Hi people

118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Comtemplating the swap from my current, no pun intended, anologue steed (650B hardtail, 1x11..) to this electricary mullarkey.. mostly ride fire roads and singletrack around Thetford Forest land. Looking to be educated further, as I'm probably getting too old to be traditional... (y)
 

Rusty

E*POWAH BOSS
Jul 17, 2019
1,513
1,673
New Zealand
If you are currently a hardtail rider you are up for a lot more choices and changes than most.
Me, I am too freaking old to want to ride hardtail, anymore so am full squishy and will stay that way.
I would think if you were going to stay hardtail you are then looking at either a good deal on something like a 2019 Trek Powerfly or Giant Fathom (just 2 that come to mind) or pay a bit more for a 2020 version with a new version Bosch motor or the Shimano 6100.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
I started the turn of the century on a fs Marin, however it was wasted as i don't really ride bike parks and the biggest thing i rode down, was probably a roadside kerb.. When I moved house, I took to racing the things locally, so made the switch to ht. Over time, with the body letting me know that I'm no longer a teenager, my riding has declined. Night shifts don't help me neither. Add to this that there isn't a trail local that I've not ridden or raced over a hundred times, I was looking to maybe find some 'inspiration' to get me back out, enjoying the old routes with a new perspective. Even my local black run turned red overnight, to cater for the residents of Centre Parcs! I could ride all day and still struggle to make 500m elevation, such as the low lands of Norfolk..It was becoming all too bland..

Ebikes, are a complete mystery to me. Being a short arse (5'8" in killer heels), a xc 29er didn't suit me. I've always ridden small frames as they turn quicker. However those on them blasted big wheels, would have me blowing out of my backside, trying to keep up with them outside of the techy bits. Yet i read that guys my height are riding large frames on 29's. Now whether this is a fantastic marketing ploy, I dont know. Perhaps, shorter stay lengths, stretched out top tubes and the like are all the rage these days, and I've lost touch a little with what is the way to go. That's the reason for being here, to milk the knowledge of those who for sure, know better..

To me a bike is a bike. Two wheels, pedalset in the middle. I've done steel, alloy, carbon. 26, 650b, 29. Triple rings to single. However nothing electric, if you ignore a quick blast on a mobility scooter. Not mine i hasten to add. I'm not particularly swayed by razzmatazz and pomp as I'm fully aware that the industry has to reinvent itself yearly to continue market interest and generate sales. Look at road race bike progression. The biggest thing to hit those chaps recently, are disc brakes! That's if you wish to buck the trend of course..

I'll do my research before i fully commit, if i do at all. I've still got my old ht's to scoot about on, and if i have to do it at a pace much slower than previously, then so be it..

Anyway, that's my intro, done. Well done if you've got this far, lol.. Like many, I've a million questions to be answered, and hopefully, i can find some unbiased truths, within this forum...

118.
 

33red

New Member
Jun 12, 2019
447
137
Quebec, Canada
We read different things. Some say i do not need FS at my age no big jumps.
Also others say at my age FS is needed. Well at 61 i have lots of fun on my Ebike HT.
Ya no big jumps for me. If you want a quick turner, short chainstay Marin is an option. If you prefer longuer, more stable Giant long chainstay is an option. Both HT. Of course you might read about different motors, and hopefully do real demos not the quick ones. I like My 27.5 +, lots of traction and the small frame fits me well.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Top Job!

I totally agree that a proper ebike test is in order. No point skipping along tarmac only, for a 5 minute blat, then spending the next half hour fending off an over exuberant sales person! To be honest, I'm swayed by another fs, as my lower back isn't a strong as it once was (maybe through the lack of riding!).

So to all the educated out there, what's the worst bits, of what you've already got? :unsure:
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Guys..

My dilemma so far is, probably a tad long winded for some, however..

I'm an anologue kind of guy, who has favoured a quick turning bike to get me through the turns quicker to make up for the lack of lungs on the inbetweens..

My 'issue' is, today's bikes appear to be slack, low and stretched. Predominately with 29s. Having tried 29s before, I stuck with 650s as they suited my height (short), yet maintained its quickness in the turns. I've found very few who have swapped their 29s for 650s. Is it a case that dropping to 650s upsets the height of the BB and also possibly, increases the risk of pedal strikes? I've read that Levo's can be adjusted to suit, is this the only one that has this flexibility, or have I missed a trick elsewhere? Or has everyone broke the bank on the initial purchase, that they simply don't change things? I can see a few on here talking about shorter cranks, to eliminate this. A couple of guys I know of similar height, are happy on 29s, having never tried 650s. Could this be that, an ebike which is heavier, and will not turn as quick as an anologue, given the slacker head angles, a 29 wheelset, helps pick up any lost speed?

Battery - for example, should I buy a 'reduced' 2019 Levo, can it be upgraded straight away to a bigger capacity battery, from the off? My thinking is, on 650s there would be more rolling resistance, hence a bigger battery pack will keep me riding for longer? Either that, or I just have a strange fascination with the numbers 6,5 & 0, whether it be tyre sizes, or battery capacity, lol..

Transmission/groupsets - where I usually ride, is mainly sand. With flint. And has turned many a groupset into a banging and clanking mess, if not seized, although it's benefits, if you can call it that, help with braking. Not that i have huge descents to explore.. with this in mind, how bulletproof are transmissions given my local terrain? Yes I can appreciate, chains/cassettes will wear out regardless, however how durable are the motors in such a climate? My LBS are more than happy to keep me supplied in cogs and chains, as they know better than anyone, riding in a constant grinding paste isn't too benefical to many..

Lastly (for now), should I buy said Spech, is it a case that any warranty parts (if needed) will only be sent to a specific Spech store and not the dealer I bought the initial purchase from? I'm guessing, this isn't the same for any other manufacturers?

Enlighten me please..
 

Pukmeister

Active member
Jul 18, 2019
283
263
Fareham
I ride a 2019 Medium frame Giant Trance E+2 Pro, 27.5 rims as standard, had it a month and love it. Compared to my old analogue Specialised 29er Hardtail this thing rocks. I've met a local guy called Terry through this forum who demo'd his Large sized Trance E+2 bike to me and I was blown away by it, I then haggled 15% off for an outright purchase over RRP on mine soon after (£3399 instead of paying £3999 on finance), its a hell of a lot of bike for the money. Review here:

2019 Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro Review - EMTB Forums

I have ridden a few 24 mile loops around my home town on bridleways and tracks I never knew about thanks to Terrys local knowledge and enjoyed it massively, the bike makes it easy for me. I'm too old now to ride downhill like a hero but for the kind of trails I ride (similar to what you describe) the Giant is amazing on Michelin e-wild tubeless 2.6" tyres on the standard 27.5 wheels. I used to ride a KTM 450EXC enduro motorcycle offroad and I reckon my ebike is as much fun as that was (but obviously quite different.)

The only negatives reported on the Giant bikes are alleged motor noise (can hardly hear mine and its a low growl anyway, masked by tyre noise) and at highest cadence the motor assistance tails off, but I never pedal at a cadence fast enough to feel this happen. Assistance is very good and natural at low to mid cadence. I have so far never needed to use more than level 3 out of 5.

The consumables like chains, cassettes and brake pads are also more keenly priced on my Trance E+2 than the more expensive models in the range, or some other brands. Do your homework on chain/cassette wear as ebikes can chew them up in quick time through over assistance or poor shifting technique.

The previous issues folks had with rear hub pawl failure, controller water ingress and loose batteries causing shutdowns have all been resolved now by Giant and they come with a good warranty/dealer support network.
 
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Rusty

E*POWAH BOSS
Jul 17, 2019
1,513
1,673
New Zealand
118 - you are right that many are staying on wagon wheels rather than going down. Actually, LBS tells me several have swapped from 650B to 29er.

You have several choices when it comes to swapping to 27.5 wheels - or you can just buy something that comes with 27.5s. Scott has the eGenius 900 & 700 series. Same spec levels with different wheels. They, like many others also have the flip-chip on the rear suspension which allows you to changed the head angle somewhat.
Also with the Scott you have the eSpark which is slightly shorter travel with steeper geometry as compared to the eGenius which is more slacker.
Of course, they are Shimano for 2019 with 504Wh batteries but the 2020 will be the new Bosch with the 625Wh battery.

If you are having issues with excessive wear on your running kit you could always fit a Rohloff hub and take the shifting internal.
 
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Crawford919

Active member
Aug 7, 2019
132
138
USA
I agree with Pukmeister. Get a Trance e+2. I have the exact bike and it is awesome. I also have a 2018 Specialized Levo Comp carbon and like it also but the Giant was $2000 cheaper and will turn inside of the Levo on any type of corner and will accelerate from a dead stand still faster and jumps better. Also it doesn’t hold back as much after the speed limit is met. Battery life is very similar on both models. Love both bikes but have to give the edge to the Giant.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Guys - thanks for the replies! Helps me out heaps..

33red - I currently ride a 650b in the sand. However it's not an E..

Pukmeister/Crawford919 - 2 votes for Giant. :unsure: I've watched a few uploads on youtube, and they all say, noise..! Or whine. However I'll take a better look at them despite 'only' achieving 4*'s, for sure..(y) Is this your model? https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Stance-E-2-27-5-2019-Electric-Mountain-Bike_200704.

Rusty - Scott is a good shout. Maybe because it's my christian name also. If I'm to spend my hard earned cash on an ebike, then why not get one that's 'personalised'.. Rohloff hubs are super neat, however what is weight trade off in comparison, on an already 'heavy' bike? It's a shame more manufacturers don't fit them, however in a world dominated by SRAM/Shimano, I can only guess that the production costs outweigh the benefits of a cleaner transmission..:unsure: Or it's the lost revenue of regular replacements. Either that, or I find somewhere less gritty to ride in, which wouldn't be local..new trials though (y)

Again, thank you all, for your invaluable feedback to my q's..
 
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Pukmeister

Active member
Jul 18, 2019
283
263
Fareham
Scott, the bike in your link above is the Stance model, a lesser specification than the Trance. Why Giant chose such similar names for different models is mad, it leads to confusion.

The Stance is pretty much entry-range full suspension.
The Trance is better capability full suspension.
The Reign is long travel downhill full suspension.

I haven't yet hit any sand but I'd wager an EMTB would breeze through it on decent tyres.

My Trance E+2 is the 2019 blue/black model, I put a link to a review of it in my earlier reply. I'd recommend you demo one, if you were anywhere near Fareham you would be welcome to try mine. As for motor noise its subjective, youtube GoPro clips etc make motors sound noisier than real life IMO, I literally hardly notice my motor working its very subtle in real life. Maybe some are more/less noisy and its a lottery ??

The 2020 model Trance is better as its based on the new improved Yamaha PW-X2 motor with 6 sensors ( instead of four on the PW-X), retuned by Giants own software for better performance characteristics. It is quieter and works better at higher cadences than the 2019 bike, but as it is brand new you would struggle to get one below RRP. If I had a bigger budget I would have waited to buy the 2020 bike, but I wanted maximum bang for buck hence the 2019. I don't regret it.

It pays to shop around online and ask your local shop if they will price match, I saved £600 this way as I agreed to pay outright, although if 0% credit is what you are after, there would be no profit in the deal for the shop and its unlikely they would discount anything. Also factor in dealer support and warranty, if you buy a Vitus, Canyon, YT etc you could be left to arrange repairs/servicing yourself and have the hassle of trying to claim back any out of pocket expenses afterwards.
 
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billwarwick

E*POWAH Elite
Oct 1, 2018
647
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warwick
you've come to the right place. lots of knowledge on here plus the chance to meet up for rides with other folks. A lot will depend on your budget of course. I ride a hardtail, which is fine for bridleways, old railway tracks, etc. but on the bumpy stuff, it shakes you to bits. Im probably going to fullsuss soon, interested in the new 2020 Bosch 625 motor, which is being used by several brands. Evidently, a big improvement on the old motor and increased range.
Whatever you buy, you wont regret it.:)
 
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33red

New Member
Jun 12, 2019
447
137
Quebec, Canada
you've come to the right place. lots of knowledge on here plus the chance to meet up for rides with other folks. A lot will depend on your budget of course. I ride a hardtail, which is fine for bridleways, old railway tracks, etc. but on the bumpy stuff, it shakes you to bits. Im probably going to fullsuss soon, interested in the new 2020 Bosch 625 motor, which is being used by several brands. Evidently, a big improvement on the old motor and increased range.
Whatever you buy, you wont regret it.:)
Maybe you might watch some youtube video.
I have a HT Ebike 120mm and we simply use our legs and arms has suspension with the added benefit of the front fork that protects our wrists and elbows. With a decent padded saddle it is enough confort but off course we do not keep seated all the ride. When the front air suspension is well adjusted with proper rebound lots of roots and rockgardens are not a problem with proper PSI. For more grip and confort wide rims and + tires are nice.
 
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Pukmeister

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Jul 18, 2019
283
263
Fareham
For singletrack around Thetford forest, you wont need long travel suspension. My bike with 150mm travel and michelin e-wild tyres would more than handle it.

(I was born between East Anglia and the East Midlands, we used to go mushrooming in Thetford forest when I was a small kid.)
 

118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Pukmeister - thanks for your quality reply. I too, am an Norfolk import, originally from the East Mids. Although I doubt I've singlehandedly raised the IQ in the area, however I can only try, lol.. I agree a DH would be wasted for sure. A nice little trial bike, with a little damping either end is probably the direction I will go.. I appreciate the offer of your test ride however I'm a little too distant at present, sadly. With respect to LBS, if you know Thetford, you'll appreciate that I'm not flushed with them. My closest one, only wanted to sell high end carbon, and anything else 'seemed' to be below him. I was racing against his favoured vet chequebook warriers though! Some of which I enjoyed smashing, xc, to prove the point, it's not all about the money. Maybe this is the reason their winter series fell into demise, and left so many fun riders looking to compete elsewhere. Little support! Sporting politics I guess, lol.. as for maintenance, I'm happy to get my hands dirty doing my own stuff and have previously sourced upgrades online, usually way cheaper than my LBS (see above). But an ebike is somewhat different and I'd welcome dealer support having read some horror stories regarding motors etc. Some things, you can't fight alone without them, should the need arise. I'm looking to go to Rutland cycles (Histon) this weekend, for a chat/sizing blah blah, on my way through to Nottingham to visit friends. If time allows, there's also a couple of shops there I'd like to get along to. However if they are any kind of decent salesperson, they will all want to guide me down the routes of all things 2020, where the bigger batteries, smoother, stronger motors are, of which I'm fully becoming aware of, lol.. My thinking could be, looking at a priced to clear 2019 model, with more wiggle room for upgrades perhaps. Again, you are correct, I need to get aboard a few, to see what suits me best. I'm in a fortunate position that I don't need credit, although it wont be disregarded, should it benefit me financially.. Mushrooms? :unsure: of the magic variety?! :D

33red - my current steed is an anologue HT with rockshox support up front. As was my previous Cube. Completely agree with how you ride, as it's similar to how I've pedalled previously. I love the bike to bits (now..) and for sure won't be retiring it, should I go down the electricary route. I've never ridden +tyres, as being a weight conscious xc rider, weight was always a premium, as I'm not exactly a racing snake! I never found the need to run a dropper, as I found a frame that allowed me to mostly remain seated for pedalling, but found enough room to avoid it, should the need arise, even in emergencies..

billwarwick - You are in my mind too. Given the added weight of an ebike, I'd be looking at FS to soften the ride for sure. Over time, I've learnt to 'float' over obsticles on my HT, however on a 20+kg bike, I don't think I'm that strong a boy to do it all day long, so it's cushions for me.. even with plus sized rubber! I will probably return to platforms (pedals, not shoes) and ditch the spd's too, as I feel that they helped my climb on an analogue..

Another q for you FS guys, lockout. I've always utilised the lockout on my airsprings, is this something that is used commonly on ebikes or is it installed, yet mostly ignored? Coming from a world of pedal bob, right or wrong, this is the reason I went back to HT. Direct drive gave me more speed I felt uphill, however not many reviews talk about it. Is it because technology has advanced, or the additional weight absorbs this giving a more direct drive, locked out or not? Or is it simply not noticed because you all have pedal assistance, to make all the climbs somewhat less lung bursting? Weirdly, when I was once fitter, I enjoyed that burn. However my lower back has told me to reign things in a little, hence the cushion requirement.

118
 

Pukmeister

Active member
Jul 18, 2019
283
263
Fareham
Thanks Scott. You aren't a Thetford local unless you have six webbed fingers on each hand and are married to your sister, or a USAF pilot.

A good shout on Rutland cycling, their pricing is good and they have stores in East Mids/Anglia, they stock a range of brands/models to try and you might haggle for an outright purchase discount, I usually pay in one hit by credit card for payment protection then settle the bill as it arrives. I got 15% off through my local Giant/LiV store against a 2019 bike which is £600 in my pocket and the dealer still makes money and grows his business with a new (future repeat) customer. Everybody wins.

Go full suspension, I will never go back. I havent yet suffered bob or needed lockout but its the flick of a lever if and when. I also love a dropper post which is another first for me, its a game changer. My old budget Specialised HT 29er is now an urban/road bike it can't compete with a full sus bike, even one with 2.6" tyres on 35mm wide 27.5" rims.....

I've also ditched SPD and gone back to flats: no grip/slip issues, love the freedom and foot-down option and the motor assistance negates the need to be clipped in anyway. And yes, no more lung busting, lower back ache or screaming quads for me with assistance on an emtb, only a little forearm pump and wrist ache remains

No magic mushrooms needed, I'm daft enough already.

Good luck with the bike hunting, keep us posted.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Pukmeister - I'll drop into my old LBS as well. You never know, it may have changed hands since i was last there, lol.. There's also another in BSE, who incidently deals with Giant. Rutland claim to price match and have a few more stores, that i can entertain on my travels on days off, whilst I'm visiting friends and family. Incidentally, online, I've found deals on E2 & E3 Trance Pro (not sure which is the better yet) for a smidge over 3k, so if they are willing to match that, I've some bargaining to begin. E3 is cheaper so I'm guessing it's a lesser spec? Again, I just need to make my mind up with regards to a 19, or a 20 bike.

Plenty of research to be had regarding other brands too. I'll be looking at Giant, Scott, Spech and maybe Bulls this weekend, so lots to take onboard for sure. Thanks for the confirmation that I'm going in the right direction regarding FS and even with the pedals, lol. As for the forearms and limp wrists, I think I found the cure for that, way back in my teenage years......;) Yep, racing motorcycles! Although not quite daft enough to go full on mx or enduro, like yourself, my disciplines have taken me europe wide and still do. Mountain bikes are a means to keeping fit to help with the racing, however due to mainly work, and age, this is sadly decreasing. so I'm hoping emtb's will plug that void..

118
 

Pukmeister

Active member
Jul 18, 2019
283
263
Fareham
Yes, the range gets better with Giant as the number gets smaller, so a 1 beats a 2 for specification etc etc. For me, I can't justify buying anything above the Trance E +2 Pro as I'm not good enough a rider to get any real benefit versus the extra cost involved.

The 'Pro' term relates to the Syncdrive Pro motor which is the better model that Giant use (a rebadged Yamaha PW-X motor), the non-Pro models aren't quite as good on paper, I've never ridden one so can't honestly say either way myself. My Pro motor is strong at low cadence for climbing assistance, has a flexible and natural feeling and it gives very good range if assistance settings are used sensibly. At high cadence, assistance tapers off a bit but as an overweight bloke aged 53 I don't spin the pedals quickly anyway like a young racing snake might.

Go take some test rides on emtb if you can and see which models you prefer, try to use an incline rather than just a quick flat street ride in town, and prepare to grin when you feel the assistance. My local Specialised dealer wanted to rent me a Levo with a refund of the rental against a new bike only if i chose to buy, so I shopped elsewhere. I don't pay to test ride, that could be an expensive way to find a bike you like amongst so many models. A fully refundable deposit during loan would have seemed more reasonable to me.
 
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HikerDave

Active member
Feb 9, 2019
220
201
Tempe
Pukmeister - thanks for your quality reply. I too, am an Norfolk import, originally from the East Mids. Although I doubt I've singlehandedly raised the IQ in the area, however I can only try, lol.. I agree a DH would be wasted for sure. A nice little trial bike, with a little damping either end is probably the direction I will go.. I appreciate the offer of your test ride however I'm a little too distant at present, sadly. With respect to LBS, if you know Thetford, you'll appreciate that I'm not flushed with them. My closest one, only wanted to sell high end carbon, and anything else 'seemed' to be below him. I was racing against his favoured vet chequebook warriers though! Some of which I enjoyed smashing, xc, to prove the point, it's not all about the money. Maybe this is the reason their winter series fell into demise, and left so many fun riders looking to compete elsewhere. Little support! Sporting politics I guess, lol.. as for maintenance, I'm happy to get my hands dirty doing my own stuff and have previously sourced upgrades online, usually way cheaper than my LBS (see above). But an ebike is somewhat different and I'd welcome dealer support having read some horror stories regarding motors etc. Some things, you can't fight alone without them, should the need arise. I'm looking to go to Rutland cycles (Histon) this weekend, for a chat/sizing blah blah, on my way through to Nottingham to visit friends. If time allows, there's also a couple of shops there I'd like to get along to. However if they are any kind of decent salesperson, they will all want to guide me down the routes of all things 2020, where the bigger batteries, smoother, stronger motors are, of which I'm fully becoming aware of, lol.. My thinking could be, looking at a priced to clear 2019 model, with more wiggle room for upgrades perhaps. Again, you are correct, I need to get aboard a few, to see what suits me best. I'm in a fortunate position that I don't need credit, although it wont be disregarded, should it benefit me financially.. Mushrooms? :unsure: of the magic variety?! :D

33red - my current steed is an anologue HT with rockshox support up front. As was my previous Cube. Completely agree with how you ride, as it's similar to how I've pedalled previously. I love the bike to bits (now..) and for sure won't be retiring it, should I go down the electricary route. I've never ridden +tyres, as being a weight conscious xc rider, weight was always a premium, as I'm not exactly a racing snake! I never found the need to run a dropper, as I found a frame that allowed me to mostly remain seated for pedalling, but found enough room to avoid it, should the need arise, even in emergencies..

billwarwick - You are in my mind too. Given the added weight of an ebike, I'd be looking at FS to soften the ride for sure. Over time, I've learnt to 'float' over obsticles on my HT, however on a 20+kg bike, I don't think I'm that strong a boy to do it all day long, so it's cushions for me.. even with plus sized rubber! I will probably return to platforms (pedals, not shoes) and ditch the spd's too, as I feel that they helped my climb on an analogue..

Another q for you FS guys, lockout. I've always utilised the lockout on my airsprings, is this something that is used commonly on ebikes or is it installed, yet mostly ignored? Coming from a world of pedal bob, right or wrong, this is the reason I went back to HT. Direct drive gave me more speed I felt uphill, however not many reviews talk about it. Is it because technology has advanced, or the additional weight absorbs this giving a more direct drive, locked out or not? Or is it simply not noticed because you all have pedal assistance, to make all the climbs somewhat less lung bursting? Weirdly, when I was once fitter, I enjoyed that burn. However my lower back has told me to reign things in a little, hence the cushion requirement.

118

No need for lockout once you get your suspension professionally tuned. Soft low-speed compression sells bikes in the parking lot but stinks on the trail. Stiff high-speed compression pleases the accounting department to lower warranty costs but also sucks for trail riding.

If you want a bike with old-school geometry check out the Haibike SDURO. It’s got a short front center and a 68 degree head angle; I relaxed mine a bit with a 160mm shock and larger front tire.

My favorite test ride was a Giant Trance E+ pro, though. I wouldn’t buy one if you like to jump or do ledge drops, though because it has long chainstays like my SDURO. But if you roll over features and like climbing it would be great - it has great climbing traction because of that Maestro suspension and fat tire.
 

118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Pukmeister - Aha, without looking into specs, I was thinking the 2 superseded the 1 and so on. How wrong you can be, lol..Without wishing to appear obtuse or crass, cost isn't the issue. Like you, I want the best bang for buck. My ambition will always outweigh my talent, as it mostly has my entire life, whether that be girls, work etc..

All the talk of the new bikes, seems to be better batteries and improved power plants. I too am a similar age and build to yourself, so I'm taking a lot of notice to what you are saying.. I can't spin my legs like Chris Froome, or dare I say Lance Armstrong, as I've got strong enough legs, or once had, to over gear my climbs and power through the inclines. For me it was less effort, rather than spinning away and effectively not going forward, fast enough. Maybe that's a thing I transferred from my motorbikes, as that was always, if it's spinning you aren't driving. Or it's a throwback to when i was riding racer type bikes as a kid and needing to get somewhere, I shouldn't have been to, quick...

I think that's where my LBS went wrong. Perhaps with all the numpties wafting in from Centre Parcs, wanting to hire bikes, he lost sight of those fun riders, who should have become regular customers. I couldn't justify buying a bike worthy of winning the world title on, to just rag round the woods. I chose to race, to learn new trials, as the well marked trials became full of over protective, aggressive parents, who also hadn't ridden a bike for years, deciding it was a good thing to do on their holidays. And seemingly know better than a local, who isn't on a hire bike. It takes all sorts as none of us are wrong, just a difference of opinion. However I digress..Yes I agree, I'm looking to buy not rent. You don't hire the car you wish to test drive do you? If they are concerned I'm about to pedal off into the sunset on a 6k bike, arrange for someone to ride with me, show me a new trial, and the full capabilities of what they are trying to sell me. Job done. Although I agree, that's not always easy to do should they be city centre based..

HikerDave - why professionally tuned? Manufacturers don't spend thousands of pounds and man hours on R&D to put an inadequate shock on the steering or rear end surely? Whilst every rider is different, adjusting the amount of air, or oil in shock is something anyone can do, given a bit of research? When a suspension unit is affected by simple atmospherics alone, there's a lot of tuning to be had given the difference in the trials we ride. Thus making every unit a compromise, every ride. I have an engineering background, so don't have an issue understanding how things work mechanically, however I understand some don't and like the comfort of someone else taking that responsibility. May I ask, why you bought a bike with a steep angle, then slackened it off? I'm guessing you've fitted a shorter rear damper, if your bike is FS? Did you buy a bike that wasn't particularly suited to how or what you rode? Which SDURO model please? I'm not taking a dig at you personally, I'm just interested as to why you made the changes... with regards to lock out, I've always rode uphill solid, then flicked a switch to come down the other side. I can't see why manufacturers fit a useful product, to some riders, where others decline to use it. My orginal question was, with an ebike, is the need for a lockout system neglected by some riders, because you have pedal assistance where you don't feel the power losses? In which case, why continue to manufacture them? Perhaps the manufacturers are tied to the shock support and simply build a frame around what is available to them..

118
 
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Rusty

E*POWAH BOSS
Jul 17, 2019
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New Zealand
Another q for you FS guys, lockout. I've always utilised the lockout on my airsprings, is this something that is used commonly on ebikes or is it installed, yet mostly ignored? Coming from a world of pedal bob, right or wrong, this is the reason I went back to HT. Direct drive gave me more speed I felt uphill, however not many reviews talk about it. Is it because technology has advanced, or the additional weight absorbs this giving a more direct drive, locked out or not? Or is it simply not noticed because you all have pedal assistance, to make all the climbs somewhat less lung bursting? Weirdly, when I was once fitter, I enjoyed that burn. However my lower back has told me to reign things in a little, hence the cushion requirement.

118

My Scott eGenius has the same twin-lock as my analogue Genius. Used it out of habit initially then gave up and found little difference climbing as the motor smooths everything out. When I bought the Levo a month or so ago I did not even bother to chwck if it has a lockout as not necessary.
Like you, I never bothered with a dropper post as i never seemed to have any issues moving around. However, now I have them on my ebikes I have found that perhaps once or twice on a long loop I will drop the seat for a particularly sketchy drop or chute and find myself doing them with much more confidence.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
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Norfolk
Rusty - Top job! You've directly answered the question I was trying to ask. Given the additional weight of the bike, I was wondering whether it was a requirement, or whether the motor would make up for any of the aforementioned losses, that an analogue sometimes gives. Perhaps the shock suppliers are simply making the same units for both analogue and e's, with different internals to accommodate either type of bike weights? With the added option of locking out, should the rider desire it too. That to me makes sound financial sense.. May I ask why you've come away from Scott to a Levo? Any defined advantages, or just simply fancied a change of manufacturer? Whilst I understand the reasons behind the twinlock system, looking at a Scott, they seem very cluttered up front with numerous cables running all over the shop. I guess we could go D2 with a wireless dropper to tidy a few things up, however to me they do appear busy.. Good to note that the dropper is helping out, when things might get too sketchy! At times, we all have enough going on between our legs, that the added complication of a seat/post combo getting in the way, is undoubtedly reassuring..(y) ;)
 

Rusty

E*POWAH BOSS
Jul 17, 2019
1,513
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New Zealand
Still have the Scott and do love riding it - even if it is noisier. However, being a fatty I am only getting 40sh km per charge and need more than that. The Levo is much the same but I bought a 700W/h battery so can get further distance.
The Scott, with the exception of the Shimano motor noise is a far better kitted bike IMHO. While the Rockshox on the Levo is acceptable - surprising actually compared to past experiences it is not up to the Fox standards and the SRAM brakes I would not put on a shopping trolley - they ARE that bad.
With the 2020 Scott going to the new Bosch and 625W/h battery I might have to try one out and if i like it will flick the Levo off. I do seriously detest over-priced and under-specced bikes.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
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Rusty - Honest review. I guess it all depends on if you believe all of the hype and are swayed by bs! Maybe it's also kind of elitist, to be seen with a certain brand, and to portray wealth amongst the masses.. at the end of the day, a bike is a bike, and everyone out on one, should be applauded, not ridiculed regardless. If it works for that particular individual, then who should care what the name is? I'm not one and never have been, attracted to designer labels. My cars and clothes would probably tell you the same. If it works, or fits, I'll take it no matter what the label tells everyone about me.

If you could build your own bike from the ground up, what would you choose and why?

118.
 

Rusty

E*POWAH BOSS
Jul 17, 2019
1,513
1,673
New Zealand
If you could build your own bike from the ground up, what would you choose and why?
118.
I have always been impressed with Giants rear suspension from when they ditched the NRS and went to the current platform. Scott I believe uses that platform under licence so has good across the board performance. I do not particularly like the suspension on the Levo - that style, which is quite common is in my mind a bad design. I feel that way as I spent thousands of hours in the 70's testing MX bikes and in particular suspension and tires. The original Yamaha Monoshock was crap, no matter what any magazine said. We tested far longer than the magazines do and used some very interesting kit to actually log G forces, front<->rear sway and much more. Pretty basically, under hard braking that style tends to load up the headset - creating excessive suspension dive and also rear wheel 'hop' or instability. Possibly passable on a lightweight carbon race bike but on a DH bike or a heavier eMTB that is rode hard it is noticeable.

OK, back on topic. As of today the Scott egenius made in carbon with Fox 36 Flat Factory with Kashima, Fox Nude TR Evol shock (without the twinlock), SRAM Eagle (mixed levels) groupset and Shimano 8020 brakes, 155mm cranks - oh, and today it would be the Brose powerplant.
Soon it may be the new Bosch, which I have played on but only a carpark ride - or maybe the Flyon TQ is something I would love to try.
 
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118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
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Norfolk
Rusty - 70's monoshocks! I can remember riding twin shock as a kid, blimey.. certainly showing our ages now :( .. Is this because the Levo's rear triangle is too stiff, that you feel it's a bad design, transferring additional loads/energy through the top tube? Or just a poor pivot design? Perhaps to someone less experienced, the ride 'quality' is surpassed by simply getting out and riding. Clever marketing has created the specialized 'tax' I feel.. 20 years ago I has a FS Marin and no matter how much compression/rebound was dialled in, it hopped regardless, however I was 20 years younger back then...

I'm intrigued to see how much those flyon's lunch transmissions, given the increased torque that they produce.

May I ask you about wheels? As stated, I'm happiest on 650s. Given the additional weight of an ebike, do you think that the gyroscopics of 29s, is counteracted by this?

118.
 
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Pukmeister

Active member
Jul 18, 2019
283
263
Fareham
Clever marketing has created the specialized 'tax' I feel..

May I ask you about wheels? As stated, I'm happiest on 650s.

118.

I concur on both counts. I thought I wanted a Levo and was ready to jump on the bandwagon, then decided I'm not that hung up on having 29" wheels and don't like the reliability problems reported.

When I saw what was available for a lot less money with good dealer support and 27.5" wheels I was happy to buy something else.

The Levo is a decent bike, but IMO its overpriced compared to similar rival bikes.
 
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33red

New Member
Jun 12, 2019
447
137
Quebec, Canada
We all now the Eserie from Specialized is overpriced but many others are.
I think the first thing is buying a bike that rolls.
Am i too old school?
The terrible record of numerous repeated problems is just insane.
People pay around 5-6,000 US$ for what?
The dream of a great bike according to some fake review?
800-1,400$US used bikes are more reliable.
There is no use having the best brakes, suspension, tires, when u cannot use it, well should i specify IMHO?
The many are sold is not an excuse.
Each customer paid real money to get a real bike.
OK, i like the 27.5+ for traction but i love any bike that rolls day after day.
 
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khorn

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Patreon
Jul 19, 2018
980
1,055
Denmark
We all now the Eserie from Specialized is overpriced but many others are.
I think the first thing is buying a bike that rolls.
Am i too old school?
The terrible record of numerous repeated problems is just insane.
People pay around 5-6,000 US$ for what?
The dream of a great bike according to some fake review?
800-1,400$US used bikes are more reliable.
There is no use having the best brakes, suspension, tires, when u cannot use it, well should i specify IMHO?
The many are sold is not an excuse.
Each customer paid real money to get a real bike.
OK, i like the 27.5+ for traction but i love any bike that rolls day after day.
Pure nonsense!

Karsten
 

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