Time for an upgrade - but to what?

[mxh]

I've currently got a 2018 Merida E160 900 which I've had for 18 months now and am thinking it might be time for an upgrade. However, I'm not sure what I actually want.

The Merida is pretty well specced and handles the local trails (Sydney's Northern Beaches) pretty well - I don't feel that it's holding me back in any particular way, and there's nothing about it that I don't like, but that's not to say it can't be improved.

I'm aware that you can't halt progress, but not having ridden any other e-bikes since I bought this one, I've no idea of where mine might be falling behind.

So what were the biggest steps forward that you found when upgrading from an older e-bike to the latest one. And specifically with the E160, where do owners feel it's lacking in comparison with the latest offerings, and what would your 'next step' bike be?

 

[Bonz]

I've currently got a 2018 Merida E160 900 which I've had for 18 months now and am thinking it might be time for an upgrade. However, I'm not sure what I actually want.

The Merida is pretty well specced and handles the local trails (Sydney's Northern Beaches) pretty well - I don't feel that it's holding me back in any particular way, and there's nothing about it that I don't like, but that's not to say it can't be improved.

I'm aware that you can't halt progress, but not having ridden any other e-bikes since I bought this one, I've no idea of where mine might be falling behind.

So what were the biggest steps forward that you found when upgrading from an older e-bike to the latest one. And specifically with the E160, where do owners feel it's lacking in comparison with the latest offerings, and what would your 'next step' bike be?

I have the 2018 E160 900E which I’m still happy with. To get a new bike with the same great specs these days certainly is a lot more expensive.
I will update one day as well so I will be interested to hear what you end up with.
Maybe a new Merida 9000, they are certainly great value in Aus compared to here in NZ although a bigger battery would be nice.

 

[HORSPWR]

It's a tough decision to make, I also have the e160 900e in the 2019, I absolutely love my bike and have it setup just how I like it. If I could have one gripe, I would like to try my bike out with a spring rear shock. I have a MX background and for me the rear shock could soak up the bigger hits a bit more plush, it's still a bit harsh for my liking.

For me to get a new bike, I wouldn't be looking at an obscure hard to get hold of brand and we just don't have the level of dealer choice here in Oz that some of the other countries have.

Maybe this:

TAZER PRO BUILD

 

[Al Boneta]

I've currently got a 2018 Merida E160 900 which I've had for 18 months now and am thinking it might be time for an upgrade. However, I'm not sure what I actually want.

The Merida is pretty well specced and handles the local trails (Sydney's Northern Beaches) pretty well - I don't feel that it's holding me back in any particular way, and there's nothing about it that I don't like, but that's not to say it can't be improved.

I'm aware that you can't halt progress, but not having ridden any other e-bikes since I bought this one, I've no idea of where mine might be falling behind.

So what were the biggest steps forward that you found when upgrading from an older e-bike to the latest one. And specifically with the E160, where do owners feel it's lacking in comparison with the latest offerings, and what would your 'next step' bike be?

It sounds like a matter of your perception.
You said you don’t think it’s holding you back in any particular way and there is nothing you don’t like about it.
So why do you need to upgrade to a new bike?
You worried it might be falling behind?
It doesn’t seem to be

You just said it’s not holding you back

What’s wrong with being content with what you have?
Most riders would envy you.

The only reason I get new bikes is because I am in the business of selling them.
I would gladly trade my 2020 S-Works Levo for the 2017 I used to ride. That bike rode perfectly and I miss it everyday.

 

[Rallysaloon]

I have one of the first 2017 E160 900E's to come to the UK and when asked what I'd buy now if I needed to replace it I replied "same again" (subject to finding a decent one). People always seem to assume new ones are going to be better and this will make them a better rider. Personally I think these modern day bikes are that good the latest ones won't make a big difference to your riding. The way I look at it is, a better rider than myself will always beat me on my own bike so as long as it does what I want it to do I'll just stick with it. Unless it's completely shot obviously. That's just my opinion though. I do realise that a lot of people out there just have to have the latest bike etc even though they can't ride for s**t.

 

[steve_sordy]

..............I do realise that a lot of people out there just have to have the latest bike etc even though they can't ride for s**t.

Well, that's 90% of the EMTB customer base shot down in flames!

 

[Rallysaloon]

Well, that's 90% of the EMTB customer base shot down in flames!

Great for one of my mates though, he sells them ?

 

[mxh]

What’s wrong with being content with what you have?

Nothing. Nothing at all. But what's wrong with the idea of changing my bike and asking people's opinions about what features / bikes I might want to look at ?

I understand what you're saying, but take that to extremes and we'd all still be on analog, 26" wheeled, fixed seat post, steel hardtails, coz why would you need anything else, right?

The bike I have is good - I've got no problems with it. However, I'm wondering where the technology has moved on to since this bike was the latest and greatest. Obviously I can read the specs, but what difference does it make in the real world? What would I find makes a real difference?

As I said, I've not ridden anything else since I got this one, so whilst I say that this bike isn't holding me back - who knows? And it's not necessarily all about riding harder lines, bigger drops, faster times etc - there may be other improvements that make the riding experience just better, more enjoyable.

I do realise that a lot of people out there just have to have the latest bike etc even though they can't ride for s**t.

Of course there are. There's also a lot of people who ride new bikes really well, as well as plenty who ride old shitters and have the talent to match. Each to their own, and if they're enjoying themselves that's fine by me.

 

[HORSPWR]

I can't see me replacing my Merida e160 900e anytime in the foreseeable future, I like it that much. Plus, I've spent close to 20k on bikes in the last 3 years so I need to back off and top up my Super. I'll just replace components as they wear out. I think even if I went and did some inner city apartment living I'd just keep it and change out the tyres to some fast rolling slicks and hit the streets.

 

[Gary]

Well, that's 90% of the EMTB customer base shot down in flames!

While the remaining 10% of customers still rise like a phoenix from the flames?

Your calculation seems a little optomistic TBH

However, I'm wondering where the technology has moved on to since this bike was the latest and greatest.

Not hugely far to be perfectly honest.
When the E160 was released it probably had among the best decending geometry of any long travel Emtb available. There are now bikes with geometry better optimised for descending. and there are others with better suspension kinematics. (I'm not sure either of these things will really be of huge benefit for beach riding though)
In all honesty the most common brands motors haven't hugely evolved since shimano released the E8000 neither has battery technology. (specialized owners will possibly think otherwise but in reality it's more the control software than the hardware that's making their motors nicer to ride)
If the Merida's geometry/suspension suits you and your riding well you're probably chasing very small gains in performance from buying any new bike TBH.
Nothing wrong with buying a new bike though.

 

[mxh]

There are now bikes with geometry better optimised for descending.

Yes, I think that's possibly one area where the Merida was a little bit conservative, especially compared to analog enduro bikes available at the time.

(I'm not sure either of these things will really be of huge benefit for beach riding though)

I don't actually ride it on the beach - "Sydney's Northern Beaches" is an area which has some pretty steep, rocky and techie riding. You can pretty much finish your ride at a beach though, which is pretty cool.

 

[njn]

sizing and geo.

 

[Eddy Current]

I don't actually ride it on the beach - "Sydney's Northern Beaches" is an area which has some pretty steep, rocky and techie riding. You can pretty much finish your ride at a beach though, which is pretty cool.

Tell us more, what kind of trails you ride the most? want to jump and pop?want to corner fast as possible or fast enough and safe? enjoy climbing? The more info you throw the more we can get an idea what ebike suits best for you

regards!

 

[Jamsxr]

Personally I would be waiting for the motors to be updated/improved further before upgrading. You won’t be getting much more then improved ascetics.

 

[RAZOR]

Personally I would be waiting for the motors to be updated/improved further before upgrading. You won’t be getting much more then improved ascetics.

I was down in Rotorua (NZ) over the weekend and had a quick look in a few stores - I have an E120 and before that a regular 140 so was hoping to cast my eyes on the new E140, turns out they have only just landed but after checking them out online and looking at other internal battery bikes i'm not sure I would be getting anything better.
Sure they look a bit sleeker but is it really worth that extra cash?
As mentioned above I would be waiting for some motor updates before buying and keep ripping on your current bike.
What I would really like to see is a few more brands offering frame/motor options so you can spec your own choices of gear.

 

[Al Boneta]

specialized owners Know otherwise in reality it's more the control software and the hardware that's making their bikes nicer to ride)

The E8000 is a decent motor, I have it in one of my bikes. But it sure can’t hang with a Bulls with a Brose S Mag which doesn’t use Specialized software, let alone a Levo.
The Bosch Gen 4 is an amazing motor also and it’s getting speced on bikes that used to use the E8000. It’s now become the best off the shelf motor. And one rumor I heard recently is that YT will be making the switch to Bosch on their next gen bike.
Shimano better get that E9000 out soon.

Obviously I can read the specs, but what difference does it make in the real world? What would I find makes a real difference?

Like Gary said, not much. I work in the business and I’m supposed to tell you that new bikes jumped lightyears ahead, but right now we’ve kind of hit a plateau. Slightly more torque, slightly more range, slightly lighter, slightly better geometry and marginally better spec are not the vast improvements they would be on non-pedal assisted bike. They are barely discernible to most riders.

What we need is a real technological breakthrough that makes a real difference. The only place that can really happen is motor, battery and software.
There are new technologies on the horizon, but they are at least 5 years away at best.

So get ready in the coming months for spy shots of 2021’s slightly better Emtb.
I am sure it will be in new colors

 

[Jamsxr]

The E8000 is a decent motor, I have it in one of my bikes. But it sure can’t hang with a Bulls with a Brose S Mag which doesn’t use Specialized software, let alone a Levo.
The Bosch Gen 4 is an amazing motor also and it’s getting speced on bikes that used to use the E8000. It’s now become the best off the shelf motor. And one rumor I heard recently is that YT will be making the switch to Bosch on their next gen bike.
Shimano better get that E9000 out soon.


Like Gary said, not much. I work in the business and I’m supposed to tell you that new bikes jumped lightyears ahead, but right now we’ve kind of hit a plateau. Slightly more torque, slightly more range, slightly lighter, slightly better geometry and marginally better spec are not the vast improvements they would be on non-pedal assisted bike. They are barely discernible to most riders.

What we need is a real technological breakthrough that makes a real difference. The only place that can really happen is motor, battery and software.
There are new technologies on the horizon, but they are at least 5 years away at best.

So get ready in the coming months for spy shots of 2021’s slightly better Emtb.
I am sure it will be in new colors

No doubt the e8000 has now been slightly left behind as the others have been updated, but I’m no slower or having any less fun due to the power difference. Maybe it’s because I’m out on the MTB more but I’m never left by people riding Brose bikes. Having ridden a few Levo’s now they definitely didn’t make me want to sell up.

I think it would be strange for YT to completely updated the frame to accommodate Bosh, it’s hardly better than the e8000. Unless they’ve fallen out with Shimano or they’ve got no visibility of a new motor from them.

 

[Jpzeroday]

I have an S-Works Levo and a Decoy. Neither are more fun than my 2017 e160 900e. The S-Works is close.