New buyer advice

[Hedgehog]

I’m looking to buy my first emtb and with the price they cost I want as much advice about my purchase As possible. Ive Owned a few mountain bikes and my current hybrid mountain bike but never owned a full suspension bike. I’m leaning towards either a Giant Stance E+2, a Trek Powerfly fs4 or the hardtail Powerfly4. Main reason for Giant and Trek is because I have several dealers for both within 45 minutes of me. I don’t plan on doing extreme downhill riding, just dirt trails and paved trails. I’m sure the hard tail would be fine but I was wondering if I should go for the full suspension since I might be going faster on trails with the electric bike. Any advice would be appreciated

 

[SwampNut]

I don’t know those specific models, but I’ll tell you that every time I get back on a hardtail I absolutely hate it. You’ll never want to go back.

 

[Mikes56]

We just bought the Specialized Levos which are full suspension. After riding them we would never go back to a hard tail bike. Dropping off curbs, or a rough trail is so much nicer with full suspension. It’s worth the extra cost.

 

[PennywiseTheDancingClown]

I don’t know those specific models, but I’ll tell you that every time I get back on a hardtail I absolutely hate it. You’ll never want to go back.

I don't know about that... I've been having more fun on my sons amish hard tail than on my merida e160 700.

 

[steve_sordy]

I have never ridden a hardtail emtb, but these pages have many riders saying that they soon get rid and buy a full suss. The extra weight does the HT experience no favours.

 

[Hedgehog]

So I got to try a Giant hard tail and a Giant Stance E+2 and now I am a believer, I definitely want full suspension. Whit that being said, what do you guys recommend for a full suspension emtb under 5 grand? I rode both the Giant Stance E+2 and E+1 and they were both nice. they had the 70 nM Yamaha drive system. I want to look at the Trek Powerfly FS4 which has the Bosch CX system but there are none local for me to try. The local Trek dealer said they will order me one if I pay in full and if I don’t like it they will refund me the money. I wish I could find one in stock. Any input would be appreciated

 

[Hedgehog]

So what is the more reliable motor system between Bosch and Yamaha?

 

[Bummers]

So what is the more reliable motor system between Bosch and Yamaha?

Bosch is generally the preferred option in terms of dealer support and after market servicing once warranty runs out.
However I think all the motors ride differently, ideally you could do with trying both to see which you prefer.