Newbie into Mtb and Ebikes.

[Sbozzy]

Hi all, well after spending many hours on YouTube watching ebike and Emtb videos, reading reviews and visiting a few stores I end up here.
I’m really looking for solid advise and a point into the right direction.

My back story:
I’m a 40year old, medium build chap, who's ridden a hybrid boardman briefly for past few years.
Now i enjoy being out but i hate riding the hybrid as you feel every groove and stone on the road, and a few of the routes i like, involve canal paths, grass and tracks.
So now I’m really interested in Mtb's for more comfort and future possibilities but more importantly Electric Mtb.

Now the question is Hardtail or FS, I’ve been to a few bike shops and seen bikes like Cube's Reaction Hybrid Sl500 which has decent components etc. So for what i do at the minute i guess it would be fine.
But i do quite fancy perhaps trying more trail work, as i used to do a lot of green laning on Motorbikes and enjoy off-roading, so I’m a bit confused what to do.
Ultimately i will be using it for a 4 mile commute, canal paths, cycle paths, crossing fields and like i said trails.

Then the question is what motor/battery setup is best, as I’ve mainly been looking at the Bosch CX and 500mah but recently watching lots of videos on the Specialized Brose.
I initially looked at the Voodoo Zobop E, then like mentioned the Cube but since ive been offered a Specialized levo comp 6fattie 2017 for same money. However this i believe has the older 1.2 motor and the lower 400mah battery.

And on the subject of motors ive read today that the bosch is really hard to ride if it runs flat or you go over the restricted speed? But brose doesn’t?

Its all very confusing and i could do with a bit of help, at the end of the day im very new and never even ridden an Ebike but really want one now.
And thanks to this site and its Youtube channel im excited about delving into it all and get a bike.

Sorry for the massive post but i wanted to cover everything.
I look forward to speaking to some of you.

Steve

 

[Dave]

Silly questions maybe ! - EMTB Forums

Have a look at this thread mate ..... answers a lot of your questions

 

[Sbozzy]

Silly questions maybe ! - EMTB Forums

Have a look at this thread mate ..... answers a lot of your questions

Many thanks ill have a read.

 

[eFat]

Welcome!

And on the subject of motors ive read today that the bosch is really hard to ride if it runs flat or you go over the restricted speed? But brose doesn’t?

I have bikes with each motor, the difference is exaggerated.

P.S. 500mAh is quite small! It's either around 14Ah or (*36V) 500Wh.

 

[Sbozzy]

Welcome!

I have bikes with each motor, the difference is exaggerated.

P.S. 500mAh is quite small! It's either around 14Ah or (*36V) 500Wh.

Ooops yeah sorry fat fingers.. yeah 500Wh on the Cube and i think 406Wh on the Specialized that was offered me..

So both motors feel ok when the motors not on? Alot seem to say the Bosch CX is like Peddeling through treacle when not on or cut out..

 

[Wiltshire Warrior]

The Bosch hard to pedal is bull crud, mine pedals really easily and freely, even up medium inclines I can pedal effortlessly.

Buy fully subs as the speed you will have demands the control and traction

Also don't worry too much about this bike or that bike, if you are I the 3.5 to 6k budget range you simply can't buy a bad bike.

Just get one and start enjoying it.

 

[DaiGaled]

Ooops yeah sorry fat fingers.. yeah 500Wh on the Cube and i think 406Wh on the Specialized that was offered me..

So both motors feel ok when the motors not on? Alot seem to say the Bosch CX is like Peddeling through treacle when not on or cut out..

I have a cube with the Bosch CX in and it’s a great motor, however, when the motor is off it is difficult to pedal. My mate has the same bike and he says the same thing. It is easier when you teach the max speed cut off but still has a degree of resistance. Hope that helps.

 

[Mb2rrf]

Welcome
The voodoo e is a belting bike mate I’ve put mine through a lot check the vids out Mart Brown

 

[Tori]

G'day Steve and welcome to the forum. It's an exciting time as you consider your purchase, and learn about all the tech etc. It's even more exciting when you take delivery of your bike and get out there riding!!!

Plenty of good riding over in the UK by the looks of what the folks on this forum are posting. It's a great opportunity to get into a new sport. If you can, approach some local shops and arrange some test rides, or failing that perhaps see if any forum members are close to you and could give you a run on their machines??

You can't go too far wrong with many of the EMTB's on offer. You just need to find one that fits you and that you enjoy the motor character. I'm a Levo fan but could have been equally as happy on a Shimano system etc. I've got a few vids in my signature that could help if you haven't already seen them.

All the best in your search

 

[Kaelidoz]

The Bosch hard to pedal is bull crud, mine pedals really easily and freely, even up medium inclines I can pedal effortlessly.

With the motor off? I just don't believe you. I tried them, without any assist they're horrible compared to most motors.
20kg+ bike with that much drag in the pedals just... felt bad. Freely/easily/effortlessly are not the adjectives I'd use.

They were pretty smooth with the assist on tho Really different than my Yamaha PW.

 

[Sbozzy]

I have a cube with the Bosch CX in and it’s a great motor, however, when the motor is off it is difficult to pedal. My mate has the same bike and he says the same thing. It is easier when you teach the max speed cut off but still has a degree of resistance. Hope that helps.

Yeah thats what all the reviews say, its a really good drive unit but has alot of Drag when you hit the limit or motor off.. Thats kind of putting me off to be honest.

 

[Sbozzy]

G'day Steve and welcome to the forum. It's an exciting time as you consider your purchase, and learn about all the tech etc. It's even more exciting when you take delivery of your bike and get out there riding!!!

Plenty of good riding over in the UK by the looks of what the folks on this forum are posting. It's a great opportunity to get into a new sport. If you can, approach some local shops and arrange some test rides, or failing that perhaps see if any forum members are close to you and could give you a run on their machines??

You can't go too far wrong with many of the EMTB's on offer. You just need to find one that fits you and that you enjoy the motor character. I'm a Levo fan but could have been equally as happy on a Shimano system etc. I've got a few vids in my signature that could help if you haven't already seen them.

All the best in your search

Hi Tori, Thanks for the advise, ive watched some of your videos and yeah they help... id love to stretch to a Levo Expert like yours but thats way out of my league.. So its just to find the next best thing. Im gonna look into the Steps motors too as these seem to have hardley any drag and good reviews.
Im looking forward to getting a bike soon and start my MTB adventure and learn the hobby.

 

[eFat]

20kg+ bike with that much drag in the pedals just... felt bad. Freely/easily/effortlessly are not the adjectives I'd use.

Yes. But it's mostly the weight, not the motor.

Yeah thats what all the reviews say, its a really good drive unit but has alot of Drag when you hit the limit or motor off.. Thats kind of putting me off to be honest.

You should try. It may have a difference but it's certainly not "a lot".

 

[Sbozzy]

Yes. But it's mostly the weight, not the motor.


You should try. It may have a difference but it's certainly not "a lot".

Yeah I really want to be able to try them all and see for myself.
Just gotta find some demo days

 

[DaiGaled]

Yeah thats what all the reviews say, its a really good drive unit but has alot of Drag when you hit the limit or motor off.. Thats kind of putting me off to be honest.

Don’t let it put you off too much as it’s a beast of a motor for climbing and It all depends on what you ride. For example if it’s climbing bike parks or trails to smash downhill then the Bosch is amazing (if a little noisy). If you ride a lot of flat (ish) fire roads, canal paths etc where you are over the 15 mph limit, then it’s a bit harder.

 

[Wiltshire Warrior]

With the motor off? I just don't believe you. I tried them, without any assist they're horrible compared to most motors.
20kg+ bike with that much drag in the pedals just... felt bad. Freely/easily/effortlessly are not the adjectives I'd use.

They were pretty smooth with the assist on tho Really different than my Yamaha PW.

You better believe it mate - obviously it doesnt pedal like a 27lb XTR AM bike, it pedals like a very, very heavy downhill bike.

in the past I have had :

Speccy Big hit
Speccy Demo
Kona Operator

and it pedals just like they did albeit 20lbs heavier, infact it reminds me of the Demo 8 the most.

So take into account +20lbs and rottational resistace of the wheels + tires (front 2.5KG and rear 3.2KG) for DT swiss 481 +SLX 11speed 11-42 + Super gravity Hans dampf and Magic Mary + inner tubes + XT rotors. This is what makes it pedal like a tank.

The bottom line is that that if you have a bike with 6KG of wheels and tires and a 10 KG frame- you are not going to want to pedal it without power - they are only any good for pointing down hill - and if you do have to pedal it take all of this into accounyt

This morning I did 3 miles on it unpowered with 100 feet climbing - so fairly flat with just 3 short sharp climbs, and yes it is a complete tank- but on the flat in 6th gear I was spinning along at 9mph Effortlessly!

Anyway my valves have arrived just now - so my favourite job - tubeless Conversion!

 

[Doomanic]

As a Bosch owner I don’t believe it either, but it f you’ve never ridden any other motors I can see why you are attributing it to the weight of the bike. Once you are moving it’s not too bad, but those initial pedal strokes are the worse.

It’s a superlative climber under power though. Long chain stays and loads of power see to that.

 

[Tori]

Hi Tori, Thanks for the advise, ive watched some of your videos and yeah they help... id love to stretch to a Levo Expert like yours but thats way out of my league.. So its just to find the next best thing. Im gonna look into the Steps motors too as these seem to have hardley any drag and good reviews.
Im looking forward to getting a bike soon and start my MTB adventure and learn the hobby.

Hey Sbozzy, you might be able to get a good deal on a 2018 Expert - and I'm sure there are some demo models out there that could be going at a hot price. Once the 2019 Levo's hit the stores, I reckon there could be some great deals.

Also for the Shimano Steps bikes . . . you can't go too far wrong, there is very little drag after cutout and the motor is light and powerful and allows for good bike geometries that other bigger motors can compromise.

 

[Wiltshire Warrior]

Until someone can accuratly measure the Bosch "drag" I would take it with a pinch of salt - I dont think it drags anymore than, say, a brake disc rubbing from badly adjusted or sticking caliper.
I think the bigger issue is 6KG rotational resistance and a 50lb bike, and I wouldnt fancy a long steep climb with the power off (it would be doable though)- but flat and gentle I would be happy to do 13 miles unpowered. it would be easier and faster than running a half marathon.

Anyway, I would like to know the best ruc sac to stow a spare Bosch in frame battery in + a 3litre baldder - any suggestions?

 

[Sbozzy]

Well thankyou all for your advise and input so far, its funny cause when i started thinking about getting an Emtb i was set on a Cube hardtail, but now im im looking at full suspension
Even though ill mainly be riding light tracks, road and cycle paths for now i dont see the point in buying a hardtail then not being able to move into more demanding trails when i learn.

So i really need to try a few bikes to find what fits me and which motor setup i feel best on.

 

[Wiltshire Warrior]

Just put another 8 Miles on mine - just a quickie to the bike shop to get the software e-MTB mode update. OMG what a blast - cruising along at 16MPH and occaisionally spinning upto 20!!! I am not sure when I will get back on my normal MTB's!

 

[Sbozzy]

Well just been to local store and Demo'd a bike, a 2018 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Fattie hardtail.
Well all i can say is WOW.. as its the first Ebike ive ridden i was very impressed, and i even turned the motor off and it was like riding a normal bike no drag, no fuss, nothing.
I can see what all the fuss over Specialized is now! Enough to say thats the bike for me!!... Im not even bothering looking at other makes.

Now im not sure whether to stick to the fattie hardtail or push myself for the full sus, 90% of my planned riding wont really need the Full sus but i dont want to regret it for the sake of being skint a little bit more.
Only thing is now i want one but no one has stock left... as i believe the 2019 bikes are due anytime?, so i think the wise move will be to wait to see what drops and have one of those bikes.
Whats everyones thoughts.

 

[Ryder]

Be careful of falling for the first e-bike you try. Most of that wow feeling is coming from the nature of an e-bike not the Specialized per se.

I urge you to try a Shimano equipped bike at the very least.

 

[Sbozzy]

Be careful of falling for the first e-bike you try. Most of that wow feeling is coming from the nature of an e-bike not the Specialized per se.

I urge you to try a Shimano equipped bike at the very least.

Yeah i get that, i to be fair Shimano was only the other setup i would consider. Not seen many about tho. As ive got to wait for 2019 specialized anyway i might try a few more just for the hell of it. Any Shimano particular bikes you recommend?

 

[Ryder]

I will have a lightly used Scott E-genius only a few months old for sale very soon

Scott are a good bet for a demo from a local bike shop, online brands such as Vitus, Comencal and Canyon are well priced but impossible to demo.

 

[Carlos Muralhas]

[QUOTE="Anyway, I would like to know the best ruc sac to stow a spare Bosch in frame battery in + a 3litre baldder - any suggestions?[/QUOTE]

Hey Wiltshire, I have this one and I think it's a very good option:
EVOC FR TRAIL E-RIDE

 

[Interpaul]

used to do a lot of green laning on Motorbikes and enjoy off-roading, so I’m a bit confused what to do.
Ultimately i will be using it for a 4 mile commute, canal paths, cycle paths, crossing fields and like i said trails
Steve

If you are used to Motos, which I am as an Enduro/MX rider you need to go for full suspension on your eBIke. You will soon be riding the bike like a MOTO and will miss rear suspension. A hardtail will hold you back once you discover what you can do an an ebike.

Look on eBay, there are lots of ex demo full suss ebikes around the 3k mark.

 

[Interpaul]

Here is an example of a brilliant 3k bike with only 220 miles on it. I own a 2016 version of this bike with the Yam motor - this has the Bosch motor. It's awesome and I don't think you should worry too much about motor drag. I have never noticed it on any of the bikes I have ridden.

Much more to an ebike than the motor, the Geometry and Suspension are far more important and should be at the top of your list before motor type.

Lapierre Overvolt SX800 E-Bike 2017 Large | eBay

 

[Sbozzy]

Thanks for input, I think I’m going to go down the full sus route, I’m just waiting for the 2019 Specialized bikes to be announced to them see what my options are. Don’t want to go crazy with price so maybe either the entry level fsr full, or comp if it’s much better. Looked at the Bosch motor options out there and there not for me, the shimano were the second choice but again the reviews back to back with the Brose are no where near as good.
So looks like a levo will be joining me hopefully soon?

 

[DaiGaled]

Thanks for input, I think I’m going to go down the full sus route, I’m just waiting for the 2019 Specialized bikes to be announced to them see what my options are. Don’t want to go crazy with price so maybe either the entry level fsr full, or comp if it’s much better. Looked at the Bosch motor options out there and there not for me, the shimano were the second choice but again the reviews back to back with the Brose are no where near as good.
So looks like a levo will be joining me hopefully soon?

Welcome to the wait lol. I’ve been waiting before I pull the trigger on a new bike. I have a Bosch powered Cube but want to see what Specialized announce before deciding. It seems like forever ?