Help an old duffer find a new bike

[hiro]

Hi all, bit of a long gap since my last post I know. It’s now 5 years since I bought my Haibike Full7 LT with a Yamaha motor and it’s been faultless, runs as well now as it did when new. But with more upcoming time on my hands, I fancy a new bike and could do with some advice. I’m posting in the newbie’s section as I still pretty much am.

I’m 60 years old, fairly fit (though with under control high blood pressure) and not overweight. My primary use is what you’d call cross country, I cycle off road wherever possible, including farm tracks, fire roads, hills and mountain paths, but I do not do bike parks or any fast downhill tracks. I’m also not averse to cycling 10-15 miles or so between/to get to where I’m going. I don’t want a gravel bike as I prefer an upright riding position, and I do want full suspension as I borrowed my son in laws hardtail and found it hard going on my back. I have no need for long travel enduro type suspension though.

If I had any criticisms of my existing bike, it would be its clunky looks, with the external battery and its weight., as I have to lift it into the back of my camper van. I do like the idea of one of the new lightweight bikes, however there have been several occasions where I have needed to use full power for extended periods so I’d be worried that their lower power motors wouldn’t be enough for me.

My budget is around £3k, stretching to £4k with justifiable man maths, and a hard you’re-sleeping-in-the-spare-room limit of £4.5k. I like the idea of the Vitus E Mythique, but can you even buy them now? Also seen tempting offers of the Mondraker Crafty R and Giant E Trance coming into my budget.

Sorry for the long waffly post, would appreciate any words of wisdom.

 

[irie]

What brands do your local bike shop(s) stock?

 

[hiro]

What brands do your local bike shop(s) stock?

I don’t have a local bike shop, I’m happy to maintain my own bike, but obviously draw the line at motors.

 

[irie]

I don’t have a local bike shop, I’m happy to maintain my own bike, but obviously draw the line at motors.

So which brands (and with which motors) do your nearest shops sell? Because if the motor sh1ts itself you’ll need support.

 

[steve_sordy]

@hiro I would take @irie 's question seriously. Survey the nearest, even if they are up to 2-3 hours away! ebikes are not just a bike with a motor, they come with potential problems with motor, battery, charger, software, display, sensors and wiring. And someone on here will surely add to that list! You have been lucky with your Haibike with its Yamaha motor, as I have been with my Merida with its Shimano motor. But many have not. There may come a time when even if your nearest dealer is 2 hours away, you will be glad it's there.

To move, in one leap, 5 years in bike tech is a marvelous thing. Unless you have been keeping in touch with what the market now offers, you will be amazed.

PS: Sixty is NOT old! Bloody hell, I wish I was 60 again (knowing the things I know now, obvs).