fuel EXE. Different types of riding in my opinion. But I have a Rail and Powerfly 5. The hardtail is great for long flat rides thru a flatish type of trail network.
If 90% of my riding was xc or gravel or paved, I’d get a full suspension light eBike such as the Fuel EXE. But I use the Rail most of the time.

Funds won’t run to two electric mountain bikes, not for the moment anyway.

if the higher power light FS eMtb weren’t so expensive, they’d probably do the job, well with a range extender. this can get expensive quickly.

 

[AzzaD]

Go for the moterra and ride in eco so you still work hard and will get great mileage but if you need the extra power its there waiting for you

I am leaning towards this, what’s the worst that can happen - I get addicted to the extra power of a full fat eBike.
if this is my first entry bike into electric mountain biking, then it’s not a terrible place to start.

 

[AzzaD]

I have tried a spesh vado and really liked it, and IIRC that has the same motor as the Levo SL, but for the trails I did want a bit more power. If I was going to take the hit for a motor and battery, I did at least want a bit more assistance.

 

[rop12770]

The Monterra have the same motor and battery as my Cube (if I'm seeing the specs correctly), and I can do 70/80km with around 1500/1700m ascent in eco mode.
For me is good enough.
For my partners, it's worse since they can't keep up aahhahahah

 

[Nigel100]

looking to get my first eMtb. im not after a full on downhill rig, more interested in xc, with a bit of downhill.

I’ve been eyeing up all the light (Sl) models, which as far as I can see are the trek exe, orbea rise, pivot sl, focus jam sl, and scott lumen. they’re all quite expensive as they are new models, with pretty much new motor systems.

I do have an option on a secondhand Cannondale Montera 1, which would be much better for my wallet, but it’s a 24kg full fat monster mtb. And I’m not at all sure how good this will be doing xc? I also don’t think it takes a range extende, but then it’d be 26+kg.

im relatively fit, after a year of getting over pneumonia and covid, so don’t feel like I need A full fat eMtb - but I’ve never ridden tan eBike off road.

I do have a concern that from what I see the Montera isn’t that popular a model, so I may be buying something I can never move on.

am I overthinking this, or is a super light eMtb the way to go?

You've missed the original SL from the list - Specialised Levo SL. I'm selling a Large 2020 model in excellent condition if u are interested, and based in Sussex so not far from u (hope this doesn't break any EMTB rules)

 

[wagonrd]

looking to get my first eMtb. im not after a full on downhill rig, more interested in xc, with a bit of downhill.

I’ve been eyeing up all the light (Sl) models, which as far as I can see are the trek exe, orbea rise, pivot sl, focus jam sl, and scott lumen. they’re all quite expensive as they are new models, with pretty much new motor systems.

I do have an option on a secondhand Cannondale Montera 1, which would be much better for my wallet, but it’s a 24kg full fat monster mtb. And I’m not at all sure how good this will be doing xc? I also don’t think it takes a range extende, but then it’d be 26+kg.

im relatively fit, after a year of getting over pneumonia and covid, so don’t feel like I need A full fat eMtb - but I’ve never ridden tan eBike off road.

I do have a concern that from what I see the Montera isn’t that popular a model, so I may be buying something I can never move on.

am I overthinking this, or is a super light eMtb the way to go?

For me, an e-bike weighing less than 45 lbs is a must. Lifting a 50+ lb bike onto a bike rack is beyond me, ditto in getting the bike into a train such as the Sacramento to Folsom light rail. So I have a Trek e-caliber 9.6 with upgraded carbon wheels, a Sid fork and Sram electronic shifter. I can quickly remove the battery and get the bike down to 34 lbs.

 

[AzzaD]

You've missed the original SL from the list - Specialised Levo SL. I'm selling a Large 2020 model in excellent condition if u are interested, and based in Sussex so not far from u (hope this doesn't break any EMTB rules)

Thanks, I haven’t tried the Levo SL, I have ridden the Vado SL a few times and it’s good on the road, but it felt underpowered compared to my wife’s Bosch powered Cube and not enough for what I’m after for mtbing.

I would have been interested, but I’m definitely a medium in mtb.

 

[onehundredthidiot]

Bike shop I got mine(SL) from said there is a definite divide in folk getting SL or full fat e-bikes. 75kg and lighter it's SL, 85kg and up its full fat.
I'm 71kg and find trail setting gets me quickly where I want to be turbo for steep stuff. Yes I'm underpowered compared to my mates full fat but that 5kg bike weight difference means I'm able to manoeuvre the steep techy low speed stuff better than he can, part of that is him not adapting his riding style.

 

[Chairman]

Super happy owner of a moterra 1 here. Over 8000 ks now 91000 metres climbed last year. Zero issues apart from when I mulleted it and Bosch wouldn't allow the speed cutoff to be adjusted to accommodate but that's another story. Bike itself seems bullet proof. I have just added Boxxer forks just because I could and so far that also has me smiling. Most of my mates have levos or Kenevos all have had issues. My advice would be go the Cannondale and live happily ever after