Not the bike you really want but from local shop?

[True romance]

Hi all, looking for my very first emtb and am a complete novice to cycling. Information overload is frying my brain tbh. Have been looking at few different brands but my local shop (highly regarded) only sells Giant emtb. Now this was not a brand I'd been looking at so the question is would you buy just based on what's available from your local dealer? I'm more than a little concerned with reliability and having issues so would really like to be able to just nip down the road to address any issues and offer support advice.

Thanks,
TR

 

[R120]

In your situation I probably would, if your a complete novice it will be worth your while. Where are you based?

 

[True romance]

Thanks. From Wolverhampton.

 

[Mat_Ron]

Haha! That is essentially how I ended up with my Trance E+2. Bike shop is 5 minutes from me compared to 1 hour for Spesh dealer. Back then I really wanted the Spesh mainly because I like the looks better. I am glad that I chose the Giant now however, as it seems that the Levo has a fair amount of issues, especially with motor. I can say with exception of a free hub replacement, the Giant has been reliable and I think it is a great handling bike. I think I still prefer the looks of the Levo but I still wouldn't pick it over the Giant.

 

[2wheeledwalbert]

Theres a decent leisure lakes shop in west Brom, 15 mins from Wolverhampton. I wouldn't buy a bike that you're not to keen on. Especially at prices nowadays.

 

[True romance]

Haha! That is essentially how I ended up with my Trance E+2. Bike shop is 5 minutes from me compared to 1 hour for Spesh dealer. Back then I really wanted the Spesh mainly because I like the looks better. I am glad that I chose the Giant now however, as it seems that the Levo has a fair amount of issues, especially with motor. I can say with exception of a free hub replacement, the Giant has been reliable and I think it is a great handling bike. I think I still prefer the looks of the Levo but I still wouldn't pick it over the Giant.

Thanks that's the exact bike I've been offered.

 

[True romance]

Theres a decent leisure lakes shop in west Brom, 15 mins from Wolverhampton. I wouldn't buy a bike that you're not to keen on. Especially at prices nowadays.

Yes they was in Wolves not long back Have emailed them some questions and even though things are difficult atm they didn't even reply so kind of put me off them now.

 

[2wheeledwalbert]

Ah fair enough mate. I'd still go in there for a chat with them. I've been in there a few times, they're pretty sound.

 

[benice]

I also have trance e+2. I love it. You Do nothing wrong with it!

 

[Nicho]

Hi all, looking for my very first emtb and am a complete novice to cycling. Information overload is frying my brain tbh. Have been looking at few different brands but my local shop (highly regarded) only sells Giant emtb. Now this was not a brand I'd been looking at so the question is would you buy just based on what's available from your local dealer? I'm more than a little concerned with reliability and having issues so would really like to be able to just nip down the road to address any issues and offer support advice.

Thanks,
TR

I got my Giant Trance SX E+0 Pro last year from my LBS (10 mins away by bike), and am very pleased with both the bike and the service and backup from my LBS.

They only sold Merida and Giant e-bikes at the time, and only had a merida for hiring.

I hired it for an afternoon which made me realise an e-bike was what I needed, but preferred the appearance and specification of the Giant.

I love the bike, its power, its quality components (better than most brands at the same price level), and the way it handles and feels on and off road.

The only things I don't like about the Giant are the lack of a proper display, the way the paint chips very easily, and the terribly poor phone app. Although that does work well to adjust the power outputs to your liking, the ride info such as elevation, cadence, speed etc are extremely inaccurate compared to the readings from my Garmin and Viewranger mapping app.

The 2020 models have a number of improvements including Ant+ so they can be used with third-party apps and displays.

Overall I would strongly recommend Giant, especially as it is the brand your LBS stocks.

 

[Lexinoo]

You're not too far from raceco, Stourbridge. I haven't used them personally but from what I hear ,one of the best ebike centres in the UK. They have Specialized ,cubes and others.
Also Cannock chase cycle center not too far away if you fancy a trek rail.

 

[ses310]

A 2nd plug for RaceCo. 2 friends have bought from them and can't speak highly enough of them.
I will be buying my 1st Emtb from them once this situation eases.

 

[R120]

RaceCo definitely one of the top stores in the UK, great after sales too

 

[True romance]

Thanks guys all useful info. Just trying to narrow it down to 2 or 3 bikes now and best place to buy from.

 

[True romance]

Current options are Haibike fullseven (mail order), cube stereo 160sl (within 30mile) and Giant Trance E+ 2 (10mins away) unless anyone else can recommend an alternative for between £3-£4k? Next problem is finding stock as these things seem to be selling like hot cakes!!

 

[#lazy]

I smell fried brain ! ?
If you say your a cycling novice then I’d go with your LBS and try get the best deal for your budget , can always change brands in the future if you get serious ! Bought my 1st Mtb on colour , didn’t have a clue about techy stuff and loved it !

 

[Mat_Ron]

Current options are Haibike fullseven (mail order), cube stereo 160sl (within 30mile) and Giant Trance E+ 2 (10mins away) unless anyone else can recommend an alternative for between £3-£4k? Next problem is finding stock as these things seem to be selling like hot cakes!!

Believe me, the first time you have any problem that requires warranty work you will be glad that you purchased close by.

 

[True romance]

Believe me, the first time you have any problem that requires warranty work you will be glad that you purchased close by.

That's what I'm thinking. Fear is setting in.

 

[Winryn]

If you can get to Shrewsbury which is around 40 mins from wolves there are lots of options there

-Dave mellors have giant, specialised, focus

-Trailhead 20 meters away have Santa Cruz, cube, mondraker, orange and whyte

-the trek store is the other side of town which was a massive 3 floor store although I think they’ve closed a floor since trek took over.

15 mins from there in church Stretton is blazing bikes too which have trek, Scott, Saracen, yeti and some other brands

So lots of brands covered there

 

[True romance]

Thanks again chaps. Think I'm going to go with the Trance E+ 2 unless anyone thinks this is a bad idea?

 

[R120]

its still a good bike

 

[Shifty]

If it was my hard earned cash I would buy the one I desire not the most convenient. As once initial excitement wears off, you will wish you had gone for the other one.

 

[True romance]

Well just been to the shop. First what smashing people happy to answer all my questions and give me tour of the bike. Complete breath of fresh air. The bike looks great, super colour and perfect fit for me. Put deposit down until my ctw certificate comes through. Now got to look at all the other bits and pieces I'll need.

 

[Doomanic]

Two Wheels in Stourbridge do Trek, Cannondale, Whyte and Santa Cruz. Customer sevice is excellent and they are prepared to do deals.
I wouldn't buy the bike I didn't have as my top choice just because my closest shop doesn't stock it.

 

[simonk]

Well just been to the shop. First what smashing people happy to answer all my questions and give me tour of the bike. Complete breath of fresh air. The bike looks great, super colour and perfect fit for me. Put deposit down until my ctw certificate comes through. Now got to look at all the other bits and pieces I'll need.

The Trance is a great bike and the 2020 2 is a lovely colour... good choice!

 

[True romance]

Just quick update, sadly still not got the Trance yet. My work have been very slow releasing the funds to CTW. They say should be processed next week. So frustrated, slowing complying all the kit and accessories but no bike. Will get it just as the weather turns shit :-(

 

[Nicho]

Will get it just as the weather turns shit

Don't worry; the weather will not go bad until JUST after the lockdown ends, and that will be a long time yet!

 

[True romance]

Finally got my bike yesterday. Had a quick play last night and just been on a longer run down canal tow paths and nature trails. So far I'm blown away. Left in auto mode the motor works really well in most situations. Suspension absorbs bumps without fuss. The brakes were somewhat of a shock stopping on a dime. So far so good though my arse is feeling it now

 

[simonk]

Finally got my bike yesterday. Had a quick play last night and just been on a longer run down canal tow paths and nature trails. So far I'm blown away. Left in auto mode the motor works really well in most situations. Suspension absorbs bumps without fuss. The brakes were somewhat of a shock stopping on a dime. So far so good though my arse is feeling it now

Excellent. I love a happy ending ?

 

[Nicho]

Excellent. I love a happy ending

It's not the ending.....it's just the beginning!