Greetings. Newbie cycling- Split time btw Oxford, MS & New Orleans, LA area. Looking to purchase first EMTB. New to sport.

[Nomadrad]

Was fortunate to ride Bentonville, AR several days on a YT Decoy Core 3 MX recently and am hooked on EMTB and NWA. Need help selecting first EMTB. New to cycling/sport but excited about it. Casual hybrid rider on roads and fire roads til now. 4 prior spine surgeries; 55 y/o, 5'10", 95 kg/209 lbs, 29-30 inseam; need more upright position bc of spine hx and full suspension. Would prefer $4k-8k budget range with &5-6k optimal.. The YT team/shop treated me well and have been great, so have been eyeing a YT Decoy Core 4 29er, but my research has me nervous about the Shimano EP801 vs the new Bosch and PWX. Also, YT Mill in Bentonville is 6 hr drive from Oxford. Plan to ride NWA (Bentonville area) for short getaways every 4-8 weeks and local trails with hills in Oxford area and bike/trail park in Louisiana. Trek and Specialized shops more available than others in my two "local areas", but I have considered the Orbea Wild, Giant Trance/Reign, Trek Rail, but am open for suggestions.

 

[irie]

Bosch CX motor.

 

[Stihldog]

There’s a few good motor brands out there, but Bosch CX would be my choice also.
Welcome to the forums.
Cheers

 

[KnollyBro]

Was fortunate to ride Bentonville, AR several days on a YT Decoy Core 3 MX recently and am hooked on EMTB and NWA. Need help selecting first EMTB. New to cycling/sport but excited about it. Casual hybrid rider on roads and fire roads til now. 4 prior spine surgeries; 55 y/o, 5'10", 95 kg/209 lbs, 29-30 inseam; need more upright position bc of spine hx and full suspension. Would prefer $4k-8k budget range with &5-6k optimal.. The YT team/shop treated me well and have been great, so have been eyeing a YT Decoy Core 4 29er, but my research has me nervous about the Shimano EP801 vs the new Bosch and PWX. Also, YT Mill in Bentonville is 6 hr drive from Oxford. Plan to ride NWA (Bentonville area) for short getaways every 4-8 weeks and local trails with hills in Oxford area and bike/trail park in Louisiana. Trek and Specialized shops more available than others in my two "local areas", but I have considered the Orbea Wild, Giant Trance/Reign, Trek Rail, but am open for suggestions.

Welcome to the sport and forum. I would agree with the Bosch motor but would also look for a bike you either love and don't want to change anything on it or find a base model on sale as riders are notorious for modifying their bikes, which can cost you a pile of cash! Also finding a bike store in your area that sells the bike you like might become an important issue if you run into any warranty issues.

 

[Paulquattro]

Welcome to the site