Newbie looking for a first emtb

[macs80]

I have tested lots of emtb those last months but honestly, as a beginner, I cannot really notify any major difference between them ?

So currently I hesitate between 2 bikes:

STEREO HYBRID 160 HPC ACTIONTEAM 625 27.5
Mainly because the dealer is very close to me and he gave me the opportunity to test a few bikes. He also organize 2 rides per week and it’s cool to go out with them.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL
The design, the weight and the style of the bike attract me a lot. But I have never tested it and I'm afraid regarding the autonomy and the power.

I know those bike are very different. I like technical, challenging and "enduro" stuff but as a beginner the Levo could be enough I think.

So as a first bike it would be reasonable to buy the stereo for the dealer and to have the possibility to rides with them. Also because the bike seems pretty good and it was my first choice. The issue is that I felt in love with the Levo SL even without trying it.

Any advices ?

 

[Beekeeper]

I have tested lots of emtb those last months but honestly, as a beginner, I cannot really notify any major difference between them ?

So currently I hesitate between 2 bikes:

STEREO HYBRID 160 HPC ACTIONTEAM 625 27.5
Mainly because the dealer is very close to me and he gave me the opportunity to test a few bikes. He also organize 2 rides per week and it’s cool to go out with them.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL
The design, the weight and the style of the bike attract me a lot. But I have never tested it and I'm afraid regarding the autonomy and the power.

I know those bike are very different. I like technical, challenging and "enduro" stuff but as a beginner the Levo could be enough I think.

So as a first bike it would be reasonable to buy the stereo for the dealer and to have the possibility to rides with them. Also because the bike seems pretty good and it was my first choice. The issue is that I felt in love with the Levo SL even without trying it.

Any advices ?

The Cube has the Gen 4 Bosch. Make sure you can tolerate the apparent rattle some of those motors make when going over rough terrain.

 

[R120]

I have tested lots of emtb those last months but honestly, as a beginner, I cannot really notify any major difference between them ?

So currently I hesitate between 2 bikes:

STEREO HYBRID 160 HPC ACTIONTEAM 625 27.5
Mainly because the dealer is very close to me and he gave me the opportunity to test a few bikes. He also organize 2 rides per week and it’s cool to go out with them.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL
The design, the weight and the style of the bike attract me a lot. But I have never tested it and I'm afraid regarding the autonomy and the power.

I know those bike are very different. I like technical, challenging and "enduro" stuff but as a beginner the Levo could be enough I think.

So as a first bike it would be reasonable to buy the stereo for the dealer and to have the possibility to rides with them. Also because the bike seems pretty good and it was my first choice. The issue is that I felt in love with the Levo SL even without trying it.

Any advices ?

Well there are really 4 factors in choosing an EMTB.

• Getting a bike that fits and is suitable for the riding you will do - same as any other bike
• Getting a bike from an LBS, or online direct from a direct sales brand
• Getting a bike whereby the maintenance, how you are able to charge the bike, and the usability of the ebike system works for you
• The motor system itself

The single most important element is getting a bike that fits you, and is fit for purpose - as a beginner getting the right fitting and type of bike is going to be the most important factor IMO, as as the wrong bike, once you get over the initial joy of having a motor, which is always going to be the case, and ill fitting bike or one not suited to the riding you will do is going to become a real PITA and hold back your riding development.

If you are new to mountain biking, then buying a bike from a good LBS is going to be really useful, as they will have your back with any issues, and also provide plenty of advice to help you progress with doing your own maintenance and understanding the ins and outs of looking after a bike - this is even more relevant with an EMTB. You will get better deals going down the direct route, and some of the best bikes are only available direct, but for a novice I think having access to an LBS is essential.

Now often overlooked is the reality of living day to day with an EMTB - First thing is can you charge the bike where you keep it? If the answer is no, then you are going to want a battery that is easily removable, so you can charge up the battery in your house, if for example there is no power in your shed/garage/man cave etc etc. Having an easily removable battery is also good as you can have a spare, enabling longer rides. We are seeing more bikes with range extender options too now. Also be realistic about your fitness - bikes like the Levo SL are primarily aimed at experienced mountain bikers, who are fit enough that the lower power isn't an issue, if you buy one and stick it in turbo the whole time you are not going to get much range - of course you are going to get fitter from usingthhe bike, but be realistic on this - also rider weight is a big factor - if you are a big boi, you will get less range, so you are going town to look at something with a larger capacity motor.

Finally we come to the motor - now personally I think all the current latest full fat motors are much of a muchness, yes you will see us endlessly debate which is best on here, but the reality is the other points I have mentioned above are far more important that which motor you have, and they all do a great job - some like the Brose and Shimano you can fine tune the assistance levels through apps, but TBH the standard setting are all pretty good, and as a beginner going down the rabbit hole of altering the motors power delivery is only going to confuse you, though its a nice feature to have.

Both bikes you mentioned are great all round trail bikes, but the Levo SL is very much a niche bike, so you would definitely want to try it before buying it, plus you cant remove the battery.

There are now so many good bikes in the trail category (140-150mm travel) that is realistically what you are looking at, but dont make the mistake of buying a bike on looks alone! Modern trail bikes are extremely capable, and can hold their own on most terrain.

Obviously I could go on an on further in depth, but I think if you bear those point in mind you will end up with the right bike, and you really dont have to spend crazy money to get a good bike now

 

[macs80]

Thanks R120 for all your advices.
I have at the end chose the Cube. It's booked. I'll gather it when I'll back from holidays.