First time e-bike buyer from NZ - what to buy?

[snapdragon]

Hey guys!

So a few weeks ago I made the mistake of taking a mates EMTB for a ride, and now I'm hooked.

Since then I've been trying to decide what to buy. I keep coming back to the Giant Fathom E+3 as it's within my budget, but it is an entry level model.

Basically I'm wondering at it's entry level price, is it going to be suitable for trail riding? I am a newbie rider so I don't do very technical trails, but it would be nice to know if it handles rough single track like at the local mountain bike park.

I'm also wondering if the 400wh battery can be upgraded to the 500wh model found in the more expensive Giant bikes.

Has anyone used this bike that can give me any opinions?

Thanks in advance!

SR Suntour XCM-ATB HLO DS 29" 100mm travel, Tapered 1½ - 1⅛" steerer, lockout
Shifters Shimano SL-M2000
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore, 9-Speed
Brakes Tektro HD-M285, hydraulic disc, 180mm
Cassette Shimano CS-HG201, 11-36T, 9-Speed

 

[craig landau]

im coming over on the 7th jan , australia going to napier , i offered my bike for sale as its brand new and i was told they are not selling my bike there for under 9k its a merida 160 - 900
EONE-SIXTY 900 - Merida Bikes Australia

i will sell it without the battery as it cant be sent on the plane , battery is 900 nz im asking 6000 nz for the bike which is what the bike cost me, i will pay the freight and a solid bike box which stays wit the bike . size is Large , is brand new just done 5klm up and down the road ,

 

[snapdragon]

Hey, thanks but that's well out of my price range. The Giant I'm looking at buying is $2900 NZ.

 

[flash]

Generally, it's hard to "upgrade" a battery. You might be able to buy the larger one and sell off the smaller one for part of the difference. Although 400 should be fine for most days. Later you could buy the 500 and keep the 400 as a second battery.

As long as you are happy with a hard tail the bike you are looking at will be perfectly fine and a great bike to improve your skills with. The Giant eBikes are a really good package for the money. I'm sure you'll have a blast on it. You'll want a dropper post, if it doesn't have one.

Another option might be the Merida eBig nine 600. I bought the 2018 version recently in Oz for about the same as the Giant you cited and that has a sTeps 8000 motor and 504WH battery and a 10 speed drive train. The 2019 version comes with the new e7000 motor but is more expensive as the 2018 bike is on runout. Generally you should look for 2018 stock as most brands are discounting them about now.

As long as you're happy with the frame and motor everything else can be upgraded in time. Definitely ask your dealer to see if there's any 2018 stock available. My dealer got it for 500 less than the on-line price at Merida Australia. You might get a better bike for the money.

Gordon

 

[Julio]

I also am in NZ and looking at eBikes for similar reasons. Did you see that Torpedo7 have a Focus Jam2 full sus eBike on half price sale for $3500? Last few remaining bikes are in Auckland. If out of your price range, both Torpedo7 and Evolution Cycles have hardtail eBikes in their boxing day sales - until 31 December.