Narrowing down options - First eMTB - e160? Trance? Rail? Sight VLT?

[Gee_Whiz]

6'4 250+ Fit
Current Bikes: Frey HT1000 (bafang ultra), Trek Allant +8 unlocked motor

Looking for the best all-around eMTB for green-black trails; mostly natural terrain; Under 10kusd

Are there tangible plusses and minuses to the bikes below that are able to ship within the US? Would it be possible to rank them as options?

2021 Merida eOne-Sixty 9000 Carbon -10k usd
Main cons seems to be, no extended battery option. Everything else seems A+; even thoughh these are associated with Specialized, will these have major issues with getting serviced in the US? ie firmware, frame if needed etc?

• Carbon frame, 150mm suspension travel - May also be able to purchase in aluminum for less
• FOX 38 Elite eMTB+ Air 160mm suspension travel
• FOX Float DPX2 Elite
• Shimano XT 4 pot brakes
• Shimano 1x12 drivetrain
• Merida Expert TR dropper
• Shimano EP8 85Nm w/ Shimano E8036 630Wh battery - Motor cant be unlocked which stinks

2021 Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 Carbon - 8500 usd
Main cons: Same as above, slightly lesser componentry, but higher than average at the price point

• Carbon frame, 150mm suspension travel - May also be able to purchase in aluminum for less
• Marzocchi Z1 Ebike+ Air 160mm suspension travel
• FOX Float DPX2 Performance
• Shimano SLX 4 piston brakes
• Shimano 1x12 drivetrain
• Merida Expert TR dropper
• Shimano EP8 85Nm w/ Shimano E8036 630Wh battery

2022 Trance X Advanced E+ 0 - 9000 usd - Trance X Advanced E+ 0 (2022) | Trail bike | Giant Bicycles US
Cons: Subjectively poor paint choice and aesthetics; electronic suspension in year 1, Heavy, long bike

• Frame: Advanced-grade composite frame, 140mm Maestro suspension. - worst paint job than the 7k model which looks amazing.. odd
• Fork: Fox 36 Factory Live Valve, 150mm travel.
• Shock: Fox Float X Factory Live Valve.
• Motor: Yamaha SyncDrive Pro, 85Nm.
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart 625Wh. these also have a 250wh add on pack
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 12-speed.
• Finishing kit: Giant Contact SL.

2022 Trance X Advanced E+ 2 - 7000 usd - Trance X Advanced E+ 2 (2022) | Trail bike | Giant Bicycles US
Cons: slightly above avg components for the price(this is a plus actually), maybe lower tier bushings etc? Heavy, long bike

• Frame: Advanced-grade composite frame, 140mm Maestro suspension.
• Fork: Fox 36 Performance, 150mm travel.
• Shock: Fox DPS Performance.
• Motor: Yamaha SyncDrive Pro, 85Nm.
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart 625Wh. - these also have a 250wh add on pack
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 12-speed.
• Finishing kit: Giant Contact.

2022 Norco Sight VLT C1 9000usd w/900wh battery - Sight VLT C1 | Norco
Cons: Heavy, long bike, long chain stays, 29er only vs mullet setup possiblities

• Carbon frame with a Shimano STEPS EP8 drive system, internal cable routing, and clearance for up to 2.6" tires
• SRAM X01/GX Eagle drivetrain performs well in demanding terrain
• SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power
• OneUp Adjustable Dropper quickly lifts and lowers your saddle with the press of a lever
• Battery 900wh
• Fork: Fox Factory Float 36 GRIP2, 160mm Travel
  Rear Shock: Fox Factory Float X2, 210x55mm
• Shimano EP8 85Nm w/ 900Wh battery

2021 Trek 9.9 XTR - Used (110k miles)
Any issue with buying well maintained used bikes? No other cons from I can tell other than older Trek software

Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230mm x 57.5mm
Fork RockShox ZEB Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC2 damper, e-MTB optimized, 44mm offset
Motor Bosch Performance CX, magnesium motor body, 250W, 75 Nm torque
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625, integrated, removable
Battery Capacity 625 Wh
Shifters Shimano XTR M9100, 12-speed
Front Derailleur None
Rear Derailleur Shimano XTR M9100, 12-speed, SHADOW RD+, long cage


Initial thoughts; The One-Sixty 9000 seems to be the best all arounder of the bunch? However, no extended battery potential on these. Regarding the Giant's, would it be more ideal to purchase the lower model, with the nicer frame, and upgrade to the parts of the higher model or are the lower models parts suitable for "harsh" riding as is?

The Norco Sight seems to be the second best all arounder after the One-Sixty 9000? Downsides seems to be weight and GX drivetrain over XT?


Other options: 2022 Levo Comp Alloy, 2022 Kenevo Expert (this bikes seems unsuitable for anything aside from extreme riding/downhill?), 2021 Moterra Neo Carbon 2, 2021 Trek Rail 9.8 XT/GX

 

[Doug Stampfer]

It seems to me that you have done more research than a lot of us here on the forum would have done. There is no right or wrong answer. There is no best bike or even a bad bike (if you stick to the main brands)
Ride them all if you can but one of them will stand out. I even suspect you have made your mind up but like a lot of us want someone to back up your choice.
FWIW I have a rail which is great, waiting on a E160 for the wife which the demo rode really well & would prob buy a Reign if updating for myself. So just go for which bike flips your switch.

 

[steve_sordy]

I ride a Merida eOne -Sixty 9000 and it exceeds my expectations (bought without a test ride), buy with confidence. You cannot buy the same spec bike with an alloy frame; the closest in spec would be the eOne Sixty 975, but it is a lot cheaper.

Archived :: eONE-SIXTY 975 - MERIDA BIKES

eONE-SIXTY 975

www.merida-bikes.com

I am unaware of any battery extender that Merida sell. However, there may be other purpose-made extender batteries that are available on the aftermarket. One supplier posts on here occasionally.

The 630Whr battery that comes as standard comes up with 105miles in Eco, just how far do you want to go? I realise that at 250lbs, you are a big unit, but the bike is light (around 22kg with tubeless tyres), the motor is efficient too. But as with all batteries; if you just put the motor in Boost and cane it, then you won't get very far. Loads of fun, but limited in time.

 

[Gee_Whiz]

It seems to me that you have done more research than a lot of us here on the forum would have done. There is no right or wrong answer. There is no best bike or even a bad bike (if you stick to the main brands)
Ride them all if you can but one of them will stand out. I even suspect you have made your mind up but like a lot of us want someone to back up your choice.
FWIW I have a rail which is great, waiting on a E160 for the wife which the demo rode really well & would prob buy a Reign if updating for myself. So just go for which bike flips your switch.

This is incredibly salient advice and its much appreciated. You nailed it though.. I do know the one that im leaning towards, but wanted to make sure I wasnt missing anything in the analysis process. Ill do some test riding and let the process play itself out.

May I ask, regarding your Rail, is there anything you would change about it if you could?

Thanks again!

 

[Gee_Whiz]

I ride a Merida eOne -Sixty 9000 and it exceeds my expectations (bought without a test ride), buy with confidence. You cannot buy the same spec bike with an alloy frame; the closest in spec would be the eOne Sixty 975, but it is a lot cheaper.

Archived :: eONE-SIXTY 975 - MERIDA BIKES

eONE-SIXTY 975

www.merida-bikes.com

I am unaware of any battery extender that Merida sell. However, there may be other purpose-made extender batteries that are available on the aftermarket. One supplier posts on here occasionally.

The 630Whr battery that comes as standard comes up with 105miles in Eco, just how far do you want to go? I realise that at 250lbs, you are a big unit, but the bike is light (around 22kg with tubeless tyres), the motor is efficient too. But as with all batteries; if you just put the motor in Boost and cane it, then you won't get very far. Loads of fun, but limited in time.

The Merida looks ahmazzzing but I didnt realize their warranty support is nil in the US since its essentially a Levo it seems.. but everyone just raves about the ride on the 160's

 

[Growmac]

6'4 250+ Fit
Current Bikes: Frey HT1000 (bafang ultra), Trek Allant +8 unlocked motor

Looking for the best all-around eMTB for green-black trails; mostly natural terrain; Under 10kusd

Are there tangible plusses and minuses to the bikes below that are able to ship within the US? Would it be possible to rank them as options?

2021 Merida eOne-Sixty 9000 Carbon -10k usd
Main cons seems to be, no extended battery option. Everything else seems A+; even thoughh these are associated with Specialized, will these have major issues with getting serviced in the US? ie firmware, frame if needed etc?

• Carbon frame, 150mm suspension travel - May also be able to purchase in aluminum for less
• FOX 38 Elite eMTB+ Air 160mm suspension travel
• FOX Float DPX2 Elite
• Shimano XT 4 pot brakes
• Shimano 1x12 drivetrain
• Merida Expert TR dropper
• Shimano EP8 85Nm w/ Shimano E8036 630Wh battery - Motor cant be unlocked which stinks

I have the 2020 version of the Merida e160 9k. So, same spec but E8000 motor and 504 wh battery.

I think geometry has stayed similar, and it's set up to be pretty playful. It's not as planted as my 2020 Specialised Enduro, but it descends well, and it doesn't feel nearly as heavy and staid as some I've tried briefly. I needed to reduce the low speed compression on the rear shock to get it to perform well on steep, technical climbs, but it's pretty good now that's sorted, albeit not as good as the 2020 Rail which my regular riding buddy is on.

An advantage of the E8000 motor is that you can easily tell it you're in the US and get 20 mph, not 15.5. Unless they've changed the design then the battery cover can fall off - put a strap on it. Oh, and the dropper on mine failed within 4 months and they couldn't repair it so maybe budget for a change.

In the UK the warranty support is terrible. Whereas Bosch 100% stand by their customer, Shimano (Madison) are not interested. Also the 403 wh batteries degrade fast. I don't know if that's something that's sorted on the larger batteries from 2021?

Overall, it's a nice bike, I'm keeping it for now, but Shimano's support sucks and if I was replacing it today I'd be getting a Trek Rail.

 

[steve_sordy]

The Merida looks ahmazzzing but I didnt realize their warranty support is nil in the US since its essentially a Levo it seems.. but everyone just raves about the ride on the 160's

Essentially a Levo? That is the first I have heard of that. And not surprisingly, the frames are completely different, just compare pics side by side. They even have different motors. The motor in the eOne-Sixty is the EP8 from 2021 onwards.

 

[Gee_Whiz]

Essentially a Levo? That is the first I have heard of that. And not surprisingly, the frames are completely different, just compare pics side by side. They even have different motors. The motor in the eOne-Sixty is the EP8 from 2021 onwards.

I meant in terms of merida owning part of specialized mainly, but yes very different machines in practical use it seems

 

[Gee_Whiz]

I have the 2020 version of the Merida e160 9k. So, same spec but E8000 motor and 504 wh battery.

I think geometry has stayed similar, and it's set up to be pretty playful. It's not as planted as my 2020 Specialised Enduro, but it descends well, and it doesn't feel nearly as heavy and staid as some I've tried briefly. I needed to reduce the low speed compression on the rear shock to get it to perform well on steep, technical climbs, but it's pretty good now that's sorted, albeit not as good as the 2020 Rail which my regular riding buddy is on.

An advantage of the E8000 motor is that you can easily tell it you're in the US and get 20 mph, not 15.5. Unless they've changed the design then the battery cover can fall off - put a strap on it. Oh, and the dropper on mine failed within 4 months and they couldn't repair it so maybe budget for a change.

In the UK the warranty support is terrible. Whereas Bosch 100% stand by their customer, Shimano (Madison) are not interested. Also the 403 wh batteries degrade fast. I don't know if that's something that's sorted on the larger batteries from 2021?

Overall, it's a nice bike, I'm keeping it for now, but Shimano's support sucks and if I was replacing it today I'd be getting a Trek Rail.

Thank you for the datapoint! Ive heard the same about the support on those bikes from Shimano

 

[Doug Stampfer]

This is incredibly salient advice and its much appreciated. You nailed it though.. I do know the one that im leaning towards, but wanted to make sure I wasnt missing anything in the analysis process. Ill do some test riding and let the process play itself out.

May I ask, regarding your Rail, is there anything you would change about it if you could?

Thanks again!

Actually that poses a very good question to myself - since I have changed everything on the bike bar the brakes (including the colour) why do I actually like the Rail? I guess it's because it can handle the really gnarly tracks pretty well & not do anything badly. It was also about bang for buck as I'm a tightarse - hence the appeal of the new Reign - hands down better value than the Rail nowadays. My rail was 2/3 of the price it is now when I bought it.
I would go for a mullet next time (hence the E160 for the wife - we share the same size bikes so it really means when it arrives I have 2 bikes) because I get a bit of arse buzz from the 29 rear & distracts me when I need to be really concentrating on the bigger descents & also some times I think the handling would be sweeter through tight terrain on the mullet.
I think the bosch is ok & found the shimano had less power but tbh I never bought an emtb for full power just to get me to the tops so either is fine for our needs.
If it was all down to looks though I have to say Specialized have the best looking lines along with Whyte.

 

[jon_tech9]

Commencal has the meta power 29 TR ohlins axs in stock for $8,199. That is a crazy good price for ohlins, XT brakes and AXS drivetrain. I have the longer travel meta power 29 ohlins and absolutely love the performance.

 

[Gee_Whiz]

Commencal has the meta power 29 TR ohlins axs in stock for $8,199. That is a crazy good price for ohlins, XT brakes and AXS drivetrain. I have the longer travel meta power 29 ohlins and absolutely love the performance.

Ive never even heard of that bike before; ill check it out; TY!

 

[1oldfart]

In 2018 i got an Emountainbike (haibike) with Yamaha, i never had an issue.
I like reliable so now i enjoy Yamaha on Giant because Haibike are not distributed in Canada.
Never an issue. A guy your weight will have no clue if a bike is 3 pounds heavier or not.
I weight 140 and have no problem with my 53 pounder.
About 3 days ago i read again about a Yamaha about 20,000 miles trouble free.
I love their instant respond, their reliability and their 5 levels of assistance.
Generaly i ride alone but i can ride with some not assisted or a friend on an assisted
Norco(Shimano).
If it fits you i recommand the Trance of your choice. I just ordered my
2022 Giant/Yamaha Stance E+.

 

[jeanmarc]

These are all good bikes, no issue there. I would put further analysis on geometry of each as there are some significant differences in the bikes you are looking at.
I have a 2020 Giant Trance which has absolutely no issues for 2,600km but I just changed for the 2022 Reign mostly for geometry… quite different ride and feel. Enjoy the shopping!

 

[Gee_Whiz]

In 2018 i got an Emountainbike (haibike) with Yamaha, i never had an issue.
I like reliable so now i enjoy Yamaha on Giant because Haibike are not distributed in Canada.
Never an issue. A guy your weight will have no clue if a bike is 3 pounds heavier or not.
I weight 140 and have no problem with my 53 pounder.
About 3 days ago i read again about a Yamaha about 20,000 miles trouble free.
I love their instant respond, their reliability and their 5 levels of assistance.
Generaly i ride alone but i can ride with some not assisted or a friend on an assisted
Norco(Shimano).
If it fits you i recommand the Trance of your choice. I just ordered my
2022 Giant/Yamaha Stance E+.

Thanks! Ironically Ive zeroed in on the Trance as well.. seems to check numerous boxes and appears to be very built. Thanks!