Need help choosing my first bike (shortlist)

[Brendon]

Hi Guys

Copied this post from an earlier thread post.

I am hoping to enter into the world of mountain biking and wanting to purchase my first EMTB. I'm looking for some advice on which bike to get. I don't have much riding experience, other than some basic downhill trails when I was in my early teens. I am from Canberra, Australia -- we have so many great trails around here that I have always wanted to check out.

So far I have been looking into the following bikes:

• Cube Hybrid Stereo 140 29" (~$6000)
• Cube Hybrid Stereo 160 27.5" (~$6300)
• Focus Jam² 6.7 NINE (~$6000)
• Trek Powerfly LT 9.7 G2 (~$6000)

I think I am leaning towards the Cube 160 -- but I really don't know what I should be looking for... and quite overwhelmed with all the different bikes out there. One main issue I am having problems with is whether I should go for a 27.5" or a 29" for my first bike. What do you guys think? I am around 183cm and 80kg.

My budget is around $4000-$6500 AUD. It might seem a little steep for my first bike, but I would rather spend more money now on a decent bike than to purchase one and find out I want to upgrade in a year or so.

Look forward to posting more once I get a bike!

Anyone else around in Canberra?

 

[mxtyphoon]

I have a 2018 Trek Powerfly 5 FS and like it. But they have made motor improvements that are lighter and easier to pedal without power now. Plus some have upgraded their display and what you can do with that or your phone now too.
2 piston brakes are better. I guess a good dealer would be something to think about too.
Good luck on your decision. Make sure to ride them all.

 

[Brendon]

Sweet! I also looked at the Powerfly FS 5 but figured I have a bit spare cash due to covid, so I might as well go for the upgrade.

I've been to my local Trek store twice now and very disappointed with the service. Both times I went in I waited around for about 20-30mins, the guys working there just kept serving other people who had walked in after me - wouldn't even acknowledge me. Finally got served after literally cutting off the staff while walking to help another person.

I asked about stock levels of the Powerfly LT 9.7, and as he went to check the system he started helping another person. Couldn't believe it... I just walked out after that. Need to find another store now!

 

[mxtyphoon]

Just grab something and start walking to the door. Maybe that will get their attention. Lol

 

[Forever Wild]

I like my 2020 Trek Powerfly LT 9.7. But I like my 2019 Kenevo Comp better. The powerfly feels heavy but I ride it hard and it takes a beating on arizona trails. The powerfly feels very solid.

I posted a review of the difference between the powerfly and Kenevo if you’re interested.

 

[JJLevo19]

I did a lot research before my purchase this time last year. At the time I couldn’t see past the Levo 19. I’m glad I went with the Levo as I don’t think there was anything really better then.

A lot of new bikes are out now so I see it would be a lot harder to make your choice.
The Levo still stands strong with the 700w battery option, 90nm motor, 29er wheels and more.

Merida bikes are good value with better components but there battery capacity and great motors haven’t changed. The new Bosch motor sounds like a really good option too so I think the cube is a great bike too.

It’s best to buy from a LBS that is all over emtbs as a lot are just bike shops and they can’t update your firmware upon servicing and any warranty issues could take longer to get your bike back. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[CavMan]

Update 26/06/2020.... Bosch motors are receiving updated firmware raising torque from 75nm to 85nm.

Brendon, I am also Canberra based and looking at buying an EMTB. After test riding a Specialized Levo on the weekend along the Centenary trail for 40km I am looking at a bike with 29 in wheels rather than 27.5.

My current Mtn Bike is a Giant with 27.5 wheels and riding on 29, the difference was amazing.

I found the Trek over priced for what they offer compared to other brands. Base model in 29 was $8,800 AUD.

I have reviewed a bunch of different models based on motor, battery capacity, max rider weight limit and price. You might find this useful. Not perfect. Pushys for Focus, Giant and Norco. Lonsdale Cyclery for Specialized, and 99Bikes for Merida and Cube.

The only place you can get a 24hr rental trial is Specialized, Pushys and Trek don't have them nor does 99Bikes.

Manufacturer	Model	Motor	Power (nm)	Battery (Wh)	Rims	Travel	Price (AUD)	Max all up Weight
Specialized	Levo Comp	Bros	90​	700​	29​	150mm	$9,000​	130kg
Specialized	Levo	Bros	90​	500​	29​	150mm	$7,400​	130kg
Focus	THRON² 6.7	Bosch CX	75​	500​	29​	130mm	$5,499​	120kg
Focus	THRON² 6.8	Bosch CX	75​	625​	29​	130mm	$6,499​	120kg
Focus	JAM² 6.7 NINE	Bosch CX	75​	625​	27/29	150mm	$6,499​	120kg
Focus	JAM² 6.6 NINE	Shimano e8000	70​	756 (378+378)	27/29	150mm	$5,999​	120kg
Merida	20 eONE FORTY 8000 LG(44)	Shimano e8000	70​	504​	29​	140mm	$6,999​	140kg
Merida	20 eONE FORTY LTD ED SM	Shimano e8000	70​	504​	29​	140mm	$6,999​	140kg
Merida	20 eONE SIXTY 500SE	Shimano e7000	60​	504​	27.5​	160mm	$5,899​	140kg
Giant	Trance E+ 1 Pro	Giant SyncDrive Pro	80​	500​	27.5​	150mm	$7,499​	156kg
Giant	Reign E+ 2 Pro	Giant SyncDrive Pro	80​	500​	27.5​	170mm	$7,699​	156kg
Giant	Stance E+ 2	Giant SyncDrive Pro	80​	400​	27.5​	130mm	$4,999​	156kg
Cube	Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 625	Bosch CX	75​	625​	29​	140mm	$6,299​	N/K
Norco	Sight VLT A1 29	Shimano e8000	70​	630 (+ 300 Extender)	29​	150mm	$7,199​	N/K
Norco	Sight VLT C2 29	Shimano e8000	70​	630 (+ 300 Extender)	29​	150mm	$9,599​

 

[Jared74cornwall]

Cube stereo 160 action team is an absolute bargain when you look at the spec slightly bias as i have one on the way having test rode it it was an easy decision ... absolute beast of a bike ..

 

[Spreaders]

Brendon, I am also Canberra based and looking at buying an EMTB. After test riding a Specialized Levo on the weekend along the Centenary trail for 40km I am looking at a bike with 29 in wheels rather than 27.5.

My current Mtn Bike is a Giant with 27.5 wheels and riding on 29, the difference was amazing.

I found the Trek over priced for what they offer compared to other brands. Base model in 29 was $8,800 AUD.

I have reviewed a bunch of different models based on motor, battery capacity, max rider weight limit and price. You might find this useful. Not perfect. Pushys for Focus, Giant and Norco. Lonsdale Cyclery for Specialized, and 99Bikes for Merida and Cube.

The only place you can get a 24hr rental trial is Specialized, Pushys and Trek don't have them nor does 99Bikes.

Manufacturer	Model	Motor	Power (nm)	Battery (Wh)	Rims	Travel	Price (AUD)	Max all up Weight
Specialized	Levo Comp	Bros	90​	700​	29​	150mm	$9,000​	130kg
Specialized	Levo	Bros	90​	500​	29​	150mm	$7,400​	130kg
Focus	THRON² 6.7	Bosch CX	75​	500​	29​	130mm	$5,499​	120kg
Focus	THRON² 6.8	Bosch CX	75​	625​	29​	130mm	$6,499​	120kg
Focus	JAM² 6.7 NINE	Bosch CX	75​	625​	27/29	150mm	$6,499​	120kg
Focus	JAM² 6.6 NINE	Shimano e8000	70​	756 (378+378)	27/29	150mm	$5,999​	120kg
Merida	20 eONE FORTY 8000 LG(44)	Shimano e8000	70​	504​	29​	140mm	$6,999​	140kg
Merida	20 eONE FORTY LTD ED SM	Shimano e8000	70​	504​	29​	140mm	$6,999​	140kg
Merida	20 eONE SIXTY 500SE	Shimano e7000	60​	504​	27.5​	160mm	$5,899​	140kg
Giant	Trance E+ 1 Pro	Giant SyncDrive Pro	80​	500​	27.5​	150mm	$7,499​	156kg
Giant	Reign E+ 2 Pro	Giant SyncDrive Pro	80​	500​	27.5​	170mm	$7,699​	156kg
Giant	Stance E+ 2	Giant SyncDrive Pro	80​	400​	27.5​	130mm	$4,999​	156kg
Cube	Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 625	Bosch CX	75​	625​	29​	140mm	$6,299​	N/K
Norco	Sight VLT A1 29	Shimano e8000	70​	630 (+ 300 Extender)	29​	150mm	$7,199​	N/K
Norco	Sight VLT C2 29	Shimano e8000	70​	630 (+ 300 Extender)	29​	150mm	$9,599​

Love a spreadsheet! Good prices from Focus and great deals on Giant in Aus. Why no Trek Rail as that seems to fit with the sort of bikes you looking at? Don't know whether it's available or what it costs in Aud but Commencal Meta Power would also sit well in your list and add to your confusion.

 

[Andrew U]

Been trying to find stock of Turbo Levo Comp.. got this reply from one local shop.

New 2021 models are due mid July . Oops did I just say that .
Suppose to be a SPECIALIZED secret.

So I am going to try and be patient...

 

[Brendon]

@CavMan - Awesome table man - thanks for sharing! This is definitely useful, you should post it on the Australia board too.

Cube stereo 160 action team is an absolute bargain when you look at the spec slightly bias as i have one on the way having test rode it it was an easy decision ... absolute beast of a bike ..

We only have the SL model in Australia, I couldn't find the ActionTeam anywhere.

I am thinking of waiting until mid to late winter to make my purchase. Will give me time to see the 2021 models, possibly grab a bargain on 2020 models, and hopefully by then things have quietened down. Just noticed that 99Bikes increased all Cube models (incl. normal MTB) by $300. Definitely a sellers market at the moment.... come winter in Canberra, hopefully a buyers market again.

 

[CavMan]

Got a response from Norco. Max weight (rider and bike) 136kg.

@Speaders, I didnt list Trek for two reasons, they were expensive compared to other manufacturers for similar spec bikes. Their models run Bosch 3rd Gen, not 4th Gen motors. Trek update their models every two years, so 2021 before you will see 4th gen on their bikes.

 

[Brendon]

@CavMan - I just booked in for 24hr ride of the Cube 160 at 99 Bikes Phillip for $49. Their website doesn't show any stock in the whole of Australia, so I was a little surprised to see one there. Going to give it a ride on Saturday.... also the guy said they might be able to get one of the Cube 140 from Sydney if I pay 20% (refundable) deposit. So likely I will give one of those a go too.

 

[Bigxmtb]

@Speaders, I didnt list Trek for two reasons, they were expensive compared to other manufacturers for similar spec bikes. Their models run Bosch 3rd Gen, not 4th Gen motors. Trek update their models every two years, so 2021 before you will see 4th gen on their bikes.

This is wrong my brother recently got a Trek 2020 model and it has the new Bosch motor on so not sure where you got that idea.

@Brendon Like others said the Cube has an awesome spec for the price and same with the giants. Think soon as you get on the cube you will want to have it, soon as i tried an ebike I had to have one.

 

[CavMan]

This is wrong my brother recently got a Trek 2020 model and it has the new Bosch motor on so not sure where you got that idea.

@Brendon Like others said the Cube has an awesome spec for the price and same with the giants. Think soon as you get on the cube you will want to have it, soon as i tried an ebike I had to have one.

I can only go on what the Trek sales person told me when I was standing there looking at his bikes. They had a Rail in there, their base model as he put it, at $8,800 AUD, priced well above the other bikes I had looked at that day. It was he who told me they had the Gen 3 Bosch, and some models still had Gen 2.

Checking the Trek Website it lists the Powerfly LT 9.7 G2 at $5,999.99 AUD down from $7,999 on sale, no mention as to model gen of the Bosch motor, whereas Trek Rail 7 is $8,999.99 AUD and specifically states it has the Gen 4.

A gen 4 Bosch with 625Wh battery on a 150mm travel frame puts the Trek Rail in line with Focus Jam ($5,999)and Thron ($5,499), and the Cube Stereo($6,299). All of which are a lot cheaper than the Trek Rail 7($8,999).

Nothing against Trek, just maths - what do I get for how much. I am no guru rider or chasing the highest spec. In all honesty I probably couldn't feel the nuances between frames/forks/shocks and tyres as I rolled down the trails. I just want a bike that will carry my weight, be reliable and get me up steep tracks, and some range in it.

I am looking at Specialized Levo Comp and Giant Trance E+ Pro right now as they have the highest torque motors at 80 and 90nm, and the higher weight limits. I ride Focus and unfortunately they max out at 120kg (bike and rider).

I want 29 inch wheels, but the Giant has 27.5 like my current Giant.

Cube is nice, but not popular in Australia and finding models to view/test is difficult if not impossible where I live. Some brands don't even have their full range here. Haibike has no current 2020, only 2018 stock on their Australian website. I like the XDURO AllMtn 5.0, but is it heavy and not stocked by the dealer here at all.

 

[MadsB]

This is wrong my brother recently got a Trek 2020 model and it has the new Bosch motor on so not sure where you got that idea.

@Brendon Like others said the Cube has an awesome spec for the price and same with the giants. Think soon as you get on the cube you will want to have it, soon as i tried an ebike I had to have one.

Some Powerfly 2020 models still use the 3rd gen motor, but I think the Rail is all 4th gen.

 

[GT LTS1]

went for the cube 160 Action team as a great price/spec but honestly didn't try the 140 (same price here in CH) as that was all the LBS had in Cube and I wanted to get cracking with what looked like a great bike . frankly moving from a 26 old MTB the 27.5 seemed well big enough especially with the wide tires. maybe 29 better but happy to wait for next/wifes bike for that, am having a blast with the 160. my view get what you like and have fun now.

 

[CavMan]

Hi Guys

Copied this post from an earlier thread post.

I am hoping to enter into the world of mountain biking and wanting to purchase my first EMTB. I'm looking for some advice on which bike to get. I don't have much riding experience, other than some basic downhill trails when I was in my early teens. I am from Canberra, Australia -- we have so many great trails around here that I have always wanted to check out.

...........

Look forward to posting more once I get a bike!

Anyone else around in Canberra?

So how did you go Brendon?

Have you found a bike yet?

We just bought two bikes tonight, a Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay A50 and a Focus Jam2 6.8 NINE.

I hadn't looked at the Rocky Mountain range before but got quite interested when I saw the bike and the 672 Wh with the 108Nm motor.

Quickly turned into "Shut up and take my money"

 

[CavMan]

Quick Update
Rocky Mountain Instinct is rated to max rider weight of 136kg.

 

[CBSTD]

The new Olympia EX900 you could do a lap of Aus with that size of battery