Help picking eMTB for women

[Smeer]

I am a women living in the lower mainland of Canada (near Vancouver). Always had a HT while I lived in Europe, would only really ride flowy singletracks, pretty much a 'beginner'. Now I here, I am looking for a bike which I can take on the trails (rocky local trails or single track in the area) but I would also need to commute with it. I will definitely get two set of wheels, so I can have a dedicated set for commuting.

I've looked at the following bikes:

• $3000 -- GIANT FATHOM E+ 3 POWER --> Giant SyncDrive Sport motor | 250w | 70Nm
• $3500 -- COMMENCAL MAXMAX POWER 650B 2019 ---> Shimano E7000 | 250w | 60Nm
• $4000 -- ROCKY MOUNTAIN GROWLER POWERPLAY --> Dyname 3.0 Class 1 eMTB Drive | 250w | 108Nm

The Giant seems to be the best for the money, I was able to ride and it was good.
Love the design of the Commencal and it has the better shock (150mm travel), but it has the 'budget' motor and low torque. No local store.
The Rocky Mountain I am not familiar with, though it seems it has good specs - similar to the Giant but with higher torque motor. My local LBS can bring one in.

Now I am wondering; does anyone have any experience with any of these?
Or, looking at the spec, which would you pick and why?

 

[Zimmerframe]

I'll give this a bump... the forum's a bit quiet this week ..

Based on the ones you've said, I'd probably skip the Commencal, it's a great bike, but you're a long way from support and if you're going with a Shimano bike, I'd try and get one with the E8000 - Commencal do often have some good deals on if you keep your eyes open.

The Rocky Mountain seems to be well liked by everyone who's ridden one.

I think Norco is local'ish to you there so might also be worth looking at. For peace of mind with an e-bike, having bike shop support is important. Yes, you probably will never have a problem, but if you do, you want it diagnosing and fixing as quickly as possible.

 

[SquireRides]

A second vote for buying something with LBS support.

IMHO the Shimano E7000 looks fine on paper, just a bit lower powered. I've heard good feedback about it. I wouldn't write it off if everything else about the bike is right. And a lot of people prefer the E7000's controller and display, compared to the E8000.

So out of your list, Giant looks like the winner if it's from a LBS... The folks who own Giants on this forum seem pleased with theirs.

 

[Wilster]

I am a women living in the lower mainland of Canada (near Vancouver). Always had a HT while I lived in Europe, would only really ride flowy singletracks, pretty much a 'beginner'. Now I here, I am looking for a bike which I can take on the trails (rocky local trails or single track in the area) but I would also need to commute with it. I will definitely get two set of wheels, so I can have a dedicated set for commuting.

I've looked at the following bikes:

• $3000 -- GIANT FATHOM E+ 3 POWER --> Giant SyncDrive Sport motor | 250w | 70Nm
• $3500 -- COMMENCAL MAXMAX POWER 650B 2019 ---> Shimano E7000 | 250w | 60Nm
• $4000 -- ROCKY MOUNTAIN GROWLER POWERPLAY --> Dyname 3.0 Class 1 eMTB Drive | 250w | 108Nm

The Giant seems to be the best for the money, I was able to ride and it was good.
Love the design of the Commencal and it has the better shock (150mm travel), but it has the 'budget' motor and low torque. No local store.
The Rocky Mountain I am not familiar with, though it seems it has good specs - similar to the Giant but with higher torque motor. My local LBS can bring one in.

Now I am wondering; does anyone have any experience with any of these?
Or, looking at the spec, which would you pick and why?

Have you looked at Liv bikes? They are made by Giant but are made for women and have female specific geometry. They are very nice bikes and have a wide range if specs and price, if you have a Giant dealer , then they are a Liv dealer too.

 

[Flatslide]

As a very happy PowerPlay owner, if you can get a ride on one to compare with say a Giant or Norco, I'd recommend that. The RM drive is quite different in its delivery to motors that include the BB as part of their construction. The roller system looks busy, but is easy to clean and service - even on the trail. A plus for some (even though the bikes are pretty much all made in Taiwan), is you're supporting local with Norco or RM.
Good luck

 

[Smeer]

Thanks everyone! I picked up the Fathom today . The Liv's are nice, but they make them purple or white and I much prefer black! Very happy with the purchase.