HT vs FS e bike?

[davec]

Hi new the forum and just saying hello.
I live in sheffield so lucky to have easy access to some great trails.
Havent actually got an emtb yet, just eyeing up models as now is obviously a difficult time to try stuff.
First decision is hardtail or FS (use a hardtail bike now). Hardtail 1k cheaper and less moving parts, FS i hear are great but more expensive and more prone to maintainance issues. Any advice on HT vs FS on ebikes?

 

[simonk]

Welcome.
The chances are you’ll outgrow a HT ebike fairly quickly so for that reason, and if the budget will accommodate, I’d go FS. An ebike will open up terrain you’d never even considered before and you’ll enjoy it all the more with suspension on both ends. I have a hardtail analog mtb too.
Have you got anything on your shortlist?

 

[davec]

You make a good point. You can always lock out FS. I was looking at trek rail 5 and cube 140. Its an expensive hobby for sure so im lower end i guess.

 

[maynard]

Fs

 

[Rail5]

Having started with a HT I am not gonna say I wasn’t happy as my initial ideas of what I was going to use it for, it was great. However once you get the bug like me I quickly upgraded to a FS like you said you are in a good location which I feel you would benefit from a FS. As for bike choices I opted with the trek rail 5 and it is great value for money in my opinion, I have had a few problems but nothing major wear about tear really and it has covered pretty much all terrain in all weathers. I would recommend you visit JE JAMES and arrange a test ride on some of the bikes you mentioned.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

The efficiency related advantages of HT would be more apparent on manual bikes or commuter eBikes.

However if you’re intending to do proper trail rides, a FS eMTB makes more sense because the motor will quickly change your ability to tackle technical terrain. In time you will attempt riding places you couldn’t beforehand because physical limitations will no longer hold you back.

Even an entry level FS may serve you better in the long run.

 

[R120]

As an owner of both, I would recommend the FS route.

Two reasons for this, firstly there are not really any EMTB Hardtails with progressive geometry that are designed to be ridden hard, in the mould of the normal hardcore hardtail, save for perhaps the Kinesis Rise which uses the lightweight and lower power Fazua systems. Most EMTB hardtails are designed and specced with components with not much more that light xc riding in mind.

Secondly ,is that unlike on a FS where the rear suspension does a lot to help mitigate the extra weight of an EMTB, you really will notice the extra weight on a hardtail EMTB far more in relation to riding a regular hardtail, especially if you are used to railing around on your conventional hardtail. The extra weight also means the components take far more of a mullering out back on a hardtail EMTB - I have been through several sets of rear wheel bearings for example on mine, the rim is dealing with 20kg of weight hammering though it on drops etc.

I ride my EMTB Hardtail pretty aggressively, but I have thrown money at it, but without the safety net of rear suspension when it gets squirly you really know about the 20kg of weight bucking around below you, and they dont have the manoeuvrability of their acoustic cousins due to this weight. I have a lot of fun on it, but for proper trail riding if I only had the one EMTB it would be a fs all day long

 

[Fingerpuk]

This forum will repeat FS until you give in and buy one. I did, they were correct. I want a HT analogue for when my fitness is ready for it, but on the ebike the FS makes so much sense.

 

[Beekeeper]

Hard tails are fantastic but your riding style / skills / boredom / sense of adventure will probably sway you towards increasingly difficult terrain.
I’m always trying to jump that little bit higher, or traverse slightly rockier ground each time I go out. My bones and bike are now starting to take one hell of a beating ?

Next bike will be a FS for sure but something not too extreme. I’m thinking of a Cube Stereo 120 somewhere down the line.

 

[Gary]

buy a good FS Emtb
But keep your nice light normal hardtail. heavy Emtb hardtails handle horribly in comparison.

 

[TrailBoB]

buy a good FS Emtb
But keep your nice light normal hardtail. heavy Emtb hardtails handle horribly in comparison.

Davec
I was of the same option as you wanted a HT to keep the expense down, I bit the bullet & bought a FS ex Demo from sprocketcycles, 10 days since, its true what OP's say on here you will be tackling stuff you wouldn't normally be doing, as emtb give you more access to places that require a FS. I looked at a Decathlon Stillus, cracking spec for the money & dipping a toe into the emtb world. But none in stock when I tried to buy 1, so opted for a Focus 6.8 Nine. Good luck. Welcome to the club. ??

 

[davec]

Thanks for all the advice, Its great to hear from people who have tried both. Am leaning toward FS in line with majority feedback, I am in my mid fifties and HT is quite hard on the body. Have heard good things about Focus - added to shortlist.