ArkyEbiker
New Member
After 27 years riding tens of thousands of miles on so many analog mountain bikes, I finally went to the dark side and bought my first e-MTB in July. I was one of the narrow minded haters of e-bikes - until I rode one. But, at over age 50 and with a heart condition that requires me to keep my max HR below 150, analog biking was becoming less and less fun. My EP doc also advised me to switch to an e-bike.
So, after my wife had a meltdown on her analog MTB in June, she decided it was time for us to start researching e-bike options. After testing a couple of bikes and soliciting suggestions (including those of @Jschlueter), we settled on a nearly matching pair of Gen 2 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp alloys. I mean, at the discounted sale price of $5600, that's less than many comparable analog bikes with a slightly above bargain basement component spec. I detest the gloss black of mine, but when it's the only S5 color you can find, you buy it.
She's never had so much fun on a mountain bike and I haven't had this much fun in 15+ years. I've gradually begun selling my analog MTBs, but will keep a couple as "backup bikes," knowing the longevity and reliability of the Brose motors are limited.
I've made some strategic component changes/upgrades on mine so far - Zeb Ultimate fork, Pirelli tires (the stock Specialized tires have the sidewall strength of wet toilet paper), zooty Deity bits (stem, bar, TMAC pedals, and grips), and a set of 155mm Hope e-bike cranks. New Saint brakes on the way! I just can't help myself!
So, after my wife had a meltdown on her analog MTB in June, she decided it was time for us to start researching e-bike options. After testing a couple of bikes and soliciting suggestions (including those of @Jschlueter), we settled on a nearly matching pair of Gen 2 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp alloys. I mean, at the discounted sale price of $5600, that's less than many comparable analog bikes with a slightly above bargain basement component spec. I detest the gloss black of mine, but when it's the only S5 color you can find, you buy it.
She's never had so much fun on a mountain bike and I haven't had this much fun in 15+ years. I've gradually begun selling my analog MTBs, but will keep a couple as "backup bikes," knowing the longevity and reliability of the Brose motors are limited.
I've made some strategic component changes/upgrades on mine so far - Zeb Ultimate fork, Pirelli tires (the stock Specialized tires have the sidewall strength of wet toilet paper), zooty Deity bits (stem, bar, TMAC pedals, and grips), and a set of 155mm Hope e-bike cranks. New Saint brakes on the way! I just can't help myself!
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