First time soon to be EMTB rider - opinions on my choice of bike?

[km_1994]

Hi all, I haven't cycled a mountain bike since I was a kid and with ebikes on the scene I figured it would be a great way to get fit and be a little more adventurous hitting trails or forest paths etc.

My budget at the moment is no more than £3000, for this price I have came across a few bikes which I think seem ideal for my needs but I need some assistance in which one I should go for.

Voodoo Zobop E-Shimano Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike

or

Haibike FullSeven 4 2021 Yamaha

Both bikes are marked at the same price (£2,999) but which being a complete noob to the hobby I have no clue which bike has the better specs/components etc. Please could one of you experienced riders help me out?

Thanks

 

[Mike D.]

Zobop all the way. From what I read, you'll need to upgrade the brakes immediately. Shimano Altus is a bit of a dog.

Also, by current standards, the 504wh battery won't give you a huge range and you may find if you want to do more than a couple of hours blasting round a bike park, you'll need to add battery power. There are aftermarket add-ons available that can boost you to around a more acceptable 750wh.

I ride a 2020 Vitus e-sommet that comes with the same battery spec but I improved things by simply buying a spare battery which doubles my range for all-day explorations. The 504wh battery is small and light enough to carry comfortably in a backpack. It's easily transferrable also, as the fixing is on the outside of the downtube not inside it. Some fashion gurus tend to sneer at this slightly retro-looking arrangement but to my mind the practical advantage outweighs any risk of remarks from the Aesthetics Police. However, this will take the cost WAY beyond your budget.

The Haibike comes with Suntour fork and "shock absorber". So, no. Just no. Suntour are the pits. Don't even consider it.

 

[Gary]

Basic cheap Altus disc brakes will be fine at first if you haven't ridden an mtb since you were a kid.
As will the a 504wh battery.

 

[Andy.M]

What Gary said, that spec will be fine. I've got a Voodo non electric bike and it served me well.

If Halfords have stock, go for it.

If you belong to the AA you should be able to get 10 percent off as well!

 

[Mike D.]

Do let us know how you get on.