Matt
New Member
Early days for me on an Emtb, but wanted to share my thoughts based on my first ride on my 2019 LT7 at a Swinley on a Friday. It’s worth saying I have previously ridden Swinley many, many times on hard tails and full Sussex’s so have a degree of experience but by no means a pro! In no particular order;
The ability to cover so much more ground is awesome, especially if you sessioning particular trail sections, or just getting the fireroads done quickly. Really great if you’re struggling for time.
Braking is something that requires a little more thought and anticipation, even when going uphill.
The balance of the bike is different, partly due to weight and also the battery in the down tube, this seems to make the front wheel heavy, I’ll try adjusting my position on the bike, maybe a shorter stem?
Tire pressures and suspension setup seem to have more impact on the ride so need to spend some time dialling that in.
Bigger diameter forks DO make a difference, keeping the front wheel tracking straight and feeling planted.
Battery life, 14 miles ridden, 9 miles remaining according to the display. 3 out of 5 bars remaining, slightly confusing but I assume this is due to the dynamic calculation of usage and the battery not having a linear profile during usage. The whole ride was in Emtb mode.
Bosch motor is much, much quieter than I expected. Noisier at lower speeds.
Cadence is important to get the best out of the motor.
The speed limiter comes in early, maybe 14 mph (when compared to Garmin), it does feel like hitting treacle as it decouples.
Be gentle with drive chain, I suspect if you’re heavy thumbed you’ll be going through chains etc very quickly.
Jury’s out on the Bontrager tires, knobby nics on my previous full Sussex seemed better but I suspect the sidewalls would be too thin for an Emtb.
Like I said it’s early days and my thoughts may change, I know there are a few people on the forum considering buying an Emtb so thought I’d share my thoughts. ?
The ability to cover so much more ground is awesome, especially if you sessioning particular trail sections, or just getting the fireroads done quickly. Really great if you’re struggling for time.
Braking is something that requires a little more thought and anticipation, even when going uphill.
The balance of the bike is different, partly due to weight and also the battery in the down tube, this seems to make the front wheel heavy, I’ll try adjusting my position on the bike, maybe a shorter stem?
Tire pressures and suspension setup seem to have more impact on the ride so need to spend some time dialling that in.
Bigger diameter forks DO make a difference, keeping the front wheel tracking straight and feeling planted.
Battery life, 14 miles ridden, 9 miles remaining according to the display. 3 out of 5 bars remaining, slightly confusing but I assume this is due to the dynamic calculation of usage and the battery not having a linear profile during usage. The whole ride was in Emtb mode.
Bosch motor is much, much quieter than I expected. Noisier at lower speeds.
Cadence is important to get the best out of the motor.
The speed limiter comes in early, maybe 14 mph (when compared to Garmin), it does feel like hitting treacle as it decouples.
Be gentle with drive chain, I suspect if you’re heavy thumbed you’ll be going through chains etc very quickly.
Jury’s out on the Bontrager tires, knobby nics on my previous full Sussex seemed better but I suspect the sidewalls would be too thin for an Emtb.
Like I said it’s early days and my thoughts may change, I know there are a few people on the forum considering buying an Emtb so thought I’d share my thoughts. ?